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How would you describe your Eleganza Experience?
It was so exciting going dress shopping after following Eleganza on social media for YEARS! From the moment I walked in, you know that you're somewhere special and I'm so pleased that I found the dress of dreams after just 2 appointments.
Would you like to share with us your proposal moment, favourite part of planning your wedding or what you have planned for your honeymoon?
My proposal was so special, and a time I'll always cherish. My now husband had a surprise trip to Seville planned to propose, and we were due to go in March 2020. But, the pandemic had other plans so James opted for a lockdown living room proposal that ended up being the most perfect proposal.
My stepdaughter, who was 7 at the time was in on the secret and helped to get me ready for the proposal without me even knowing! Then she took me downstairs to the living room where James was standing with our song playing, candles, petals and he said the most beautiful words.
It was so emotional when I eventually realised what was happening, then he told me to open a present that was on the couch. It was an empty book, and in the first pages, he had a local Glasgow artist - Claire Barclay Draws - draw a picture of James down on one knee in front of me, with "Will you marry me?". Then when I went to the back of the book, there was the most stunning emerald cut diamond ring tied in to it.
I guess I never imagined that I would be proposed to in my home, but so much thought went into it to make it unforgettable. I wouldn't change a thing about it!
For our honeymoon, we went for a once in a lifetime trip to the Maafushivaru Resort in the Maldives for our Honeymoon. I've never been anywhere in the world so idyllic and beautiful - it was sheer bliss. We stayed in a stunning over-water villa and made the most of the resort's gorgeous restaurants, beaches, spa, snorkelling and day trips. We got to swim with Manta Rays and turtles out in the ocean one day - it was an experience I'll never forget. I actually cried as we were leaving the island because I'd had such a perfect time - I didn't want it to end!
Tell us more about your Suzanne Neville gown!
I chose the Alouette gown after setting my heart on having a minimalist, modern but still timeless gown.
I always said that I'd never choose a strapless dress. I think this was because I always wanted to have quite a modest look, and always just associated strapless dresses with sweetheart necklines that showed more cleavage. However, I absolutely loved the unique structure of Alouette's bodice. It gave me the coverage I was looking for and made me feel so confident. The sharp shape of one side complimented the softer edge on the other, and to me it just made the dress more unique.
The delicate Italian crepe made the dress so light to wear and was perfect for what ended up being a warm, sunny summer's day. And the built-in corset made me feel supported all day and night.
When I tried on the dress initially, I thought it was classic and beautiful, but that I just wanted to add a wee something to make it a bit more fun and playful. So, I added a gorgeous tulle overskirt which for me sealed the deal. At that point, I knew I had found 'the dress'.
I added an incredible veil with floral appliques which felt perfect for a June wedding.
I remember putting my dress on on my wedding morning and feeling incredible. I've never felt so confident wearing anything in my life. I didn't want to take it off and ended up keeping my overskirt on until the end of the night, despite planning on taking it off after the first dance! The whole look was just perfection for me, I wouldn't change a thing!
What was your inspiration for your wedding? Did you follow a specific theme or colour palette?
We really wanted everyone at our wedding to have fun, so that was a big focus for us when choosing entertainment, music, our Celebrant and adding details like our Audio Guest book.
For styling of our wedding, I knew we wanted to go for a soft, minimalist, luxe feel. Colours were neutral with flashes of black/gold, and styling was quite stripped back.
For the evening we wanted big party vibes. To compliment the huge Disco balls in the ballroom, we had a shiny disco ball style backdrop wall with neon lighting. This was perfect for our surprise saxophonist performance.
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Tell us more about your Big Day!
Where to begin! It was hands down the happiest day of my life - I have never, ever had so much fun and been filled with so much joy!
In the morning I got ready with my 5 bridesmaids with the best glam squad. Stephanie (MUA) and Lana (Hair) made me feel incredible - my makeup and hair were both exactly what I was looking for. Glowy face with glam Hollywood waves. The morning was surprisingly calm - I didn't expect it to be as fun, but it was. So special sharing those last moments as a Miss with my best friends.
I started feeling really nervous when it was time to go to the ceremony. I did my first look with my Gran and Papa and it was a beautiful moment. My Papa then walked me down the aisle which was a dream come true. We walked to "Alone" by Jessie Ware. He means the world to me and is one of my favourite people, and I feel so lucky that he got to be a part of our day.
We had our ceremony outdoors at Cornhill with the hills of Biggar as the backdrop. Our ceremony was the best - our Celebrant Claire the Humanist brought the humour so we were laughing loads, and there were special moments too like my stepdaughter doing our handfasting for us, and my Aunt doing a reading.
Walking back up the aisle was such a memorable moment for me. We created a huge aisle with every guest and bought bundles of confetti and confetti canons. Walking through it all to our song Queen's "Best Friend" was a pinch-me moment - I had literally just had the ceremony of my dreams and was just starting what was going to be an amazing day.
We got our bridal party and family photos taken which was fun in itself, then enjoyed mingling with guests while Rusty's Piano Bar played in the background.
We walked in to our (delicious) meal to Chic's "Good Times", then heard our speeches which were all amazing and so heartfelt. Plenty of laughs too - they went down a storm.
The evening was when it all flew in. I was so excited to hear our band. We both love live music and had picked a 9 piece band called the Soul Establishment that had a brass section, percussion and amazing singers, and they did not disappoint. After our first-dance "Bones" by Hozier and Maren Morris, we went to get our couple portraits just as the sun was beginning to set. It was so nice to get some time alone just the two of us.
Then it was back to the party for our surprise performer - Shades of Sax. Euan was incredible! A full hour of full on party vibes - he took the energy levels though the roof. We had glow sticks to add to the fun. All our guests couldn't believe how long he played for and so many say he was a highlight of the day!
It's no joke how quickly your day goes in. It's impossible to soak it all in fully, but thankfully we had a very talented photographer, Lianne Mackay, and videographer - Scott from Mackenzie Weddings Films - who captured our day perfectly for us.
At 1am our day finally came to an end. Cornhill have an insane honeymoon suite that is over 3 floors with a jacuzzi, sauna, wine cellar and stunning features. It was such a treat and the perfect place to wind up the day.
I wish we could do it all again. It was a perfect day from start to finish and I feel so lucky that I get to call it our day.
What was the most memorable moment?
Meeting James at the top of the aisle and looking out to see all of our friends and family sat in the audience looking back at us. I felt like the luckiest girl in the world that I was getting to marry my best friend, and that so many people had made the effort to come and be part of our day.
Do you have a favourite picture from your wedding day? Why is this image so special to you?
It has to be our confetti shots walking back up the aisle. It was the most joyous moment knowing I was now married to my best friend, and seeing all our friends and family smiling and happy as we walked by them. I'll never be able to fully describe the feeling - it was just the best. When I see the photos I can still feel the love, warmth and happiness I felt in that moment, and wish I could transport myself back to experience all the joy again.
Photographer: Lianne Mackay Photography | Florist: Save The Date Collective | Venue: Cornhill Castle | Makeup: Stephanie McDowell Makeup | Shoes: Monsoon Bridal | Cake: Liggy's Cakes | Caterer: Cornhill Castle | Music: The Soul Establishment, Shades of Sax and Rusty's Piano Bar | Videographer: Mackenzie Wedding Films | Hair: Cameo Bridal Hair