On April 7th, 2018, Gillian and Murray exchanged vows at the Macdonald Houston Hotel in Scotland, surrounded by lush greenery and a sense of joyous celebration. The elegant venue was adorned with foliage that perfectly complemented the natural tones and eucalyptus-filled bouquets. With a focus on understated elegance, the couple’s color palette was a masterclass in simplicity, allowing the beauty of their surroundings to shine through.Gillian’s stunning dress stole the show, paired exquisitely with her flowing veil – a rare opportunity she was determined to make the most of. The groomsmen, clad in dapper kilts featuring various tartans, added a touch of traditional Scottish flair to the proceedings. Martin Venherm’s remarkable photography skills captured every moment of their special day, resulting in a treasure trove of breathtaking images that we’re thrilled to share with our readers today.
The Proposal
As a regular ritual during our three-year stint in Sydney, my partner and I would embark on a Saturday morning run around the picturesque Botanic gardens. One particular morning, we opted for an early start to avoid the crowds and enjoy some peaceful time together. As we hit the scenic route, the iconic Opera House came into view, prompting Murray to feign an injury and take a dramatic drop to one knee, much to my amusement.
The Vision
As the planning phase got underway, our top priority was ensuring that everyone involved – including our closest friends and family – would have an unforgettable experience. Our aim was to create a carefree atmosphere, filled with laughter and joy.
Bridesmaids
The bridesmaid dresses, with their vibrant hues, perfectly complemented the floral arrangements. Each of the girls’ stunning physiques was accentuated by the dresses, which seemed to have been tailor-made for their individual frames. It’s worth noting that I opted for these particular dresses from Mixbridal, making a successful online purchase.
The Planning Process
With approximately 18 months to prepare, we embarked on a meticulous planning journey, diligently adhering to established protocols and soliciting valuable insights from our network of friends, whose collective wisdom proved invaluable in shaping our approach.
The Venue
The Readings & Music
Our intimate humanist ceremony was deeply personal, reflecting our unique love story. The ceremony featured two special readings, beautifully delivered by loved ones who had played important roles in our journey together. To add an air of sophistication and romance, we hired a talented flute and cello duo to perform during the ceremony and subsequent reception. As the night unfolded, we transitioned into a lively atmosphere with Something Blue, a four-piece band that seamlessly blended traditional ceilidh music with more contemporary hits.
Your Outfits & Accessories
For me, the dress was about striking a balance between simplicity and elegance. I was drawn to its lace details, reminiscent of the designs I’d admired in Australian fashion magazines. Meanwhile, my veil choice was deliberate – after all, you only get one chance to wear it! A chapel-length veil seemed like the perfect complement to my dress.In terms of jewelry, I opted for drop pearl earrings as a way to add some sparkle without overwhelming my overall look. As for Murray, his attire was also carefully considered. He wore a kilt in Macduff Tartan, which held special significance given that it matched the same tartan his father had worn on his own wedding day – a thoughtful touch. Additionally, his jacket echoed the same color scheme as our wedding decorations, creating a cohesive and stylish look.
The Flowers
We received valuable assistance from a dear friend of the family, who kindly lent a hand with selecting the perfect flowers to complement our chosen color scheme. The eucalyptus stood out to me, its unique hue perfectly harmonizing with the foliage and adding a pop of color when paired with the peach roses.
Beauty
When it came to preparing my bridesmaids, I gave them complete creative freedom with their hair and makeup. My goal was to ensure they felt relaxed and at ease on the big day. Meanwhile, I opted for a natural beauty look that kept my own face clear of any obstructions. With my hair swept off my face, I left the rest in the skilled hands of my trusted hairstylist and makeup artist, confident that they would work their magic to make us all look our best.
Your Photographer
The Details & Décor
As the big day approached, we rolled up our sleeves and got creative! We took jars and bottles and adorned them with hessian tape, transforming them into unique centre pieces and decorations for the ceremony. Meanwhile, my fiancé helped craft our table plan and names, adding a personal touch to the reception. But that was just the beginning. With the help of my dad, we built a stunning wooden altar, which we then covered in lush foliage to create a breathtaking focal point. To keep things fun and interactive, we set up a Polaroid station where guests could snap photos and pin them to large frames, creating a memorable keepsake for everyone.
Groomsmen
When it came to dressing the groomsmen, a unique and distinctive approach was taken. The kilt store provided an extensive range of kilts and accessories, allowing each attendant to personalise their attire with a stylish and tailored choice that perfectly complemented the overall aesthetic.
The Cake
At the office, my colleague recently took on the challenge of creating a wedding cake for the first time – and it turned out to be an incredible success story. Her second attempt at making a naked cake was impressive, considering her inexperience. The result was not only visually stunning but also utterly delicious. The combination of flavors and textures truly impressed everyone who got to try it.
Your Filmmaker
As we eagerly anticipate the final product, a dear friend has been diligently capturing select moments from our special day on film. Her meticulous editing process is currently underway, and we’re thrilled to soon behold the fruits of her labor.
The Honeymoon
After the whirlwind of our special day, my partner and I decided to treat ourselves to a well-deserved escape to the beautiful Algarve region in southern Portugal. The June weather proved perfect for unwinding, providing a lovely respite from the excitement of the wedding.
Advice For Other Couples
Embrace a carefree approach to wedding planning by focusing on the bigger picture – building a lifelong partnership with your soulmate. Rather than stressing about minor details, prioritize creating a memorable experience that you’ll cherish for years to come. By doing so, you’ll be able to enjoy the journey and avoid last-minute anxiety, allowing you to truly soak up every moment of this special time with your partner.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
What a truly elegant celebration! We’re thrilled to have been a part of it, thanks to the lovely couple, Gillian and Murray, who trusted us with their special day’s memories. Special mentions go out to the talented team behind the scenes: photographer Martin Venherm Photography, hairstylist Gail Rankin International, makeup artist Colleen Winning Makeup, cake provider Debbies Cakes in Fife, kilt designer The Kilt Store, and the evening entertainment, a beautiful performance by Something Blue’s Cello & Flute Duo. Rachel x