We’re thrilled to share an unforgettable Tullibole Castle wedding with Lowenna and Craig, who tied the knot on May 18th, 2019, in Scotland. This joyous celebration was described as ‘Bright, Fun, Natural’ – a perfect blend of elements that make a wedding truly special. Let’s start with the vibrant atmosphere they created. Balloons adorned the archway, floral stationery added a pop of color, and whimsical touches like pom-poms and confetti (in balloons and on the dance floor) brought an infectious energy to the day. The pièce de résistance was their breathtaking semi-naked cake, smothered in flowers – it’s a true masterpiece! Lowenna looked stunning in her embroidered gown, while Craig rocked his custom-made kilt. What made this wedding truly unforgettable is that Casey Avenue Photography, a WWW favorite and supplier member, was on hand to capture the magic of the day. We’re grateful for these incredible images, courtesy of Hannah.
The Proposal
In early 2018, we embarked on a memorable weekend getaway with Lowenna’s parents to a charming seaside retreat in Ayr. The highlight of our trip was the Sunday afternoon when Craig surprised me by suggesting a leisurely walk up a majestic hillside to explore Greenan Castle, situated majestically by the sea. Little did I know, this ordinary hike would turn into an extraordinary moment as Craig dropped down onto one knee and proposed with all the romance and intimacy of the ocean breeze.
The Cake
The pièce de résistance was a show-stopping, four-tier masterpiece crafted by Craig’s talented younger sister, Deliciously Erin – a skilled cake-maker who outdid herself with a gluten-free rendition of two tiers. The end result was nothing short of breathtaking, exceeding our wildest expectations and leaving us in awe.
The Planning Process
Initially, our search for the perfect wedding venue began with a local exploration. We visited a nearby location that had received rave reviews online. However, after a brief visit, we quickly determined that a more laid-back atmosphere was what we were looking for. This prompted us to turn to Google and search for barn venues. It was during this digital quest that we stumbled upon Tullibole Castle and promptly arranged a viewing before embarking on our upcoming holiday. The moment we set foot within the castle’s walls, we were captivated by its beauty and knew instinctively that it was the ideal location for our special day.
The Vision
As we envisioned a leisurely celebration, we sought to incorporate vibrant hues and floral elements into our wedding vision. Without a particular shade in mind for the bridesmaids’ attire, we were confident that the gentlemen’s kilted ensembles would provide a stylish contrast.
Budget
While our initial budget might have been exceeded by a significant margin, the experience was well worth the extra expense. In fact, every single expenditure has left us with no regrets, as each purchase has contributed to an unforgettable adventure. Looking back, we can confidently say that there isn’t a single item or activity that we feel was unnecessary or a waste of our hard-earned cash.
Beauty
With Chantelle Douglas styling our bridal party hair, we each opted for unique looks – I didn’t have any specific preferences when it came to updos or down styles. For my own makeup, as well as that of three bridesmaids, Heather Niblo Makeup Artistry was the artist behind the look. We had a few trial runs before the big day, and Heather nailed the exact style I desired, leaving me beaming with satisfaction – I truly felt like the best version of myself. Meanwhile, Mollie Williams Makeup Artist brought a touch of elegance to the mums and one bridesmaid, Carly, as they opted for a more natural, understated look that perfectly captured their personal styles.
The Venue
When considering Tullibole Castle as your wedding venue, couples are spoiled for choice when it comes to selecting a picturesque spot to say their vows. The castle itself offers an elegant indoor setting, while the lush greenery surrounding the property provides a serene backdrop for an outdoor ceremony – or so we thought. Initially, our plan was to exchange vows on the grassy lawn, and with good weather forecasted for Monday through Friday leading up to our big day, it seemed like the perfect scenario. However, come Saturday, the skies had other plans, and a sudden downpour forced us to alter our plans at the last minute. In the end, we opted for a cozy and intimate ceremony in the barn, which ended up being a blessing in disguise. The resulting photos are nothing short of breathtaking, and it’s a memory we’ll treasure forever.
Your Outfits & Accessories
I took a chance on Needle & Thread’s online wedding dress collection, despite it not being stocked in Scotland. The bohemian embroidered design I had fallen in love with was unavailable locally, but the website allowed me to order my size without hesitation. Thankfully, the fit turned out great, requiring only minor adjustments to the back of the dress, which still needed its original length. To complement my unique dress, I chose embellished heels from Dune.Meanwhile, Craig and his father opted for a bespoke kilt-making experience at Celtic Craft Centre Kiltmakers in Edinburgh. They chose to have their kilts created entirely from scratch using their family tartan, which resulted in striking garments that set them apart as the Groom and Father of the Groom.
The Readings & Music
As I made my way down the aisle, Highland Cathedral’s soulful bagpipe melodies provided the perfect accompaniment to my emotional journey. The prelude was just the beginning of our wedding celebration. A dear friend, Carly, followed with a heartfelt reading, which was beautifully complemented by Lee and Craig’s sisters, Jade and Erin, who also shared their thoughts. The ceremony took an intimate turn as we opted for a traditional Celtic Handfasting ritual. A ribbon reminiscent of my bridesmaid dresses intertwined with one echoing the tartan worn by Craig, symbolizing our union.
Bridesmaids
The wedding party’s attire was a stylish choice, with the bridesmaids donning TFNC dresses sourced from the popular online retailer ASOS. What’s more, we were able to snag them at a bargain price, with each dress reduced from its original £60.00 value to an incredible £18.00 thanks to a sale.
Groomsmen
As the big day approached, the groomsmen made sure to dress the part by donning traditional kilts from J H Kilt Hire in Grangemouth. They chose a stylish grey tartan design that added a touch of sophistication to their overall look. To give their outfits an extra pop of personality, they incorporated colourful buttonholes into their attire, making them stand out in a crowd.
The Flowers
The bouquet featured a vibrant array of flowers, all sourced from Pink Thistle Flowers in Stirling. With the instruction to incorporate plenty of color and ‘wildness’, Anabel skillfully curated arrangements that perfectly captured the essence of the brief.
Your Photographer
When it came time to capture our special day, we knew exactly who we wanted behind the lens – Hannah at Casey Avenue. From her stunning Instagram feed, we were hooked. Our goal was to create a natural and relaxed atmosphere, free from forced poses. And Hannah absolutely nailed it. The resulting photos are vibrant, authentic, and have garnered an incredible response from our friends and family. As for the ceremony itself, things got off to a slightly rocky start when my zipper got stuck. But thanks to Hannah’s quick thinking (and a little help from some soap from the loo!), we managed to get underway just 15 minutes behind schedule. I shudder to think what would have happened if she hadn’t been there to lend a helping hand – or in this case, a creative solution!
The Details & Décor
As enthusiastic DIY enthusiasts, Tullibole Castle allows couples to take charge of their special day’s aesthetic. Our experience was no exception, with a generous allocation of time on Thursday and Friday to bring our vision to life. A significant portion of our decorative elements were sourced from the treasure troves of online marketplaces like eBay and Etsy.
The Honeymoon
As soon as the wedding celebrations came to an end, my partner and I embarked on a two-week escapade to Mexico, seeking much-needed relaxation after the whirlwind of planning and preparation. Little did we know just how drained we were until we arrived in this sun-kissed paradise, where the stresses of daily life melted away beneath the warm glow of the Mexican sunshine.
Memorable Moments
Dillon’s best man speech was nothing short of phenomenal, leaving everyone in stitches and garnering rave reviews from even the most discerning attendees. As Craig’s closest friend, he brought an infectious energy to the proceedings, making him a standout among the many memorable speeches we’ve had the pleasure of witnessing. In contrast, our ‘I Do BBQ’ on Sunday proved to be a masterstroke. By slowing down the pace and allowing us to genuinely connect with loved ones, it was an opportunity to unwind and relive the excitement of the day in a more relaxed setting. As the sun set and flames crackled around the fire pit, we feasted on Chinese delicacies while being serenaded by soothing tunes – a truly unforgettable experience.
Advice For Other Couples
Forget about impressing others and focus on your own desires. This isn’t a popularity contest; it’s about honoring your unique vision. When it comes to making decisions or pursuing opportunities, don’t be swayed by what others might think. It’s not their life, nor is it your responsibility to make them happy. Instead, do what brings you joy and fulfillment, even if it doesn’t align with someone else’s expectations. And remember, nobody will notice the small imperfections or mishaps along the way except for yourself.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
The wedding celebration of Lowenna and Craig was a truly unforgettable experience. The talented photographer from Casey Avenue Photography captured the special moments beautifully. As a member of the Wedding Directory’s list of esteemed photographers, they brought their expertise to the table. Tullibole Castle served as the stunning venue for this joyous occasion. The Wee White Dog Catering Company took care of the culinary needs, ensuring every guest left with a satisfied palate. Pink Thistle Flowers added an extra touch of elegance with their exquisite arrangements. For sweet treats, @deciouslyerin’s creations were the perfect complement to the day’s festivities. Makeup artists @heatherniblo_makeupartistry and @makeupbymollie16 worked their magic to make Lowenna look absolutely radiant. Chantelle Hair did a fantastic job of styling her locks. Bonnie Bright Designs took care of the stationery, making sure every detail was accounted for. The groomsmen’s kilts were provided by JH Kilt Hire, adding a touch of Scottish flair to the proceedings. Needle and Thread created Lowenna’s breathtaking wedding dress, which she wore with poise and confidence. The Heart and Soul Band got everyone moving with their lively tunes, making it an oh-so-fun day for all involved.