SAY ‘I DO’
in style
Our guide to Scotland’s
dreamiest venues HOW TO DESIGN YOUR OWN
rings
370 pages of advice & inspo to plan your perfect wedding
Let’s go, girls!
Hen party ideas for every bride
New season
FASHION PREVIEW FIRST LOOK AT THE LATEST WEDDING DRESSES
Fashion
Randy Fenoli Bridal
Ronald Joyce Dando London
This style of lace is enjoying a moment right now – we’re in love
Danit Levi
Sincerity
Tal Kedem
THE MEGA PLUNGE Not everyone wants to be the modest, buttoned-up bride. And if you’re in the got-it-flaunt-it camp then you’re in luck, because this season is all about a deep plunging neckline that extends down to the navel à la Billie Faiers. Be reassured that most dresses in this style have a flesh-coloured illusion panel in place, so you won’t need to worry about falling out. Coya Collection
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I wanna be unadorned
We’ve all given our wardrobes the KonMari treatment, and thanks to Mrs Hinch our homes have never looked so clean and clutter-free. So perhaps this is why there’s a demand for minimalist gowns with no embellishment or fuss. Or maybe it’s because a certain member of the royal fam showed us all how elegant this look can be. Whatever it is, there’s no denying how chic and modern a pared-back dress is. Morilee
Allure Bridals Sincerity
Justin Alexander seriously nailed this look this season
Justin Alexander
Eternity Bridal
Sincerity
Justin Alexander
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Bride: A-line ‘Leonora’ gown with semi-high neckline and intricate lace detail (between £1,400 - £1,500), Opus Couture. Gold, pearl and diamond ring (£675), Laings. Pearl and diamante ‘Catherine’ drop earrings (£35), Melle Cloche Bridesmaid: Light blue True Bridesmaid dress (POA), The Finer Detail Natalie (far back): ‘Tinkerbell’ flower girl dress (POA), The Finer Detail Layla: ‘Swan Princess’ dress (£330), Crystal and Pearl Bridal Teepees as before
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Bridesmaid: ‘Olga’ georgette polka dress in Champagne (£235), Motee Maids. Pearl hair clip as before Bride: White by Vera Wang flutter-back sheath gown (from £675) and White by Vera Wang lace trim veil (£159.95), both David’s Bridal. Pale pink ‘Harper’ chandelier earrings (£60), Melle Cloche. Large hand-tied bouquet with bellflower, bluebells, feverfew, grasses, ranunculus, tulips, wild carrot and woodoats (£145), Days of Dahlia Layla: Handmade ‘Alisha’ flower girl dress (from £170), Mirka Bridal Couture. Handful of flowers with bellflower, bluebells, feverfew, grasses, poppies, ranunculus, tulips, wheat and woodoats (£60 each), Days of Dahlia Natalie: ‘Fleur’ dress (£139) Lilly + Bo at notonthehighstreet.com. ‘Elena’ flower girl sash (£38), Motee Maids. Flowers as above
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Fashion
loves
YO U C A N N E V E R H AV E T O O M A N Y B A G S – O R PA I R S O F S H O E S . H E R E ’ S A S E L E C T I O N O F T H E V E R Y B E S T F O R YO U R W E D D I N G
BADGLEY OF HONOUR
HALF MOON
SNEAK UP
With their crystal-embellished toe strap and heel, these satin Badgley Mischka sandals (POA), available in store at Opus Atelier, are the last word in glam.
It looks like a designer bag, but this is actually a Zara number (£29.99). Its semicircular shape and wooden handle are v. on-trend.
If heels aren’t your thing, check out the Kate Spade x Keds collab. These triple decker trainers (£108), embellished with rhinestone flowers, will still add height.
opusatelier.co.uk
zara.com
katespade.co.uk
B LU E B E L L E
M I I STA R I G H T
M A D E F O R WA L K I N G
TOT E ’ S A M A Z I N G
Joyce Young Design Studios is the exclusive Scottish stockist of Emmy London shoes. We’re obsessed with the Cinderella-inspired ‘Bluebell’ (£745).
Handwoven in off-white leather, the ‘Taissa’ shoe (£195) is perfect for boho brides. Plus, square toe + chunky heel = easy to dance in.
You can totally wear ankle boots on your wedding day – especially when they’re as pretty as ‘Jasmine’ (£495). Check that mother of pearl heel.
Whether you’re after an on-brand bag to take to wedding fairs or you just want something cute to keep your planner in, this canvas tote (£5) is a winner.
joyceyoungcollections.com
miista.com
freyarose.com
matalan.co.uk
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Fashion
the lobe
‘DROBE ‘Avery’ freshwater pearl drop earrings (£50) Lily Luna
OUR EDIT OF THE BEST B R I DA L E A R R I N G S
‘Snowdrop’ silver and enamel earrings (£86) Sheila Fleet – Scottish Designer Jewellery
APM Monaco Meteorites rose gold drop earrings (£120) Harvey Nichols Edinburgh
Percossi Papi topaz and pearl earrings (£225) Net-A-Porter
Nina Kastens mother of pearl face earrings (£325) Tomfoolery London
Amazonite earrings (£90) Hush
‘Montgomery’ Art Deco inspired earrings (£65) Melle Cloche
Stephanie Browne ‘Starry Starry Night’ earrings (£115) Anne Priscilla Bridal
18ct white gold 1.60ct tanzanite and diamond earrings (£1,570) Laings
Stephanie Browne ‘Bocheron’ earrings (£110) Rachel Scott Accessories
Mrs’ earrings (£125) Tada & Joy
Ranjana Khan white beaded hoop earrings (£390) Moda Operandi
Mini ‘Naia’ earrings (£240) Tilly Thomas Lux
Etched silver drop with citrine (£50) Sweet Rosie
THE
H E A LTH + B E AUT Y
BEAUTY HEROES
Scotland’s top bridal hair and beauty experts reveal the big day products they couldn’t be without
1.
Lauren At The Loft When so many of us face the prospect of changeable weather on our wedding day, it’s important to find a product that can prep your locks for wind, rain or a particularly sweaty rendition of Strip The Willow. “Wella Professionals EIMI Perfect Setting Spray is my hero product – I use it on every single bridal hairstyle I do,” says Lauren. “I spray this on before heatstyling hair and it helps to really hold the shape, while also protecting the hair from heat damage.”
2.
Makeup By Hannah B We often hear of brides complaining that they didn’t sleep well ahead of the big day due to a combination of excitement and nerves. If you’re prone to dark circles but want to look bright as a button when you make your way down the aisle, heed Hannah’s advice: “My hero product is Becca Under Eye Brightening Corrector. It’s a light formula and iridescent – great to cover any pigmentation under the eyes, giving you a fresh, beautiful look for your wedding day.”
3.
Mandy At Hair Ups Even if you’ve used a product to prep your hair pre-styling, you’ll always need a mist of hairspray to keep everything in place. But nobody wants to be the bride with the rock-solid do. So what’s best for a natural look? “My can’t-live-without product for bridal hair is L’Oreal Paris Elnett Volume Excess Hairspray,” advises Mandy. “It’s perfect for strong hold without the residue – no bride wants to be caked in hairspray! It’s all about the natural, soft-looking locks.” L’Oreal Paris Elnett Volume Excess Hairspray (£6.69) superdrug.com
Wella Professionals EIMI Perfect Setting Spray (£11.10) lookfantastic.com
4.
Kirsty Macpherson Hair And Make Up Artist Few bridal makeup artists would forego primer; it’s essential for creating a smooth base, and helps to ensure your foundation stays in place from morning until night. There’s a primer for every skin type, and if your complexion is on the oily side you’ll love Illamasqua Matte Veil Primer. “It instantly and visibly turns skin matte before applying foundation, keeping oil at bay so that less powder needs to be applied,” says Kirsty. “It’s great for combination or oily skin.” Matte Veil Primer (£34) illamasqua.com
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H E A LTH + B E AUT Y
SCENTS
of OCCASION CHOOSING THE RIGHT WEDDING FRAGRANCE CAN BE A MINEFIELD. EDITOR NATASHA RADMEHR FINDS OUT WHY GETTING IT RIGHT IS SO IMPORTANT
S
ocial media has destroyed my brain. I find myself constantly reaching for people’s names, unable to remember what I’ve done at the weekend when someone asks, or picking up my phone for a specific purpose then immediately getting distracted by something – everything – until my original intention is impossible to recall. My short-term memory is awful. And yet the faintest whiff of a familiar scent will transport me instantly to the most specific of memories. The aroma of the doughnut shop beside my flat, warm sugar intermingled with espresso beans, takes me back to standing in my grandad’s bakery aged nine, eyeing up his strawberry tarts to the hum of the coffee machine in the café next door. Cheap hair gel is the thrilling smell of being 14 years old and kissing boys whose parents shopped for toiletries in Semichem. Orange blossom is a hot day in Seville. Scent is so evocative because your brain processes it differently to your other senses. While things that you see or hear go straight to your thalamus before being rerouted to the relevant parts of your brain, smells are fasttracked directly to your olfactory bulb, which is linked to your hippocampus (where memories are formed) and amygdala (the brain’s emotional centre). Interestingly, this means that a sniff of the perfume you wore at your wedding could rouse a more vivid recollection of the day than looking through photos. “By choosing a special perfume for this day, you are changing the destiny of time,” says Tessa Williams, author of Cult Perfumes: The World’s Most Exclusive Perfumeries. “Every time you smell this perfume afterwards, you’ll be immediately drawn back to your own special day. That is why you should go to huge lengths to make sure you find a scent you’re totally elated with.”
question wearing except for the fact you feel your wedding deserves something unique and new; you’re a bit of a fragrance maven and can’t decide whether to wear one of your myriad favourites or add to your growing collection; or you’ve been gifted perfume before but have never shopped for one and found a smell that felt like you. If you’re in the first camp, stick with the one you love – that’s what marriage is all about, after all – especially if it’s a scent that has carried you through many of life’s big milestones. There’s a real comfort in familiarity, which is not to be underestimated on a day that may prove, at times, overwhelming. The last thing you want is to be wearing a perfume that jars. Those prone to experimentation who already have a wardrobe of fragrances would do well to consider what would best match your wedding season and the theme you’re going for. YSL Opium, for example, is perfect for a glamorous winter celebration; Jo Malone London’s Peony and Blush Suede would complement a light and airy summer wedding. If you want something that nobody will be able to identify immediately, you could combine two scents to make something new and different (Jo Malone London offers free consultations where an expert will guide you on which scents can be layered). Or stray from the mainstream to discover a lesser-known brand. “The less commercial the perfume, I always think the more standout,” says Tessa, citing By Killian, Frederic Malle, Azzi Glasser and 4160 Tuesdays among her under-the-radar go-tos for brides-to-be seeking something different. And if you’re a total newbie? Hit the shops – and don’t feel pressured into buying something straight away. “Discovering a new perfume requires attention, time and patience,” tips Tessa, who advises you go fragrance shopping in the morning when your senses are more acute. “Perfume can only be tested on clean skin with no other fragrance on it,” she adds, “and the best place to try is the pulse points on the wrist where the veins give off a little heat, which improves olfactory sensitivity.”
Discovering a new perfume requires attention, time and patience
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HOW DO YOU CHOOSE? Most brides-to-be will have one of the following dilemmas: you’ve got one go-to perfume that you very rarely deviate from, which you would never usually
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Fashion
D.I.S.C.O Lauren King + Grant McNally Cottiers, Glasgow Friday 27 th July 2018 Photography | Dom Martin Photography cottiers.com | dommartin.co.uk 176 SCOTTISHWEDDINGDIRECTORY.CO.UK
R E A L LI FE W EDDI NGS
Inspired by Solange’s w-day style and a love of disco, Lauren and Grant really made their day their own
M E A N T T O B E … We met under the huge
disco ball in O2 ABC in 2010 but didn’t exchange numbers. As fate would have it, in 2012 we met at the same spot – but this time he didn’t let me get away. D AT E T O R E M E M B E R … We wanted to get
“I was just so happy walking down the aisle – the most happy I have ever felt”
married on the anniversary of the date we first properly met: Friday 27th July 2012. Cottiers was just perfect! It ticked every box because we could have the ceremony and reception in the one place. ALL THINGS BRIGHT AND B E A U T I F U L … We knew we wanted a ‘disco’
wedding but we didn’t want it to look tacky. We went for a watercolour theme using pink, orange and yellow to make it nice and bright.
F A M I LY T I E S . . . We also wanted to integrate
my Nigerian heritage. We decided to use different colours of ankara (an African fabric). I made Grant a bow tie and pocket square from ankara and my gran made my dad a waistcoat and tie from another pattern. I then had both patterns as ribbon on my bouquet as a symbol of joining our families together. S H E K N O W L E S H E R M I N D … My
inspiration was Solange. She was a beautiful bride! I wasn’t that nervous about dress shopping because I knew exactly what I wanted. My dress was designed by Suzanne and Lauren at Susanne Christyne Bridal. I wanted a Bardot neckline and a dramatic train and that’s exactly what the girls designed for me. A H E A R T F E LT G I F T… My husband
surprised me on the morning of our wedding with a locket bracelet. He cut out pictures of my brother who passed away so that I could have him with me all day. F R I D AY F E E L I N G … I was so excited. We
had a great morning with mimosas, Abba, then more champagne. It was fab. I was just so happy walking down the aisle, the most happy I have ever felt. Just pure joy. T H E P E R F E C T B L E N D … Jack Graham
married us. He is an old family friend who knew my brother, and because he is a minister it suited both Grant’s religious and my nonreligious background. We kept it casual by having loved ones read out lyrics to our favourite songs as readings. D I S C O V I B E S … We had two DJs from The
Buff Club DJ our wedding. They played nothing but disco hits all night, it was amazing! I loved dancing to the last song of the night, Last Dance by Donna Summer, with everyone around us. No one wanted to leave! SCOTTISHWEDDINGDIRECTORY.CO.UK 177
CORNHILL CASTLE
Cornhill Castle is a stunning venue in the Biggar countryside. Its threestorey Balmoral honeymoon suite was unveiled in 2017 as part of the venue’s £850,000 revamp. Occupying one of the castle’s original turrets, the first floor comprises a beautifully decorated living room with a winding staircase leading up to the bedroom. A highlight is the bathroom, a sunken area just off the bedroom complete with large hot tub bath, a two-person sauna and a massive rainfall shower. The top floor is a real hidden gem: a one-of-a-kind champagne room in which bottles of fizz adorn the specially adapted walls, and a special bottle chilled to exactly the right temperature has pride of place in the centre of the room. CORNHILLCASTLE.CO.UK
dreams SUITE
BALBIRNIE HOUSE HOTEL
Recently named ‘The World’s Best Destination Wedding Retreat’ at the Haute Grandeur global awards, it will come as no surprise that Balbirnie House Hotel in Markinch has a pretty spectacular honeymoon suite. After a £50,000 investment, The Pearl Suite is an absolute show-stopper, from its £22,000 free-standing fully surrounded glass shower (sourced from London) to the elegant décor: think soft grey and pearlinspired hues with a vintage French aesthetic. With views out across the 400 acres of beautiful parkland, it’s a truly romantic setting for newlyweds. BALBIRNIE.CO.UK
KICK OFF MARRIED LIFE IN STYLE IN A VENUE W I T H A N I N S TA- W O R T H Y H O N E Y M O O N S U I T E
THE TORRANCE HOTEL
The Torrance Hotel in East Kilbride, South Lanarkshire is home to perhaps one of Scotland’s most indulgent honeymoon suites. Running over two levels, the ground floor features a king-size bed, a bathroom with dual his-and-hers sinks and a luxurious lounge area; the perfect place to raise a glass with your new spouse on your wedding day. Climb the spiral staircase to the mezzanine level and you will find the pièce de résistance: your very own private spa containing a sunken jacuzzi bath, steam and sauna room, complete with loungers and a mirror TV so you can kick back and relax for hours. THETORRANCEHOTEL.CO.UK
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BOCLAIR HOUSE HOTEL
Situated in Bearsden, just a short drive from Glasgow city centre, the impressive Boclair House Hotel hosts exclusive-use weddings and can provide seriously sumptuous accommodation in one of its 12 perfectly styled suites. The Arran honeymoon suite is the stuff of dreams; after a blissful wedding day, you and your other half will retire to Art Deco-inspired interiors and bespoke furnishings, while champagne on ice sits within arms’ reach of the indulgent freestanding copper bath. This converted turret room features a spiral decorative staircase, tower shower and hisand-hers mirrors for the ultimate pampered stay. BOCLAIRHOUSEHOTEL.CO.UK
CROSSBASKET CASTLE
Tucked away on the outskirts of Glasgow and with incredible views of the River Calder and its stunning waterfalls, Crossbasket Castle is an uber-luxe venue with a rich history. The main castle dates back to the 18th century, and its 16th-century tower has been transformed into a four-storey honeymoon suite (yep – four!). The incredible converted tower has a bridal dressing area, fourposter bed, bathroom with walk-in shower and roll-top bath, and your own luxury lounge area – it’s what honeymoon suite dreams are made of! CROSSBASKETCASTLE.COM
GLENSKIRLIE HOUSE AND CASTLE
Located in Banknock, Stirlingshire, Glenskirlie House and Castle is a wonderfully chic wedding venue with not one, but two honeymoon suites to choose from. Each of the beautifully appointed suites are individually themed, and both are incredibly glamorous. In the main room, you will find your own lounge and dining area, with a luxurious four-poster bed behind a glittering curtain. The suites also have walk-in wardrobes, separate powder rooms and lavish en-suites with a luxurious whirlpool bath, double shower and his-andhers sinks, a perfect room for your special day. GLENSKIRLIEHOUSE.COM
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SWDs BARNBOUGLE
visit
CASTLE
Editor Natasha Radmehr is among the first to celebrate the restoration of this gorgeous new wedding venue
The castle has space for 120 guests, and a marquee can be erected for larger celebrations
I
feel like I’m in a film. The doors have just opened into the Banqueting Hall at Barnbougle Castle to reveal a magnificent barrel-vaulted room, flooded by natural light from its arched windows. A long, elegant table, festooned with tall, blousy floral arrangements and flickering candles, stretches the length of the hall. Lining the walls are gilt-framed ancestral portraits of the Primrose family (Earls of Rosebery), who have owned Barnbougle for almost 400 years. The castle has been a labour of love for this family. The building spent much of the past century being used as storage, until the opportunity arose to breathe new life into it. Considerable attention has been lavished on its respectful modernisation, with no expense spared, and now Barnbougle can be hired as an exclusive-use wedding venue – and it’s one of the most beautiful I’ve ever visited.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS The location alone is enough to win me over. The castle stands resplendent within the Dalmeny Estate in South Queensferry, surrounded by lush woodland. I spot Highland cows and lambs roaming the expansive grounds, and can’t believe I’m only 15 minutes outside of Edinburgh. Its private beaches and proximity to water, right on the edge of the Firth of Forth, make the city feel even more of a distant memory. This coastal setting is incredibly romantic; perfect for windswept wedding photos, and there to be enjoyed even from within the castle, as many of the rooms directly overlook the water.
This room is as fabulous a setting for a ceremony as it is for a drinks reception
LASTING IMPRESSIONS There’s a special feeling when you’re in Barnbougle that’s difficult to distil into words. Though it’s undeniably grand, decorated with original furnishings, textiles and antiques, it’s also cosy. This is in part because of its six libraries filled with literally thousands of books. So historical are these tomes that they can’t be touched, but guests would have a field day perusing the spines. Even the doors in the loos are cleverly disguised as bookcases – a thoughtful touch masterminded by Lady Jane Kaplan – which proves a fun talking point. As the venue is all yours for the day, you can marry wherever you like, be it surrounded by literature in the Scottish Library or outdoors in an alfresco ceremony. Though you can’t stay over, there’s a bedroom to get changed in. Guests can spill out onto the waterside terrace for the drinks reception to soak up both the dramatic views and the delicious Great British Vermouth that’s made on Dalmeny Estate. You’ll feel like royalty ascending the spiral stone staircase to the breathtaking Banqueting Hall. Then, as the night draws in and the moon shimmers on the water outside, dance into the wee hours on the sprung wooden floor. ROSEBERYVENUES.CO.UK Barnbougle Castle works exclusively with Honeycomb Catering, whose food is nothing short of exceptional. From mangalitsa pork belly with spiced tamarind jus, to cucumber, fennel and seaweed water ice with gorse flowers, every plate of my meal was an innovative delight.
visit
ASHLEY COOMBES
SWDs
Myres Castle
The beautiful Spanish Chestnut tree on the front lawn is believed to have been planted by Mary Queen of Scots!
Features writer Katie Bletcher falls in love with this fairytale venue all over again
KAROLINA KOTKIEWICZ PHOTOGRAPHY
House party... Myres Castle is
sold as a real house party experience and from the moment the bridal party arrives at 4pm on the Friday, you have the run of the whole castle. Guests are shown to their uniquely decorated rooms (the castle sleeps 20 with a further four in the lodge), before settling down to dinner. Then the next morning the castle’s a hive of activity with hair and make-up and a light lunch served in the Victorian kitchen before the ceremony. couples can tie the knot anywhere in the beautiful grounds, the main evening activities focus around the barnquee and apple store, built around a lush lawn which has the feeling of a village green. Teas, coffees and cake are often served in the apple store and two firepits are lit outside, but the seethrough sides of the barnquee (which also roll up) stop the party ever feeling separate with everyone able to see the dancing and join in the fun.
LA CK
All together now... While
SUZ AN NE B
I
first visited Myres Castle in the autumn of 2014, not long after owners Amanda and Henry had taken it over, and back then I was blown away by the charm of the place. Approaching the castle in the spring this time, though, is a truly breathtaking experience. From the moment I drive under the cherry blossom and see the carpet of bluebells I can just feel this venue starting to work its magic on me. Before I even ring the doorbell I spy the majestic copper beech, under which many couples choose to say their vows. The castle itself is of course magnificent, with its stunning reception rooms and beautiful bedrooms, but it’s outside that your wedding planning dreams can really take shape. If you don’t fancy getting married under the beech you could choose from the rose garden, the hidden lawn or inside the apple store with its pretty stained glass window (capacity 150). Host your drinks reception in the immaculately kept gardens or let your guests loose on the labyrinth before heading to the speciallybuilt barnquee, which has space for 170 guests for your wedding breakfast, speeches and dancing. Then at night the gardens take on a whole new charm, lit up by countless lanterns.
MYRESCASTLE.CO.UK
The pizza oven by the barnquee has been a very popular addition, providing a great talking point for your evening fare Myres Castle won 2018 Best UK Wedding Venue with the Hudson UK Heritage Awards for stately homes.
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