We’re thrilled to share the story of Lauren and Jack’s enchanting Scottish wedding celebration, which took place on April 14th, 2018. The lovely couple exchanged vows at The Lower College Hall, St Salvator’s Quadrangle in St Andrews, before heading to Crail Community Hall for a reception that exuded Scandinavian chic charm. Think minimalist yet cozy, with lush foliage and muted tones, punctuated by ethereal fairy lights that cast a warm glow. It was truly breathtaking! One of the standout features was the show-stopping suspended greenery backdrop behind their top table – what a magical setting to enjoy their first meal as newlyweds.What’s equally impressive is the couple’s ability to plan their special day in just six months, allowing them to incorporate thoughtful personal touches throughout. They cleverly incorporated items they already owned, as well as cherished possessions from their parents, into the décor. To further elevate the atmosphere, they introduced a subtle scent to the room, creating an intimate and inviting ambiance.Guests were treated to a delightful spread of coffee and brownies, accompanied by a live band performance in the evening – what a fantastic way to cap off the celebration! As we bid farewell to this stunning couple and their exquisite wedding images, courtesy of Ross Alexander Photography, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for sharing these treasured moments with us. Enjoy!
The Proposal
As I walked through the front door on that typical Tuesday evening, still dressed in my yoga attire, I was taken aback by the unexpected scene before me. The house was shrouded in darkness, illuminated only by the soft glow of candles that seemed to lead a path straight to Jack’s standing figure in our living room. He held a ring box in his hand, and for a moment, time stood still as we locked eyes. My initial shock gave way to excitement as I processed the magnitude of what was unfolding. Without hesitation, I rushed to join him, and before I could even glance at the ring, we made plans to whisk ourselves away to Paris the very next day for a romantic getaway. The thrill of secrecy only added to the excitement, as we kept our engagement under wraps from our loved ones until our return, making the entire weekend an unforgettable adventure shared exclusively between us.
The Vision
When I first learned about my wedding being called off, it came as a surprise, but having planned extensively for the big day, I had a clear idea of what I wanted. As an Englishwoman living in London with Scottish roots, I knew I had to tie the knot back home. Our first joint getaway was the inspiration behind our special day: Crail, a quaint fishing village on Scotland’s east coast, offered the perfect setting for a whimsical celebration. My vision was to transport our guests to a romantic haven, complete with twinkling fairy lights, soft candlelight, and an abundance of flowers and lush greenery that would bring the outdoors in.
The Planning Process
In a deliberate effort to keep things concise, we scheduled our wedding for the soonest available date that would accommodate the majority of our guests. With only around 6 months to go, we prioritized securing all necessary vendors in the first month, freeing up the subsequent time to focus on crafting an unforgettable atmosphere at our chosen venue.
Budget
Within a £10-15k budget, we successfully achieved everything we set out to accomplish, which was a significant relief. To achieve this, we had to employ creative thinking, gather input from family members, and rely on our imagination to bring our vision to life.
The Readings & Music
As we prepared for our special day, we crafted a personalized speech for the registrar to deliver, which offered a glimpse into our personalities and featured two meaningful readings: ‘Falling in love is like owning a dog’ and the poignant lines from I carry your heart with me. I carry it in my heart. The atmosphere was set aglow when a string quartet accompanied us down the aisle, performing Hey There Delilah as we exchanged our vows. As the night unfolded, the energy shifted into high gear with the arrival of The White Doves, an incredible band that got everyone moving. And just when things couldn’t get any better, Jack’s groomsmen took to the decks at 10pm, spinning tunes until the very end – a memorable night capped off by our final dance to Loch Lomond.
Bridesmaids
Groomsmen
In an effort to foster a sense of unity among my groomsmen, I decided to take a more hands-on approach when it came to their attire. Rather than dictating every detail, I gave them the freedom to choose their own outfits – with one condition: they had to incorporate the same Walker Slater tie and pocket square that I was wearing. This intentional mismatch of kilts and suits added a touch of personality to our overall look, while the shared accessories kept our ensembles from feeling too disjointed.
Your Outfits & Accessories
When it came to dressing for their special day, Lauren and Jack didn’t prioritize extravagance over practicality. For Lauren, finding the perfect dress wasn’t about breaking the bank; she wanted something that fit her style without draining her budget. A chance discovery led her to a second-hand website, where she found her ideal gown. After a quick try-on in a shopping centre car park with her friend’s approval, she knew it was the one – and with some alterations and TLC, it became perfect for her big day. As for Jack, his suit was sourced from Walker Slater in Glasgow, specifically the Edward suit in grey Shetland wool with Donegal pattern. Given his slender build, the trousers were tailored to perfection, and a bottle green wool tie and silk pocket square from the same store added a touch of elegance.
Beauty
As the big day approached, I prioritized getting my hair done at a local salon before heading back to my childhood home where my bridesmaids were waiting to get ready. With everything in place, I squeezed in a visit to the salon to ensure my locks looked their absolute best for the special occasion. Meanwhile, Rachel Crowe expertly crafted my makeup look and my bridesmaids’ as well – it was a stunning, natural finish that stayed flawless all day long.
Your Photographer
Our photographer, Ross Alexander, left an indelible mark on our special day. His ability to capture the essence of our celebration was truly remarkable, and we can’t sing his praises enough. With a relaxed and unobtrusive approach, he effortlessly blended in with our vision, producing stunning images that perfectly captured the harmony between the harbour’s serene backdrop and the crashing waves beyond.
The Venue
In the heart of East Neuk of Fife, we stumbled upon a community hall that defied expectations. The old church building, with its soaring roof height, majestic windows, and stunning stained glass window behind the stage, was a blank canvas waiting to be transformed. The adjacent room, designed for buffet-style dining, offered ample space for attendees to gather and socialize. But what truly set this venue apart was its whimsical atmosphere, overflowing with lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and an abundance of fairy lights that cast a warm glow throughout the space, transporting all who entered into a fairytale-like realm.
The Cake
In a nod to local tradition, the celebratory cake was crafted in Broughty Ferry, with a talented florist adding a crowning glory to the finished product. The cake itself was a moist and decadent sponge, smothered in a generous layer of Italian meringue icing – a true delight for the senses.
The Flowers
The Country Garden Company in Cupar, Fife, deserves special mention for their exceptional work on the floral arrangements. Amanda and her team crafted stunning table displays, bouquets, and other flower features that added a touch of elegance to the event. Meanwhile, we took care of the rest of the flowers ourselves, making a thoughtful stop at Tesco to stock up on £100 worth of blooms. The result was a hall overflowing with foliage and flowers, every inch of which was beautifully dressed, including even the toilets! A highlight of the decor was undoubtedly the greenery roof structure created by Jack’s uncle, Stuart, which hung suspended in mid-air, adorned with real and artificial ivy, white flowers, and twinkling fairy lights. This impressive feature caught the eye of everyone entering the venue, setting the tone for a truly unforgettable celebration.
The Details & Décor
To create a warm and inviting atmosphere, I incorporated personal items from my family’s collection to decorate the hall. This included Scandinavian lanterns, dried eucalyptus branches, 160 strings of fairy lights, vases filled with fresh flowers, and candle holders. To further enhance the ambiance, we used air diffusers to disperse a pleasant scent, specifically Hedgerow by Join London, which evoked a sense of being surrounded by lush foliage.
For the theme, I opted for a calming white and green palette, eschewing any bold colors. The tables were set with wooden logs, carefully crafted by Jack’s uncle Stuart from fallen tree branches. We then draped fairy lights across the surfaces, accompanied by wicker and clear plastic baubles filled with artificial moss, creating a lush, verdant effect that stretched along the banquet-style tables.
The Honeymoon
As we reflect on our recent Italian getaway, we’re already looking forward to a more significant celebration – our upcoming 30th birthday milestone. Next year, we’ll be embarking on a dreamy honeymoon adventure to Vietnam, where we’ll not only mark this special occasion but also combine it with exploring the country’s stunning landscapes and cultures.
Memorable Moments
From inception to celebration, every moment counts. The journey begins with a blank slate, where creativity flows and imagination runs wild as we bring our vision to life. It’s not just about the destination – it’s about the experience. We’re talking laughter-filled moments, heartfelt conversations, and memories that will be cherished for years to come. And when the big day finally arrives, we get to share this joy with our loved ones, letting go of inhibitions and embracing the freedom to dance the night away.
Advice For Other Couples
As you embark on this unforgettable journey together, consider making your wedding a true reflection of who you are as individuals and as a couple. With the freedom to curate every aspect of the celebration, you can create an atmosphere that authentically represents your unique love story. This special day is an opportunity to surround yourself with the people you cherish most, ensuring an experience you’ll both treasure for years to come.
And don’t let the misconception prevail – it’s entirely possible to plan a wedding in 6 months or less, should you so desire!
Credit Where Credit Is Due
Lauren and Jack’s special day was nothing short of breathtaking, from the ceremony at The Lower College Hall, St Salvator’s Quadrangle in St Andrews to the reception at Crail Community Hall. The beauty didn’t stop there – the couple also chose stunning flowers courtesy of The Country Garden Company, with makeup perfection achieved by Rachel Crowe. To set the tone, Alan Miller brought his expertise to the bar and lighting, while Lutis Wood Burning Oven satisfied the guests’ cravings for delicious food. The White Doves provided an unforgettable soundtrack, complemented by the unique aroma wafting from Join Store London’s room fragrance. As for Lauren’s stunning outfit, Walker Slater crafted her groom’s suit, completing a memorable celebration that was simply ‘gorgeous’.