As we dive into another enchanting week at Whimsical Wonderland Weddings, I’m thrilled to kick things off with a stunning real wedding feature. Please join me in welcoming Michael and Natalia as they share their captivating Elsick House wedding in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, which took place on July 31st, 2019. The couple’s vision was centered around creating an atmosphere of joy and playfulness, something I’m passionate about emulating. They started the day with a picturesque outdoor ceremony beneath a striking A-frame flower wedding arch adorned with pampas grass and lush greenery. This beautiful backdrop not only set the tone for their special day but also flowed seamlessly into the elegant marquee and the exquisite bouquets that followed. Throughout this feature, you’ll find an abundance of style, love, and warmth, expertly captured by Firefly and Embers Photography. I’m honored to share these breathtaking images with you today.
Elsick House Wedding
The Proposal
As our departure date to Berlin on September 6th, 2017 approached, Michael casually asked me to join him at the pebble beach in front of our house the night before. The beach was familiar terrain, with its characteristic smooth stones and occasional artistic carvings by a local artist. This particular evening, Michael’s request was tinged with excitement, as he revealed that a new carving had caught his attention. He encouraged me to come take a look.
The Vision
As the planning process began, my partner and I had a plethora of ideas floating around in our minds. We considered hosting the ceremony abroad, at home, or even on the beach. However, once we started scouting out potential venues, we knew that finding the perfect spot would alleviate a significant amount of stress and allow us to focus on the finer details. When we stumbled upon our dream venue, we were smitten, and it wasn’t long before we began brainstorming ideas that would complement its natural beauty. Initially, we were drawn to the idea of incorporating vibrant colors into the decor, but as we delved deeper, we realized that this aesthetic might not accurately reflect our personal style. The venue’s stunning grounds, after all, were already a breathtaking focal point. Our priority was ensuring that the wedding felt inclusive and enjoyable for guests of all ages. We wanted it to be an unforgettable celebration, and with this goal in mind, we began refining our vision.
The Planning Process
The planning process flowed smoothly once we secured our venue and its affiliated catering services. With my bridesmaids’ input, we brainstormed ideas and had a great time doing so. My inspiration was heavily influenced by various Instagram accounts, which I would spend hours scrolling through. Whenever an idea resonated with me, I’d run it by Michael and then identify the right supplier to bring it to life. Surprisingly, everything fell into place quite effortlessly.
The Venue
We stumbled upon Elsick House, nestled just south of Aberdeen, while browsing online lists of emerging wedding venues in Scotland. The appeal of this hidden gem was undeniable – being off the beaten path allowed us to avoid the familiarity that often comes with frequenting popular Aberdeen wedding spots. Our desire for a unique and intimate celebration led us to fall in love with Elsick House’s picturesque surroundings. Upon meeting Alison, the venue’s owner, we were struck by her warm demeanor and extensive knowledge, further solidifying our decision to make it our special day’s home. The exclusive use of the property ensured an unparalleled level of seclusion and tranquility, allowing our closest friends and family to join us in this once-in-a-lifetime experience. The venue’s ample accommodations could comfortably host around 20 guests, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a truly immersive celebration. Our dream of an outdoor ceremony was also realized, as Elsick House boasts stunning gardens that provided the perfect backdrop for our vows. A spacious marquee was set up on-site for our meal and reception, which proved to be the perfect haven for our loved ones to gather and rejoice. There wasn’t a single aspect of the venue that didn’t captivate us, leading me to enthusiastically recommend Elsick House to any couple seeking an unforgettable wedding experience.
The Readings & Music
As music enthusiasts, we wanted our special day to be filled with the sounds that brought us joy. We started with Natalia’s walk down the aisle to the iconic ‘Just Like Honey’ by The Jesus and Mary Chain, setting the tone for a celebration that would be all about love and celebration of life. Our signing ceremony was even more magical, thanks to Amy Papiransky’s soulful rendition of ‘Home’ by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes, which had us and our guests swaying along. As we made our way back up the aisle, ELO’s ‘Mr Blue Sky’ provided the perfect finale to this intimate moment. The music didn’t stop there – Amy also treated us to some wonderful tunes during our drinks reception.As we entered the marquee, a piper greeted us with a lively performance of ‘Mull of Kintyre’ by Wings, setting the stage for an unforgettable evening. Our first dance as a married couple was nothing short of magical, with David Bowie’s timeless ‘Heroes’ providing the perfect soundtrack. We then entrusted our reception to the talented Steven Milne from Little Kicks, who kept us and our guests dancing all night long. A personal touch we added to the celebration was using song titles that held special meaning for us as table names – it was a unique and meaningful way to make the music an integral part of our big day.In between the festivities, we had the pleasure of hearing from two dear friends who took on the roles of readers: Natalia’s cousin Sam, who penned a heartfelt poem using lyrics from our favorite songs and artists; and Michael’s sister Jo, who delivered a beautiful reading by The Dalai Lama that left us in awe.
Your Outfits & Accessories
Michael opted for his family tartan, the McLeod tartan, and commissioned a custom-made kilt from McCalls Highland Wear in Aberdeen. The team took care of every detail, from the shirt to the shoes, making the process effortless and convenient. He chose a striking green tweed jacket and waistcoat that perfectly complemented his kilt, garnering numerous compliments.I selected an Enzoani dress called ‘Lavender’ from Perfect Bridal Rooms in Aberdeen. After trying on various dresses, I knew instantly that this one was meant to be. The beautiful lace details gave it a touch of elegance while still exuding modernity and fashion sense. Moreover, the dress was surprisingly comfortable and allowed for easy movement. I also ordered my veil online, which turned out to be an incredible value. A stunning cathedral veil transformed me into a true bride.For shoes, I chose a simple yet elegant pair from ASOS that blended seamlessly with the overall aesthetic. These understated shoes allowed me to dance the night away without drawing attention away from my dress. Michael gifted me exquisite teardrop diamond earrings that I wore on the day. Later in the evening, I swapped into a sleek silk floor-length dress from ASOS, perfect for dancing and adding a touch of sophistication.
Beauty & Grooming
The beauty team behind Michael’s stunning look consisted of Harris and Fox in Aberdeen, while Natalia’s appearance was the result of a collaborative effort involving Nadia from Linton and Mac Aberdeen for her hair. Heather, also from Linton and Mac, took care of Natalia’s makeup needs. For her spray tan and eyebrow grooming, Natalia turned to Rachel at Beautylicious in Aberdeen. Finally, her nails were expertly done by the team at NailCo Aberdeen.
Groomsmen
Michael’s groomsmen, comprised of his lifelong buddies Dave, Christopher, and another Michael, sported striking attire in the form of grey and black kilts courtesy of renowned Highlandwear brand McCalls, based out of Aberdeen.
Bridesmaids
Natalia’s entourage, comprising Natalie, Laura, Georgia, Joanne, and Caitlin, stunned in their ASOS attire, with each bridesmaid donning a unique bohemian-inspired dress and pair of shoes that blended shades of dusty pink or blue. The ladies’ hairdos, courtesy of Hair by Stacey Brown, were an equally impressive feat, featuring luscious curls and intricate braids skillfully woven throughout the styles.
The Flowers
The wedding’s floral and styling elements were expertly crafted by Robin’s Egg, a talented team who exceeded our expectations. I was determined to stray from the traditional white rose and diamanté look, opting instead for something unique and organic. Hazel from Robin’s Egg delivered just that, creating a stunning grassy oasis that featured an abundance of pampas grass and dried, vibrantly colored grasses. The overall effect was breathtaking, with no hint of florality in sight. To add some visual interest, we incorporated pops of yellow through a painted A-frame, cake plinth, and seating plan stand. As I first laid eyes on the complete setup, I couldn’t help but tear up from sheer joy. My own bouquet was a showstopper – a lush, wild, and bushy arrangement that made a bold statement without featuring any flowers at all. The bridesmaids’ smaller bouquets featured playful pops of color that perfectly complemented their dresses, once again eschewing traditional blooms.
The Cake
From the moment we decided on a whimsical woodland wedding theme, we knew that our dessert table needed to reflect that. So, we opted for a simple yet charming naked cake from Marks and Spencer’s, which we then styled with dried grasses to complement our overall aesthetic. To add an extra layer of personalization, we incorporated tiny bride and groom rats – a sweet nod to our beloved pet rats at home.
The Details & Décor
We worked closely with Karla at Paperskeleton to create our wedding stationery, invites, and seating plan. Our vision was simplicity and monochrome perfection, which she expertly brought to life while capturing our music theme beautifully. The end result received numerous compliments and harmoniously merged with our overall decor.To make the day even more special, we created a unique guest book feature by having guests sign pebbles collected from the beach where Michael proposed. This thoughtful touch allowed us to personalize the experience for our loved ones. Additionally, we set up a fun station in the bathrooms featuring glitters and face stickers for kids (and adults!) to enjoy. The playful element added a delightful dimension to the celebration.
Your Photographer
Liana from Firefly and Embers brought an unparalleled level of excitement and understanding to our wedding photography experience. We were thrilled that she grasped our aversion to stiff, posed shots, and her creative approach yielded some truly unique and captivating images. Our bridal party shoot in an abandoned swimming pool was a particular highlight, with the resulting photos earning us numerous compliments and even drawing comparisons to Vogue or Burberry campaigns. Gary from Rogues and Queens joined us as a second shooter, bringing a laid-back attitude and an open ear to our ideas. We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend either Liana or Gary for any couple seeking a memorable and enjoyable photography experience.
The Honeymoon
The memory of our meticulously curated three-week Italian getaway still lingers, despite the unfortunate cancellation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As we reflect on what could have been, we’re already looking forward to rescheduling this dream trip in the not-so-distant future.
Memorable Moments
The highlight of our event was undoubtedly the swimming pool photo shoot, which was elevated to new heights by the sublime weather conditions. The icing on the cake came in the form of Michael’s cousin Darren, who orchestrated a lively ceilidh that had everyone dancing along to their favorite party tunes, creating an atmosphere that was truly electric.
Advice For Other Couples
As you prepare to celebrate the most special day of your lives, remember to prioritize your own happiness above all else. The atmosphere at an outdoor wedding like this one is infectious – everyone’s joy is palpable, and it can be hard not to get swept up in the excitement. But it’s crucial to keep things in perspective: this is your day, after all! Take time to enjoy the planning process with loved ones, just as Michael and Natalia did when they worked with their fantastic team of suppliers. On the big day itself, try to relax and soak up every moment – it really is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.A huge thank you goes out to Sarah Hulse from Hudsons Catering for her exceptional work in bringing everything together seamlessly. The entire Hudsons team was an absolute pleasure to deal with, and we’re so grateful to have had them on board. We’re also thrilled to recognize the outstanding contributions of our other amazing vendors: Firefly and Embers Photography, Elsick House, Robin’s Egg Styling, Paper Skeleton, Rogues and Queens, Heather Linda Mua, Nadia K Hair & Stacey B Hair, Perfect Bridal Rooms, McCalls, Amy Papiransky Music, The Little Kicks Band, Rachel Beautylicious, Ceremonies.Scot – you all helped make this wedding truly unforgettable.