Today, I’m thrilled to share the story of Kirstie and Phil’s joyful 29th birthday celebration in Glasgow, Scotland on May 11th, 2019. The couple’s approach was refreshingly simple – they chose elements that brought them happiness and joy, a philosophy I wholeheartedly endorse. As I’ve often emphasized, selecting what makes you happy is the key to a truly unforgettable day.Kirstie and Phil’s elegant wedding celebration allowed their modern venue to shine while subtle touches of pastel flowers, paper buttonholes, and a show-stopping sprinkles cake added a playful charm. The couple’s stylish attire, with Kirstie looking stunning in her non-maternity dress expertly altered for her pregnancy, further enhanced the occasion. Meanwhile, Phil and his groomsmen made a dashing impression in their sleek tuxedos.I’m grateful to Firefly and Embers Photography for generously sharing these delightful images today. As you indulge in this feature, I challenge you not to crack a smile!
29 Glasgow Wedding
The Proposal
As we bid farewell to our little boy’s grandparents, my partner Phil and I embarked on a romantic getaway. Our shared love of hiking drew us to a coastal trail, followed by a sumptuous meal at a quaint B&B. The hike was uneventful until Phil began acting strangely, insisting that we find a secluded spot to take in the breathtaking view. As if fate had intervened, we stumbled upon a picturesque clearing and it was there that Phil got down on one knee, his eyes locked onto mine, and asked for my hand in marriage.
The Vision
The idea of a wedding theme never really appealed to us. Instead, we wanted a celebration with our loved ones that was authentic and joyful. Without any preconceived notions or rigid plans, we simply did what made us happy. Each element of the big day was chosen because it brought us joy – whether it was the cake, flowers, or invitations didn’t matter as long as we loved every individual aspect. In the end, our happiness was all that mattered.
The Planning Process
As Kirstie navigated the venue search, her priorities centered around finding a location that catered to the convenience of family members on both sides of the border. With a goal of tying the knot within a year, securing the perfect spot became paramount. Initially, England was considered as a prime location, but after provisional booking for a forest wedding near their residence hit a snag due to conflicting schedules. This prompted Kirstie to reevaluate and luckily, 29 Glasgow offered an opening on a weekend in May the following year – mere months away from when they initially reached out in October. With the venue secured, the couple was able to streamline their planning process by purchasing a comprehensive package that included décor, cake, and entertainment. The remaining details were relatively effortless, as Kirstie easily connected with a humanist celebrant, ceilidh band, and photographer. A stroke of good fortune had them interviewing only one candidate for each role, and they immediately fell in love with their choices – all available on the designated date. As the pieces fell into place, it became clear that this wedding was going to be an unforgettable experience.
Budget
From the onset, we eschewed setting a specific budget for our special day, instead opting to focus on creating a joyful and understated celebration that reflected our personalities.
The Venue
Glasgow proved to be an ideal location for our special day, thanks in large part to the exceptional staff who went above and beyond to ensure everything ran smoothly. In particular, Louize, our wedding organiser, was a true gem. She not only accommodated our request for an innovative Indian-style buffet, but also cleverly convinced us that a seating plan would be essential. Given her expertise, we ultimately decided to follow her advice, and it proved to be the right call.
Your Outfits & Accessories
As Kirstie’s big day approached, she found herself in a predicament. Her stunning high-low wedding dress from Vera Wang had been her dream come true, but a surprise pregnancy left her scrambling to find a new gown that would accommodate her growing bump. After months of searching and trying on numerous maternity wedding gowns, she finally fell in love with an off-the-rack dress from Self Portrait, which she then altered with the help of a local dressmaker. The finishing touch came when her best friend Lynsey crafted a beautiful belt adorned with Kirstie’s father’s initials, allowing him to still be a part of the special moment despite his passing. To complete her look, Kirstie chose gold sparkly shoes from Nine West, which she was determined to wear no matter what – and had a backup pair of creamy glittery trainers for when she needed to switch it up. Meanwhile, Kirstie’s dress from Vera Wang remained unworn and unaltered, with tags still intact, and she would be thrilled to pass it along to someone who needs it just as much. Phil looked dashing in his black tie from REISS, while their son Ben donned a kilt – although it was a tad too large and only worn for a short time before being traded out for trousers. A unique touch came in the form of paper buttonholes crafted from maps of Glasgow and London, which Phil and the groomsmen proudly wore.
Beauty
On the morning of her wedding day, Kirstie visited Rainbow Room in Royal Exchange Square, where she had previously had a hair trial. Armed with photographs, she worked closely with the salon’s team to achieve the desired look. The result was nothing short of stunning, thanks in part to the expert touch of her sister, a skilled makeup artist who lent her talents to the occasion, creating a flawless and beautiful finish that perfectly complemented Kirstie’s overall aesthetic.
Wedding Party
In stark contrast to the dashing gents donning black tie attire adorned with paper map buttonholes, one notable figure stood out from the crowd. The Best Woman, a vision in her stunning red evening gown of her own choosing – with Kirstie’s enthusiastic blessing, no less – brought a pop of color and glamour to the proceedings.
The Readings & Music
To add an extra layer of surprise and excitement, we asked Kirstie’s sister and Phil’s friend to each select a reading that would leave us and our guests in awe. For the musical elements of the day, we carefully curated four key tracks: ‘Have You Ever Been In Love’ by The Divine Comedy set the tone for our entrance, while ‘Everything Is Awesome’ from The Lego Movie brought an infectious energy to our exit. Our first dance song was a personal choice, with ‘I Like’ also by The Divine Comedy providing the perfect ambiance. To ensure our English guests felt included and got into the party spirit, we opted for a second dance track – ‘500 Miles’ by The Proclaimers, which had everyone on their feet and dancing in no time! As you plan your own special day, be sure to explore our first dance song ideas and wedding readings for even more inspiration.
Your Photographer
We had the pleasure of working with Firefly and Embers Photography, and Liana was an absolute delight to work with. Despite being the only photographer we considered, she perfectly captured our personalities and made us feel at ease during the city centre photo shoot. Her talent for capturing stunning portraits is undeniable, and we treasure the memories she helped create. In fact, Kirstie’s sister has already booked Liana for her own wedding in 2021 – a testament to her exceptional skills. If you’re looking for inspiration for your special day, be sure to check out our wedding photos ideas page, where you can even download a helpful list.
The Flowers
As part of the comprehensive wedding package offered by Elaine Minto Blooms, we were treated to a stunning array of flowers. With no theme or plan in place, Kirstie worked closely with the florist to create a simple yet elegant pastel bouquet that perfectly complemented the register signing display piece. The attention to detail didn’t stop there – each female family member was adorned with a matching corsage in the same beautiful hues, adding a touch of understated elegance to the proceedings.
The Cake
Supplied by Special Days Cakes, we selected a stunning three-tiered cake that was fully draped in a vibrant array of multi-coloured sprinkles. The cake featured layers of tender vanilla, rich chocolate, and decadent red velvet sponge. We opted for this particular design knowing our son would be absolutely thrilled – and each of us picked a flavour to suit our personal tastes (Kirstie chose classic vanilla, Phil indulged in the boldness of red velvet, while Ben went all out with the deep richness of chocolate).
The Details & Décor
Glasgow, in its natural beauty, served as the perfect backdrop for our celebration. To keep things simple, we didn’t add any frills – not even a post box for cards, which was kindly provided by 29. We opted for an understated approach, omitting adult-focused perks and instead incorporating kid-friendly elements to keep young guests entertained during lulls in the speeches.
When it came to sustenance, 29 did us proud with a delectable buffet that featured Mediterranean appetizers and curry main courses. While we didn’t get to sample the offerings beforehand, we trusted their judgment – and they delivered, as many of our guests raved about the meal being one of the best wedding feasts they’d ever had.
The Honeymoon
As our family grew, so did our travel plans. With Kirstie’s pregnancy and the uncertainty surrounding Brexit, we decided to play it safe and plan a week-long getaway to Centre Parcs with our little one in tow. While we had initially envisioned a more exotic adventure, life had other plans – or at least, they have yet to come to fruition.
Memorable Moments
The ceremony exceeded all expectations, thanks to the thoughtful and personalized approach of our celebrant, David Smith. Despite the distance, he worked closely with us through Skype sessions and in-person meetings, crafting a truly unique and meaningful ritual. We took an active role in shaping the ceremony by writing our own vows and sharing three things we love about each other, as well as one area where we could work together to grow. David’s warm guidance and attention to detail brought it all together, creating a heartwarming celebration that was truly special.
Advice For Other Couples
Forget the pressure to conform to traditional wedding expectations. Instead, prioritize what brings you joy in every aspect of your big day. It’s okay to deviate from societal norms and create an event that truly reflects your unique love story.
Kudos to Kirstie and Phil for doing just that! Their 29 Glasgow celebration was a beautiful blend of personal touches and thoughtful details.
Behind the lens, Firefly and Embers Photography captured the magic. The couple’s choice of venue – 29 Glasgow – set the tone for an unforgettable experience. And let’s not forget Kirstie’s stunning self-portrait-inspired dress!
Phil looked dashing in his Reiss tuxedo, while Kirstie’s shoes were a perfect mix of style and comfort (Kurt Geiger for daytime and Kate Spade for evening). The floral arrangements by Elaine Minto Blooms via 29 Glasgow added a pop of color to the already-beautiful scenery.
A special shoutout to Olivia Howat Make-up, who helped Kirstie look like a radiant bride. Her hair was styled to perfection by the talented team at Rainbow Room in Glasgow.
The cake – a masterpiece by Special Days Cakes via 29 Glasgow – was almost too pretty to eat. Almost. The Jiggers provided the soundtrack for an unforgettable night, while David Smith’s humanist celebrant services brought the couple’s love story to life.
And finally, kudos to Paper Flowers by Nicky for creating those adorable buttonholes. What a lovely touch!
Thank you again to Kirstie and Phil for sharing their special day with us. It was an absolute pleasure to read about.