Becca and Daire’s Orocco Pier wedding in Edinburgh, Scotland, on September 12th, 2020, was a masterclass in city chic elegance, with the iconic Forth bridge serving as a stunning backdrop. The couple’s initial plans were derailed by COVID-19, but this unexpected twist allowed them to refocus on their relationship and create a truly intimate atmosphere. As you’ll see, Becca and Daire brought their A-game fashion-wise, with Becca opting for elegant bridal separates and Daire sporting a sleek, fashion-forward suit that perfectly complemented his bride’s style. The images courtesy of Meggy Mac Photography are nothing short of remarkable, capturing the couple’s special day in all its glory.
Orocco Pier Wedding
The Proposal
It was during our holiday in Serignan, South of France that Becca surprised me with an unforgettable proposal. Initially, we had planned to pop the question on a picturesque beach, but fate had other plans. I accidentally took us to a nudist beach, leaving us both scrambling for a new plan. Becca didn’t want our special moment hijacked by unexpected spectators, so she improvised and proposed to me at a secluded bay overlooking the river. The best part? She managed to capture it all on her GoPro without giving away the surprise! I was completely caught off guard, but of course, my answer was a resounding yes.
The Vision
In order to infuse the space with a sense of personality that resonates with our unique style, we’re aiming for a look that’s understated yet inviting. To achieve this balance, we’ll steer clear of over-the-top or overly flashy elements and instead opt for a more rustic, homespun approach.
The Planning Process
We had to make drastic changes to our original plans due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In response, we scaled back further to focus on what truly mattered – strengthening our bond in a place that held special meaning for us. Orocco Pier and our appointed planner Laura were incredibly accommodating as we made last-minute decisions. We opted for an outdoor ceremony, which turned out beautifully, with an incredible view to match. Our music choices for the ceremony were expertly set up by Orocco Pier on the day itself – having these tracks played was crucial to us. With the guidance of our celebrant Stevie McLaren, we crafted a personal and non-traditional ceremony that truly reflected our unique love story. For instance, we both uttered ‘we do’ simultaneously instead of the traditional ‘I do.’ Meanwhile, our photographer Megan from Meggy Mac Photography captured our special moments with her captivating lens, which aligned perfectly with our style.
The Readings & Music
We kicked off our ceremony with a heartfelt poem, ‘Partnership is More’ by Nuala Geary, expertly read by Stevie, our humanist celebrant. The atmosphere was set with a curated playlist featuring The Lumineers’ ‘Ho Hey’ as we walked down the aisle, The Beetles’ ‘Ob la di, ob la da’ during the signing of the register, and Fleetwood Mac’s ‘Don’t Stop’ as we made our exit. To make the day even more meaningful, we invited Daire’s Dad, Becca’s Mum, and Jess (Daire’s friend) to share heartfelt speeches. We also received a special surprise – video messages from loved ones back in Ireland, thoughtfully organized by Daire’s mum. With so many beautiful moments to cherish, our wedding was truly unforgettable.
Your Outfits & Accessories
For their special day, Becca and Daire both opted for bespoke attire from independent designers that reflected their personal styles. Becca chose a stunning modern bridal outfit created by Edinburgh-based designer Catriona Garforth, featuring an isla skirt and kami top with a slightly bohemian flair. She was drawn to the idea of wearing a one-of-a-kind piece crafted by a local Scottish talent. Meanwhile, Daire found his perfect suit from Dublin-based designer Catriona Hanley, who shares his affinity for alternative bridal wear. His heart was set on finding something truly special that would make him feel confident and unique on his big day.
Beauty
In light of the pandemic, both Becca and Daire found themselves taking on dual roles – makeup artist and hairstylist. Becca’s hair was styled by Helen Cameron, who also worked her magic on Becca’s mum and sisters, all of whom played a part in walking her down the aisle. Meanwhile, Daire opted to tackle his own coiffure, discovering that doing one’s own hair can be less stressful than expected.
Wedding Party
In our non-traditional wedding ceremony, we decided not to adhere to the conventional bridesmaid role. Instead, we chose Jess, Daire’s best friend, and Angela, Becca’s sister, as our witnesses. We also extended special invitations to those closest to us by having Daire’s parents walk her down the aisle and Becca’s mother and sister accompany her up the aisle, giving them a meaningful moment to participate in the celebration.
The Flowers
While we restrained ourselves from over-indulging in floral arrangements, subtle yet cheerful touches were sprinkled throughout the space. Delightful wildflowers peppered the surroundings, while sunflowers in repurposed gin bottles brought a sunny disposition to the tables.
Your Photographer
Megan, the talented photographer behind Meggy Mac Photography, truly stands out as a pleasure to collaborate with. Her innovative approach, warm demeanor, and exceptional skillset made our experience a seamless and enjoyable one. Throughout the process, she offered an abundance of creative suggestions and delivered breathtaking photographs that exceeded our expectations.
The Details & Décor
With an already stunning venue as our canvas, we opted for a minimalist approach to decoration. We repurposed wooden log stands as unique centerpieces, paired with rustic candle lanterns that added warmth and ambiance. Even the gin bottles got in on the action, transformed into charming flower vases. The courtyard’s natural beauty was the perfect backdrop, allowing us to add just a few thoughtful touches – like a wildflower garland draped around the arch – to enhance its already breathtaking atmosphere.
The Honeymoon
Escape to the tranquility of the west coast of Scotland and indulge in a luxurious mini-moon getaway at our cozy lodge featuring a soothing hot tub. As you relax in the warm waters, take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and let your worries drift away. When the time is right, we’ll be ready to help you plan an exciting international adventure, but for now, treat yourself to a well-deserved mini-break.
Memorable Moments
The memory that stands out as the most special is the instant Stevie declared us husband and wife, sealing our union with a sense of legitimacy and joy that filled the air.