Innholdsfortegnelse for August-September 2025 i Tie the Knot Scotland

When it comes to tying the knot in Scotland, the rules are refreshingly relaxed. Beyond the must-have witnessed legal declarations by the couple and their celebrant, you’ve got total creative freedom. Your wedding really can be your day, your way – which just so happens to be the theme of this issue. First up, we’re unpacking popular wedding ‘customs’ – the ones worth keeping, ditching, or giving a modern twist to (p.10). Speaking of tradition, we’ve got some picks for your ‘something old, new, borrowed and blue’ on page 6 in case you want to hang onto at least one old-school element. The vows are one area you can get proper personal about (if you want to), so we’ve compiled a handy ‘how to’ guide to help you strike the…

Afternoon tea is a cherished British ritual that’s synonymous with leisurely indulgence, refined traditions and classy celebrations. In many ways, it mirrors the spirit of a wedding: elegant, timeless and best enjoyed in good company. But what if, like me, you’re not a trad tea drinker? Coffee has its charms, sure, but it doesn’t quite deliver that quintessential ‘pinkies-up’ moment – especially when you’ve been invited to don your pearls and indulge in afternoon tea at a five-star hotel in St Andrews. That was the situation I found myself in recently at the Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort and Spa, where the newly refurbished Road Hole restaurant was calling my name with its fresh take on a traditional treat. Fortunately, my tea fears were unfounded. The menu has an impressive 16…

Q What does a bridal dresser do? Is it a service I should consider booking for my wedding day? The average woman is perfectly capable of doing her own hair and makeup. So why do most brides hire a professional to do it for them? Because we want to look our best, of course – and not sweat nervously through our bridal pyjamas trying to achieve it. So why should getting into our wedding dresses be treated any differently? Ava and Chloe, co-owners of Glasgow’s Admire Bridal Dressing, walk us though the ins and outs of hiring a luxury service like theirs, and explain why their personal approach – with bespoke packages based on each bride’s needs – will ensure your wedding morning is as smooth as, well, a professionally steamed…

If you’ve started looking at rings, you may have come across “lab-grown” diamonds and wondered what they are. Are they better, worse or perhaps more ethical than their natural counterparts? Why do they seem less expensive? As more couples than ever opt for these new stones ahead of their wedding day, we asked Scottish jewellery experts for their advice and opinions. What is a lab-grown diamond? It takes intense heat, intense pressure and a lot of time – we’re talking billions of years – for nature to turn carbon into diamonds. You then have to locate them deep underground and send someone to do the difficult, dangerous job of hacking them out of the rock and bringing them to the surface. It’s no wonder these stones are rare – and…

Here’s a thought: when it comes to deciding what to wear to the wedding, the modern groom often has just as much to consider as the bride – if not more. Yes, really! He has to choose between kilts and tailored suits, and decide whether to hire or buy. And he can’t just go for ivory – with tartan, for instance, the colour combos are endless. Thankfully, in Scotland, there is a wealth of groomswear specialists who can steer you in the right direction – whether you have £100 or £1,000 to spend, and whether you want a special one-off look for your big day or an outfit you’re investing in for life. We asked the experts for some guidance. It’s all in the timing Don’t leave it until the…

Don’t miss the next show at SEC on 11th + 12th October 2025 Enter our competition to win tickets to the next Scottish Wedding Show, 11th-12th October. Turn to page 162 for full details…

Even the best-laid plans fall apart sometimes, as Amanda and Frazer discovered the first time they set a wedding date. “We were supposed to get married in August last year at Crear in Argyll but my brother had a car accident on his way there, injuring his spine. It was a massive tragedy,” recalls the bride. “Frazer’s mum had also just been diagnosed with cancer. It was a lot to come to terms with, so we decided to cancel the day.” Fast forward a few months and the couple, who had been engaged since 2021, had revived their plans to become husband and wife. This time around, they’d chosen a more central venue, but still one surrounded by calming water. “We lost a lot of money when we cancelled, but…

A venue with beautiful grounds, that’s just outside the city and that you can have all to yourselves? Sounds like a tall order. But Fiona and Calum had no trouble at all finding exactly that. The bride explains how and why Ballogie House was the perfect choice for their wedding: “We live in Aberdeenshire and wanted to marry somewhere nearby so that my elderly grandparents would be able to attend,” she tells us. “Calum and I also wanted a place just for us, rather than a hotel, but without going down the total DIY route – there’s no way my stress levels could have dealt with that! We really liked the idea of being able to slightly extend our wedding day into a weekend celebration too.” Led by such a…

Calling all brides and grooms to be…the wedding-planning weekend of the year is back! The Scottish Wedding Show, sponsored by jewellers James Porter & Son, returns to the SEC in Glasgow on Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th October 2025, and we’re giving away 15 pairs of general admission tickets plus VIP tickets for one group of four (valid for the Sunday only). With up to 200 of the UK’s leading wedding suppliers in attendance, the Scottish Wedding Show is Scotland’s number one wedding exhibition. The event is a one-stop-shop for all engaged couples who want to find all their wedding needs under one roof in what promises to be a fantastic weekend. From dresses to cars, photographers to wedding cakes, the Scottish Wedding Show can help you with it all.…

FLOWERS BESPOKE BLOOMS Helen Hardman of The Greenshed Flower Studio in Dundee has a relaxed, romantic and slightly wild signature style – perfect for couples keen to express their personalities through flowers. “Your flowers should reflect you – not what Pinterest or tradition dictates,” Helen says. “I love chatting with couples to uncover what matters to them and designing something meaningful and beautiful around that.” For bride Sarah (overleaf), whose bridesmaids wore different colours, coordinating the flowers made a statement; each carried a bouquet to match their gown, while Sarah’s bouquet brought all the colours together. Meanwhile, bride Elisabeth was practical in her creativity: she asked for dried flower hoops (above) so her bridesmaids had their hands free and a keepsake to take home. Wherever your imagination leads, Helen’s thoughtful…

Life’s too short to live it in black and white. That’s a concept we’re sure Rory and Emma, our Edinburgh-based Irish expat couple, are onboard with. “Most people would describe my style as colourful, and our wedding was no different,” smiles artist and newlywed bride Emma. “Anywhere I could add colour and flowers, I did. More is more for me. It’s the same with my artwork – it features a lot of designs incorporating florals with bright, vibrant and pastel tones, an aesthetic that fitted perfectly with our spring date.” The bride started by filling moodboards with ideas she wanted to incorporate, designed all the wedding stationery herself (save-the-dates, invites, signs, menus, seating chart and so on), and began sourcing plates from thrift stores for the table. “Although it was…

There’s a lot of life admin involved in online dating. Aidan Mahony had a time-saving trick up her sleeve, though: to copy and paste ‘Ooh hi you’re cute’ to anyone she matched with on Bumble. “Fraser was one of the lucky guys who got my autoreply back in 2019 – embarrassing, but it worked,” she laughs. “We felt like best friends after no time at all, and we knew quickly that this was it.” Aidan hails from Oregon, Fraser from Tomatin, near Inverness, but they were living in San Francisco when Fraser popped the question four years later in March 2023. “Even though we’d designed an engagement ring together, so I essentially knew a proposal was coming soon, he still managed to surprise me one morning on a sunrise walk…

OLD Scottish jewellers James Porter & Son was established an incredible 167 years ago in 1858 when young watchmaker James opened his business at the tender age of 21. In May 1887, he purchased 25 Argyll Arcade in Glasgow city centre – where the heart of the business still lies today. His son Gabriel joined the ranks in 1905, officially adding ‘& Son’ to the company name. Then, in 1963, the firm acquired additional premises in the Arcade and began specialising in diamond rings, jewellery and watches. Now, in 2025, there are three stores, all are run by the fifth generation of the Porter family, namely Simon and wife Rachel. “Many customers begin their journey with us when purchasing an engagement ring but continue those strong bonds as they come…

Chris is originally from near London and I’m from Jaén in southern Spain, but Scotland is now our home. We fell in love with the country on a trip there together, moved to Glasgow and, after a year there, bought our dream home in Kingseat, Dunfermline… And it turned out I’d find my dream wedding dress in Dunfermline too. Chris and I met just before Covid began, while working in operating theatres in Exeter. When the pandemic hit, we were redeployed to intensive care, looking after critically ill patients, and looking after each other too – the experience bonded us deeply. Fast forward three and a half years, and he proposed when we were visiting my home region of Jaén. We knew we wanted to get married in Spain, so…

1 Star-crossed love Isn’t this image [opposite] giving modern-day Romeo and Juliet vibes? Mercifully, there were no warring factions behind the scenes at this photoshoot at Crossbasket Castle, a luxury venue on the outskirts of Glasgow, only supplier love and serenity. Nicole Baird Photography, who also runs content creation business The Wedding Creative and was one of the driving forces behind the day’s plans, tells us more: “Myself and fellow photographer Sarah Hendrie Creative wanted to try out some new creative ideas, so we called upon an array of suppliers that we knew would fit the vibe perfectly. We had June Brides Glasgow’s gorgeous dresses and the talented Katie Malin on hair and makeup. “The aesthetic was ‘editorial meets grand Scottish castle’ and Signature Wedding Events provided venue decor and…

Q. Hi Steven! Tell us about Tom Coll Jewellery A. My father Tom and I started this business together 41 years ago. We both came from a workshop design background, and we had the passion to build not only a workshop of our own, but a fabulous showroom. We wanted our clients to have wonderful pieces of jewellery as individual as they were, as opposed to only having the choice of what was in a shop window. Very quickly we also started to deal in pre-owned Rolex watches (all extensively checked via The Watch Register) and this is a side of our business we have become very well known for. My son Kieran then joined the business, nearly 10 years ago, so we’re on our third generation. Q. What’s the…

EMBROIDERY “When you buy bespoke, there are no limits to personalisation. But something as simple as having your wedding date embroidered on the inside pocket of the jacket adds a personal element.” Douglas, Slater Menswear EXAGGERATE “We thrive on customisation and we know it can really make your outfit stand out from everyone else’s. You could have solid fringing, a contrasting lining on your jacket and waistcoat, pocket piping or even tartan lapels.” Graeme, Eight Yards EMBOSSING “Little details, such as having your kilt straps embossed with your initials, say, gives it a unique touch.” Holly, MacGregor and MacDuff ELEVATE “The groom’s outfit should be elevated beyond what the groomsmen are wearing. One simple way to do this is by adding a fly-plaid. We also recommend you wear a good…

Hot-spot hotel In 2022 an old church in Edinburgh’s Cowgate was reimagined as a stunning weddings and events space for Virgin Hotels Edinburgh. The vaulted ceilings and traditional charm of Greyfriars Hall [left] beautifully contrasts with the more contemporary elements of the hotel, such as the plush red interiors of the atmospheric Scarlet Lounge. “We can offer everything you need for your celebration, but we believe your wedding should be as unique as your love story,” says Jo McKinnell, Virgin’s wedding and social planner. “We’re more than happy to collaborate with trusted suppliers to help you project your personality into every corner of the venue.” Some of Jo’s favourite creative options? “Why not incorporate family photos or travel souvenirs into the table decor or work with bartenders to craft customised…

✓CAPACITY The Barn hosts up to 50 guests for a meal and up to 80 including the property’s in-house marquee (additional service charity donation). Evening celebrations are enjoyed by up to 100 guests. Outdoor ceremonies on the 133-acre estate are especially popular given the picturesque lochside setting. ✓PRICING A standard two-night wedding package with full exclusivity of the estate is popular at Ardoch and includes accommodation for up to 33 guests and breakfast both mornings. Rates are POA (reduced rates available for midweek and winter), with all profit going directly to CHAS (Children’s Hospices Across Scotland). ✓FOOD AND DRINK Ardoch works with a list of trusted local suppliers, and has Regis Banqueting as its preferred wedding caterer, offering everything from barbecues to fine dining. A licensed bar is available from…

Q. Favourite photo spot? The balcony in the Auditorium – yes, it’s a bit of a climb to get up there, but for that stunning view, and proximity to the Alasdair Gray mural, it’s completely worth it. Q. Favourite item on the menu? Can I have two? Our chef’s timbale of haggis, neeps and tatties, served with Ayrshire bacon, parsnip crisps with whisky cream velouté is simply divine! A close second has to be the slow-cooked daube of beef, served with roasted garlic mash, pancetta, baby onions, braised red cabbage and broccoli. Q. Favourite ceremony spot? At the foot of the stunning, iconic double arches in the Auditorium. We’ve carefully positioned our roof lighting to ensure there’s no confusion about who the stars of the show are! Q. Your top…

Q. Favourite photo spot? Every season at Ballogie has its own beauty, making every photo feel unique. If I had to choose, it would be between the ‘Queen of the Firs’ tree, a 233-year-old Scots pine or the majestic ‘cathedral’ of giant sequoia redwood trees that sit just off the drive to the house. They both create an enchanting woodland setting. Q. Favourite item on the menu? It would depend on who was cooking! At Ballogie House you can choose a caterer that suits your style, from a three-course meal to a BBQ. We are very lucky to have incredible local suppliers to choose from, and we can help with recommendations. Q. Favourite ceremony spot? For outdoor ceremonies, the lawn area is my favourite, as it’s surrounded by hills and…

Struggling to find the right words for your wedding vows? You’re not alone – it’s a task just about everyone finds daunting. Even once you’ve got them down on paper, you still have to read them out – and that might well be filling you with dread too. But it doesn’t have to be a painful experience. We’ve asked some of Scotland’s top celebrants for their best tips and tricks to help you pen personal vows that truly reflect your love story, steering you towards a heartfelt, meaningful ceremony that will be memorable for all the right reasons. (And remember: including personal vows is entirely optional, so feel free to keep it simple if that’s what you prefer.) Why write your own vows? Weddings used to be stiff and formal…

Hello, Niki! Tell us about yourself I’ve been a celebrant for over five years, and what a ride it has been. I get to travel all over Scotland, visit beautiful venues, meet extraordinary people and, even better, be part of the happiest day of their lives. What made you want to become a celebrant? That’s easy. I love people – they fascinate me. I’ve always been a good public speaker too. I remember being at a funeral when I decided there and then I was going to be a celebrant. It was not long after I’d retired, and the idea of combining my love for people with creating personalised ceremonies was the easiest decision I’ve ever made. How many weddings have you led? Hundreds. To be honest, though, that’s irrelevant:…

Hi, Andrew! Tell us about yourself and your business I’m a wedding artist who specialises in producing illustrations of guests. I work on-site at events and weddings, creating custom portraits in real time. It’s a brilliant way to bring a creative and interactive element to the celebration, while also giving people a unique keepsake to take home. What inspired you to become an illustrator? I’ve always loved drawing, but just as important to me is working with people and being part of meaningful moments. I studied fashion, which gave me a strong appreciation for style, detail and movement, and I’ve always enjoyed sketching people when I’m out and about, capturing candid moments. I knew I wanted to combine those creative interests with my love of connecting with others, and live…

A weekend-long wedding with surprise entertainment, personalised cocktails… and a bouncy castle? One thing’s for sure: the new Mr and Mrs Farmer know how to throw a party! “We wanted to do things our way rather than follow what we ‘had to’ do. It was pure magic,” says Andy, the loved-up groom. He had met Danielle through her cousin Jamie and, once he’d finally plucked up the courage to ask her out for a cocktail or two, the couple realised they were meant to be together. “I’d always say to Jamie, ‘Oh, your wee cousin is gorgeous’,” Andy recalls. “Then, when Jamie sadly passed away, we had each other to talk to.” Their engagement is one that’ll go down in family legend, thanks to Andy trying to get Elton John…

1 Sleeping arrangements Back in the day, when it was usual to live at your parents’ house until you married, a couple would definitely not be together the night before the wedding. That’s possibly why there’s this notion today that sleeping in the same bed on the wedding eve will bring ‘misfortune’. If anyone still follows that tradition, it’s probably just for the element of surprise – or for a fun bridal sleepover. 2 Tossing your bouquet You’re spending a fortune on your bouquet – do you really want it to end up crushed and bashed after you’ve flung it in the air? It’s a fun tradition as people try to catch it, yes, but it’s becoming less popular. In fact, more brides are choosing to have their bouquets preserved instead. 3 Assigned…

A SPOT IN THE SUN Exciting things are on the horizon at Kudos Bridal Dunfermline, with dreamy new gowns from Luna Novias and Alma Novia landing in store over August and September. “These Spanish labels are renowned for their timeless designs and romantic feel,” says assistant manager Megan Carberry. “We chose these styles at Barcelona Bridal Week back in February and can’t wait to finally share them with our brides.” Plus, you won’t want to miss the boutique’s huge sample sale on 25th–26th October – no appointment needed and over 100 discounted dresses up for grabs! A delivery from Down Under Sophia Grace Couture is thrilled to welcome gowns from Australian label Cizzy Bridal to its rails. Renowned for contemporary silhouettes with a timeless twist, the brand’s designs blend sleek…

When your son – the first of your four children to get married – tells you he is having his wedding in a beautiful old Tuscan vineyard in the hills south of Siena, you know two things: one, it’s going to be an incredibly special day; and two, your outfit needs to rise to the occasion. My son Robbie had proposed to his half-Italian partner Nicole during a holiday to Lake Como, so marrying in Italy just felt right for them. They had a wonderful planner who found the exclusive-use venue, Borgo Casabianca, and on 25th May last year, they wed there in the sunshine surrounded by friends and family. The search begins Right from the start I knew I wanted to wear something bright and fairly bold – nothing…

When it comes to bridal beauty, it’s not only about what happens on the big day – it’s the prep in the months before, the finishing touches on the morning of, and the professionals who help make it all happen. We caught up with two experts – hairstylist Abby Carr of Salon Aura and skincare specialist Margarita Dow of Skin by Margarita – to hear how they supported real brides in looking and feeling their best. Veil-ready hair with Salon Aura Since opening in 2022, Kirkintilloch-based Salon Aura has become a go-to for brides looking for flawless wedding hair and a smooth, stress-free getting-ready experience. Owner Abby Carr draws on 14 years of experience to help clients realise their dream look, working hand-in-hand with makeup artists to create a cohesive, polished…

Rebecca and I had a pretty whirlwind year. We welcomed our second child, Grayson, in July 2024, so wedding planning naturally took a back seat. By the time we reached the final stretch, just two weeks before the big day, we were still organising flowers, decorations and coach hire. It was stressful, but we got there in the end. Even though the timeline was tight, I had a clear idea of the look I wanted for the day. We’d chosen a black-and-white theme for our decor, the bridesmaid dresses and the groomsmen’s suits, and I knew I was after something sharp with a bit of presence – a velvet tuxedo with statement lapels. I’ve shopped at Slater Menswear before and always been impressed by the quality and service. A close…

✓ CAPACITY No matter your guest numbers, the venue has a space to suit, from the Den – suitable for private dinners for 14 guests or small ceremonies of 20 – right up to 350 in the Garden Suite. ✓ PRICING The Willow package is priced from £110pp for a midweek winter wedding (rising to £145pp for a Friday or Saturday peak-season wedding). This includes three-course dinner, glass of sparkling wine for toast, half bottle of wine with the meal and lots more. The Alder (from £130-£165pp), and Aspen (from £160-£195pp) packages feature champagne upgrades, extra canapés and courses, on-the-day stationery and much more. ✓ FOOD AND DRINK The venue’s talented culinary team focus on local, seasonal ingredients and ensure that menus are tailored to the couples’ tastes and preferences. All…

Family was at the heart of everything for Stephen and Joanna’s celebrations at Chatelherault – but things weren’t quite what they seemed at first. “We had a rather unconventional day,” the bride tells us with a smile. “We didn’t want our guests to fuss or stress about a wedding – so we decided to make it a surprise. “Stephen and I always knew we wanted to be married in private but still involve our family in some way. So when guests arrived, they were under the illusion they had been invited to attend our two daughters’ naming ceremony.” And the couple had found the ideal location for such a special event: an 18th-century Georgian hunting lodge sitting amid perfectly manicured gardens and surrounded by Chatelherault Country Park’s 500 acres of…

FIRST PLANNING STEPS Athlete Stefanie Tucker and her fiancé Cameron are making moves towards planning a Scottish wedding for 2026 In a world where matches are made by swiping right on an app and texts like ‘U up?’, I feel incredibly lucky to have met my fiancé in real life, at a cafe while at university. We were both members of Glasgow University Hares and Hounds Athletics Club, and I was studying for a degree in geography and Spanish, while Cameron was doing a masters in epidemiology. Our early dates were often coffee at Black Pine, our favourite spot on Great Western Road, and drinks at the Finnieston. The first couple of years of our relationship were less than ideal, though. While we were lucky enough to spend the initial Covid lockdown…

1 IT’S OPTIONAL Don’t feel you have to do it if it’s not for you. A ceremony will not be lacking in any way if it doesn’t have personal vows. 2 WHO’S TALKING? If the idea of speaking out loud is putting you off, your celebrant can read the vows on your behalf. 3 BREAK THE RULES They don’t need to be vows or promises. Quite often, couples simply tell each other things they love about each other. Write from the heart, with your personality. And don’t try to imitate others – the whole point is this is supposed to be personal. 4 KEEP IT REAL Don’t worry about grammar or spelling. Write them in a way you are comfortable speaking. Also, don’t write them too early – you’ll drive…

Favourite ceremony addition Anything that gets friends and family involved works for me. Favourite ritual My view is that the couple should only pick a ritual if it means something to them. Some people might think they have to include certain ones, or they only go for ones that they know about beforehand. My advice would be to ask your celebrant about every option available. Favourite ceremony song Truthfully, I don’t have one, but I would love to see a couple come down the aisle to ‘I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do’ by Abba. This one has eluded me so far. Dream celebrity wedding to officiate I regard all my couples as superstars… That said, I would like to have been the celebrant at Liza Minnelli’s…

Favourite wedding tradition? It’s got to be handfasting – actually tying the knot. Big wedding or intimate elopement? I’d have to go for an intimate elopement as it allows you to curate a really unique day that you’ll cherish with the closest of your friends and family. Favourite Scottish wedding venue? I love Venachar Lochside – it’s so tranquil and intimate and has such picturesque scenery. If it was your wedding, what would you splurge on? The music. It lets you change the tone and energy of the day as it progresses. Dream celebrity client? Actor and presenter Siobhan McSweeney – she has so much energy and style that I imagine her wedding would be full of fun, thoughtful elements and great outfits to sketch!…

Emily did things her way when planning her proposal to Allison, who she’d been with since the second half of 2020. “We were on holiday in September last year in New York and planned an evening at the Carnegie Club, a jazz and cigar lounge. It happened to be ‘Frank Sinatra Saturday’ so I got in touch with the management to let them know I planned to pop the question while the band played ‘The Way You Look Tonight’. They worked with me on all the details, and it turned out to be the perfect night – especially when Allie said yes,” laughs Emily. The Glasgow-based couple were keen to start spreading the news and get planning when they returned to Scotland, quickly settling upon a twilight wedding package at…