Eleganza Real Bride: Shannon

Eleganza Real Bride: Shannon

 

How would you describe your Eleganza Experience?

My experience at Eleganza was truly exceptional. The staff was exceedingly professional, and the ambiance of the place was fairy tale-esque. I was particularly impressed with Francesca, who was the main person helping me discover my perfect dress. (All of the employees were so kind and, as far as wedding dress fittings went, they were the first and last I needed because they took care of my needs.)

 

Would you like to share with us your proposal moment, favourite part of planning your wedding or what you have planned for your honeymoon?

Proposal: My fiancé, Jamie, orchestrated a memorable proposal in Santa Barbara, which included our Vizsla dog, Remington. We enjoyed a romantic picnic on the polo fields and a "dog photoshoot" at our favorite beach. His surprise proposal, complete with a heartfelt question and my excitement, made it all the more perfect. Can’t forget the champagne to top it all off!

Wedding: Planning a wedding remotely from California presented its challenges, but I found great joy in the process. The initial step of selecting my dress was seamless, thanks to Eleganza. Among the many highlights, I must emphasize the invaluable support of my Scottish family, especially my cousin Emily, who played a crucial role in my wedding preparations. The wedding was a three-day event that took place at Winton Castle in Pencaitland.

Honeymoon: As for our honeymoon, we're eagerly looking forward to visiting Japan next year to witness the cherry blossoms in full bloom. We haven’t planned much yet, but we’ll cross that bridge when we get to it. After planning a three-day wedding, I’m a little planned out :)

 

Tell us more about your Savin London gown!

My dress was a masterpiece that fit me perfectly and felt like I was wearing art. It effortlessly combined timeless elegance with a modern twist, offering a modest aesthetic compared to my usual style preferences. I felt like a fairy princess wearing it, with its intricate details accentuating my appearance beautifully. Being petite, I had concerns about the dress overwhelming me, but it was absolutely perfect. The laser-cut silk flower on the dress was a brilliant touch, and the reactions from my husband (who cried), dad (who cried), and everyone in attendance (all cried) were nothing short of priceless.

 

 

What was your inspiration for your wedding? Did you follow a specific theme or colour palette?

Our wedding venue had an inherent beauty and a castle-like charm, and I was determined not to overshadow it. Therefore, I chose to let the venue's natural beauty and castle decor shine through. I aimed to have every aspect of the wedding reflect the elegance of my dress and its floral motifs. We introduced whimsical elements with white flowers and stems to add depth without overwhelming the setting.

 

Tell us more about your Big Day!

We opted to have a three-day wedding which wound up being the best time ever. The first day in the castle, we had dinner in the great room followed by ceilidh dancing. The second day was the wedding, and the third day we had the Highland Games. However, on the wedding day, the bridal suite was a lively and enjoyable space, filled with music and the excitement of friends and family. It perfectly suited my personality and set the tone for the day. I cherished my getting-ready outfit as well. Jamie and I opted for a "first touch" instead of a first look, preserving the tradition of seeing each other for the first time as I walked down the aisle. The ceremony had everyone in tears. After the ceremony, we were greeted with a Beauford Tourer which drove us around the property while our guests attended the reception. We slowly, but surely, transitioned to a multi-course wedding breakfast which included the option of either 28-day aged dry beef loin or Halibut. Finally, we had a beautiful party after where Jamie and I were able to perform our dance to Ed Sheeran's “Perfect”. It truly was a remarkable experience.

 

 

What was the most memorable moment?

Without a doubt, the ceremony stands out as the most memorable moment. My cousin, Jay, who officiated the wedding, did an exceptional job. It felt like the culmination of months of meticulous planning, with our loved ones from near and far gathered around us. Imperfections in the ceremony only added to its charm, making it my favorite part of the day.

 

Do you have a favourite picture from your wedding day? Why is this image so special to you?

Several pictures hold a special place in my heart. I particularly adore the one where Jamie is carrying me and the enchanting veil pictures. The bridesmaid and groomsmen photos capture beautiful moments, and the picture with the wedding cake is another favorite. I must express my deep appreciation for our photographer and videographer, who filled the day with positivity and anticipation. I’m so excited to see the remaining photographs and videos.

 

Photographer: bearandbutterflyphotography | Florist: fioriglasgow | Venue 1: wintoncastle | Makeup: aimeemariemakeup | Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Cake: liggyscake | Caterer: Saltire Catering | Music: goldstar; the_pickled_piper; ritz_trio | Videographer: TLCmediaweddingfilms