Villa Medicea Di Lilliano Wedding | Tuscany Wedding Venue | Italy Destination Wedding Photographer
Villa Medicea Di Lilliano Wedding | Tuscany Wedding Venue | Italy Destination Wedding Photographer
Shannon and Patrick had their destination wedding day at the iconic Villa Medicea Di Lilliano, just outside of the city center of Florence. It really is one of the best locations in Tuscany for a wedding day, as your guests can easily choose to stay in the city center of Florence, not have to rent a car, and just TaXi to and from the Tuscan countryside wedding venue, Which is what my husband and I did for this wedding weekend. But you could also stay at a lovely rental villa in the countryside of Tuscany and rent a car for the more rural vibes as well. So if you know you have wedding guests that happen to love a good cup of craft coffee, michelin resturants and art or history museums, as well as vineyards in the tuscan countryside, this wedding venue would be truly perfect for your wedding guests to have either experience. Basically, I cannot rave enough about the perfect location of Villa Medicea Di Lilliano for your destination Italian wedding venue.
“Villa Medicea Di Lilliano is one of the best destination wedding venues in Tuscany for your wedding guests to either stay in the heart of Florence or in the Tuscan countryside.”
Shannon and patrick both started their wedding day mornings by staying overnight at one of the beautiful villa accommodations that Villa Medicea Di Lilliano offers. They had a courtyard, a private pool and beautiful balconies overlooking the Italian hills. I arrived just in time to enjoy an espresso the bride as she was having the most relaxed and calm morning of getting ready while Lilia did her makeup and epic hair.
as the Morning light spilled over the rolling Tuscan hills at villa medicea di lilliano, Shannon and Patrick continued to spend their wedding day morning surrounded by the quiet romance of the countryside. With the expert guidance of destination wedding planner rebecca marie weddings, the villa was filled with excited anticipation while Shannon got ready, her look brought to life by lilia mullinger bridal. She slipped into her timeless wedding gown by atelier arielle, fastening family-heirloom jewelry and a veil she lovingly handmade herself. Patrick prepared nearby in a sharply tailored tuxedo from p johnson tailors, having chill moments with his best friends and brother before the day unfolded. Every detail was thoughtfully photographed by myself with all of the behind-the-scenes moments were captured by wedding content creator visuals by stacey.
“surrounded by olive orchards and the chianti countryside, Villa Medicea Di Lilliano was a perfect place to have their italian destination wedding.”
The garden ceremony felt effortlessly intimate, framed by surrounding vineyards and manicured hedges and garden walls that seemed to glow under the Tuscan sun. As guests gathered, Shannon walked down the aisle toward Patrick, their vows were said on the historic grounds and so many tears were had between them and their guests. The setting was timeless, the atmosphere warm and heartfelt, and the moment felt suspended in time. It was truly a stunning wedding rooted in place and presence. Their rings by zia merrick sealed the promise to each other.
Cocktail hour flowed naturally through the villa gardens, with laughter, clinking glasses with custom drinks. Guests really enjoyed the views of Tuscany, since most of them were from america and other countries. while Shannon and Patrick slipped away for more couples and bridal portraits at sunset, the sky turned shades of pink and purple over the garden and villa’s stone walls. The light wrapped around them as if the countryside itself were celebrating, creating portraits that felt both cinematic and deeply personal to their wedding day.
As night fell, a candle-lit long table dinner awaited beneath twinkling string lights and a canopy of stars. The outdoor setting glowed with warmth as ciabatti ricevimenti served a beautifully crafted meal that honored local tradition, mainly delicious pasta that everyone, including myself, was raving about. Candles flickered, music drifted through the evening air, and the villa felt alive with joy. Everyone went inside the villa for cake and some solid tunes for dancing, provided by the best Destination Wedding DJ, will maden. It was a magical ending to a Tuscan wedding day. Villa Medicea Di Lilliano made for such a romantic, intentional, and unforgettable wedding venue to host a dreamy italian destination wedding day. In the end, every detail came together in perfect harmony.
“If you’re still searching for a historic wedding venue in the heart of italy, Villa Medicea Di Lilliano is a beautiful option to host all of your loved ones for your once in a lifetime destination wedding.”
This was such a sweet moment of pure Joy-filled hugs by Rebecca Marie,
just after their garden ceremony at Villa Medicea Di Lilliano.
Also, Lilia, the best MUA, kept her makeup looking flawless
all day long with quick little touch ups!
THE LOVELY WEDDING SUPPLIER TEAM
Destination Wedding Planner @rebeccamarieweddings
Destination Wedding Photography - @melodyjoyco
Tuscany Wedding Venue - @villamediceadililliano
Hair and Makeup Artist - @liliamullingerbridal
Wedding Content Creator - @visuals.bystacey
Wedding Dress Designer - @atelierarielle
Destination Wedding DJ - @willmaden_dj
Wedding Jewelry - family heirlooms
Groom's Tuxedo - @pjohnsontailors
Wedding Veil - Handmade by bride
wedding florals - a dear friend
Catering - @ciabatti_ricevimenti
Wedding Rings - @ziamerrick
Edinburgh City Chambers Elopement | Intimate Wedding Reception at Ardfern Restaurant in Leith | Jemma + Saf | Edinburgh Wedding Photographer
Edinburgh City Chambers Elopement | Intimate Wedding Reception at Ardfern Restaurant in Leith | Jemma + Saf | Edinburgh WEdding Photographer
Jemma and Saf, two of the most creative and go-getter individuals I know, had a beautiful Edinburgh City Chambers Elopement and intimate wedding day in Edinburgh, Scotland. This couple is not only dear friends of ours, but Jemma was actually my first friend that I made in edinburgh. I met up with her for coffee when I was visiting Edinburgh, years before I even met my husband Ross, who always says he first saw my profile from Jemma's Instagram. And as I wasn't using my Instagram account to focus on weddings yet at that time, and it was just filled with flat lays of coffee tables at cafes from my travels, naturally I was always connecting to people over coffee whenever I would travel to new places. And now Jemma and Saf own one of the edgiest coffee shops in Edinburgh, called Beatnik. It’s been such a joy watching them along thier journey of their relationship as well as their passion for design, art and coffee to all align for them to create inspiring and creative businesses within the edinburgh community.
So back to their wedding day, we started their wedding day by meeting at the courtyard of Edinburgh City Chambers, so go for a wander around The Royal Mile and The Old Town of Edinburgh. It’s truly an iconic part of the city and has the most historic buildings and gothic architecture to stroll around in. It’s always a beautiful area to take elopement portraits when getting married at The City CHambers, since it’s located in the heart of The Royal Mile. We strolled around the few blocks surrounding Edinburgh City CHambers before making our way inside before the guests arrived.
While there are many rooms that you can choose from to elope in at Edinburgh City Chambers, my favorite room will always be The European Room Suite. It can house up to 70 guests and looks out onto the historic courtyard of the chambers entrance, It is also lined with historic paintings that really make you feel like you’re in a mix between an art gallery and a scottish castle. Needless to say, they chose the European Room Suite to have their intimate ceremony in. There are rooms off to the side of the suite, where the couple can wait together or seperately, depending on if they want to see each other before the ceremony.
Jemma also had one of the loveliest wedding day outfits. Her wedding dress was from Malina, her lovely earrings were from Ellen Catherine and her shoes were from reformation. I could describe how lovely and beautiful they were in detail, but you can view the bridal portraits below to see a better visual description. All in all, it was stunning and very Jemma. Saf wore a Andrew Brookes suit and I was able to take one of my favorite groom portraits of him, in his iolla shades and holding jemma’s handbag while standing in his naturally sassy pose on The Royal Mile.
After their wedding ceremony at City Chambers, everyone headed down to ardfern for their intimate wedding reception. Ardfern is a cafe, bar and bottle shop based down in leith, and is the perfect space for an evening of cocktails and delicious bites from their creative menu.
And of course the entire restaurant was decorated in subtle but organic floral installations, by one of the best wedding florist designers in all of Scotland, Studio Kumari. Studio Kumari also designed Jemma’s stunning wedding bouquet. Another unique part of their wedding day was their extra long rectangle wedding cake. Again, the images below will speak better than my written description, but I was in love. The Pastry Section did such a wonderful job designing their wedding cake, from the frosted squiggle lines on the top to the pieces of fruit decorating the edges.
At the end of the day, Jemma and saf had such a chill and lowkey wedding day that started at the historic Edinburgh City Chambers and ended at one of their local favorite restaurants in Leith, Ardfern. I love that these two planned their day exactly how they wanted it, with their closest friends just laughing and enjoying their wedding day together, which was truly beautiful to witness as a friend and to be a part of the celebration. x
“Edinburgh City Chambers was the perfect place to get married in the heart of Edinburgh, Scotland, And Ardfern, based down in leith, was the best venue for their casual cocktail hour and intimate wedding reception.”
Edinburgh Wedding Ceremony venue - Edinburgh City Chambers, in the European Room Suite // Florist Company Name - Studio Kumari // Make-up + Hair Artist - MHM Styling // Wedding Dress - Malina // Shoes - Reformation // Earrings - Ellen Catherine // Suit - Andrew Brookes // Bride + Groom Rings - KATKIM // intimate wedding reception venue - Ardfern Restaurant // Wedding Cake - The Pastry Section
Capelongue Hotel Wedding in Bonnieux | Provence, France | A Beaumier Hotel & Spa | A Michelin Star Dinner at La Bastide
A destination Wedding at the Capelongue Hotel in Bonnieux, Provence, France | A Beaumier Hotel & Spa | A Michelin Star Dinner at La Bastide
Ryley and Travis chose to have a very intimate destination wedding by eloping to the south of france. They picked one of the loveliest michelin key hotels, capelongue hotel, located in Bonnieux, France. this french countryside resort was perfect for their intimate four person wedding day.
The Capelongue Hotel is only a short 5 minute walk from the historic village of Bonnieux, France. It is filled with little french interior design shops, clothing boutiques, wine bars and plenty of cafes. I love when you can stroll to a nearby town and not be landlocked in by a resort. the open countryside can be seen from most parts of the capelongue hotel, as it is built at the top of hill with valleys and beautiful rolling hills surrounding the hotel property.
Ryley had her sister in law help her get ready upstairs in their villa, while travis and his brother waited downstairs for them. She also had the lovely Elsa, of Cut by Elsa, do a lovely updo with her hair, which was perfectly suited for the windy day in the countryside. Travis wrote his vows that morning and when ryley came downstairs in her stunning, minimal wedding dress, they all cheered and had champagne on the patio balcony before heading over to the ceremony. IT was such a relaxed morning and no one was in a rush, which was the perfect start to this serene wedding day.
The ceremony was held in a beautiful room above the La Bergerie Restaurant, overlooking the bonnieux village in the background of where they said their wedding vows. ONe really unique thing about their wedding ceremony, was that they hired an officiant who could do a sound bath and organic rituals to start their marriage in a tranquil and calm space and energy. IT truly was the most calm atmosphere, and I even took my shoes off along with the officiant to stop any noises being made during the sound bath. IT was such a beautiful ceremony and moment to be able to witness and capture for these two, as it was so memorable and meaningful to them.
following the ceremony, ryley, travis and I went for a slow stroll around the property of The Capelongue Hotel to take their bridal portraits. It was a beautiful sunny day and exactly as you’d expect in the south of france. Ryley carried around her custom made bouquet by a local french floral designer, Inellay floral. After strolling around the gardens we headed to the lavender field, where their two family members were waiting for them by a Pétanque sand pit. THey had a lovely spread of local meats, cheeses and champagne all ready to celebrate the newlyweds. IT was the quaintest cocktail hour of playing Pétanque, drinking champagne, eating the charcUterie board and enjoying the views of the lavender field and capelonge pool in the background.
To end this intimate wedding at Capelongue, the four of them headed over to grab drinks from cafe capelongue before heading to have a tasting menu dinner at the fine dining restaurant, La Bastide. La Bastide is a one michelin star restaurant in the center of the hotel property, overlooking one of the pools and the beautiful french countryside. La Bastide is ran by head chef, Noël Bérard, who is “is carving out his own niche: that of a gastronomic genius inspired by nature, with a striking liveliness and depth to his cooking.” this restaurant definitely fills up, so make sure to make a reservation months before your trip. I would even go as far to say to make your plans based on La Bastide’s availability. This wedding day ended with laughter, love and the best wedding dinner in the south of france.
“capelongue HOTEl is situated in one of the loveliest areas in the countryside of france for a wedding day, right in the heart of provence, Bonnieux, france.”
provence Wedding venue - capelongue hotel bonnieux // Wedding Dinner Restaurant - La Bastide, one Michelin Star // wedding earrings - sézane // WEdding Bouquet - French Floral Designer, Inellay Floral // Make-up Artist - Cut By Elsa
Gleneagles Hotel Wedding | A Beautiful Countryside Hotel in Auchterarder, Scotland | Scotland Wedding Photographer
A Romantic Scottish Wedding Day at the Gleneagles Hotel in Auchterarder, Scotland | Laurie & Craig | Scotland Wedding Photographer
Laurie and craig are both scotland natives, who chose to get married in the stunning Scottish countryside at The Gleneagles Hotel. The Gleneagles Hotel is located in the heart of Scotland, in a country town called Auchterarder. Gleneagles is surrounded by beautiful gardens and is housed in a historic building that gives all of the charm of scottish warmth and hospitality.
They had their wedding ceremony in a private space, called The ParlouR ROom. After the ceremony, guests were free to roam the gardens are enjoy one of the many hotel bars at Gleneagles, while I roamed around the gardens with the couple to take their bridal portraits. After the Bridal portraits were finished, the Parlour ROom had transformed into a beautiful wedding reception, with set tables for dinner and floral arrangements designed by one of my favorite scottish florists, fiona Hay, of Ochre Botanical studios.
Laurie actually had a lot of my favorite creatives or dear friends of mine in Scotland for her wedding vendors, like Claire Nisbet Bridal for her makeup artist and had Flossy and dossy design a custom gown for her, as well as a custom veil by Natasha Hutchison at Modiste Atelier.
the Gleneagles Hotel is really the loveliest wedding venue for guests, as they are able to accommodate for everyone to stay at the hotel or on the grounds, as well as have multiple restaurant and bars around the hotel for you to arrive earlier to enjoy the property or a drink with loved ones before the ceremony started, Which is exactly what all of Laurie and craig’s guests did.
Craig and his guys had drinks in the Century Bar and then we strolled over to take photos in the american bar, as it was closed and was the perfect backdrop for a few nice portraits of the guys and their drinks without disturbing anyone. The details and architecture throughout each bar and hallway at gleneagles is perfect for portraits as well, and a lovely location in case the classic scottish weather is pouring down or a bit too breezy outside. In fact, the first time we went out to take portraits after the ceremony, there was a bit of heavy rain and wind, but the interiors of the gleneagles hotel are so lovely, we had endless spots for portraits for the couple, between the bedroom, halls, lobby, bars, and elevator area.
between the lovely plated multi course meal that the gleneagles catering staff served everyone in the parlour room and when we gathered again for dancing, the weather was nice enough to go for a longer stroll into the garden with laurie and craig. THe gardens are one of the loveliest parts of the gleneagles hotel, so it was so nice to be able to stroll along the pond, historic fountain, the grand staircases and beautiful greenery.
a couple of their friends were waiting for us at the top of the garden to greet them with cigars and drinks before we headed back inside to join the rest of the wedding party inside the parlour room for their cake cutting and dancing the night away. Overall, this wedding day at the gleneagles hotel was the perfect combination of intimate time with loved ones, vintage style, custom outfit details in a historic scottish venue.
“The Gleneagles HOTEl in AUCHTERARDER, SCOTLAND really is such a perfect place for a scottish countryside wedding day.”
Wedding Venue - Gleneagles Hotel // Scottish wedding Florist - Fiona Hay of Ochre Botanicals // Make-up Artist - Claire Nisbet // Hair Stylist - Cheryl Bryson of Bryson and Hare // Custom Wedding Dress - Custom Made by Wendy at Flossy & Dossy // wedding Veil - Custom Made by Natasha Hutchison at Modiste Atelier // Tux - Slaters menswear // Bride + Groom Rings - Katie Lees Jewellery // wedding Cake - Designer Cakes by Paige // wedding DJ - Duncan Harvey //
Dievole Wine Resort Wedding | Chianti Wine Region Wedding | Tuscany Wedding Venue | Tuscany Wedding Photography
Dievole Wine Resort Wedding | Chianti Wine Region Wedding | Tuscany Wedding Venue | Tuscany Wedding Photography
Rachel and Patrick’s wedding day at Dievole Wine Resort was an Italian dream. right in the heart of the Chianti classico Wine Region, set against the rolling vineyards, there is Dievole Wine Resort, a truly iconic Tuscany wedding venue. Surrounded by olive groves, cypress trees, and golden Tuscan light, their destination wedding captured everything that makes Tuscany so timeless, from the romantic sunsets, to the architectural history of the buildings and effortless beauty of the countryside. From the quiet morning moments to the candlelit evening celebrations, the atmosphere felt intimate, warm, and deeply personal.
“Dievole Wine Resort is one of the most beautiful
wedding venues in tuscany”
from the lovely italian inspired welcome dinner that included a stone fired heart shaped pizza, a live local band under string lights to the beautiful wedding day, Wedding in Wonderland made sure their destination wedding day had a refined elegance in the decor alongside the relaxed Italian charm. I do always feel like hiring a local planner, like the team at Wedding in Wonderland, is a great way to not have any language or cultural barriers on your wedding day, so all of the suppliers can work together seamlessly, from those traveling from out of the country to the local staff. The talented team at Le Petit Jardin created floral arrangements that complimented the Tuscan landscape, soft, organic blooms with a natural elegance that complemented the stone architecture and vineyard views of Dievole perfectly. The outdoor ceremony had two larger floral installations that looked over the Dievole vineyards and the outdoor reception had beautiful natural floral arrangements on the long connected table filled with candles and over arching lanterns.
Rachel’s bridal look was nothing short of breathtaking. She wore a gown by Kate Halfpenny of Halfpenny London, paired with a beautifully flowing designer wedding veil by Kate Halfpenny that caught the Tuscan breeze just right. it truly felt like a film when we strolled around for portraits with it flowing behind her. Her look was completed with Jimmy Choo bridal shoes and timeless Celine bridal jewellery. her incredibly talented Hair and make up artist were her friends from london, whome she had worked with many times on production shoots. Hair stylist Tommy Taylor and make up artist Mattie White created a look that felt iconic yet really natural, allowing Rachel’s beauty to shine effortlessly on such a memorable day for her. It’s so important for your getting ready team to be on the same page as you beforehand, and also just loving their personalities is a solid thing as well, as they will really be there to set the tone of the rest of your wedding day with their chat and making you feel relaxing and excited for the wedding day ahead.
“Rachel’s iconic wedding dress and long veil was from the
stunning designer, halfpenny london”
Patrick looked equally refined in a tailored suit by Fielding and Nicholson, styled with classic Christian Louboutin shoes for a modern, sophisticated and red bottomed finish. As guests gathered for the ceremony overlooking the Chianti hills with their glasses of Dievole wine in hand, live string musicians curated by Chiara Trallori Music Planner set the tone with elegant, emotive sounds. The cocktail hour was in the courtyard of Dievole Wine Resort and this is when the bride, groom, bridal party and a few family members were able to step away for a few images and then head back to enjoy the wine and spread of italian hors d'oeuvres with their loved ones.
Just as sunset was about to take place, the wedding guests were called over to have dinner at their long dining table outside under the trees in the back garden of Dievole Wine Resort. Speeches were made, a delicious dinner was served (I wish meat was more romantic to talk about, but it was honestly just so good and the bride and groom had a whole mound of it!) It also rained during dinner, but that only made the night feel more magical and unforgettable. You know what they say, that “it’s good luck if it rains on your wedding day.” The wedding planning team and wedding staff really went with the flow and had umbrellas for everyone, which everyone seemed to really enjoy the umbrella overhangs. After the cake cutting, to end the night, The Gloves Band brought energy and italian party vibes to the evening, filling the night with dancing, surprise confetti, pulling guests up to sing, dance competitions and endless memories.
it was genuinely a joy to capture this Destination Wedding day at Dievole Wine Resort. When the trust is there, the day really is such a beautiful memory for me as well! And it was also a great time working Alongside, Liam of Soby Films, who filmed the entire day on film. Rachel and patrick’s wedding day at Dievole Wine Resort was truly a tuscan vibe and is definitely a destination wedding to be remembered for years to come. x
“even in the rain, Dievole Wine Resort was the perfect wedding venue for an outdoor ceremony and an outdoor candlelit wedding reception”
The lovely Wedding Suppliers for this Tuscan wedding day
Chianti Wine Region and Tuscany Wedding Venue - Dievole Wine Resort in Chianti Classico
Destination Wedding Photographer - Melody Joy Co.
Tuscany Wedding Planner - Wedding in Wonderland
Florist Company Name - Le Petit Jardin
Hair Artist - Tommy Taylor
Make up Artist - Mattie White
Bride's Wedding Dress - Kate Halfpenny of Half penny london
Designer Wedding Veil - Kate Halfpenny
Bridal Shoes - Jimmy Choo
Bridal Jewellery - Celine
Groom's Shoes - christian louboutin
Groom's Suit - fielding and nicholson
Musicians - Chiara trallori music planner
Musicians - the gloves band
Wedding Filmmaker - Liam of Soby films
The Wellsley Chicago Wedding | Waldorf Astoria | Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral | Chicago Wedding Photographer
The Wellsley Chicago Wedding | Waldorf Astoria | Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral | Chicago Wedding Photographer
Stefanie and Michael were not only wed in the most lovely wedding cathedral and had a beautiful wedding reception with all of their loved one in one of the loveliest venues in downtown chicago, The Wellsley, but they are truly the sweetest couple. and while I don’t have the whole timeline, I learned enough from our zoom chats and the father’s speeches where I can give a nice overview of their sweet love story!
Both of their parents attend ANnunication Greek Orthodox Cathedral in downtown Chicago, and knew of each other’s children. For one of the church events, stefanie was volunteering and met Michael. Their families hit it off really well with each other, as the father of the groom mentioned in his speech how he invited the bride’s family to his families village on an island when they were all originally vacationing sepArately in greece, and the families grew a lot closer then, especially for the start of stefanie and michael’s relationship. I iust love how close these two are with their families and how their families really bonded during their entire relationship and became one big greek happy family! ANd I adore them all as well, it’s really great to see how loving the families were of each other.
So fast forward to stefanie and michael’s wedding day, Stefanie got ready at the beautiful waldorf astoria. Her gown was by the beautiful wedding dress designer, ines di santo, and her shoes were none other than the iconic and red soled Christian Louboutin. Then they of course, were married at ANnunication Greek Orthodox Cathedral surrounded by all of the favorite people. The interiors of this cathedral were truly another level. I always love cathedrals, but maybe because this was a greek orthodox church, it was a lot more unique in it’s design, architectural features and of course the lovely greek orthodox traditions were so beautiful to witness.
After the confetti exit at the church, the couple had some alone time in the limo and upstairs in a private bar at The Wellsley, so they could have a bit of time to themselves while eating some appetizers and enjoying their first glasses of champagne together. After they took the wellsley’s vibrant red hotel downstairs, they made a low key entrance into their cocktail hour and started dancing on the dance floor. There are two bars on the main floor at the wellsley for all of the guests to enjoy drinks, and The decor at The wellsley is just stunning. Again, I’m not a great writer, but if you just glance at the wedding decor images below of the dining room, you’ll see just how beautiful and timeless this wedding was. A lot of it was already the beauty of the interiors of the wellsley, so thankfully you wouldn’t have to do that much to make it beautiful, besides adding your custom menu’s florals and any other pieces that you’d like to make your wedding day unique. They had lovely matchboxes in bowls at the bar for their guests to take away as memorable and practical wedding favors.
The speeches were so sweet, the food catered by Boka Catering was another level, with the chef coming out and flambéing the desserts in front of everyone before handing them to everyone freshly fired up and piping hot. After the multiple dinner courses were finished, the bars were opened back up again, the live band, The Carol Sarlas Band, started playing and the bride and groom led the way to the center of the dance floor to dance the night away. The traditions didn’t stop at the dance floor though, with everyone throwing money at the bride and groom, and of course the flower girl running around picking it all up! What an eventful and memorable day all around! x
“The Wellsley Chicago is one of the best wedding venue’s in downtown chicago for a modern and chic wedding venue.”
The unplanned moments, like the above, are some of my favorite to document. These
sweet men knew both the bride and groom from them attending the church and were genuinely so happy for them as they exited to head to their wedding reception!
Downtown Chicago Reception Venue - The Wellsley Chicago // Downtown Chicago Wedding Hotel - Waldorf Astoria Chicago // Wedding Planning + Design - Amanda Paige Events // Florist Company Name - Steve's Flower Market // Make-up Artist + Hair - Rare Birds Beauty + Salon Buzz // Bride's wedding Dress Designer - Ines Di Santo // wedding shoes - Christian Dior // Groom's Tux - Custum // Groom's Wedding Shoes - Christian Louboutin // Bride + Groom Rings - family jeweler // downtown chicago Ceremony venue - Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Chicago // Cocktail Hour + Reception Dinner and desserts Caterer - Boka Catering // Chicago Wedding Reception - Live Band - The Carol Sarlas Band
Dundas Castle Wedding in Scotland | Scottish Castle Wedding | Edinburgh Wedding Photographer
Dundas Castle Wedding in Scotland | Scottish Castle Wedding | Edinburgh Wedding Photographer | Destination Wedding Photographer
I was so excited for this wedding day at dundas castle! when APhril and graham decided to have their destination wedding in scotland, I knew it was going to be a fun time, but then learning that it was at dundas castle, I knew right then that they had the best taste and it was going to be a stunning wedding day, but also a solid party! Although, this was more of a destination wedding for APhril, as she and her family are all from the los angeles area, whereas graham was born and raised in Scotland. though he now lives in LA, which is where he met his bride, aphril.
a beautiful wedding day at the historic dundas castle
Dundas CastlE has so many rooms to get ready in and all of them are stunning with historical furniture and features displayed throughout. the owners actually live in a part of the estate still, in a private wing, so you can see a few family portraits in the library and living rooms. Aphril choose to get ready in a stunning room with two large windows overlooking the front courtyard of the castle entrance. It was joined to another room that was a beautiful shade of mint, and that is where her dress was hung up, so it wasn’t in the line of makeup while the bridal party was getting ready.
After the bridesmaids were ready, they all helped aphril put her dress on and button her many buttons on the back of her stunning wedding dress by rita vinieris. They held her dress as aphril walked down the grand staircase to head to the wedding ceremony. Her dad met her at the bottom of the stairs to walk her all of the way out of the castle and down the aisle.
The wedding ceremony took place in the tower within the castle. You did have to exit the main dundas castle building and walk through a quaint courtyard garden and then into the tower and up a few flights of a spiral staircase, but it all felt very fairytale-esque. Think, rapunzel barbara, from wild flower workshop, created the most beautiful floral installations at the front of the ceremony space on podiums as well as in the tower walls. Aphril’s wedding bouquet was also an artistic piece of work in and of itself. The staff of the castle rang the tower bell to announce the bride was on her way, as all of the guests were fully packed into the chairs and balcony area of the tower hall. as aphril’s dad walked her down the aisle, graham was so full of emotion and it was the sweetest thing to witness. The kids had bubble guns and an owl flew the rings to the bride’s brother. Overall, a wedding ceremony at dundas castle is a completely unique and customizable experience and one that is forever a memorable story for everyone to tell.
The wedding ceremony took place at the top of a tower in dundas castle
After the wedding ceremony, the bride and groom made their way to the rooftop of the tower for a few couple portraits overlooking the bridges and water of south queensferry, while the wedding guests headed back to the main castle building for cocktail hour. After the wedding portraits the bride and groom had some time alone to themselves before being announced down the grand staircase in front of all of their wedding guests to join them for the rest of the cocktail hour. There were a few speeches at the stairs, a cake cutting with a sword and plenty of shots taken, hugs given and selfies photographed for the next hour before the wedding reception.
Dundas castle has the perfect courtyard for a sunny cocktail hour
There were two scottish bagpipers that led the bride and groom into the pavilion just outside of the castle for a sit down wedding meal, and later that is where the dancing would take place as well. A lot of Irn bru was had, more speeches with tears and laughter and then a delicious meal by the catering team from heritage portfolio. The dessert was a beautiful lavender color that matched the bright wedding bouquet centerpieces from wild flower workshop. Once the dancing began, it was easy for the dance floor to be filled with wedding guests as the jammy devils were just that good! Everyone was instantly out of their seats and having the best time on the dance floor. The party went late into the night where the groom, who is a part of the scottish house mafia DJ Trio, were able to DJ with his friends. You know it’s a good day when the dancing never ends, in the best way possible. unforgettable memories were made all day long, and that is the best kind of destination wedding day. And Dundas castle estate was the perfect location for such a special day in their lives. x
“Dundas Castle is a beautiful castle wedding venue near Edinburgh, Scotland. It is a perfect scottish castle for a Destination wedding day.”
Scotland Castle Wedding VENUE - Dundas Castle | Florist - Barbara Smith of Wild Flower Workshop | Edinburgh Wedding Photographer - Melody Joy | Make-up Artist - brook lilias makeup | Hair - abi taylor bride | Bride's Wedding Dress - Rita Vinieris dress | Cocktail Hour + Reception Caterer - Heritage Portfolio | Ceremony and Reception Band and DJ - Jammy Devils Band and the scottish house mafia
If anyone is planning a destination wedding in scotland or a wedding at dundas castle, just outside of Edinburgh, I would love to chat
more with you about your wedding day!
Reach out to me on the link below.
A Sligachan Hotel Wedding Day on the remote Isle of Skye in Scotland
An Intimate Wedding Day at the sligachan hotel on the Isle of Skye in Scotland | Sligachan Hotel wedding Ceremony
and dinner Reception
Julia and Bobby flew all of the way from boston to get married at the Sligachan hotel on the isle of skye, in the highlands of scotland. the Sligachan hotel was able to accommodate all of their guests to be able to stay together, who also all traveled over from all over the United stated to witness Julia and bobby say “i do” to forever. Bobby got ready with his guys in the largest suite in the sligachan hotel’s main building, while julia got ready in a large cabin overlooking the Cuillin mountain range, just across the river from the hotel. While The lovely ladies at Bonny’s Wonderland worked on Julia’s beautiful hair and makeup that morning, the talented team of scarlet and bell, alongside the ladies at gloam, were in full designing mode with the floral arrangements and decor for the ceremony and intimate reception for later that day.
For their first look, they walked to meet in between both of their getting ready locations and met on the top of the sligachan bridge overlooking loch Sligachan with the stunning mountain range of the Cuillins framing the scene behind them. For their portraits we roamed around the land nearby the hotel, but still had the Cuillins in the backdrop, as they are just so stunning, even amidst the endless fog. it was actually raining leading up to the time when we were suppose to have the first look, but the rain stopped just in time for them to greet each other on top of sligachan bridge and then stroll for half an hour for portraits together on the isle of skye. That’s really all of the time you need for portraits, and it was perfect, as just as the ceremony was about to start the rain commenced again, but everything else was tucked away for the rest of the evening, inside the quaint sligachan hotel.
At the back of the sligachan hotel there is a restaurant called seumas’ Bar, that is where both the ceremony and reception took place. in between the two events the guests were led by a bagpiper to the front bar by the lobby of the hotel for cocktails and Hors d'oeuvres. The ladies at Gloam, alongside Mercedes of SCarlet & bell, did all of the planning and event styLing and decor. I’ve worked alongside scarlet and bell quite a bit now, and the attention for detail as well as the pleasure they are to be around, makes her and her team the loveliest wedding planners in scotland to work with, especially if you are traveling in from america, like julia and bobby were. The team at Gloam I have also had the pleasure of working with a lot and they are just gems to be around as well as so dedicated and focused on their craft. I haven’t even mentioned the creativity yet, but gloam has some of the best floral arrangements and installation designs for any space in scotland.
THe evening was filled with three long tables lined with florals and dimly lit by candlelight. THe mood of the evening was so intimate and sweet, with SPEECHES being made, a live band for everyone to learn a CEILIDH dance, as well unique games (like Biñho board) being spread about the room for those going up to the bar to mingle and partake in. Which if you know me, you know how much i LOVe board games and games in general. I definitely tried them all by the end of the night, for sure. Overall, this was a beautiful and intimate night filled with the landscape of scotland with the classiness of a candlelit intimate dinner with all of your loved ones in the highlands of scotland. A truly beautiful wedding day at the sligachan hotel.
“THe Sligachan Hotel, on the isle of skye, was the perfect place for an intimate wedding ceremony and reception in the highlands of scotland.”
Wedding Planning + Design - Scarlett & Bell // Scotland Wedding Florist and event styling - Gloam // Make-up + Hair Artist - Bonny's Wonderland // Wedding Dress - Eva Lendel // Heels - Loeffler Randall // Bridal Veil - Davie & Chiyo // Weddng Rings - M. Flynn // Necklace and Earrings - Madewell // Groom's Suit – Stewart Christie // Groom Boots - Thursday Boots // Cuff links - heirloom // Pin - Oxford Pennant // Ceremony + Reception Venue - Sligachan Hotel and Seumas' Bar // Cocktail Hour, Reception Caterer and desserts - Sligachan Hotel // Ceremony/Reception Band - Foot Stompin' Ceilidh Band // Wedding Filmmaker - Handcraft Pictures // Crockery - Whitehouse Crockery // Linens - 88 Events // Chairs, Benches, + Lawn Game Rentals - 360 Event Hire // Umbrellas + Blankets - Brolly Bucket // second photographer - My love, Ross Angus James
