BOHO VIBES

Leanne Shirley & Rhys Darg

DATE: Wednesday 20th October 2021 PHOTOGRAPHY: Iris Art Photography VENUE: The Old Millhouse, Dalkeith

Despite setting the date for just three weeks after he got down on one knee, wedding planning was uber-chilled for dapper Rhys and his elegant, boho bride Leanne

After meeting in the gym where they worked as personal trainers, London-based Leanne and Rhys had been together for eight years when he proposed. “We were camping on the Isle of Mull and he asked me to marry him in a private cove surrounded by trees,” explains Leanne. “We’d actually already

decided a few weeks earlier that we wanted to get married. So, I really wasn’t expecting to get a proposal. It was a lovely surprise!” Deciding there was no time like the present (“We’d been travelling around the UK and, pre-proposal when we’d decided we wanted to get married, I jokingly asked Rhys whether we could make it happen when we were visiting Scotland,”) the pair speedily set a date for just three weeks after the proposal… on Scottish soil!

SMALL AND PERFECTLY FORMED

They quickly fell in love with The Old Millhouse, a luxurious and peaceful venue on the banks of the River Esk – perfect for a wee wedding. “We didn’t tell anyone apart from the six people who came (our parents, siblings and newborn niece, Indi) to keep the wedding as stress-free as possible. We wanted a really relaxed day, just about us and our love for one another.” With such an intimate celebration, they kept décor simple and added personal touches here and there. “When Rhys proposed on the beach we decided to find some pebbles for our table names so they meant something to us and our guests.” Meanwhile, Leanne had a clear vision of the look she wanted (boho bride all the way) but was worried she’d struggle with the little time she had. Luckily, she nailed it, finding a preloved Spanish designer dress down south. Backless with draped cuffs and a subtle chain, her gown was the perfect companion for the flower crown she’d always dreamed of – and a signature hat! “I love wearing hats so found one on ASOS and attached some of my dress material for the post-ceremony photos.” She topped off her outfit with funky ankle boots and changed into Vans for dancing.

“I felt great waking up on my wedding morning, next to my husband-to-be. We sat in bed with coffee writing thank you notes to the family members that would be spending the day with us.”

Leanne

After a chilled-out planning process, the relaxed vibe continued. The day before the wedding consisted of a leisurely family walk, then a dip in the hot tub. And on the wedding morning the couple both remember feeling great! Bucking tradition, they kicked off the day together watching a video Rhys had made of their couple journey. “We all sat around sipping champagne in our pyjamas and watching our most precious memories on the big screen. Then we scooted off to our separate rooms to get ready.”

AN ULTRA-EXCLUSIVE GARDEN PARTY

Leanne arrived at the outdoor ceremony with Beyond by Leon Bridges playing and her husband-to-be looking on. “I was blissfully happy,” she remembers. They had a humanist ceremony personalised with a few Scottish traditions and their own vows. “I can’t even describe the feeling you get standing there listening to the one you love saying their vows. It was amazing.” Afterwards, the close-knit party celebrated with champagne and canapés prepared by a private chef. The talented Nichola Pearce also created the couple’s “perfect wedding menu” by pulling together their favourite dishes and adding her own stunning flavours for a showstopping finish. Putting their own spin on the speeches, the newlyweds had all six guests say a few words during the meal. “We had pauses between courses and each person had their turn. Each one brought tears to our eyes – in a good way! We’ll cherish everyone’s words forever.” Onto the evening, and it’s safe to say the less is more philosophy followed for their guest list and décor was dispensed with.... This wee wedding party knew how to rock a dancefloor! LOOKING BACK

Reflecting on their speedy turnaround, Leanne and Rhys have absolutely no regrets. “We’re so happy we had the day we did at such short notice and we’re so, so happy to have been married in Scotland. It will always be a special place for us,” smiles Leanne. “The best bit about organising the wedding was talking to all the people that were going to pull together our perfect day because it made it feel real. We’d advise other couples not to think too much about planning – just book it! Then be selfish and have the day you want!”

Dream TEAM

BRIDE’S DRESS Otaduy at Rock the Frock Pre-Loved BRIDE’S HAT ASOS CELEBRANT Alex Moore of Humanist Society Scotland DÉCOR The Old Millhouse FLOWERS AND FLOWER CROWN Ivy & Thistle GROOM’S OUTFIT Marc Darcy GROOM’S SHOES Barbour RINGS Anvil and Ivy

PHOTOGRAPHER’S CREDIT

“I loved the natural and genuine vibe of the wedding. Leanne and Rhys picked one of the most atmospheric venues in the area and it matched their personalities perfectly. I loved how close to nature everything was and how effortlessly beautiful they were! Adored every minute of this intimate wedding.”

Justina Iris Art Photography