Sarah & Mark's Scottish Elopement

Sarah & Mark decided to go to Scotland to get married in a Castle, no-less! They had the entire Castle to themselves for the weekend. The question has to be why wouldn't you want to get married in your very own Castle?

Why did you choose your wedding venue

Me and mark had always fancied a run away wedding to Gretna with just a little of the family there. When we went to Gretna itself it just wasn't the vibe we thought we would get. Auchen castle was one of the venues on the Gretna packages we'd been looking at and straight away we knew that was the one. We planned to go back but lock down happened. I did my research and even without seeing it in person we knew it was the venue for us. We finally got to view it 1 year before we was to marry and it was more than perfect.

What was the inspiration behind your wedding theme? Colours etc

The venue did a photoshoot through lockdown to promote their “Fall in love” package, which suited us perfectly getting married in the fall with the colour scheme. I loved all the fallen leaves, in the rusty oranges and browns. I loved the lake but the selling point for me was the big oval table. I never could imagine having a top table in a line looking out at the guests. I had a vision that I wanted to be seated around one big table. After extending our numbers, we had the oval table and tables for friends & family & it was perfect. The simplicity of the theme meant we didn't need fancy centre pieces etc, just the simple candelabras were perfect.

What was the best part of your day?

The best part of the day… Well for me i wouldn’t change a thing. We had a power cut the night before fire engines came. We had a free bar and drank by candle light and that was the highlight of the wedding weekend. The whole wedding day was perfect but I will never forget the overwhelming feeling I got right before walking down the aisle. All the emotion hit me but walking down that aisle was nothing short of perfect

If you could do it all over again, is there anything you would change / do differently?

I wouldn’t change a thing. I wouldn't have a videographer but I do wish I could just play the whole day back again from every angle possible.

What advice would you give to other couples when planning their Wedding?

Don’t over complicate it. I had my bouquet and button holes but non for the bridesmaids. I didn't have expensive centre pieces just what was provided by the venue. I kept the favours and place names home made and simple and cost effective. I saved so much money on things that don't make your day so I could spend money on the things that did matter. So that would be my advice. Have a beautiful day but it doesn’t need to cost the earth.

Where was your wedding dress from?

https://www.jaynesbridalwear.co.uk/

My dress was from Jaynes Bridal & it was from the Pronovias range. It was designed by a plus size model called Ashley Graham (who is an icon to me so it was absolutely perfect when I found out she designed it).

Who was your florist?

https://www.instagram.com/mountaindaisyfloristry/

The florist was called 'To a Mountain Daisy' & was included in my “Fall in love” package with the venue, which was good as it meant I didn't have to source my own, with it being in Scotland.

Who was your hair / makeup artist?

https://www.facebook.com/Merakibysarah/?locale=en_GB

Of course I had my own girls from my Salon at home, Jess Shaw for make up and Joanna Reay for hair. Although I did have another hair and make up ladies (make up by Hania provided in the package) I donated this to my mother in law. I loved that we all got ready in the castles breakfast room. We all had breakfast together and then had hair and make up done. It worked really well and meant my bridal suite was kept tidy.

Where were your bridesmaid dresses from?

https://www.jjshouse.co.uk/series/wedding-party-dresses

JJ’s house online. Reasonably priced and they do different designs and you choose your colour.

Where was your cake from?

https://www.facebook.com/NonaLousKitchen/?locale=en_GB

My cake was again provided by the venue, by a company called Fat Bottom Girls Cakes. It was a two tier cake & I chose semi naked, with Mr & Mrs Nicholson and flowers to match the bouquet.

Where were the Groomsmen suits from?

https://lakeside-village.co.uk/stores/skopes/

The guys suits were from Skopes at the Yorkshire Outlet.

Are there any other suppliers you would like to mention?

https://www.facebook.com/callumscottishpiper

The Piper, Callum, who piped us in & out was wonderful, again supplied by the venue.

My cake stand hoop was hand made by my friend Kelly Glover. My wedding favour candles, scented tobacco vanilla in a bronze heart shaped tin, were made by my friend Kelly Harper. My extra button holes for the groomsmen made with tartan and poppies were made by my Friend Tracey waterman.

Scroll on for a nosey at some of my favorite images from their day

Here are some of my favorite images from this perfect day!

Bridal Prep

What more could you want then having a whole a castle to get ready for your wedding in?