Today, we’re thrilled to share the enchanting Comrie Croft wedding of Tim and Paulina, which took place on May 2nd, 2019 in Perthshire, Scotland. This lovely couple exchanged vows amidst a picturesque meadow surrounded by trees and a stunning flower arch, followed by an unforgettable night of revelry in rustic barns. What made their special day truly unique was the beautiful fusion of Australian, Polish, and Scottish cultures, expertly woven together to create a deeply personal and memorable celebration.
The wedding was a love letter to nature, with exquisite flowers, show-stopping outfits, and mouthwatering cuisine taking center stage. The atmosphere was electric, with the DJ spinning tracks that had guests laughing and dancing into the night. Paulina stunned in not one, but two breathtaking dresses – a whimsical 3D flower gown with veil and flower crown for the ceremony, and a chic 1950s-inspired number for her dance floor debut. Tim, meanwhile, exuded charm in his check waistcoat and jacket, navy trousers, tan shoes, and floral tie.
The talented John Elphinstone Stirling was behind the lens, capturing every precious moment – from the tender first look to the smallest details – with his camera. We’re grateful for his generous sharing of these exquisite images.
The Proposal
In a chance encounter that bridged continents, Australian Tim met Polish Paulina during her student exchange program in Melbourne. Although Paulina eventually returned to her home in Glasgow, Scotland, the distance only strengthened their bond as they navigated a long-distance relationship. However, their romantic journey took an unexpected turn when Paulina posed a question over Skype, leaving Tim’s plans for a future proposal on Whitsunday Island in shambles.
The Vision
We opted for a laid-back, two-day celebration that blended the best of three worlds – Australia, Poland, and Scotland. The night before the big day was all about camaraderie, with a massive BBQ bringing our families and friends together. We had ample accommodation on site, allowing everyone to stay under one roof and enjoy each other’s company as we prepared for the festivities ahead. Our vision was to create an eclectic atmosphere that honored our diverse cultural heritage, with a beautiful outdoor ceremony at its heart.
The Planning Process
Countless late nights spent together, filled with creative brainstorming sessions using mind-maps, A-boards, and colour cards. To ensure we chose the right people for our big day, we made a conscious effort to meet everyone in person. In addition to attending a couple of wedding fairs with our bridesmaids by our side, we also spent ample time researching online and having open discussions with our parents about all the finer details.
The Venue
Comrie Croft provided a stunning backdrop for our special day. Rather than settling on one option, we had multiple plans in place to ensure the ceremony went smoothly – from plan A (a picturesque meadow between the trees) to more unconventional options like B, C and D. The venue’s flexibility was also reflected in its spacious design, which allowed our guests to stay overnight and unwind in one of several cozy lounge areas. Meanwhile, the ‘Last Chance Saloon’ proved an idyllic setting for the bridal party to prepare for the big moment. And as if all that weren’t enough, we were spoiled for choice when it came to capturing our wedding memories, thanks to the beautiful outdoor spaces and even a majestic waterfall waiting to be photographed!
Your Outfits & Accessories
For their special day, Tim and Paulina sought out unique and personalized attire that reflected their individual styles. The groom’s suit was crafted by Forbes Tailoring in Glasgow, offering an original design that stood out from the crowd. The waistcoat added a touch of elegance, while the vibrant color brought a pop of personality to the overall look.To complete his outfit, Tim chose shoes from River Island, a tie from Marks & Spencer, and a shirt from Burton. His stylish ensemble was the perfect complement to Paulina’s stunning dress and veil, designed by Savin London for Eleganza Sposa. The beautiful combination of 3D flower details and flowing fabric was made even more enchanting when paired with a flower crown and an outdoor wedding amidst lush greenery.For her maid of honor, Paulina chose a dress that evoked the fairy queen from mythology – a truly magical choice. The dress itself was designed by Savin London, and its ethereal quality was perfectly captured in photos.As for Tim’s first dance attire, he opted for a 1950s-inspired white dress from British Retro, ensuring that his movements wouldn’t be hindered by an overly elaborate design. To complete his look, he selected custom-made low-heeled flats from Etsy, which provided the perfect balance of comfort and bridal elegance – a challenge to find in stores, but well worth the effort.
The Readings & Music
The ceremony featured a personalized service by Humanist celebrant Vivienne Hyndman, who incorporated ring-warming, hand-fasting, and a Celtic blessing at the conclusion. To add a personal touch to the hand-fasting ritual, we worked with Altergirls to create a custom belt from excess fabric from Paulina’s dress. The atmosphere was further enhanced by the warm tones of music played through a Bluetooth speaker, which also served as a mic for speeches. In addition to its role in providing background tunes, the speaker proved to be an effective tool for amplifying voices during the speeches. Our Maid of Honour took part in the ceremony by reading a Celtic blessing and sharing a toast of whisky with us from a Quaich. The celebration continued late into the night, with DJ Collin Bell’s energetic performance and leading of wedding games, including musical chairs with an exciting twist, a penalty-driven coachman game, a groomsmen/bridesmaids dance-off, and a lively ceilidh.
Bridesmaids
While individuality was paramount for our bridesmaids, they surprisingly all gravitated towards a pastel color theme. Each girl chose a different soft hue and opted for a flowy maxi dress that would make them feel both beautiful and comfortable. We deliberately avoided imposing a uniform style or color to allow each personality to shine.To tie everything together, we ordered matching flower hair combs for the girls, as well as a stunning flower crown for our maid of honor. To add an extra touch of whimsy, we also commissioned tiny flower bouquets from Tomnah’a Market Garden – a delightful surprise that added to the overall charm.
Beauty
For the occasion, we had the pleasure of working with Louise Quinn for our hairstyles and Laura Sutherland for makeup. The aesthetic was all about embracing a natural, bohemian vibe, and both professionals brought their expertise to the table to help achieve this look. Their work was truly impressive.
Groomsmen
For the groomsmen’s attire, the focus was on coordination rather than uniformity. The group consisted of individuals from diverse geographical backgrounds, with the exception of one fellow who shared the same hometown as the groom. To achieve a cohesive look, they opted for pieces from various retailers, including Marks & Spencer and Amazon. The common thread was a royal blue hue, which was paired with tan shoes to complement Tim’s suit. This approach allowed each individual to showcase their personal style while still presenting a unified front.
Your Photographer
John Elphinstone Stirling’s photography skills truly shone through as he effortlessly captured the essence of our celebration in a relaxed and candid manner, perfectly aligning with the style we had envisioned. His dedication was impressive, as he remained on site for an extended period, only leaving when his storage space was nearly depleted. Even after initially thinking we’d captured everything, new moments would emerge, prompting him to extend his stay. He also played a significant role in making our ‘first look’ moment truly unforgettable.
The Flowers
The picturesque Tomnah’a Market Garden played a significant role in the wedding’s aesthetic appeal. The garden’s offerings included exquisite wild flowers, which were expertly crafted into wedding bouquets, a stunning flower crown for Paulina, and charming boutonnières that unfortunately were forgotten for the groomsmen. Additionally, the team created an array of floral elements, such as flower confetti to add a touch of whimsy, barn column decorations that brought warmth and coziness to the space, and a breathtaking archway that served as a beautiful focal point. Furthermore, the garden’s wreaths, which had been left hanging by the previous wedding’s vendors, were thoughtfully removed before being taken down, leaving them intact for our special day.
The Details & Décor
One of the highlights of our wedding in Scotland was the exceptional wedding lighting hire from props, which allowed us to set everything up ourselves with the help of Tim’s mum and our maid of honour’s mum. They created a truly magical atmosphere that exceeded our wildest dreams. The Selfie Mirror by Melissa added an extra layer of fun, and we even recorded a video message to ourselves just before our first dance in the barn. We also incorporated traditional Polish elements into our wedding, including a bread and salt greeting and the breaking of glass. Our caterer was outstanding, receiving rave reviews from all of our guests and us for their exceptional service and delicious food. The bar team, provided by the same group that handled our props, went above and beyond to ensure everyone’s needs were met. To top it all off, we even had a BBQ the night before, which featured Polish sausages and homemade moonshine as a nod to our Australian heritage. We also set up a meat table near the bar, offering a variety of options including sausages, smoked ham, and Polish pickles.
The Cake
At the Little Cake Parlour in Glasgow, a showstopping three-tiered masterpiece caught my attention. The Australian mud cake flavour was particularly impressive, as it was Paulina’s first time making this dessert – and she did an incredible job! The combination of lemon, cream, and fruit added a delightful twist to the classic flavors. Meanwhile, Paulina’s mother and aunties brought their own special touch with a variety of Polish cakes, beautifully displayed on small cake trays acquired from online and Lidl retailers.
The Honeymoon
Memorable Moments
As our wedding ceremony unfolded, a poignant moment stood out – Tim’s parents tenderly holding our wedding bands between their hands, evoking a collective emotional response from our loved ones. The sentimentality lingered throughout the day. Our first dance was a highlight, with Tim playfully tossing me into the air, as we swayed to the infectious beat of ‘Eye of the Tiger’, which served as our entrance song. Paulina’s heartfelt vows left us and our guests moved, particularly when she included a quirky promise: if I were to turn into a zombie, she would join me in eternal undead companionship. Elsewhere, our first look together was an emotional affair, with tears flowing freely – even Tim’s 10-year-old niece gazing on from afar with a mix of confusion and disgust. Amidst the revelry, one of our groomsmen fled the Coachman game after succumbing to the moonshine penalty shot’s potency. The flower girls added to the whimsy by accidentally scattering their entire bouquet of confetti into my veil. The night before, we stole away to the barn, finding ourselves in a serene setting that was ours alone – a tranquil respite from the impending celebration.
Advice For Other Couples
When planning your special day, remember that it’s a team effort. Gather the people you trust – friends, family, or even a professional wedding planner if budget allows – to share the load and enjoy the process together. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when needed.
In addition to seeking support from loved ones, prioritize finding the perfect venue that resonates with both you and your partner. Meeting in person with all involved parties – suppliers, vendors, or even potential wedding planners – is crucial to ensure a seamless experience. We found that meeting face-to-face helped us build strong relationships with our chosen suppliers, who ultimately contributed to making our wedding day truly unforgettable.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
John Elphinstone Stirling’s camera captured the essence of Tim and Paulina’s special day, a celebration that embodied romance and whimsy. The elegant bride donned an exquisite Eleganza Sposa by Savin London gown, complemented by her stunning British Retro-inspired second dress. Forbes On The Square provided a dashing suit for the groom, while Louise Quinn styled his hair to perfection. Sutherland Makeup and Hair Stylist brought out the best in both the couple’s features with their expert touch. Fresh flowers from Tomnah’a Market Garden added a pop of colour and fragrance to the proceedings, including a beautiful flower arch, hanging wreaths, and a delicate flower hair comb sourced from Etsy. Comrie Croft served as the idyllic backdrop for the ceremony, officiated by Vivienne Hyndman. The bride’s stylish shoes also came from Etsy, while Andrew Scott Catering at Auchingarrich Wildlife Centre kept guests satisfied with their culinary delights. The Little Cake Parlour created a decadent dessert that was almost too beautiful to eat. As a memento of the day, Tim and Paulina gave their loved ones Toastees wedding favors filled with chilli jams and honey. To add some extra magic to the evening, Wedding Lighting Hire Scotland provided props, bar, and outside lights, while Colin Bell – Wedding & Party DJ kept the dance floor pulsating. Selfie Mirror Events by Melissa allowed guests to capture memories of the day in a unique and fun way. Lou’s heartfelt message to the couple summed up the day perfectly: ‘Oh so romantic and really very pretty too.’