Cara & Scott

“It was so fun doing all the planning with Anna. We’re best friends and knew it’d be relaxed with no dramas. At first we thought the weddings would be quite similar but when it came to choosing suppliers, we started to see some different tastes.

Booking the reverend was my first priority –he’s my best friend’s dad, and did our dad’s funeral. Then it was onto the marquee. We’d first thought about having it in a field by our house… Thankfully we didn’t! Crathes Castle is less than five minutes from where we grew up and feels like home to us. The gardens are stunning and the team was brilliant.

Scott is from Zimbabwe and, both working in the safari industry, we met in Botswana. The wedding was a blend of our cultures and a nod to our love of animals. Overall, though, I wanted a relaxed and fun vibe, full of our huge family and friends.

We went to Perfect Bridal Rooms where Anna tried on dresses for two hours then it was my turn! The first dress I tried, we all fell in love with. I teamed my beautiful Pronovias gown with a simple veil and a pair of earrings that matched Anna’s, which mum gave us as wedding presents.

Scott had a kilt made in the Maitland tartan from Neil Selbie & Co., saying he was taking my tartan since I was taking his last name!

Our ceremony was traditional yet relaxed with hymns, a few non-religious readings and an unplanned rendition of I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) by The Proclaimers, which was so special. When we got to Crathes, I had my turn in the limelight and surprised everyone with a speech. Our meal was amazing, and people still talk about it to this day. In the evening we had one large Strip The Willow then WooHoo Band had the floor full all night.

It was an amazing day, full of pure happiness and love – and a whole lot of sunshine! It was one of the hottest weekends of the year and the weather really showed off Scotland’s beauty to the visiting Africans.” ♥

Little White Book: Cara

Band: WooHoo Band

Cake: Gourmet Cheese Co.

Food/drink: Country Flavours of Alford, The Strong Water Co.

Groom outfit: Neil Selbie & Co.

Nails: Lush Lashes

Stationery: Edinburgh Letters

Videographer: Robertson Creative (formerly Azzlemedia)

Reception venue: Crathes Castle