Natalie & Stephen

The Ultimate White Wedding

Since featuring their impressive ‘iso-wedding’ during lockdown (did you see the epic brunch spread on our Insta!?), team GWD was 100% counting the days until Natalie Chrystall Davidson and Stephen Jack finally tied the knot. Now, newlywed Natalie tells all…

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“Our relationship came about naturally – we met through friends, ended up spending a lot of time together and realised we really liked each other. Stephen organised the most romantic proposal when we were in Bali, staying in a seven star resort. A golf buggy picked us up for dinner but, first, took us to the middle of the forest where ‘Will you marry me?’ was spelled out in red roses. We planned our wedding for 2020 but unfortunately the pandemic had other plans. We still marked the date though, celebrating in the sunshine with a fabulous WEDBrunch. Family and friends surprised us with doorstep gifts and raised glasses from a distance, and we got dressed up for what felt like the first time in forever. We decided that getting married a little later would make it even more special and give us more time to enjoy the build-up… And it was more than worth the wait!

After looking at a total of 16 wedding venues, we found Cluny Castle and picked it for its stunning setting and beautiful chapel. I love planning and events, so worked closely with Supernova to bring my simple, clean and elegant all-white vision to life. We incorporated pearls because I felt that what they symbolise – loyalty, integrity, purity and generosity – really represents us as a couple, and I carried this theme through to the outfits. I’d looked everywhere for my dress without success and eventually realised while scrolling Instagram that all the dresses I loved were Berta (an iconic fashion house known for its luxury bridalwear). They all had such a significant wow-factor style, but I hadn’t known what it was until then.

By chance, there was a trunk show coming up and, sure enough, I found ‘The One’. It wasn’t what I expected (I’d envisioned myself in a plain and simple gown with just the right amount of glamour) but this dress showed off my figure, had pearls galore and was just ‘me’. I had an overskirt made and added a massive cathedral-style veil for walking down the aisle. The outfit was topped off with a pair of Jimmy Choo bridal shoes; a surprise present from Stephen that one of my bridesmaids presented me with during a dress fitting. I had the girls’ dresses especially made to fit each of their requirements, finished in a fabric that matched the ivory shade on the outside of my dress. When it came to Stephen’s outfit, we picked the tartan together (we do everything together, really!) and he chose a white tie and white custom-made sporran to match the whole vibe.

We stayed at Cluny the night before the wedding with our families and bridal party. Then it was a relaxing morning getting ready (Kimberly, who did my hair, and Jacquelyn, my MUA, were amazing), complete with delicious breakfast boxes from Reynolds Corporate and Cocktail.

Our romantic chapel ceremony, conducted by a minister friend of my late grandma, was all about love. My mum walked down the aisle before me with Ciara, our daughter, and seeing Stephen waiting was the highlight of my day. I’d waited so long to marry him and the time had finally come!

Afterwards, we took a moment to ourselves and shared champagne in the drawing room as man and wife before celebrating with our guests in the grounds. Then it was onto the next venue – the brand-new Union Kirk in Aberdeen where Kelly, the wedding coordinator couldn’t have been more helpful throughout. Stephen and I travelled in style in a Bentley, organised by my uncle, while our guests lived it up popping bottles of champagne on their coach. We were welcomed with a red carpet and were able to reuse much of the gorgeous décor from Cluny. We were ‘saxed’ into the reception and straight away there was a party vibe, which we loved – we just wanted it to be fun! Everyone got up on their chairs to sing and dance as we walked in, and this continued throughout the wedding breakfast as our band went round the tables doing an unplugged acoustic set. We chose not to have evening guests as we didn’t want any time restrictions and, in the end, didn’t finish the meal until 9pm! Our first dance was Perfect by Ed Sheeran, followed by a One Direction song that Stephen dances to with Ciara at home. It was their first ever ‘proper’ dad and daughter dance, and it was so special. The rest of the night was a mix of the band and sax player, and I never left the dancefloor once – thankfully our guests kept me topped up with Amaretto Sours!”

Little White Book

Band: The Soundtrax Bridal outfit: Opus Atelier Bridesmaids’ outfits: Carolyn Baxter Cake: Fondant Cake Design Catering (at Cluny): Reynolds Corporate and Cocktail Ceremony venue: Cluny Castle Favours: Soul Candles Décor and flowers: Supernova Wedding Design & Flowers Groom’s outfit: Neil Selbie & Co. Hair: Kimberly Logie, Paula Robertson Make-up: Jacquelyn McPhee Makeup, Simone Saint Mother-of-the-bride: Dressage Peterhead Musicians: Angus Johnston, SAXINGH, Yasmin Worrall Nails: Nails by Jessie Photographer: Sam Brill Reception venue: Union Kirk Rings: London Diamonds Stationery: Love Paper Co. Table plan: Thoughts and Crosses Videographer: Conor Ross Media