RELAXED AND RUSTIC

Kathryn Brackenridge & Michael Anderson

DATE: Saturday 15th June 2019 PHOTOGRAPHY: Pocket Square Photography VENUE: Knockraich Farm, Fintry

After falling in love with the cosy, rustic vibe at Knockraich Farm, Kathryn and Michael added a few handmade details to make the space their own

After ten years together and a romantic birthday proposal at the Falls of Foyers near Loch Ness, Kathryn and Michael knew from the off they wanted their wedding to be rural, rustic, relaxed – and peppered with personal DIY details.

They took their time exploring marquee and barn-style venues then came upon Knockraich Farm near Glasgow, which felt just right. “We thought the bothy for the ceremony was cosy and rustic, the reception shed was a good size and the grounds were ideal for an outdoor drinks reception. There’s a lovely family feel to the farm and everyone we dealt with was incredibly warm and helpful,” smiles Kathryn.

BECOMING THE BRIDE AND GROOM

With the venue in the bag, the bride spent a day shopping for her outfit with her mum and two bridesmaids – her childhood best friend and sister-in-law-to-be. Upfront from the outset about wanting a style that would break a bit from tradition, Kathryn headed for Unbridaled in Ayr. “This was definitely the right place to go,” she says. “The owner, Emily, knew the dresses so well and picked out my final choice.”

The gorgeous backless boho bridal gown, with its floral lace straps, beautiful silk skirt and unusual detailing, fitted Kathryn like a glove and showed off her silhouette perfectly. She finished the look with a full-length, draped veil made by Elizabeth Wallace, who had done her dress alterations, and accessories that came with a touch of nostalgia. “I wore jewellery I’ve had since I was a teen apart from some last-minute Swarovski earrings bought two days before.”

Keeping to the relaxed, bohemian theme, she kitted her girls out with an on-trend skirt and top combo whilst husband-to-be Michael donned the kilt he’d been gifted for his 21st birthday. His Anderson tartan provided the inspo for the theme of the flowers and décor, which the couple added their own personal touch to. “We made our own wedding invites, rustic decorations and table plan,” says the bride who admits to “reorganising the seating plan about ten times overnight” the night before the wedding!

“Take a moment to step back and enjoy the planning phase. It only happens once.” Kathryn

They’d hired lodges near the venue to stay in with the wedding party and Kathryn was up before the crack of dawn! It was worth it though as she got to spend that early morning time with her three young nephews. “That helped to keep me calm,” she laughs. “It was lovely having all our wedding party in one place, popping in and out for hair, make-up and cups of tea. It was the relaxed atmosphere I’d been hoping for.” Although she didn’t have a hair trial until the week of the wedding, Kathryn felt she was in safe hands with Emma Scott – and she couldn’t have been more right. “I loved the relaxed look she achieved for myself and the bridesmaids. She was really lovely to have around on the morning of the wedding, too.” Not one for normally getting her make-up done for events, and really keen on avoiding heavy coverage or anything too glam, Kathryn found make-up artist Heather Snowie was “perfect for our look.”

VOWS THAT MEAN EVERYTHING

Prepped and preened, she took to the aisle as a family friend played the piano. Kathryn and Michael tied the knot in

a humanist ceremony – something the couple felt fitted well with the values they wanted to take into married life. “It’s so easy to forget why the day is happening when you’re planning it,” she says. “Saying our vows reminded us what was important and why all our guests were there. It was a special moment.” After a drinks reception featuring delicious Katy Rodgers ice cream made from milk from the herd on Knockraich Farm it was onto the summery wedding breakfast, served on beautifully styled trestle tables. Organised by Bespoke Catering – “the best thing about planning was attending the food tasting!” – the feast was a barbecue packed with meaty, fishy and veggie options as well as loads of mouthwatering sides. A relaxed and joyful reception followed with a ceilidh band inside and lawn games outside. Little ones donned the capes from their goodie bags and ran around as mini superheroes whilst the grown-ups gathered around the cosy fire pit – and we’re not surprised! It came complete with a taco station, a whisky table, sparklers and s’mores… What more could you need? Reflecting on their big day, the couple (who are now proud parents to baby Eleanor) said that “the ceremony was perfect, the weather stayed sunny, the food was delicious, the speeches hit the right notes, the band was superb and our guests were a delight.”

Dream TEAM

BAND Drams Ceilidh Band BRIDE’S DRESS Chic Nostalgia at Unbridaled Boutique BRIDESMAID OUTFITS Monsoon, WED2B CATERING Bespoke Catering & Events CELEBRANT Jude Williams of A Quiet Revolution FLOWERS The Secret Garden GROOM’S OUTFIT Slanj Kilts HAIR Emma Scott Wedding Hair MAKE-UP Heather Snowie Bridal Makeup Artist RINGS Rivoli Jewellers

PHOTOGRAPHER’S CREDIT

“Michael and Kathryn had such a beautiful day, absolutely everything was perfect. Great weather, amazing décor and the Tin Shed at Knockraich Farm was the ideal venue for it. Everything was just a dream to photograph!”

Neil Jarvie Pocket Square Photography

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