Iona and Mark’s decision to have a single, intimate celebration instead of separate parties was a testament to their desire for an relaxed, formal-free experience. They chose June 30th, 2018 as the perfect day to tie the knot, with a humanist ceremony at Leith Theatre followed by a reception at Strawberry Barn in Dunbar. The focus was squarely on their relationship, and it shows in the joyful atmosphere that permeates every moment of this special day.
Iona’s stunning Charlie Brear gown perfectly captures her effortless elegance, while the bridesmaids’ mismatched dresses from Rewritten and the gents’ sharp kilts add to the overall sense of laid-back chic. Jen Owens Images did an incredible job capturing these unforgettable moments, which are rich in color and atmosphere. We’re thrilled to share them with you, WWWers!
The Proposal
In the picturesque French ski resort town of Val D’Isere, a romantic getaway turned into an unforgettable moment for Mark and his loved one. It was there that he popped the question to her atop the majestic Rocher du Charvet, making their skiing holiday an even more extraordinary experience.
The Vision
We opted for a humanist ceremony, seeking to strike a balance between formality and informality. Iona’s Edinburgh roots led us to Leith, where we found the perfect blend of relaxed atmosphere and scenic backdrop at the Leith Theatre. This intimate setting provided the ideal starting point for our celebration, which was designed to transition smoothly into an evening of laid-back revelry with ample space for dancing. The Strawberry Barn proved to be the perfect fit, its rustic charm already augmented by tasteful decorations and a built-in catering service – a blessing in disguise considering we were based in Aberdeen, allowing us to enjoy a more streamlined planning process.
The Planning Process
As we began planning our special day, we found ourselves torn between the size of our wedding and the format. Initially, we considered a small, intimate ceremony with just immediate family, followed by a larger celebration with loved ones. This led us to ponder a non-traditional approach that still allowed for a big party. With Iona hailing from the Edinburgh area, it was only natural that we would want to get married close to her parents. The Leith Theatre proved to be the perfect setting for our ceremony. Next up was the decision on where to host our reception. While staying at the Leith Theatre was an option, the discovery of the Strawberry Barn sealed the deal for us. Despite being a bit of a drive from town, it perfectly captured the lively, party atmosphere we were aiming for.
Budget
With a fixed budget in place, we were taken aback by the quotes we received from traditional wedding venues and hotels. To stay within our means, we got creative with decorations, collecting old whisky and gin bottles to craft lanterns that added warmth and ambiance to the space. We also repurposed items from Ikea for table centerpieces and enlisted Mark’s mother to create stunning hessian table runners for each table, bringing a personal touch to the overall aesthetic.
The Venue
We chose the Leith Theatre in Edinburgh as the perfect setting for our special day. The art deco entrance foyer offered an intimate atmosphere where we exchanged vows at the foot of the stairs. This allowed us to utilize the back staircase, enabling Iona’s bridesmaids, accompanied by her parents, to make a grand entrance via the main staircase instead of a traditional aisle walk. Iona was accompanied by both her mom and dad as she descended the staircase, adding an extra layer of sentimental value to the moment.Following the ceremony, we were able to capture some stunning photos within the Leith Theatre’s walls. As it happens, funds are being raised to renovate this beloved venue, making our opportunity to shoot there all the more meaningful.For our guests traveling from Dunbar, we arranged for convenient bus transportation along the East coast, ensuring a seamless arrival experience. With the weather cooperating beautifully, we were able to offer welcome drinks outside, allowing everyone to mingle and unwind in the warm sunshine.The Strawberry Barn, our chosen reception venue, boasts an already charming atmosphere thanks to its drapes, fairy lights, and bunting adornments. As such, there was little need for additional decorations, leaving us free to focus on enjoying every moment of our special day.
Your Outfits & Accessories
As we took our first steps together as husband and wife, Mark’s traditional attire perfectly complemented my vintage-inspired dress from Charlie Brear in Lamesley – although the shop has since closed its doors due to the owner’s ill health. The sparkly heel on my Dorothy Perkins shoes added an extra touch of glamour, making them perfect for dancing the night away. A special mention goes to Mark’s gift-giving skills, as he presented me with beautiful earrings from Finnies The Jeweler in Aberdeen on our wedding day. Meanwhile, Mark’s kilt and jacket were crafted by R & I McDonald Kiltmakers in West Calder – a renowned institution that prides itself on creating handmade attire to the highest standards. For the occasion, Mark chose a traditional outfit featuring a new jacket and waistcoat, which he paired with Loake Ashby brogues and a thoughtful gift from Iona, a Dalvey pocket watch.
Beauty
At the wedding, hairstyling was courtesy of Austen Thomson, where Iona typically gets her locks done. Her bridesmaids sported effortless loose curls, while Iona opted for an understated yet elegant low knot hairstyle, adorned with a few subtle flowers adding a touch of whimsy to her overall look. On the makeup front, Lyn McKenzie was the mastermind behind the beautiful bridal party appearances.
The Cake
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The Flowers
The picturesque shoreline in Leith played host to a stunning display of floral arrangements. The talented team crafted breathtaking bouquets, intricate buttonholes, and exquisite flowers for the mothers, as well as lush foliage that adorned the central staircase’s banister. Meanwhile, the table decorations at the barn were transformed with an abundance of flowers, while the signing table and top table boasted beautiful blooms. The pièce de résistance was a stunning flower arrangement situated at the middle ticket booth of the Leith Theatre. Thanks to some amazing family friends who kindly assisted in transporting the arrangements from the theatre to the barn.
Bridesmaids
Imagine a group of bridesmaids standing out in stunning harmony, each dressed in a reimagined version of the same dress, yet distinct in its own right. The Mykonos style features a flowing top and long skirt, while the Vienna design boasts a fitted bodice and flared silhouette. Florence’s look is characterized by a dramatic high-low hemline, and Havana’s dress is marked by a daring thigh-high slit. Throughout, the common thread is the rich chianti hue that unites the group. To add a personal touch, each bridesmaid chose her own shoes to pair with her dress, resulting in a visually appealing blend of styles and personalities.
Groomsmen
Each of the traditional Scottish outfits featured a unique kilt, carefully paired with matching jackets and waistcoats from renowned Scottish tailor R&I McDonald Kiltmakers.
The Readings & Music
The ceremony featured two unique and meaningful readings, each selected to reflect the couple’s personalities and relationship. Megan Craig, the groom’s sister, kicked off the proceedings with a poignant recitation of the lyrics to Teenage Fanclub’s ‘When I Still Have Thee’. The song’s themes of love, loss, and longing resonated deeply with the gathered guests, setting the tone for an emotional and intimate celebration of the couple’s commitment to one another. Later, Garry McKay, the bride’s sister, brought her own special touch to the proceedings with a heartfelt reading of Bob Marley’s quote ‘He’s Not Perfect’. The quote’s emphasis on embracing each other’s imperfections served as a powerful reminder of the couple’s love and acceptance of each other, flaws and all.
The Details & Décor
In a charming display, flowers blended seamlessly with lush greenery, creating a natural ambiance. The rustic charm of the table decorations was further enhanced by handmade hessian runners, soft candlelight emanating from lanterns (Ikea’s thoughtful touch), and tree-cut blocks provided by the venue, all wrapped in an abundance of foliage, bringing the outdoors in.
Your Photographer
The Honeymoon
As we prepare for our honeymoon to South Africa, we’re opting to visit during their peak summer season, which falls in November 2018. Interestingly, immediately following our wedding celebration, we embarked on a brief getaway to Portugal, specifically exploring the charming coastal towns of Cascais and Lisbon.
Memorable Moments
Iona’s family connections were a major highlight of the evening, as her brother Garry’s impressive dance skills had everyone mesmerized. Meanwhile, the dancefloor was electric, packed all night with revelers grooving to the infectious beats of The Invitations – it was no surprise that nobody wanted to stop dancing!
Advice For Other Couples
Take an empowered approach by tackling tasks independently whenever possible. Establishing a straightforward plan upfront helps guide your efforts, allowing you to concentrate on a select few areas where you can make a meaningful impact.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
The talented team behind the memorable wedding celebration included photographer Jen Owens Images, which captured every special moment. The ceremony took place at the historic Leith Theatre & The Strawberry Barn, a picturesque venue that added to the event’s charm. Hair styling was courtesy of Austen Thomson, while make-up artistry was handled by Lyn McKenzie. Petals by the Shore brought beautiful blooms to the celebration, and the bridesmaids’ dresses were provided by Bridal Fashion, a member of our Wedding Suppliers network. The bride’s stunning dress was designed by Charlie Brear, while R&I Mcdonald Kiltmakers ensured the groomsmen looked dashing in their kilts. Ian Gallagher was responsible for the lovely rings that symbolized the couple’s love. As they exchanged vows and celebrated their special day, it was clear that Iona and Mark had a fantastic time – thank you both for sharing your joy with us! Rachel