The Best Scottish Weddings, 37, July 2014

THE BEST

SCOTTISH

ISSUE 37 • JULY 2014

£3.90

WEDDINGS 269

dream bridal looks THE HOTTEST CATWALK STYLES + gown shopping made easy

sparkle SHIMMER &

1 5 0 + AMAZ

ING VENUES

TIME TO SHINE

Wedding lighting

CANDY CRUSH Sweet treats you’ll adore

with our 22-page jewellery special

PLUS GET FRESH: NEW ENTERTAINMENT IDEAS

keep in touch... @bestscotwed

/thebestscottishweddings

/thebestscottishweddings

/bestscottishweddings

bestscottishweddings.com

THE BEST

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WEDDINGS July 2014 017

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CONTENTS BRIDAL FASHION

THE BEST

SCOTTISH

ISSUE 37 • JULY 2014

£3.90

WEDDINGS 269

dream bridal looks

THE HOTTEST CATWALK STYLES + gown shopping made easy

sparkle SHIMMER &

150

+ AMAZING VENUES

TIME TO SHINE

Wedding lighting

CANDY CRUSH Sweet treats you’ll adore

with our 22-page jewellery special

PLUS GET FRESH: NEW ENTERTAINMENT IDEAS 01/07/2014 12:54 000_cover_final_37.indd 1

On the cover: Boston gown by Cabotine Novia by Gema Nicholàs, POA, stockists include Kudos Couture See page 380 for stockist details

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048 FASHION INSIDER Naomi Neoh 051 FASHION FOCUS Boutique news and new bridal collections 056 SHOP THIS WAY Finding your dream gown made easy 058 OUT OF THIS WORLD Dresses with stand-out detail 069 INSPIRATIONS Hologram and fruity 073 BEHIND THE VEIL We talk to the ladies of Kudos Couture 074 DARLING BUDS Fabulous floral lace and blossoming appliqué 084 STYLE WATCH The chicest trends from the latest collections 090 CAMPAIGN TRAIL Summer photo shoots from Scottish boutiques 093 FUTURE STARTS HERE The latest from White Gallery London 105 ONE DRESS, FOUR LOOKS Shoes and accessories 107 GIRL POWER The freshest bridesmaid colour palettes

GROOMS

133 WHAT SUITED ME Cool kilts and slick suits go head-to-head

JEWELLERY SPECIAL

027 TWINKLE TWINKLE A-LIST STAR We look at celebrities’ ring choices 030 MADE TO LAST Rings that will be with you til eternity 033 ICE ICE BABY Summer sparkle 037 HOW WE FOUND OUR RINGS Four couples share their stories 041 CANDY CRUSH Stay in jewel control with these glittering gems

MOTHER OF THE BRIDE

111 PEACH AND NAVY Two stunning colourways for mums 115 IN GREAT SHAPE How to flatter your figure, no matter what shape 119 MAXI-MUM BEAUTY Skincare and lifestyle pointers for MOBs

FEATURES

123 HOW TO LOOK GOOD NAKED Prebride body-bettering advice 129 PERFECT SMILE Wedding dentistry 150 MY WEDDING DIARY Ann Russell talks photography 153 PRICE IS RIGHT Hen and stag

ideas for all budgets THE BEST SCOTTISH WEDDINGS

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July 2014

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WEDDING VENUES

REGULARS 017 019 142 149 271 376 380

LOVE IT BRIDAL BUZZ LEGALITIES DATES FOR THE DIARY VENUE NEWS ADVERTISER INDEX STOCKISTS

SEE OUR ESSENTIAL GUIDE STARTING ON PAGE 269

IDEAS & PLANNING 207 217 229 231 235 245 259 263 383

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PHOTOGRAPHY & REAL-LIFE WEDDINGS 156 158 162

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FLOWERS CAKES FOOD & DRINK FAVOURS TRANSPORT MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT MARQUEES VENUE DECORATION HONEYMOONS & WEDDINGS ABROAD

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ALL SMILES Photography news MOMENTS TO TREASURE Crucial shots to capture on the day IT’S OUR SECRET Lynn Mallinson and Richard McFarlane PERFECTLY CRAFTED Lynn Maxwell and Truan Stuart WILD TIMES Rebecca Barnett and Rob Walker MINI REAL-LIFE WEDDINGS 10 couples share their big days PHOTO GALLERY A selection of images from Scotland’s leading photographers OH LA LA Beautiful boudoir photography

COMPETITIONS 103 104 126 146

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WIN tickets to the Scottish Wedding Show WIN tickets to the Edinburgh International Wedding Exhibition at the EICC WIN a spa day for six at Mar Hall WIN a gourmet weekend break at Altachorvie on the Isle of Arran WIN 2-for-1 tickets to Scotland’s Exclusive Wedding Event at Hampden Park Stadium WIN a CoolSculpting treatment at Face & Body Cosmetic Clinic WIN a print from Little Birdy, a cake from Cakes & Dreams and lanterns from The Hanging Lantern Co.

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Photo: lilyjasmine.com

Be a diva Ruby & Diva is a new online bridal boutique curated by fashion and wedding stylists. It features exclusive collaborations with some of the freshest talent in the industry, including Britten Weddings and Hetty Rose Shoes.

The site is bursting with exquisite bridal headwear, vintage-inspired wedding dresses, elegant wedding shoes, contemporary wedding accessories and creative decor details. We adore the this botanical letter garland by Lucy Says I Do that can be personalised with your own names or message, from £15.

Bridal buzz

Vital sparkles

Tempting treasures for your trousseau

Got a family heirloom that you'd love to wear for your wedding but it just really isn't 'you'? Help is at hand.

L'Argenette in North Berwick specialises in reworking old pieces of jewellery into wearable treasures. The yellow gold and diamond bangle above is just one example of such work from designer Gillian O'Brien's portfolio. "Surely it's better to breathe new life into old pieces, rather than have them hiding in a box," she says, and we couldn't agree more!

1 One whiff of Penhaligon's new Countryside Candle Collection and you'll be transported to fragrant hedgerows and sunlit forests. Our pick is 'An Amble in the Orchard', a bright green blend of basil, green pea and juicy and tart apples and pears, £87 2 Camilla Carrington’s ‘Vintage Paradise’ collection is crafted by hand in a rural setting in the stunning Brecon Beacons National Park. Silk flower headpiece, around £89 3 Around 150,000 children attend the Royal Hospital for Sick Children at Yorkhill in Glasgow each year for treatment and they all benefit from the ‘extra’ services and vital pieces of life-saving medical equipment provided by Yorkhill Children’s Charity. Show your support with a cute pin badge favour on a thank you card, £1.50 (pin badge and card also available to purchase alone) 4 We spotted these Peony laser-cut leather lovelies on Harriet Wilde's stand at White Gallery back in April and were bowled over by their intricate floral pattern, £199.99. They'll be launching late September, so keep your eyes on the Harriet Wilde website and Scottish stockist Arabesque in Perth if you want them for yourself 5 Filled with poems about love and commitment, Penguin's Poems for Weddings is a sensible buy if you're struggling to find readings, £14.99, Penguin Books See page 380 for stockist details

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Photo finish

Skin-perfecting beauty saviours

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From top: Crème de la Mer's Oil Absorbing Lotion leaves a soft matte finish on which to build make-up, £165; Eve Lom Sheer Radiance Translucent Power diffuses and reflects light, £42; create a natural glow with new Moisture Surge CC Cream Compact Hydrating Colour Corrector by Clinique, £30 THE BEST SCOTTISH WEDDINGS

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1 Forever collection diamond and 18ct white 14 gold heart ring, £3175, Ian Mundie & Son 2 Arthur’s Seat dual ring in sterling silver and black rhodium-plated sterling silver with cubic zirconia stone, from £213 (can be personalised with your choice of landscape), Jen Cunningham Jewellery 3 9ct white gold diamond ring set with one 0.30ct diamond and 10 small diamonds, £1900, The Jewellery Room 4 Palladium RBC diamond engagement ring (made to order in your choice of metal and diamond weight), from £2585, La10 by Celtic Art 5 Crisulu silver round white stone three-claw necklet, £459, Laings of Glasgow 6 Forever collection diamond and 18ct white gold heart drop pendant, £3380, Ian Mundie & Son 7 Platinum collection pear cut 0.16ct diamond pendant, £595, Laings of Glasgow 8 4.63ct full diamond wedding band, from a selection, John McKay Jewellers 9 Silver cubic zirconia open heart earrings, £39.50, Chisholm Hunter 10 Sunflower silver and cubic zirconia pendant, £60, Liam Ross Goldsmith 11 9ct white gold round brilliant open heart diamond 0.13ct bracelet, £495, Chisholm Hunter 12 Iconic round brilliant diamond ring, from £8995 for 1ct, and matching wedding band, from £895, both Laing Edinburgh 13 18ct white gold diamond drop earrings, £580, James Brown and Partners 14 18ct white gold 0.12ct round brilliant diamond floral wedding ring, £945, Chisholm Hunter 15 18ct white gold 0.24ct round brilliant diamond wedding ring, £495, Chisholm Hunter 16 Spirit collection diamond Chi white gold earrings, £695, Laing Edinburgh 17 Capriccio sterling silver and crystal oval pendant, £107.50, John McKay Jewellers 18 Pink gerbera heads, from a selection at Country Baskets See page 380 for stockist details

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1 18ct rose gold large cluster pendant with amethyst, diamond ,pink tourmaline and sapphire, £1695, Chisholm Hunter 2 9ct rose gold round brilliant diamond 0.40ct open double teardrop pendant, £795, Chisholm Hunter 3 Entwined 18ct pink and white gold diamond-set pendant, £2600, Ian Mundie & Son 4 Chopard Happy 18ct rose gold diamond and onyx earrings, £1400, Laing Edinburgh 5 Venus 9ct rose gold and 0.50ct diamond ring, £2876, Sheila Fleet 6 9ct rose gold flower bracelet, £620, Liam Ross Goldsmith 7 9ct rose gold and diamond ring, £960, The Ringmaker 8 Platinum, 18ct rose gold, ruby and diamond ring, £3250, The Jewellery Room 9 18ct rose gold cushion cut pink morganite and pink diamond 0.40ct cluster ring, £2250, Chisholm Hunter 10 Hug collection freshwater cultured pearl, diamond and 18ct pink gold ring, £565, Ian Mundie & Son 11 9ct rose and 9ct white gold celtic band, £645, The Jewellery Room 12 9ct yellow and rose gold diamond ring, £760, The Ringmaker 13 Love heart table scatters, £2.75 for around 60 pieces, Talking Tables 14 Cardboard letters, from a selection at Country Baskets See page 380 for stockist details

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Out of this world Sophisticated silhouettes, stand-out details and stunning embellishments give this season's gowns the wow factor Photography by Aikman Smith Fashion by Ian Tod

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Fashion

Above: Ivory lace and beaded dress by Art Couture (style AC230), £1050, Simply Exquisite Bridal & Prom Boutique. Pearl bead bracelet, £59, John McKay Jewellers. Hand-beaded headband with net veil, from a selection, Bridal Bliss Online.

Opposite: Catrina ivory fine zibeline silk strapless dress, ivory Italian lace jacket with silk trim and ivory bow beaded flower belt all by Sassi Holford, POA, Charlotte Grace. Gold and pearl necklace, £79, John McKay Jewellers. Vanilla veil headband with two beaded flowers, from a selection, Bridal Bliss Online. See page 380 for stockist details

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Below: Bathilda L’Attrice ivory dress style by Intuzuri Costura, £1713, Elegance Bridal Boutique.

Five flower necklace, £38, John McKay Jewellers.

Wild hand-tie bouquet of calla lilies, peonies, viburnum, monkshood and leucadendron, from £65, and wild flower headband of peonies orchids, viburnum, monkshood and leucadendron, from £30, both Miss Bloom. White net, stylist’s own.

See page 380 for stockist details

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Below: Ontina embroidered dress with tulle-covered ivory lace bodice, sweetheart neckline and frilled skirt by Pronovias Dreams Collection, £1900, La Novia. Love heart necklace, £38, John McKay Jewellers. Floral lace headband, £112, Bridal Bliss Online.

See page 380 for stockist details

THE BEST SCOTTISH WEDDINGS

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Below: Duende ivory mermaid bridal dress with heart-shaped neckline with white feathers, tulle bodice with floral lace and skirt with cascading flounces by Pronovias, £1695, Kavelle Couture. Large beaded pearl belt, from a selection, Charlotte Grace. Ivory and gold guipure lace beaded headpiece by Richard Designs, £98, Alison Kirk Bridal.

Opposite: Ivory full-skirted wedding dress with scoop neckline (style 2039) by Jesus Peiro, £2700, Anais Bridal Couture.

Ivory bow in hair, POA, Alison Kirk Bridal.

Chunky silver heart necklace, £38, John McKay Jewellers.

See page 380 for stockist details

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THE BEST SCOTTISH WEDDINGS

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Left: Electra raw silk fitted gown with plunge V-back embellished with appliqué flowers by Alan Hannah, POA, Alison Kirk Bridal.

Vintage leaf side headband, from a selection, Westend Wedding Boutique. Snowdrop Collection pendant in crystal enamel, £110, and Snowdrop Collection bracelet, £210, both Sheila Fleet.

Opposite: Ivory silver lace dress

by Sweetheart (style 5995), £950, Mes Souliers. Ivory lace and tulle cape, £80, Alison Kirk Bridal. Flower headband by Twilight Designs, from a selection, Westend Wedding Boutique.

Birdcage with candles, available for hire, Get Knotted.

See page 380 for stockist details

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THE BEST SCOTTISH WEDDINGS

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Right: Ivory lace gown (style F161011) by Jasmine Collection, POA, Alana’s Bridal Lounge at The Scottish Wedding Rooms.

Starflower necklace by Leigh Anne McCague, from a selection, Alison Kirk Bridal. Bouquet of calla lilies, blue delphinium, anthuriums, peacock feathers, thistles, avalanche rose, lily grass and wire work, £95, Nikki’s Fleurs.

Opposite: Sonata tulle sheath with illusion neckline, mirrored jewels and sparkling Swarovski crystals in diamond, white and pewter by Sottero & Midgley, £1775, Wedding Belles. Collar necklace, £38, John McKay Jewellers. Headband by Twilight Designs, from a selection, Westend Wedding Boutique.

See page 380 for stockist details

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Photography Aikman Smith Photography, www.aikmansmithphotography.com Photography assistant Isabella Timmins Make-up Karen Bowen, www.karenbowenweddingmakeup.com Model Amelia Johnson at Colours Agency Shot on location at Jupiter Artland, Bonnington Estate, near Edinburgh. For more information, call 01506 889900, email weddings@jupiterartland.org or visit www.jupiterartland.org

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Below: Lala ivory floral gown with sleeve detail by Pan Pan Couture, £2300, Pan Pan Bridal.

Mikimoto pearl bracelet, £965, Laing Edinburgh. Nefyn cap veil by Joyce Jackson, £175, Arabesque.

Opposite: Christy tulle gown with floral waistband and shoulder detail by Joyce Young Collections, £1995, and pearl brow-band headdress and veil, from a selection, both Joyce Young By Storm. 18ct white gold 1.50ct round brilliant flower cluster pendant, £4275, and platinum 2.00ct round brilliant cut diamond flower cluster dress ring, £7950, both Mr Harold and Son. Lilac silk bouquet of amaranthus, roses, peonies, tulips, lavender, sea holly, scabiosa, cornflower, sweetpea and heather, POA, Brides2Bouquets. See page 380 for stockist details

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Darling buds

Fashion

Fall in love with romantic floral appliquĂŠ and beautiful, blossom-adorned lace Photography by Dawn Marie Jones Fashion by Ann Russell and Beth Forsyth

THE BEST SCOTTISH WEDDINGS

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Above: Clementine ivory floral appliqué dress by Charlotte Balbier, POA, Apple Blossom Time. 18ct white gold 4.69ct fancy diamond floral pendant, £13,750, and 18ct white gold 1.81ct diamond fancy floral cluster dress ring, £5750, both Mr Harold and Son. Soft cream silk circlet of cream roses, orchid, physostegia, lisianthus and foliage, POA, Brides2Bouquets. Blossom Time open-toe heels by Hassall, £120, Arabesque. Bouquet of blue hydrangeas, pink rice flower, aquilegia nora barlow, lysimachia atropurpurea, olive leaves and treefern, made to order, The Black Orchid.

Opposite: Peony full skirt and separate top with bow sash by Blue Bridalwear (available in short or full length), £2259, Ivory Whites. Birdcage fascinator with stiff organza rose, £79, Kudos Couture. 14ct lobster clasp multicolour 38” pearl necklace, £995, and 14ct yellow gold clasp freshwater pearl 8” bracelet, £195, both Chisholm Hunter. 18ct rose gold and 1.27ct diamond flower ring, £2500, Laing Edinburgh. Fleur heels by Rachel Simpson Shoes, £164, Arabesque. Red silk bouquet of roses, peony, wildflower, ivy, eucalyptus and berries, POA, Brides2Bouquets. See page 380 for stockist details

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THE BEST SCOTTISH WEDDINGS

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Right: Style 9720 layered lace fitand-flare with beaded sweetheart neckline and beaded trim at waistline and chapel-length train by Signature

by Justin Alexander, £1660, Wedding Wise. 54” veil with silver trim and silver rosette detail by Richard Designs, £110, Kudos Couture. 9ct white gold round brilliant 0.20ct open diamond heart pendant, £495, Chisholm Hunter. Bouquet of blue hydrangeas, pink rice flower, aquilegia nora barlow, lysimachia atropurpurea, olive leaves and treefern, made to order, The Black Orchid.

See page 380 for stockist details

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Below: '50s collection lace dress with soft pink base, ivory petticoat and ivory belt, packages (including dress, petticoat, belt and alterations) from £850, Dragonfly Dress Design.

Megavissey floral headpiece with intricate handmade flowers and a birdcage veil, £335, Emily-London. 18ct white gold round brilliant pink sapphire and 0.13ct diamond cluster drop pendant, £995, Chisholm Hunter. Pink and lilac pearl bracelet, from a selection, Under Your Hat. Gala lace open-toe heels by Else, £59, Arabesque. Soft cream silk bouquet (on dressing table) of hydrangea, ranunculus, snowball, physostegia, lisianthus and roses, POA, Brides2Bouquets.

See page 380 for stockist details

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Below: Style 9123 in lace appliqué and satin with demure lace butterfly sleeves, POA, Allure Bridals.

Headband with crystal and pearl details by Richard Designs, £119, Kudos Couture. Anna 18ct white gold diamond pendant, £5150, and Anna 18ct white gold 0.75ct diamond earrings, £1800, both Laing Edinburgh. Pearl bracelet, from a selection, and lace parasol, £34.99, both Under Your Hat. Opposite: Valentine ivory gown in organza over orchid with floral appliqué on skirt by Karen George, £1315, A Bridal Path. Heart-shaped necklace and earrings with pearl detail, £4.99 for the set, Under Your Hat. White silk circlet of foliage, gypsophila and orchid, POA, Brides2Bouquets.

See page 380 for stockist details

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Above: Danbury ivory short dress with floral appliqué by Enzoani, £1295, and ivory silk flower headband, £49, both Kudos Couture. 18ct white gold 8.11ct multi coloured sapphire and 0.33ct diamond flower cluster drop pendant, £8500, Mr Harold and Son. Pearl bracelet, from a selection, Under Your Hat. Gala open-toe lace heels by Else, £59, Arabesque. Opposite: Rosanna wedding gown with textured floral skirt by Eleganza Iconica, made to measure from £1800, Eleganza Sposa. Coquette flower headband, £125, Dee Dee Bridal. Maneke floral clip veil by Rainbow Club, £125, Arabesque. 14ct yellow gold clasp freshwater pearl multi-strand 17” pearl necklace, £245, and 14ct yellow gold clasp freshwater pearl 8” bracelet, £195, both Chisholm Hunter. Platinum 2.00ct round brilliant cut diamond flower cluster dress ring, £7950, Mr Harold and Son. Bouquet of blue hydrangeas, pink rice flower, aquilegia nora barlow, lysimachia atropurpurea, olive leaves and treefern, made to order, The Black Orchid.

See page 380 for stockist details

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Photography Dawn Marie Jones at Stoyanov and Jones, www.stoyanovandjones.com Photographer's assistant Stanislav Stoyanov Hair and make-up Lyn McKenzie, www.lynmckenziemakeup.co.uk Model Rachael Hood at The Model Team Shoot assistants Abbie Bunton, Sarah Gillespie Shot on location at Drumlanrig Castle, Thornhill. Call 01848 331555 or e-mail weddings@buccleuch.com to find out more. www.drumlanrigcastle.co.uk/weddings Nestled within the most picturesque rural setting Dumfries and Galloway has to offer, Drumlanrig Castle offers a host of wedding venues to suit everything from small, friendly gatherings to large, formal ceremonies. Located just an hour from Glasgow, this unique backdrop will create unrivalled photographs and treasured memories.

Special thanks to Colin Bevan and Cathy Burrows for their kind assistance on the day.

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THE BEST

WEDDING PLANNER You’re engaged: congratulations! But what next?

We share the need-to-know basics and legalities of planning your wedding in Scotland...

SETTING THE DATE

The

basics What you can expect to spend as a minimum on your wedding

When you announce your engagement, it’s the burning question on everyone’s lips: “So, have you set the date?”. Whether you decide to fast-track your wedding and get hitched within a few months of the engagement, or take a year (or more) to allow you to save some pennies, a high percentage of couples still choose to set the date for the lighter, brighter months of April to September in the hope of securing some sunshine. Saturday is still the most popular day to get married, with Friday and Sunday taking second and third places. It’s worth keeping in mind that during peak season (including Valentine’s Day and the run-up to Christmas), weekend dates can be booked up two to three years in advance at sought-after venues, as can in-demand suppliers. Being a bit flexible with your date and getting married on a weekday or off-season will often leave you in a better position to negotiate a good deal with your venue.

PAPERWORK To submit a notice of marriage: £30 each To obtain a copy of your wedding certificate: £10

CEREMONY FEES Civil weddings To solemnise a civil marriage: £55* *Depending on where you get married (in some cases even if it’s in a registration office), the local authority may wish to charge more than this statutory fee if additional facilities exist. Local authorities may also fix fees for the registrar to attend an approved place other than registration offices. Your district registrar will advise on any additional fees you may have to fork out for.

Religious weddings Fees and donations vary, but, for example, you should be ready to make goodwill donations of £150 upwards if you are getting married in a Church of Scotland, to cover the minister’s time, church hire, organist, church officer’s services etc.

Humanist weddings Visit The Humanist Society Scotland (www.humanism-scotland.org.uk) or Independent Humanist Ceremonies (www.humanist-ceremonies.org) for information on fees for Humanist ceremonies, but you should expect to pay from around £300-£400.

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CEREMONY TYPE AND CHOOSING THE VENUE This is the most important aspect of the initial planning process as you can’t properly begin to organise other suppliers and services until you’ve booked the appropriate venue(s).

To begin with, draw up a rough guestlist for the ceremony and reception so you know approximately how many people you will have to accommodate. Then, you and your spouse-to-be should discuss the type of ceremony you’d like to have as this will ultimately affect your choice of venue.

Depending on your ceremony type, you can host your ceremony at one location before starting the celebrations in another; or host all the proceedings under one roof.

In Scotland, there are two types of ceremony: civil and religious.

Religious ceremonies include marriages by celebrants of many Christian denominations, and celebrants from other religions like Judaism and Islam. They also include celebrants from other belief systems, notably Humanist and Interfaith.

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Photos: www.shutterstock.com

Countdown 12 months

Scotland is one of only eight countries in the world where Humanist ceremonies are legally conducted and they continue to grow in popularity 1 Civil ceremony A civil ceremony is conducted by a district registrar at a registrar’s office or other approved location. There are hundreds of approved locations in Scotland for civil marriages to take place. You’ll find these, along with contact details for registration offices in your area, listed on the General Register Office for Scotland website (gro-scotland.gov.uk).

If you want to have a civil wedding elsewhere, in your back garden for example, you’ll need to apply for a licence for those premises and the registrar will be able to talk you through the process and fees involved. The ceremony itself will include the statutory declarations, but you can personalise proceedings by incorporating poetry, music or readings.

2a Religious ceremony The most common venue for this type of ceremony will be a religious building, although a religious ceremony can take place anywhere as long as it’s solemnised by a minister, pastor, priest or other person entitled to do so under the Marriage (Scotland) Act 1977. Bear in mind that not all are willing or able to do so if they feel the location doesn’t reflect the meaning of the ceremony.

• The Church of Scotland In the first instance, you should approach the minister of the parish where one of you resides. You can marry in the Church of Scotland if you are not a member, but the minister will want to discuss with you whether a religious ceremony is what you’re looking for and whether he/she agrees it is appropriate in your situation. If you see a church you’d like to marry in, it will stand you in better stead if you

have some connection with the parish, family ties for example, before approaching the minister. www.churchofscotland.org.uk • The Catholic Church Speak to your local priest and he will be able to advise you on the requirements for a Catholic wedding. If one of you is not Catholic, it may be possible to wed in a Catholic church, but a dispensation from the local Catholic bishop is required, and this will normally only be given if certain conditions are fulfilled. www.catholic-church.org.uk • Muslim weddings Firstly you should speak to the Imam of your mosque or your local cleric. The format of the ceremony will vary depending on your cultural background. If the person conducting the ceremony is not authorized individually by the Registrar General then you may need to have an officiating ceremony at a registrar’s office.

• Jewish weddings These are most often held in a synagogue and presided over by a Rabbi. Before the wedding ceremony, the ‘ketubah’, or marriage contract, is signed in the presence of two witnesses. www.jmc-uk.org

2b Humanist ceremony Scotland is one of only eight countries in the world where Humanist ceremonies are legally conducted and they continue to grow in popularity. The ceremonies are entirely secular and non-religious, leaving you free to make all the important choices about location, readings, music and the wording of your promises to each other. The celebrant will be able to guide you through the process. www.humanism-scotland.org.uk; www.humanist-ceremonies.org

Set your wedding date ..................

Decide on your budget .................

Book wedding venue .....................

For church/other religious weddings make arrangements with minister/celebrant .................

Give notice to registrar (civil ceremonies) ..............................

Make a guest list................................

Book band or DJ ................................

Book any other musicians ............

Book any other wedding entertainment................

Book the caterers ..............................

Book the photographer ................

Book the film-maker........................

Book wedding transport ...............

Book the florist ...................................

Book the honeymoon ....................

Order the cake....................................

Choose your bridesmaids.............

Start looking for your wedding dress....................................

Decide on your ushers ...................

Decide on your best man .............

6 months Have first fitting for the wedding dress ...........................

Choose wedding shoes .................

Shop for other accessories ...........

Choose the wedding rings...........

Arrange outfits for:groom..................................................... best man & ushers............................ bridesmaids ......................................... fathers & mothers .............................

Order wedding favours .................

Order the invitations .......................

Order any other stationery...........

Arrange to see hairdresser ...........

Book a beautician .............................

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A fine romance If there’s one thing Scotland leads the world in, it’s castles. We’ve got everything from rugged fortresses and moss-covered battlements to impressively restored palaces and dreamy Victorian fantasias. Here is our selection of some of the very best castles in which to tie the knot Words by Holly Jones

Is there anything more romantic than a castle? The turrets, flagstones and ancient walls could tell a thousand stories of adventure. Get married in one and some of that romance is bound to rub off on your own love story, so grab your fairytale princess/knight in shining armour and book yourself a little piece of history.

DRUM CASTLE Deep in the ancient Royal Forest and Park of Drum is this lovely medieval castle. It dates from the 13th century and boasts beautiful gardens and grounds that make the perfect backdrop for memorable wedding photographs. There is plenty of space for a large marquee accommodating up to 250 guests. Inside the castle itself, which is in glorious Royal Deeside, not far from Aberdeen, the drawing room and elegant library are licensed for ceremonies and each can seat 70 guests. Outside in the grounds, meanwhile, is Drum’s 16th-century chapel – perfect for religious ceremonies of up to 45 guests.

0844 493 2100, www.nts.org.uk

FYVIE CASTLE Like Drum, Fyvie Castle is within easy reach of Aberdeen. It is a breathtaking vision of towers and turrets, offering a fairytale setting for a wedding. There are several locations within the castle and its landscaped grounds for your ceremony and reception, including the gallery and drawing room, the billiards room and the dining room.

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These beautifully restored spaces can seat from 50 to 120 guests, while larger weddings can be catered for in a marquee in the gardens.

Inside this magnificent Scottish Baronial fortress are some wonderful Edwardian interiors as well as a world-famous art collection that includes masterpieces by Raeburn and Gainsborough. Picture your guests sipping champagne among these classic works of art – a truly unique experience on such a magical day.

0844 493 2100, www.nts.org.uk

AIRTH CASTLE The award-winning Airth Castle Hotel & Spa is in the heart of Stirlingshire, sitting in acres of parkland and picturesque gardens.

Once owned by the family of Robert the Bruce, this 14th-century castle is a quintessentially Scottish venue for a special occasion.

Luxurious and elegant, it can cater for parties of up to 300 guests, so if you are planning a large and lavish ceremony this may well be the venue for you. There are also 125 bedrooms and a number of suites in the castle, so you can be sure there will be plenty of space for all your guests.

01324 831411, www.airthcastlehotel.com

KINNETTLES CASTLE Not many castles could get away with describing themselves as ‘boutique’, but Kinnettles can. This classic turreted castle, close to

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Venues

Clockwise from far left: The truly ancient Drum Castle, near Aberdeen, has witnessed some dramatic events in Scottish history – could your wedding be next on the list?; the ‘Pink Palace’ (aka Drumlanrig Castle) in Dumfries and Galloway, makes a superb backdrop for wedding photos; Airth Castle was once home to the family of Robert the Bruce, so you’ll be following in some illustrious footsteps if you marry here; an ancient fortress just outside Edinburgh, Dalhousie also offers modern luxuries such as a fabulous spa and topquality dining; Stonefield Castle, on the banks of Loch Fyne in Argyll, has elegant interiors and wonderful surrounding parkland that makes it a fantastic place for a wedding

Dundee and Forfar, was built by wealthy Victorians and is now available to hire as an exclusive-use wedding venue. Parties of up to 200 guests are welcome to wander in Kinnettles’ 44 acres of beautiful parkland and enjoy panoramic views across Angus. There are 11 beautifully furnished bedrooms in the castle as well as a further two in the adjoining gate house, so your whole family can take the weekend off and relax in this Scottish paradise. Kinnettles’ wedding team is available to put together bespoke packages that will suit all budgets and create a wedding to remember.

01307 820 354, www.kinnettlescastle.com

CULCREUCH CASTLE Culcreuch Castle Hotel, near Stirling, has been the ancestral seat of Clan Galbraith for over 700 years. Set within the 1600-acre Culcreuch estate and overlooking its own private loch, it offers a truly fairytale setting for any couple looking for a romantic wedding venue.

Weather permitting, ceremonies can be conducted in the castle’s grounds, but there is also the option on chillier days of hosting the service indoors, surrounded by the crackling log fires and antiques of this truly authentic Scottish venue.

01360 860555 , www.culcreuch-castle-hotel.com

DRUMLANRIG CASTLE Drumlanrig Castle is at the heart of the 90,000-acre Queensberry estate in Dumfries & Galloway, just an hour from Glasgow, and has been a family home of the Dukes of Buccleuch for over 200 years.

Known as the ‘Pink Palace’ thanks to its unique red sandstone, it is one of Scotland’s most celebrated historic buildings. It has a number of exquisite rooms for weddings, from intimate receptions within the castle itself to a bespoke marquee on the lawn seating up to 800 guests. The fine architecture and breathtaking views mean you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to wedding photographs.

01848 331555, www.drumlanrig.com

ROWALLAN CASTLE Available for exclusive use, Rowallan Castle Golf and Country Club in Ayrshire is a Victorian masterpiece by the celebrated Scottish architect Robert Lorimer. Recently awarded five-star status by Visit Scotland, it offers stunning views to Ailsa Craig and the Isle of Arran.

The drawing room, library and dining room can accommodate up to 100 guests for formal dining, while the billiard room, gun room and playroom offer a more relaxed space for informal drinks receptions.

The croquet lawn to the south of the castle provides the perfect space

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Weddings abroad

BLACK PEARL Indulge your hubby-to-be’s pirate fantasies by getting married on this luxury phinisi (Indonesian two-masted sailing ship, FYI). The Alila Purnama, which translates as ‘full moon’, sails around Indonesia – with 13,466 islands comprising the world’s largest archipelago, you’ll have plenty to see and explore. Holding your ceremony on the main deck of the Alila Purnama will guarantee some jaw-droppingly awesome wedding photographs. But don’t blame us if you spend

your big day hoping a certain Johnny Depp will climb on board and plunder your booty!

NEED TO KNOW Enjoy a Bali wedding aboard the Alila Purnama from £23,000, which includes a ceremony on the deck for 60 guests, a reception dinner, flowers, a violin player for the ceremony and a DJ for the reception. It also includes a three-night sailing to Bali and the Gili Islands with water activities and accommodation for ten people. www.alilahotels.com/purnama

Maritimeweddings Sail through your ceremony by getting married on one of these stunning vessels

SPLASH OUT As happens in many places around the world, you’ll need to have your ‘official’ ceremony before embarking on the Lady Britt, but you are free to have your marriage blessed atop the sun deck on this 206ft yacht, enjoying 360˚ views of deep blue Caribbean sea. Cruise around the crystal-clear waters before taking the celebration on land in a secluded bay, where the crew can prepare a romantic candle-lit dinner for you and your guests. There’ll be no shout for last orders as you dance on the warm sand and make as much noise as you like, before slinking back on board into your master cabin.

NEED TO KNOW Luxury superyacht charter company Edmiston offers week-long charters of the Lady Britt starting at £360,000 – you’d better put your Lottery numbers on this weekend! www.edmiston.com

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Sea the beauty

Think casual yet chic for the on-board bride

Right: Style 1400, Blush

by Hayley Paige Below: Heart sunglasses in white, £4.99, Attitude Clothing Co. Bottom: Gold strap sandals, £165, Benjamin Adams See page 380 for stockist details

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Cyprus thrill Real-life bride Elaine wanted to get married abroad, so she jumped at the change to get hitched on a yacht in Cyprus

COME FLY WITH ME Exclusive Yacht Weddings is the go-to company if you’re looking to get married in Cyprus. It can organise ceremonies on the beach, in gorgeous town halls or villas, or on one of its six stunning yachts (including the beautiful Ocean Flyer, pictured above). Offering a range of packages from reception-only to all-inclusive, the team are happy to arrange your big day for you. Using trusted local suppliers, they’ll take care of everything – even arranging an open-topped double-decker bus (for your guests) and a cream London cab (for the happy couple), leaving you free to relax and look out your bikini.

NEED TO KNOW Packages start from around £570 and include a two-hour reception on a yacht for 30 guests, with silk flowers, champagne and nibbles. www.exclusiveyachtweddings.com

UNDER THE SEA Couples concerned about turning on the waterworks during their ceremony can alleviate such concerns by having their ceremony underwater. Yes, underwater.

Anantara Kihavah Villas in the Maldives has just launched its Dive Wedding package, where adventurous couples can sign their wedding certificate underwater, exchanging rings from a special keepsake shell.

We’ve watched The Little Mermaid too many times to have any doubts that getting married under the sea surrounded by breathtaking marine life would be unforgettable, as well as a great story (accompanied with amazing underwater photos taken by the resort’s photographer).

NEED TO KNOW The Dive Wedding package costs around £5460 per couple and includes the underwater ceremony, a lobster and seafood barbecue, flowers, hair and make-up, and underwater photos. www.anantara.com

All decked out Pick the perfect suit for the sunshine Right: Howick straw trilby with woven band, £22, House of Fraser Below right: Gianvito Rossi colour-block suede boat shoes, £360, Matchesfashion.com Far right: Tailored-fit white linen suit, £199, Moss Bros See page 380 for stockist details

“We fell in love with Cyprus when we visited the island on our first holiday as a couple, so choosing to get married there was an easy decision.

It was accessible for our friends and family to fly to as well, which was very important to us. When we started our planning, we were looking for a unique, private wedding venue that would wow our guests, so when we saw the pictures of what Exclusive Yacht Weddings had to offer we were sold.

We also liked that the company was able to help out with the planning and organising – all we had to do was book our holiday, buy some outfits and rings and turn up! From our initial contact with the team there, we knew we were in safe hands – they even helped source a Vespa scooter for us! The legal side of things is also easy to sort out, as all your documents and ceremony are in English.

We had our ceremony aboard a luxury yacht and then had our wedding photos taken at a 16th-century castle, before returning to the yacht and setting sail on the Mediterranean. We anchored in a secluded bay to enjoy our wedding breakfast under the stars and then partied the night away. It does not get better than that! Having our closest friends and loved ones by our side on our big day made the experience unforgettable.

I wish I hadn’t worried so much about all the little things – the favours and table settings, for example. Yes, everyone loved their little gifts and our personal touches but we needn’t have stressed as much as we did.

The overall feeling on the day and afterwards was that it was a spectacular celebration – we certainly did it in style!”

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THE BEST

SCOTTISH

WEDDINGS

Issue 37 July 2014

Editor Beth Forsyth Editorial Assistant Sarah Gillespie Designers Abbie Bunton, Ashley Johnston, Linda Park Advertising Manager Julia Wilkinson Assistant Advertising Manager Linda Bruce Advertising Sales Laura Campbell, Susan Salmon PUBLISHER Peebles Media Group Ltd 11-12 Claremont Terrace Glasgow, G3 7XR Telephone: 0141 567 6000 Facsimile: 0141 332 2153

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