Innholdsfortegnelse for December 2025 -January 2026 i Tie the Knot Scotland

A LUXURY WEDDING DOESN’T ALWAYS HAVE TO MEAN showy statements or endless extravagance. What’s really come through while putting together our annual luxe issue is that true luxury lies in time – the chance to slow down, savour the day and be surrounded by the people you love most. That’s a view shared by the venues in our ‘Luxe List’ feature (p.64) and echoed by couples in this issue’s featured weddings. Yes, there are eye-catching floral installations (p.200), couture bridal capes (p.206) and spectacular settings in both city (p.106) and country (p.144), but the common thread running through them all is that experiencing emotion, joy and laughter with those closest to you is what makes a wedding feel truly rich. Elsewhere in venues, we go behind the scenes at two…

DOWN UNDER DEBUT Australian designer Moira Hughes has officially joined the line-up at Anne Priscilla Bridal, with the Society collection now available to try during an exclusive Glasgow trunk show. From November, the Miller Street boutique will house its own permanent samples, each fully customisable and available to order in any size. Look out for the lace Zepher robe, Breeze bodice [left] and Hendrix gown with veil. Prices range from £2,500–£4,000, with a 9–12 month lead time for bespoke orders. BUSY SEASON It’s all happening at Unbridaled in Ayr this winter. December sees the return of its hugely popular three-week sample sale, with discounts of up to 90% across around 100 gowns – a rare chance for savvy brides to find designer dresses fast. Then in January, the boutique welcomes…

When my elder daughter Nicole had to postpone her wedding by a year (because her fiancé, Hearts striker Lawrence Shankland, was called up to play for Scotland in the Euros last summer), I suddenly found myself planning for two big days in one year. Nicole married at Seamill Hydro on 30th May 2025, and my younger daughter, Sophie, wed David at Lochgreen House on 20th September. Two weddings in just four months! I started looking for outfits last October. All I knew was that I didn’t want a frumpy two-piece or a wee dress-and-jacket combo that didn’t feel like me. I wanted something modern, flattering and comfortable – full-length if possible – that wouldn’t age me or stop me helping with the grandkids (Nicole has two wee ones, and I…

Achnagairn Castle, Inverness-shire Exclusive-use Achnagairn Castle is the place to book for a full-on family affair. It has 24 individually designed bedrooms in the castle (sleeping up to 55), plus half a dozen spacious Mini Manors (large properties each with five or six bedrooms) in the grounds, meaning there is room for up to 140 guests to stay the night. Imagine a weekend of deep beds, jacuzzi baths, glorious grounds and – the jewel in the crown – this incredible vaulted ballroom. In the tranquillity of the Highlands, luxury means time – the time to arrive the day before, to celebrate long into the night, and to linger the next morning surrounded by everyone you love,” says Achnagairn’s Alison Bombail. Whether it’s five-star indulgence, timeless design or exclusive surroundings, these…

✓ CAPACITY This venue can accommodate up to 120 guests for a ceremony, 110 for dinner and up to 150 guests for the reception. More intimate celebrations can be hosted in the Liberty (up to 20 guests) or the Bell (for up to 30 guests). ✓ PACKAGES The Collector’s package encompasses the full day, including your ceremony, wedding breakfast and reception, while the Twilight and Evening packages allow you to opt for an afternoon ceremony or evening celebration. For more intimate dos, the Signature Collection has a selection of smaller spaces. ✓ FOOD AND DRINK Under the guidance of executive chef John-Paul Giraud, The Collector’s Hall has a range of creative and beautifully presented options using the finest locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. For a more tailored experience, a bespoke menu…

Set against the stunning backdrop of the Scott Monument, Edinburgh Castle and the historic Old Town, The Balmoral is Edinburgh’s most prestigious wedding venue, an icon of elegance and romance for over a century. Whether you wish to hold your marriage or civil ceremony here, or simply celebrate with loved ones, an expert team awaits to make your vision a reality. With the guidance of a dedicated wedding planner and access to the city’s most trusted suppliers, every element of your day will be beautifully tailored to you. Choose from a range of exquisite spaces: the grand Sir Walter Scott Suite for a lavish celebration, the Holyrood Suite with its charming heritage details, or one of the elegant Second Floor Suites, perfect for more intimate gatherings. Celebrate with a sparkling…

It’s true what they say: no two weddings should ever be the same. Katie and Ross took that to heart, and were determined to make their special day their own as much as they could. “We wanted to have an intimate ceremony, followed by a large party at night,” says the bride. “Mar Hall ticked both boxes.” The luxurious five-star resort near Bishopton has recently undergone huge renovations and upgrading. Among the stylish new additions are a marble-topped champagne bar and a palm-canopied parlour, two spaces that won over our couple. They invited just 25 guests to their family-focused ceremony and meal, both of which were hosted in the hotel. This was followed by a party in a marquee in the grounds with 120 guests. “Ross and I love a…

MAKING A MARQ(UEE) Ballogie House has expanded its stunning glass-sided marquee. “This brand-new marquee extension will give our couples more freedom to personalise the flow of their celebration, whether they want a relaxed bar area, a designated seating area, or extra room for entertainment,” says Charlotte Watson, venue manager at the picturesque Aboyne exclusive-use estate. The enlarged space can now accommodate up to 180 guests seated for a wedding breakfast, with room for an additional 20 evening guests. To celebrate the launch, Ballogie is offering a promotion on 2026 and 2027 marquee weddings that’s available until the end of this year. The venue can now also be booked for midweek weddings, giving couples even more choice and flexibility, often with added value and availability across sought-after dates. Head for the…

RSVPs, SUITS AND SHOES Teacher Niamh Coupar and engineer Josh Schofield are in the final stages and are all set to say ‘I do’ at Dunglass Estate in May 2026 I can’t believe that in just a matter of weeks, we’ll be able to say “we get married this year!” It has been so lovely to document our journey through these Planning Diaries. I’ve received so many responses from people who have read it. Our wedding guests are scattered here, there and everywhere, so it’s been nice for them to feel a part of it all. We’ve started to receive lots of RSVPs to our invites, which is just so exciting – it really does feel more real! We highly recommend theknot.com to collect your responses. It’s so easy to use, and…

1. Have a millefoglie wedding cake “This showstopping classic of fresh cream and thin sweet pastry [roughly pronounced ‘mee-lay-fol-yay’] is assembled live in front of you, with the couple finishing it off with a dusting of icing sugar.” 2. Hire a wedding planner “It’s not a luxury – it’s a lifeline. Local knowledge and language skills make the whole process smoother.” 3. Hold the ceremony later in the day “Most Tuscan weddings start around 5pm to avoid the summer heat and to catch that golden-hour light.” 4. Book live musicians “Acoustic guitarists, traditional folk bands, opera singers – it adds a real sense of place and energy.” 5. Indulge in a Tuscan feast “Long tables, local wine and multiple courses: eating together is the heart of any Italian celebration.”…

You’ve said yes to the dress, found a gorgeous venue that you can’t wait to decorate, and even asked your ‘I do’ crew to be part of your special day. Every detail of the creative side of planning has been covered, so you’re all sorted – right? Well, um, what about the important part? You know, the legal bit that means you’re actually married? Forget that and all you’re doing is having a very nice, very expensive party! Read on to discover exactly what happens during a wedding ceremony in Scotland. When should we book our celebrant? First of all, decide if you’re having a civil ceremony or a religious one. If it’s the latter, you’ll need to have discussions with the faith leader at your local place of worship. If…

A Highland feast “When it comes to hosting a Highland wedding, the food should be every bit as memorable as the setting,” says Sam Cairns, co-founder of Cairngorms-based catering company, The Lunchbox Boys. “Think rich, hearty dishes inspired by the landscape – like venison loin with a port and redcurrant sauce, locally caught hand-dived scallops, and our signature haggis bon bons with a Speyside whisky sauce. It’s all about warmth, flavour and celebrating local produce – the kind of menu that feels right at home in a Highland castle setting.”…

Finding ‘the one’ you want to marry is a tricky business. But finding ‘the one’ when it comes to planning a hen do? That’s a whole other level of impossible. Catering to different tastes, narrowing down a date that suits everyone and choosing an activity that doesn’t cost an absolute fortune isn’t for the faint-hearted, that’s for sure. Well, I may just have the answer: a flower-arranging workshop, and one that is BYOB, no less. So, on a Friday night, armed with a bottle of fizz, I headed to Studio Mazzolino, a florist in a beautiful multifunctional space in Stewarton (close to a train station and just outside Glasgow). It is run by owner Levi Macdonald-Forrest, who was inspired to start her business by her childhood memories of tending roses…

OLD An ‘old’ fabric with enduring appeal, romantic and versatile lace has never really left the bridal spotlight – but it’s riding a full-scale revival for 2026 with designers using the fabric’s textures and intricate motifs to create gowns that channel both heritage and modern elegance. Expect to see full corded lace gowns and delicate Chantilly lace in particular. It’s got A-list appeal too, with Selena Gomez turning heads in a custom Ralph Lauren gown featuring sheer lace panels at her September 2025 wedding (one of three dresses she wore) and Lauren Sánchez Bezos in head-to-toe Italian lace courtesy of Dolce and Gabbana. NEW We adore floral design artist Lucienne Luxe’s fresh new spin on a bridal bouquet. For bride Nikki Wheeler, the Glasgow florist dreamt up a sculptural floral…

Suppliers + creatives Photography Gemma Purdon Photography Creative lead and bridalwear Opus Couture, West Kilbride Venue The Exchange, Glasgow Model Kirsten Cameron, Aquarius Creative Content creation Weddings by Aquarius Hair Hair by Bella Lorena Makeup Kirsty Martin Decor Winton Weddings and Events When Kirsten Cameron, now Mrs Coakley – star of BBC Scotland’s ‘The Agency: Unfiltered’ and co-founder of influencer and social media agency, Aquarius Creative – tied the knot in Mallorca she broke the (Scottish) internet. Kirsten said her ‘legal I dos’ to now-husband Adam at Glasgow city-centre venue, The Exchange, before they jetted off to Spain. Here, a talented team of suppliers and creatives recreated her bridal magic. Opus Couture – a luxury bridal boutique in West Kilbride – explains the inspiration behind it: “It was such a…

“Our main goal at Mia Bella is to make customers feel at ease from the moment they walk through our doors,” says Christina. “We’ve found that many mums can feel nervous at the prospect of finding the outfit they’ll wear to their son or daughter’s wedding, so we always start with a chat about what they like, don’t like or want – and, just as importantly, why. We pride ourselves on listening and acting on what you want; it’s really that simple.” Christina and her team of seasoned professionals believe every customer’s experience should be completely personal. “We know that everyone is different. Tuning into each woman’s preferences and personality is the key. You only get one chance at the big day, so everything needs to feel just right.” That…

Once upon a time the groom was exempt from wedding fashion. No one really noticed what he wore, possibly not even himself. Nowadays, thankfully, guys have just as many options as girls. Come with us as we explore the options, from one-of-a-kind suits to custom-made kilts, to discover how to get an outfit that’s truly luxe. What elevates an outfit to the ‘luxe’ category? First of all, it’s about using high-quality fabrics and having a tailored fit. Adding personalised details will also make an outfit feel exclusive and one-of-a-kind. “For a grand wedding (or any wedding, really!), you need a garment that fits you perfectly,” says Douglas Mitchell at Slater Menswear. “You might be looking for something bespoke too – personal touches don’t just elevate the look, they add sentimental…

Many of Scotland’s grandest venues are pretty remote – I’m thinking castles, country houses and the like. They’re fabulous – but not exactly what you’d call handy. If, like me, your family don’t live in this country, or you’re planning on inviting a lot of people who’ll have a fair bit of travelling to do to reach the celebrations, it might be simpler for all concerned to host your bash in a city, with all the easy transport and accommodation options that come with that. But, I hear you say, you still want that ‘grand venue’… Well, the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh could be the solution. It gracefully combines the regal vibe of a castle with the class and convenience of a modern city space. It’s on Queen…

When your wedding venue comes with amazing food, stunning surroundings and a dog walker, you know you’re in good hands. That’s what Charlotte and Alexander, the new Mr and Mrs Lewthwaite, discovered when they booked Falside Mill, St Andrews, for their summer wedding. “The owners, David and Alyson, were so welcoming and kind throughout the entire process,” smiles Charlotte. “Falside truly is a special place with special people. Plus, their lovely daughter walked our dog Elie a few times throughout the day. We knew she’d be well looked after!” In fact, as soon as the couple laid eyes on the unique space, they knew it was the one for them. “Alexander and I both agreed that we wanted to get married away from our home on the Isle of Man…

When Georgie and Christopher’s paths first crossed at the age of 14, neither could have imagined their lives would forever be intertwined. “When we reconnected at 17, everything fell into place,” says the bride. “From that moment, we were never apart.” Once the couple had welcomed their beautiful baby boy, Ralph, they decided it was time to tie the knot. “We found a love that is pure, patient and deeply meant to be,” smiles Georgie. “We couldn’t wait to become husband and wife.” And their journey to finding a wedding venue was just as meaningful. “The moment I saw the Signet Library, I just knew – it was everything I’d been looking for and more,” recalls the bride. “I loved that I’d never personally seen a wedding there before, and…

NEXT STOP… MARRIAGE! The Dougarie Boathouse on the Isle of Arran played host to Martina and Ciaran’s unforgettable wedding in September – one that included a hog-roast dinner and a vintage car. “Their day beautifully brought together Martina and Ciaran’s Italian and Scottish roots in our picturesque setting. They even managed to have a joyous outdoor ceremony overlooking the Mull of Kintyre to make the most of the scenery,” says Malin Stewart, the venue’s events manager. Beside the seaside One of Ayrshire’s most popular family-owned wedding venues, The Waterside in West Kilbride, has been given a ‘glow up’. Located just 40 minutes from Glasgow, the seafront location with panoramic views across the Firth of Clyde to the Isle of Arran now offers crystal chandeliers and back-lit mirrors as decor in…

Calling all brides and grooms to be… get ready to fall in love all over again! The Scottish Wedding Show, sponsored by jewellers James Porter & Son, returns to the SEC in Glasgow on Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th February 2026. It’s going to be the ultimate Valentine’s weekend celebration of love, inspiration, and all things weddings. To celebrate, we’re giving away 15 pairs of general admission tickets plus VIP tickets for one group of four (valid for the Sunday only). With around 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.…

Olivia King and Daryl Hadley, now Mr and Mrs Hadley 8th July 2025 at Antico Borgo San Lorenzo, Tuscany, Italy When Olivia and Daryl started dating in 2021, neither could have imagined that just a few years later they’d be saying “I do” surrounded by olive groves and golden light. “We met in a Glasgow pub on a night out in April 2021,” says Olivia. “We had our first date soon after – and the rest is history!” Two years on, Daryl whisked Olivia off to Rome for her birthday and proposed during the trip. “It was a complete surprise,” she smiles. “And the proposal itself was really beautiful and intimate.” They then spent the next two years planning a destination wedding that would combine everything they love about Italy…

ARIES Known for being bold and energetic, fuel an Aries’ zest for life with this cream Smeg Espresso Coffee Machine (£399). Their partner will surely appreciate a boost too! TAURUS For the comfort-loving Taurus, consider this luxury wool cashmere herringbone throw from The White Company (£195) – perfect for those cosy newlywed nights in. GEMINI Ignite a Gemini’s sociable nature with this custom engraved Matilda Goad & Co wave matchbox sleeve (£75) – they’ll love showing it off to friends. CANCER A sentimental soul – any Cancer will love these See + Quin embroidered napkins from Holly & Co (£18). At every special occasion, they’ll think of you. LEO Lovers of anything glamorous, this gleaming primrose vanity tray from Anthropologie (£48-£78) is sure to bring a sparkle to a Leo’s…

Landon Dobbs and Logan McLeod, now Mr and Mrs Dobbs 23rd October at Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa, St Andrews For Americans Logan and Landon Dobbs, a wedding in Scotland ticked all the boxes: heritage, golf and holiday. “My maiden name is McLeod, and my family have always wanted to visit Scotland to explore our ancestral roots,” says Logan. “Landon was thrilled when I suggested Scotland for a destination wedding – he is an avid golfer and has always wanted to play Scotland’s famous courses.” The pair investigated various venue options before settling on the Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa in St Andrews – the town, after all, is renowned as the birthplace of golf. The views of the green fairways sealed the deal for Landon,…

Lisa Pacitti and Fraser Brydon 19th September 2025 at the City Observatory, Gleneagles Townhouse and Bonnie & Wild, Edinburgh You don’t need a £40k flower budget to pull off a stylish, luxurious wedding. Just ask Lisa and Fraser. They planned their Edinburgh celebration with this in mind, deliberately keeping things intimate – just 23 guests for the ceremony and meal – and focused their spending on what mattered most to them. “Small and personal was always our aim,” says Lisa today, three months into married life. “We wanted to have that New York or London ‘town hall’ wedding vibe, but in our home city, so every venue and detail had to be chosen carefully to achieve it.” One of the biggest budget savings came from their outfits. “Fraser and I…

First thing’s first: how do we set a budget? Talking about money is never easy, but it’s really important that you and your partner are honest with each other from the get-go about how much you’re willing to spend on your wedding day. “Start with your financial comfort zone – the amount you’re genuinely happy to spend,” suggests Jamie Neil of Edinburgh-based planner NOVU Weddings. “From there, outline your top priorities as a couple. Perhaps it’s the venue, or the guest experience or the photography. Knowing what matters most will shape where your money goes.” Lots of things can have an impact on your bottom line, such as the number of guests, the venue and the time of year. “Even the day of the week or how bespoke your suppliers…

Veni Infantino at Bentleys of Banchory Bentleys of Banchory’s owner Irene Mackie praises Veni Infantino for creating “modern, stylish classics that flatter every woman – tall, petite, slim or curvy.” The label’s latest designs include chic navy jumpsuits, floaty crepe dresses and playful two-tone prints, all crafted to offer comfort and sophistication. Expect luxe fabrics, flattering cuts and head-turning colourways that lend themselves to every style of wedding. One of Irene’s standout picks is the new 992773, a lime-and-navy A-line dress: “It’s such a cheeky little number – the colours marry together beautifully, and the fabric catches the light whether the sun shines or not.” Couture-Club at Mia Bella Spanish label Couture-Club is redefining what modern occasionwear looks like, moving beyond the traditional matching skirt-and-jacket set, offering sleek jumpsuits and…

Think about your mum’s wedding dress. Was she an ’80s bride with puffy meringue sleeves and a voluminous skirt? Perhaps she got married in the late-’90s in a dress with a corseted bodice à la Victoria Beckham. Chances are, a total stranger could guess when she married just by glancing at what she was wearing. But could they do the same with her engagement ring? In my many years reporting on weddings, I’ve noticed that bridal jewellery isn’t subject to the same era-defining trends that have historically played out in bridal fashion. Sure, certain metals and stones ebb and flow in popularity, and celebrities will invariably influence what we covet (“We’ve been asked for more elongated cushion-cut diamonds since Taylor Swift’s engagement,” notes Gareth Mundie, owner of Glasgow fine jewellery shop…

Mr and Mr Greaves-Gunn Jack and Steven married at Newhall Estate in the Scottish Borders on 27th September 2025, each enjoying their own take on Gunn tartan kilt outfits from MacGregor and MacDuff Steven and I met the old-fashioned way: in a bar. It was London, 2018; I’d been in the city for years and Steven had just moved down from Glasgow. Our friend groups overlapped one night, he and I got chatting, swapped numbers and went on a date a week later. That was seven and a half years ago (or 60 in gay years), and here we are. I proposed in 2022, and we married almost exactly three years later. We’d always laughed about who would propose, but Steven has told me he’d have done it long before…

I’m no stranger to Glasgow’s city centre, having called this place home for more than a decade. But a visit to a brand-new luxury wedding venue just off George Square? Definitely a first for me. The old Parish Halls, built in grand style in the 1850s, has undergone an impressive transformation, reopening as The Collector’s Hall. From the moment I arrive at what has quickly become one of the city’s most talked-about new venues, I can tell this is something special. I’m greeted warmly by Stephanie Baxter, who manages weddings and events here. As she shows me around, she explains that although we’ve come through the adjoining hotel, wedding guests have their own entrance. It leads through a beautifully tiled hallway of dark wood and patterned floors that reminds me…

✓ CAPACITY Ceremonies for up to 150 guests in the Great Hall, 100 (80 seated with 20 standing) in the New Library, or 40 in the Cullen Suite. For wedding breakfasts, the Great Hall is again able to cater for up to 150 (with room for an additional 30 evening guests), while the New Library is maximum 50 and the Cullen Suite is maximum 40 guests. ✓ WHAT’S INCLUDED Exclusive hire of the College’s three elegant rooms from noon–1am, tables and chairs, services of a College Officer and doorman, and access to the tranquil Physic Garden or private Queen Street Gardens for photographs. Ask about winter and elopement packages too. ✓ FOOD AND DRINK Choose from two trusted and award-winning caterers to design a bespoke menu. You may supply your…

CALEDONIA CALLING Set against the dramatic backdrop of Barnbougle Castle and the nearby Dalmeny Walled Garden, Evie and Guy’s September wedding [left] was a gorgeous glimpse of inspo we won’t be leaving in 2025. “Evie and Guy chose to have their day photographed in a purely observational, documentary style, which led to moments of pure joy like this one,” says photographer Claire Fleck. “Their day was full of traditional Scottish details interpreted through the pair’s creative, fashion-forward eye – from tiny tartan bows on Evie’s shoes to an immersive performance by Clanadonia in the castle’s historic surroundings.” SEE THE SPACE Got your sights set on a stylish city wedding? Virgin Hotels Edinburgh will welcome couples to its wedding open day on Saturday 25th January 2026, from 11am to 2pm. Enjoy…

Picturesque packages Set within 100 acres of landscaped countryside just 15 minutes from Glasgow, Ingliston Estate & Country Club has unveiled new wedding packages designed around Ingliston’s signature hospitality that blends attentive service with exceptional quality. The family-owned estate is home to three elegant wedding suites – the Salerno, the Connemara and the Grand Marquee – alongside terraces and gardens that are perfect for photographs. The new packages include curated menus, accommodation and the support of Ingliston’s expert team. “We want every couple to feel part of the Ingliston family,” says wedding coordinator Stephanie McClean. “Our new packages reflect our commitment to creating unforgettable moments surrounded by the romance and charm of our estate.” It’s showtime Planning your big day? Don’t miss The BIG Òran Mór Wedding Show on Sunday…

Adam Frizzell and Erin McNamara, now Mr and Mrs Frizzell Home ceremony, 25th May 2025 at Carberry Tower, East Lothian Abroad wedding, 9th June 2025 at Villa Regina Teodolinda, Lake Como, Italy Erin and Adam marked a decade together in the most unforgettable of ways – by getting married! The pair, who first met on a night out in Edinburgh aged 17, had a small, sentimental ceremony close to where the bride grew up, before jetting off to Lake Como for a sun-soaked celebration in Italy. “We’ve always loved Italy and had talked for years about getting married there after previously visiting the Amalfi Coast,” Erin explains. “In the end, we were torn between Tuscany and Lake Como – but once we saw Como in person, we knew it was…

From intricate buttercream piping to architectural meringues and chic macaron towers, luxury wedding cakes and desserts are as much about artistry as they are indulgence. Proving that DIY can be decadent, bride Rowan’s homemade tiramisu tower [1] – a twist on the classic champagne moment – at One Devonshire Gardens by Hotel du Vin in Glasgow was the sweetest labour of love. Talking of which, Karen Barker Cakes’ giant pavlova [2], piled with cream, berries and white chocolate ganache, brings theatre to the table – a one-metre masterpiece assembled live on site, complete with Italian music and a dusting of icing sugar by the newlyweds. Laura Graham of Lanark’s Jappacakes pours precision into her Lambeth-style piped tiers [3], creating cakes that look almost too good to slice. Mademoiselle Macaron and…

For Jamie Neil, the founder and lead planner at NOVU Weddings & Events, seeing everything come to life on a couple’s special day – especially watching their delight in those first few moments – is a “feeling that never gets old”. With over a decade of experience at the top end of the wedding world, he has come to believe that true luxury isn’t about excess, but about creating something thoughtful, personal and beautifully executed. He draws inspiration from all over – including his travels around the world, the Scottish landscape, striking architecture and intricate interiors. Most of all, Jamie is a passionate believer that no two weddings should feel the same, and starts each design with the couple’s energy and story as the foundation. Hello, Jamie! Tell us a…

Angus Wheeler and Nikki Maggie Miller, now Mr and Mrs Wheeler 19th July 2025, with a ceremony at Kilwinning Abbey Church and a reception at Cockenzie Steading in Dalry, Ayrshire For the new Mr and Mrs Wheeler, family wasn’t just part of their wedding day – it was the foundation of it. “Family is everything to us,” says Nikki. “We wanted the day to carry as many special memories as possible, so we held our reception on my parents’ farm in Ayrshire where I grew up. It felt right to celebrate somewhere that holds so much history for our family.” Even the main reading at the warm and relaxed religious service led by Deacon Isobel Beck at Kilwinning Abbey Church had special resonance: Corinthians 13:4 (you know the one –…

“So, was it a surprise?” they ask. “Absolutely,” I reply for the 100th time (turns out this is the first thing anyone wants to know when they hear you’re engaged). My answer is always met by a warm smile and a hint of disbelief. But it genuinely was a bolt-from-the-blue shock. If I’d had the slightest inkling my boyfriend Conor was about to propose, well, I’d hardly have picked off one of the gel nails on my left hand in the pub the night before, would I? (I did try to fix the pics using AI; then I stopped, because I don’t want it taking a human’s job, so badgered my pal Ross to work his Photoshop magic instead.) Trashed mani aside, that moment on the beach at Arisaig back in…