Hair and Beauty Beauty Beyond Compare

Prepped and ready

Whether you’re a guy or a gal, starting a (or fine-tuning an already existing) skincare routine is essential for a silky smooth complexion on your wedding day. Simple exfoliation and moisturising can be done at home or you could treat yourself and head to a spa for a relaxing (yet rejuvenating) prenuptial treatment – and bags of advice to boot. Remember that the weeks leading up to your big day will be full on, so make sure your skin is hydrated and refreshed with plenty of sleep and water.

Groomed to perfection

Whether you’re looking for a tidy up or a fresh face, wet shaves are a great option for a little male pampering. You’ll avoid razor burns, irritation and ingrown hairs as a trained professional uses water, soap or cream, and a razor to remove your facial hair while you sit back and chill out.

Teeth whitening

For some, enhancing your smile can be a great way to boost wedding day confidence. Arrange treatments in plenty of time before the big day to avoid sensitivity, and head to a trusted, local specialist (like The Orthodontic Clinic) for the best results.

Achieving a beautiful look for your nuptials isn’t just about your outfit – it’s also about your skin, hair, makeup, teeth, accessories and so much more. Keep reading for tips and tricks on how to ace your wedding look… www.jonathanaddie.com www.jonathanaddie.com

Here for hair

When it comes to hair, it’s always good to see what’s trending. Right now, expect to see intricate braids, loose curls, sleek buns and shiny accessories, namely Bridgertoninspired hairpieces and tiaras… Regal glam alert! Bonus points for those who can score one that’s been passed down the generations – you can tick your ‘something borrowed’ off the list. If you don’t have one, be the one who starts the tradition!

Make me up

This year, it’s all about having fun with colours and textures. Smokey eyes, a total classic, has been a firm fave and is great if you want to look sultry or a little mysterious on your big day. At the other end of the scale, vibrant shades are big and so is the ‘wet’ look –create a fresh and glossy effect on your eyes, lips and cheeks with shimmering products that will make you look angelic under your twinkly fairy lights. Alternatively, embrace your natural beauty with minimal products and a dewy finish for that ‘clean girl’ vibe. ♥

Accessories

Angharad Bridal fi

28-30 South Street,, Elgin

Morayshire, IV30 1JX 01343 546448

07811 088417 www.angharadbridal.co.uk angharadbridal@gmail.com

Contact: Angharad Rogers

Avorio Bridal fil♥

91 High Street, Fochabers, IV32 7DH 01343 821444 www.avoriobridal.com info@avoriobridal.com

Contact: Leigh-anne Murray & Sonia Pozzi

Blush Bridalfi♥

42 Frithside Street

Fraserburgh

Aberdeenshire, AB43 9AR 01346 516851 www.blushbridal.scot info@blushbridal.scot

Contact: Diane Stephen

Beauty

Ardoe House Hotel & Spa fi♥

South Deeside Road, Blairs

Aberdeen, AB12 5YP 01224 867355 www.ardoehousehotel.co.uk weddings@ardoehousehotel.co.uk

Contact: Eilidh Findlay

Cara Kuszpit Makeup fi

16 Broomhill Court, Kingseat, AB21 0AG 07342 207229 www.carakuszpitmakeup.com info@carakuszpitmakeup.com

Contact: Cara Kuszpit

Gosia Weiss Make Up Artist fil♥ 07922 433 753 gosiaweissmakeupartist.co.uk info@gosiaweissmakeupartist.co.uk

Contact: Gosia Weiss

Hair By Hope At Tonic fi

50a High Street, Fochabers, IV327DU 07498 291955 hopesofiahair@gmail.com

Contact: Hope Rickerby

Kelly Daun Make Up Artist fi& 8 Hume Square, Chapelton

Aberdeen, AB39 8AE 01569 739319 www.kellydaun.com hello@kellydaun.com

Contact: Kelly Daun

The Marcliffe Hotel & Spa f♥ North Deeside Road Pitfodels

Aberdeen, AB15 9YA 01224 861000 www.marcliffe.com enquiries@marcliffe.com

Contact: Mandy Wood

The Orthodontic Clinic fil♥x 21 Golden Square, Aberdeen, AB10 1RE 01224 611633 www.theorthodonticclinic.co.uk info@theorthodonticclinic.co.uk

Contact: Dr Lisa Currie & Ivin Tan & Veronica Choy

Jewellery

Avorio Bridal fil♥

91 High Street, Fochabers, IV32 7DH 01343 821444 www.avoriobridal.com info@avoriobridal.com

Contact: Leigh-anne Murray & Sonia Pozzi

Jamieson And Carry fil♥

142 Union Street, Aberdeen, AB10 1GF 01224 641219 www.jamieson-carry.com enquiries@jamieson-carry.com

Contact: Philip Carry & Tracy Hanton

Lava Jewellery Design f♥

265 North Deeside Road, Peterculter

Aberdeen, AB140UL 01224 735000 07847 056 661 www.lavajewellery.co.uk info@lavajewellery.co.uk

Contact: Jacqui Grant

Mccalls Jewellery fl♥

11 Bridge Street, Aberdeen, AB11 6JL 01224 405303 www.mccallsjewellers.co.uk jewellery@mccalls.co.uk

Contact: Karen Pirie

Sandy Menzies Jewellery f♥

23 Carlton Pl, Aberdeen, AB15 4BR

07889 503337 www.sandymenziesjewellery.co.uk sandy@sandymenziesjewellery.co.uk

Contact: Sandy Menzies

Sinclairs Jewellers fi♥

63 Market Place Inverurie AB51 3PY

01467 620275 www.sinclairsjewellers.co.uk info@sinclairsjewellers.co.uk

Contact: Ian Sinclair

Marcliffe. The

Mrs

“I planned everything myself, along with my mum – apart from the décor. We really wanted to make a statement so I drafted in Jordana Events. She was amazing, taking account of everything we’d dreamed of in her designs and delivering the clean cut, all-white, sparkly vibe we were after, complete with loads of fresh flowers that made the room smell gorgeous.

Décor aside, the venue was another top priority. We wanted a relaxed day where everyone could just enjoy themselves and The Marcliffe felt like a home from home as soon as we walked in. The help from the staff was second to none, and it was somewhere none of our guests had been to for a wedding before – we loved this fact!

I was so nervous for dress shopping as I’m not the most confident person and I was worried nothing would suit me – but it was an amazing experience. I was asked to pick out dresses I liked, and the assistant did the same. Then she told me to put all those I’d picked back, and try her choices. It turned out that she really could just look at you and know what would suit! My dress was one I’d never have imagined would work for me. It was very traditional but the whole thing sparkled, keeping in theme with the wedding. I added a double-length train then accessorised with my grandma’s diamond bracelet (my ‘something borrowed’), a stunning headband and a pair of sparkly Jimmy Choo heels.

I had four bridesmaids and four flower girls, and I popped the question to them at a cocktail party at my house, exactly a year before the wedding. My ladies were dressed in white floor-length gowns and I added a little sparkle with a beautiful diamante pearl band, whilst the flower girls looked like proper little princesses.

Connor knew he wanted a suit and had one made especially. They discussed the colours he liked and what he’d feel comfortable in, and he went monochrome… Right on theme!

We stayed at The Marcliffe the night before and had a meal so that everyone could mingle before the big day. Then I was up at 6am and it went by in a flash. Suddenly my hair and make-up was done, I was in my gown and it was time to head down and get married. The Christian ceremony was all about us, recognising all we’d achieved since being together.

Our pianist continued during the drinks’ reception and it was great to start enjoying the day with our guests. We had a caricaturist on hand so they were entertained while we were off getting photos taken. Obviously, the day was about us but we wanted to make sure everyone felt they were part of it.

Because of this, we had singing waiters during the meal (which was second to none – we all got our food at the same time and there was no wait time between courses). They did classic songs everyone could get involved with and it really got the party started. It was great seeing smiles on our guests’ faces, knowing they were enjoying the day as much as us. We loved every minute!

I’d say to other to-be-weds to enjoy every minute of planning. It may seem stressful, and at the beginning you’ll wonder where on earth to start so do try to get a clear picture of what you’d like. Pinterest and Instagram are the best places to be. Then go to your supplier appointments with your ideas so you can start adding your own touch to the day.”

Ashleigh's Little White Book

Band: Sneaky Treacle

Bridal outfit: Kavelle Couture

Bridesmaids’ outfits: Dressage Peterhead

Cake: Cakes by Kirsty

Décor and flowers: Jordana Events

Entertainment: Hazel Mair, Silver Service Singers

Hair: Zoe Gordon Special Occasion Hair

Mother-of-the-bride outfit: Joyce Young Design Studios

Photographer: Julie Lamont Photography

Piper: Norman Fiddes

Stationery: From Forty Five, Jordana Events

Tan: Brown Sugar by Sam Milne

Transport: RS Coaches

Treat table: Fairytale Fancies

Venue: The Marcliffe

Desert sage

Did you know that green symbolises peace and tranquillity?

For simple yet classy couples whose style is earthy rather than extravagant, Pantone has you covered with Desert Sage. A colour worth considering for a garden wedding, this classic tone that works beautifully with contrasting shades like blush pink and gold. Desert Sage is perfect for couples hoping to bring the outside in – simply add foliage on your wedding arch or leafy centrepieces.

www.aboynephotographics.com

Did you know Aberdeenshire, with more than 260 majestic castles, stately homes and ruins dotting its landscape, is known as Scotland’s Castle Country? That means your own version of the Windsor Castle really isn’t that far away from you… Yippee!

If Cinderella got her own castle, why shouldn’t you!? Read on to find out why you should live out your fairytale fantasy by hiring one of the Northeast’s finest castles or stately homes…

Amazing aesthetics

Throughout the region you’ll find properties with a variety of architectural styles to fit the vision you have for your wedding – but that’s not all. You’ll find swoonworthy staircases (inside and out!) and beautifully manicured lawns and gardens (you’ll feel like you’re in a period drama) that make the venue a total photographer’s paradise. It won’t be just you and your guests falling in love with the surroundings!

www.deesidephoto.co.uk

Décor done for you

Don’t fancy going DIY with décor? Don’t worry! Scotland’s gorgeous castles and stately homes tend to come with that box ticked, and messing with it would only dilute its impact. So, embrace the marvellous surroundings and keep your additions simple – think candles, florals and some subtle personal details. Bear in mind this could be a super cost-saver too!

www.aboynephotographics.com

Exclusivity use options

Brought to the forefront by the pandemic, microweddings have remained popular as couples fall in love with the idea of tying the knot in a super-intimate setting. And guess what? Your atmospheric local castles and stately homes, complete with loads of different cosy rooms, are the place for wee weddings, especially when they come with an option for exclusive use. Simply invite your select few and enjoy your little love bubble – all weekend long in some cases!

An option for every budget

08450 942424 www.LogieCountryHouse.co.uk

Stef@logiecountryhouse.info facebook.com/LogieCountryHouse

Marrying in a grand and historic building may sound like it’s going to cost the earth but don’t worry, that doesn’t have to be the case. Do your homework and you’ll find different venues fall into different price brackets, plus you can be creative with guest numbers, package options and more to ensure you secure your dream venue for the right figure.

Don’t forget…

To ask your venue about any rules and restrictions that need to be adhered to in these precious buildings. You may want to avoid fireworks and confetti, and invest in heel stoppers… But it’ll be oh-so-worth it! ♥