Gary and Cheryl’s rustic Dalduff Farm wedding in Scotland was a charming celebration of their love and heritage. On July 20th, 2019, they exchanged vows beneath the rustic wooden backdrop of the beautiful barns, surrounded by a striking mirror and lush greenery arch. The couple then transformed the reception space into a warm and inviting atmosphere with long wooden tables adorned with candles and earthy-toned stationery. The barns themselves were aglow with fairy lights, bunting, and rustic décor, creating a truly enchanting ambiance. A nod to their Scottish and Irish roots was evident in their music, readings, flower arrangements, attire choices, and even the DIY signs they crafted together. To add a personal touch, they incorporated elements from their home into the décor. Northern Aye Photography captured the essence of their romantic and relaxed day with stunning images.
The Proposal
It was 23rd December, five years after that fateful first meeting, when Gary got down on one knee under the twinkling lights of our Christmas tree. We were unwrapping gifts early because Gary was heading back to Ireland to spend the holiday with his family. As we finished up the present-opening extravaganza, Gary revealed he had a surprise he’d forgotten to give me. He dashed out to grab something from another room and returned with an old VHS tape box – my childhood favorite, The Little Mermaid. With a sheepish grin, he lifted the lid to reveal a glittering ring nestled inside. I was left to ponder the secret in Scotland while Gary jetted off to Ireland, eager to share the news with his mom before anyone else knew.
The Vision
We opted for an intimate and laid-back ceremony and reception, seeking a humanist to guide us through the proceedings. Having attended a few humanist weddings prior, we were drawn to their unique blend of personal touch and emotional depth. In terms of catering, we sought a diverse spread of food and drink options, with family-style sharing platters and self-serve bars being top priorities. As I’m quite crafty and have a fondness for vintage decor, I was eager to create many of the decorations myself, aiming to add a distinctive touch to our chosen venue. Furthermore, we wanted to celebrate our distinct nationalities by incorporating nods to Scotland and Ireland into various aspects of the celebration, including music, readings, flowers, and attire.
The Planning Process
We invested two years of planning into our special day. Given that I had a university course to start just a few months after getting engaged, my fiancé(e) and I made the majority of our vendor bookings in January 2017, with the remaining details sorted later. Notably, we secured our venue well ahead of time – a Saturday in July booking required a two-year wait! Following an initial flurry of activity in those early months, we didn’t really revisit wedding preparations until about a year prior to the big day. Throughout, we made progress on DIY decorations, picking up bits and pieces as needed. Like many brides, I was both enthralled and overwhelmed by Pinterest – its influence can be felt throughout our planning process.
Budget
To ensure we got the day we envisioned, we negotiated an acceptable spending limit together. Next, we each created a list of priorities, recognizing that not all ‘wants’ could be accommodated within our means. We allocated our budget accordingly, focusing on the essential items and being willing to make compromises on non-essential desires if necessary. As a result, we successfully stuck to our financial plan and efficiently secured everything we needed.
The Venue
Located in the picturesque Maybole, Ayrshire, Scotland, Dalduff Farm offers a unique experience as a converted barn in the heart of the countryside. The venue’s comprehensive package includes sharing-style banquet food, exclusive access to the property and its furniture, as well as comfortable accommodation for up to 10 guests for two nights.
Beauty
Behind the scenes, we had the pleasure of working with talented makeup artist Suzanne Christie, who not only transformed our looks but also styled our hair with perfection. What truly impressed us was her exceptional communication skills, making it effortless to coordinate with her throughout the process. Her website is a treasure trove of inspiration and creativity, reflecting her expertise in the field.
The Details & Décor
To add to the vintage ambiance, we hired a selection of unique decorative items from Just Vintage Hire in Dundee. Elaine was a pleasure to work with, and her prices were surprisingly affordable. In addition to these rentals, I created some of our own décor elements, including menus, welcome signs, and a pallet display using chalkboard paint and pens. I also scoured online buy and sell groups to find a bag of fake foliage that we used to supplement our floral arrangements in non-main focal areas. Table settings featured green dinner candles from Tiger Copenhagen, while window sills and ledges were adorned with brass trinkets sourced from local charity shops. We brought along plenty of items from our own flat, including British Bullfinch lamps obtained at a salvage sale and brass-framed mirrors from our living room. To make the space feel truly personal, we displayed my grandmother’s china and family photos throughout the barn. I even ordered a flat-pack Irish post box online, assembled it, and painted it to use as a unique spot for cards and gifts.
The Cake
Our experience with the local bakery was a learning curve, but ultimately a blessing in disguise. Initially, we were thrilled to work with them, as they’re known for their delightful small cakes. In retrospect, perhaps the magnitude of our cake order was beyond their capacity. While the taste was pleasant, it didn’t quite meet our expectations. The silver glitter topping and subsequent collapse before we even left Glasgow were a bit of a shock. We returned the cake to the bakery, who promptly fixed the issue and delivered a new one in time for the ceremony the next day. As I reflected on the situation, I realized that having to worry about a slightly imperfect cake was a minor concern compared to the overall joy of my special day.
Your Outfits & Accessories
The day I exchanged vows with my partner, I wore an exquisite ivory lace, vintage-inspired dress by Lusan Mandongus at Melle Cloche Bridal in Glasgow. The backless design featured a delicate crystal belt and lace capped sleeves, exuding elegance. My veil was crafted by Joyce Jackson, also from Melle Cloche Bridal, adding a touch of sophistication to my overall look. To complement my attire, I chose shoes by Rainbow Club at John Lewis. Meanwhile, Gary donned a kilt in the iconic Isle of Skye tartan from Slanj Kilts in Glasgow, paying homage to our Scottish heritage. A thoughtful mix of Scottish blue thistles and Irish shamrocks adorned his buttonhole, reflecting our unique blend of cultures. As a nod to this special tradition, we opted for hand fasting ribbons from A Wee Favour on Facebook – a beautiful ivory ribbon to match my dress and an Isle of Skye tartan ribbon to represent Gary’s kilt. This meaningful ritual, rooted in Scottish culture, served as a poignant reminder of our love and commitment to one another.
The Readings & Music
With the guidance of our humanist, we were generously provided with an array of resources to aid in selecting readings that reflected our personal style. Ultimately, we opted for three unique pieces: A Lovely Love Story by Edward Monkton, On Hands – a thought-provoking anonymous contribution, and An Irish Blessing, another anonymous gem. To further personalize the ceremony, we crafted our own vows using materials sourced from Humanist Society Scotland (HSS). The atmosphere was elevated by the talented musicians we hired for the occasion, Sedona Park. As I made my way down the aisle, the emotional soundtrack of One Day Like This by Elbow set the tone. Upon signing the register, we paid homage to our engagement with a nod to Kiss The Girl from The Little Mermaid, and as we exited, God Only Knows by The Beach Boys provided a fitting finale.
Your Photographer
When our original photographer went on maternity leave, we were left scrambling to find a replacement just a few weeks before our big day. With panic setting in, we turned to Google for help and stumbled upon Northern Aye’s talented photographer, Doug. What struck us immediately was his warm personality and ease of communication – he quickly grasped our vision and became a valuable asset on the wedding day. Unlike some experiences where the happy couple disappears for hours, Doug understood our desire to stay connected with our guests. He expertly captured the essence of our special day, producing stunning photos that we cherish. His prompt editing and return of images only added to his exceptional service. We’re thoroughly satisfied with the outcome and would enthusiastically recommend Doug’s work to anyone seeking a photographer who truly gets it.
The Flowers
When it came time to find a florist for our special day, we decided to look closer to home in Maybole and discovered the wonderful June Dunlop. While searching for trendy florists in Glasgow, we were surprised by the high prices many of them quoted. In the end, simplicity won out and we chose June, who proved to be an excellent choice. As she supplies around 80% of the flowers for weddings at our venue, she had a deep understanding of the spaces to decorate and the exact quantities required. She brought our Pinterest-inspired visions to life while staying within our budget. What’s more, she offered valuable advice when we started to get carried away with our ideas. It was reassuring to find someone in the wedding industry who was honest, creative, and reasonable. The result was stunning flowers that perfectly complemented our overall aesthetic. A particular highlight for me was the incorporation of Gary’s old bike wheels, which were spray-painted gold and adorned with beautiful flowers matching my bouquet.
Bridesmaids
When it came to selecting attire for our wedding party, we decided on emerald green dresses with gold shoes for the girls. We opted for David’s Bridal, as they offered a wide range of options within our budget. Although the dresses required alterations, we were able to have them done at no additional cost thanks to our friend, who is a skilled seamstress and offered her services as a wedding gift. For comparison, David’s Bridal would have charged for this service. I was more concerned with the girls’ comfort than their attire, as long as they wore shades of green or purple to match the kilts. To complete their looks, we chose shoes from New Look and added fresh flowers to their hair courtesy of our florist.
Groomsmen
On our special day, we opted for a touch of elegance with Isle of Skye tartan from Slanj Kilt Hire in Glasgow. To add that extra flair, we ordered custom kilt pins from Amazon. A unique aspect was the availability of a pin featuring Gary’s family crest, despite his surname being Irish. This personal touch made it all the more special as both he and his brother/best man donned these distinctive accessories. We also extended this thoughtful gesture to our groomsmen, presenting them with pins bearing their wives’ family names – a nod to Scotland’s rich heritage.
Your Filmmaker
One of the most significant contributors to our unforgettable wedding experience was Brian Scott Weddings. From the onset, Brian demonstrated exceptional professionalism and enthusiasm in understanding our unique vision. He spent ample time taking meticulous notes about us as a couple and our special day, carefully listening to our expectations and desires. As a result, he delivered a personalized approach that exceeded our expectations. On our big day, Brian’s calm demeanor was reassuring, and his cool crocodile shoes even became a conversation starter among our guests! The stunning wedding video and highlight reel were the perfect culmination of his expertise. What’s more, despite being unfamiliar with each other, Brian and Doug worked seamlessly together, showcasing their exceptional coordination skills.
The Honeymoon
After the wedding, we took a short trip to Amsterdam, which was a wonderful way to unwind and celebrate our new life together. As we began planning for the future, Vietnam became a top destination on our bucket list for summer 2020. Rather than feeling rushed or overwhelmed by the need to immediately check off every experience, we’re grateful that we still have exciting adventures ahead of us to look forward to.
Memorable Moments
As the ceremony came to a close, it was clear that our personal vows had left a lasting impression on our guests. However, the real celebration began in the evening as we took to the dance floor with our loved ones. To set the tone for the night, we curated a playlist with a mix of soulful classics, Motown hits, 50s rock and roll, chart-toppers, and traditional Scottish and Irish anthems. Our DJ (Hi-Life) skillfully wove these tracks together to create an unforgettable atmosphere. It was wonderful to see our friends and family from different walks of life coming together to enjoy each other’s company – a rare occurrence since many of them live in distant countries.The culinary delights at Dalduff did not disappoint, with an abundance of scrumptious food options available. Meanwhile, the fire pit and marshmallow-toasting activities added a playful touch to the proceedings. And for those who were paying close attention, Gary’s cheeky flash of his Irish-themed undergarments beneath his kilt provided a memorable moment captured by our photographer.
Advice For Other Couples
When planning your special day with your partner, it’s essential to have an open conversation about what you both want to achieve and commit to your shared vision. While seeking advice from others is valuable, remember that ultimately, the goal is to create a day that brings joy to both of you. Establishing a budget together will help guide your decisions, so prioritize the elements that matter most and acknowledge that everything else is just added flair – which can sometimes add unnecessary stress. If DIY projects are your thing, they can be a fun way to get creative, but be mindful of the time and effort required. Consider supplementing your DIY efforts with hired props and unique touches to maintain a sense of sanity. To tie your decorations together, consider adopting a unifying theme or color scheme – our own approach evolved into a beautiful glass and brass aesthetic that flowed seamlessly throughout our venue. As you’re decorating the night before your wedding, agree on a reasonable completion time and stick to it, allowing you to unwind and truly enjoy your special evening.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
As the camera rolled, capturing every tender moment, Northern Aye Photography brought the couple’s special day to life. The rustic charm of The Barn at Dalduff Farm provided a stunning backdrop for the celebration. Meanwhile, Brian Scott’s expertise as videographer ensured that every laugh, tear, and dance was preserved for posterity. The evening’s soundtrack was expertly curated by Sedona Park’s live music performance, while DJ The Hi Life kept the party going until the wee hours. With Mandy Evans Ewing officiating the ceremony, the couple exchanged their vows in a heartwarming celebration of love. Lusan Mandongus from Melle Cloche and David’s Bridal brought style and elegance to the proceedings, with Gary and Cheryl looking resplendent in their bespoke attire from Slanj Kilts. Hand Fastening Ribbons added a touch of whimsy to the proceedings, while A Wee Favour provided a delightful surprise for the guests. Behind-the-scenes, Suzanne Christie worked her magic on makeup, ensuring that every bride looked radiant, while June Dunlop brought beauty and fragrance to the event with her stunning flower arrangements. And as for the couple’s fashion sense? Let’s just say they rocked their outfits from Just Vintage & Flying Tiger Copenhagen – a testament to their unique style and flair! So much FUN was indeed had by all, and we’re thrilled to have shared this special day with Gary and Cheryl. Thank you both for trusting us with your love story!