Get ready to be inspired by the stunning combination of rustic charm and coastal beauty that Katie and Tony’s August 18th, 2018 wedding at GG’s Yard in Dumfries & Galloway, Scotland embodies. As you immerse yourself in Amy Lou Photography’s breathtaking captures, take note of the lush floral arrangements in soft pink and blue hues, complemented by wooden accents and craft paper details that perfectly reflect the couple’s unique style. Tony looked dashing in his navy blue suit and grey waistcoat, while Katie shone in her fit-and-flare gown with delicate off-the-shoulder lace straps. The bridesmaids added a pop of vibrancy in their powder blue dresses, which harmonized beautifully with the celebration’s overall aesthetic. Prepare to be treated to a visual feast that will leave you eager to incorporate these elements into your own special day.
The Proposal
The surprise proposal was a turning point in our relationship. We were spending the holiday season in New Zealand, enjoying some quality time with family, when Tony’s plans came together. I had been sensing something was off about him during our trip to the Isle of Arran, where we join his side of the family for New Year’s celebrations. His attempts to steal away with me, even among a big group of siblings and cousins, left me perplexed. Little did I know, Tony had been patiently waiting for the perfect moment to pop the question. Our scenic coastal walk and climb up a massive fallen rock that day seemed like just another adventure, but behind the scenes, he was building up to something special. When we returned to our cozy holiday cottage, Tony finally seized the opportunity, getting down on one knee in the bedroom. I was completely caught off guard, yet overjoyed by the romantic gesture. The whirlwind of emotions that followed is still etched in my memory as a cherished moment in time.
The Vision
As we embarked on the journey of planning our wedding, it was clear that neither of us had ever given much thought to the process. Coming from different parts of Scotland – Ayrshire and Northumberland – we both felt it would be ideal to host the celebration at a unique location that would encourage all guests to make a weekend out of it. We swiftly ruled out traditional venues, opting instead for rustic barn-style settings that aligned with our desire for a natural and earthy ambiance.
The Planning Process
As we prepared to tie the knot, we found ourselves in the midst of an online planning marathon. Having recently relocated back to the UK from New Zealand just four months prior to the big day, most of our wedding planning was done remotely. We relied heavily on visual inspiration, curating boards on Pinterest for colour schemes, floral arrangements, décor, and attire. Real weddings and Instagram pages also became valuable resources, offering us a glimpse into the experiences of couples who had gone before us.
Booking suppliers proved to be relatively straightforward, with Skype calls allowing us to connect with professionals worldwide. Despite the distance, our interactions were characterized by a sense of ease and cooperation.
However, we did encounter some challenges during the planning process. One major hurdle was acknowledging our own indecisiveness! It seemed that I felt compelled to scrutinize every option before making a decision, which ended up creating more work for us in the long run. Additionally, we were surprised by the extent of other people’s organization skills. With 18 months passing between our engagement and wedding date, we found that many suppliers we initially contacted had already been booked solidly for some time.
Budget
The Venue
As we began searching for the perfect wedding venue, we quickly ruled out traditional options that didn’t align with our vision. Instead, we focused on rustic, barn-style venues that would give us a natural and charming atmosphere. After considering several options, we stumbled upon GG’s Yard, but were initially perplexed by the lack of photos showcasing the venue itself. It wasn’t until we discovered that the venue was still under construction that the owners’ passion and dedication to creating something special became apparent. We took a leap of faith and booked the venue based on Vicki and Duncan’s vision and enthusiasm. Six months later, we returned to the UK and visited the venue in person for the first time – and were thrilled to find ourselves on a construction site! Despite the chaos, we could envision the final result and were reassured that it would be an unforgettable experience. Fast forward to our big day, and we were blown away by the stunning exposed brickwork, soaring ceilings with beautifully crafted beams, and breathtaking views of the sea. It was Vicki’s meticulous attention to detail in every aspect of the venue – from cozy snugs for accommodations to a whisky room for the groomsmen and a bridal suite for the ladies to prepare – that truly made GG’s Yard stand out.
Beauty
As I prepared for my big day on the morning of the wedding, I have to say that it was one of the most enjoyable experiences leading up to the ceremony. The atmosphere was light-hearted and fun, with plenty of laughter as we chatted and joked around. Having Aine, my talented makeup artist, and Lisa, my skilled hairdresser, by my side made getting ready feel more like a slumber party with friends than a stressful morning routine. Their incredible skills and warm personalities put me at ease, allowing me to momentarily forget about the pre-wedding jitters.
Your Outfits & Accessories
I made my first dress choice, a San Patrick gown from Opus Couture, a local bridal boutique near my home. My bridesmaid had previously sent me a picture of the dress saying it would be perfect for me, and I couldn’t agree more. It was a beautiful combination of elegance, contemporary style, and intricate lace detailing, topped off with an impressive train that stole the show. While I tried on several other styles during our shopping trip, none compared to this one, and I knew I had to have it! To complement my dress, I opted for a simple white fingertip veil instead of a cathedral-length one, which would have taken attention away from my stunning train. My headpiece was a last-minute addition after my hair trial, when I realized something was missing. I chose Richard Designs’ side tiara on a headband to add an extra touch of sparkle.
Groomsmen
While Tony hails from Northumberland, I’m Scottish by birth. It was an uphill battle convincing him to don a traditional kilt on our special day, but ultimately, we decided to go for a more contemporary look instead. We opted for sharp three-piece suits from Debenhams’ Ben Sherman collection. The groomsmen and best man all wore identical dark navy suits paired with light grey ties, while Tony stood out in his matching suit and light grey waistcoat, complete with a navy tie. My dad and brother, however, defied convention by donning kilts that we carefully coordinated to match the suits (in hindsight, it would have been easier to start with the kilt choice for more flexibility!). We settled on a sleek grey jacket paired with a tartan kilt boasting subtle blue undertones.
The Readings & Music
The prelude to our special day featured an enchanting harpist – actually my sister’s teacher – who skillfully wove together a mix of timeless and contemporary wedding tunes for the ceremony. To add some personal flair, we left the selection of music for the signing of the register and our departure from the ceremony to our talented performer, Jessica. She chose wisely, with Ludovico Einaudi’s ‘I Giorni’ setting the tone for our grand entrance, followed by George Harrison’s soulful ‘My Sweet Lord’ as we exchanged our vows. As we made our exit, Jason Mraz’s upbeat ‘I’m Yours’ had everyone smiling and looking forward to a night of celebration with our fantastic band, The Skylarks, who kept the dance floor packed all evening with their infectious energy.
The Cake
I vividly recall the delightfully simple yet scrumptious cake my step-mum crafted especially for us. Initially, I was drawn to the trendy aesthetic of naked cakes, but was hesitant to part with a substantial sum for something so understated. It wasn’t until I took that first bite that I realized how foolish it would be to pay top dollar for such a treat when a family member’s baking skills could achieve similar results.
Your Photographer
Amy Lou was a game-changer in capturing the essence of our special day. We were adamant that our wedding photographer would deliver natural, unposed moments that truly told the story of our celebration. The experience of viewing friends’ photos had left an indelible mark on us – we knew exactly what we wanted to replicate. Amy’s warm and engaging personality shone through from our initial online chat to our pre-wedding catch-up, where she expertly walked us through her plans for the big day. Her affability and knack for capturing life’s authentic moments made working with her a breeze, especially during our couple shots when she effortlessly put us at ease.
Your Filmmaker
We had initially been hesitant to invest in a videographer, unsure if the cost would justify the benefit. But as the big day approached, I’m thrilled to say that we made the right decision. The experience was truly unforgettable, with moments passing by like a dream. It’s impossible to take it all in! I had actually booked Geewhiz at short notice and turned to a bridal Facebook group for recommendations. Allister and Elaine, the married couple behind Geewhiz, were highly recommended by another videographer. What struck us about them was their warm, outgoing personalities. And let’s not forget the editing – it’s truly exceptional. The video perfectly captures the atmosphere of our special day, giving us a wonderful keepsake to revisit and relive the joy we experienced.
The Details & Décor
As a craft enthusiast, I thoroughly enjoyed the décor aspect of wedding planning. To achieve this, I made multiple trips to Country Baskets and Hobbycraft, where I acquired various supplies and materials. This included log slices, jars, vases, ribbons, and string, which allowed me to create unique centrepieces with the help of our florist.We opted for online save-the-dates, but struggled to find suitable invitations that met my expectations. As a result, I decided to take matters into my own hands and design them myself, along with the menus and table plan. By using a floral print template and sending it to local printers, we managed to save money compared to ordering online. My advice is to keep things simple – while making 100 invitations by hand might be fun initially, it can quickly become overwhelming.One of my favorite décor elements was the light-up letters from Total Entertainment. These custom-made signs perfectly matched our venue’s style and added a unique touch to the overall aesthetic.In terms of guest favors, I think the baskets of flip flops were an absolute hit. Although I was initially worried about ordering too many, they proved to be a huge success, ensuring everyone remained comfortable throughout the night and kept the dance floor lively all evening.
Bridesmaids
I decided to involve my closest friends and family in my wedding party, with four bridesmaids, including two of my childhood friends, as well as my younger sisters, aged 13 and 17. From the onset, I was keen on incorporating a unifying element into our celebration, which is why we settled on dusty blue as the primary color theme.Selecting a dress that would suit everyone’s style and preferences proved to be a more challenging task than I initially anticipated, given the significant age gap between my bridesmaids. To find the perfect fit, we explored various options from high-end bridal shops to affordable high-street retailers.After much deliberation, we finally found our dresses at Hobbs, which not only matched our preferred color palette but also received unanimous approval from all members of the wedding party. In a surprising twist, I ended up buying the dresses twice after initially purchasing them and later discovering they were on sale. By doing so, I managed to make some cost-effective decisions without compromising on the overall aesthetic.
The Flowers
The flowers at our wedding were a true highlight, thanks in large part to Maybelle, the talented florist from Belles and Thistles. With just a few hints of inspiration I’d gathered beforehand, she crafted stunning bouquets and a show-stopping table arrangement that perfectly complemented our dusty blue and pink colour scheme. I left the design of the centrepiece entirely in her capable hands, and the result was nothing short of breathtaking – we received countless compliments on the arrangements, which went on to brighten up all our homes for weeks after the big day.
The Honeymoon
The Maldives, a paradise where perfection and relaxation reign supreme. After the whirlwind of wedding planning, we yearned for a tranquil getaway to unwind and rejuvenate together. Meeru Island, our sanctuary, offered an array of activities to keep us engaged, amidst the serene beauty of crystal-clear waters and lush vegetation. Our honeymoon was nothing short of romantic, luxurious, and utterly idyllic – a memory we would cherish forever.
Memorable Moments
As we prepared for the big day, our group of friends and family gathered at ‘The Hut on the Hill’ at GG’s Yard for a pre-wedding BBQ. The weather was less than ideal, with a classic Scottish summer gloom hanging over us. But as we climbed aboard Landrovers and made our way to the top of the hill, even the most skeptical among us couldn’t help but be impressed by the stunning hut, complete with a fire pit at its heart and breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and sea. As we feasted on food, drink, and laughter, it was clear that this was going to be an unforgettable night. And then there was the hot tub party that went late into the night – the perfect way to unwind before the main event.The ceremony itself was a beautiful humanist affair, with one particularly memorable moment when my partner and I each gave three reasons why we loved each other, as well as one thing that really got on our nerves. This was a touch added by the celebrant, and we’d kept our own contributions a secret, so it was a surprise to hear them for the first time during the ceremony. It added a lovely personal touch to an already emotional moment.Later in the evening, my partner and I took a quiet moment together to gaze out at the sea of happy faces on the dance floor. It’s not often that you get to have everyone you love in one place, and it was a truly special feeling.
Advice For Other Couples
As your special day approaches, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed by the planning process. However, remember that everyone in attendance is there to celebrate with you both, not scrutinize every detail. Instead of letting stress get the better of you, focus on enjoying the experience and take time to appreciate the moment with your partner. It truly is a day like no other, filled with laughter, love, and joy. Don’t worry too much about the speeches – just speak from the heart and allow your genuine emotions shine through. Leave the witty remarks and elaborate jokes to others; your sincerity will resonate with your guests.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
The picturesque venue, GG’s Yard, played host to the joyous celebration of Katie and Tony’s special day. Behind the lens was talented photographer Amy Lou Photography, capturing every cherished moment. John Foley brought a humanist touch, while Geewhiz Wedding Films expertly documented the proceedings on film. The bridal party looked radiant thanks to Lisa Ivonne’s styling expertise and Salon Belissimo’s (Aine) makeup mastery. Bridal party and MOB/MOB members alike were treated to stunning coifs crafted by The Hub Hair and Beauty. As the sun dipped below the horizon, Total Entertainment’s Light Up Letters illuminated the night, setting the tone for an unforgettable evening. The Skylarks’ lively performance had everyone on their feet, with Jessica Burton adding a touch of elegance on her harp. Belles and Thistles brought the outdoors in with their exquisite flower arrangements. Katie’s stunning Opus Couture gown shone brightly alongside Tony’s dashing Houstons Paisley kilt. As Piper Kevin McNulty led the procession, it was clear that this union was meant to be. Huge thanks go to Katie and Tony for sharing their enchanting love story with us, and we’re honored to have been a part of it.