Their story…
After meeting back in 2015, doctors Katie and Liam’s first date came years later in a speakeasy in Dundee. Conversation came naturally and both had a great feeling so date two followed, in an Italian where half of Katie’s main course ended up down the front of her top! The third date, which involved an over-done steak, settled it – the pair were meant to be, and the rest was history!
The pair wanted to tie the knot in March as that was the month they were engaged and they quickly locked it in at Cromlix, the place where Katie had always dreamed of getting married – and the only venue they visited.
“I went for afternoon tea with my best friends for my 21st birthday and knew from that day on I’d get married there. I hadn’t even met Liam yet!” she laughed. “When we visited together, it was perfect. We instantly relaxed and felt so well looked after. It emanated the feeling of home and was the perfect size to host our family and bridal parties.We loved the cosy fires and the décor, which we didn’t need to add anything to.”
With no theme in mind, the couple was inspired by colour-filled Cromlix and Katie picked bridesmaid dresses that matched a lot of the décor. They couldn’t resist a few DIY details, though, and made favours – packs of mints that said their names, the date and ‘Mint to be’ on them, which went down a treat after the meal. Not wanting to leave their evening guests out, they put together mini sweetie packs; one that said ‘Bride’s favourite’ (full of foam shrimps and bananas) and the other labelled ‘Groom’s favourite,’ filled with blue and pink fizzy bottles.
Finally, Katie made a slipper station for the ladies’ bathroom so that guests in high heels could dance the night away pain-free – so thoughtful!
For those not familiar with Cromlix, the luxe venue gives to-be-weds exclusive use for the whole weekend and this couple took full advantage, hosting an evening of food and drinks with their bridal party and family on the Friday night.
With full run of the property, the girls had breakfast in the Billiards Room on the wedding morning (accessed via a secret door from Katie’s room), keeping their distance from the groom.
All was calm and chilled until Katie put on her dress and had a visit from her dad.
“Seeing his emotion set me off and I just couldn’t stop crying. I was in floods walking down the aisle and we don’t have a single photo where my face isn’t contorted with tears!”
They opted for a humanist ceremony and chose to include their couple story, their relationships with the bridal party, a reading by one of the bridesmaids and a poem written by Liam’s dad.
Having put a lot of thought into their vows, it’s no surprise that saying them was highly emotional for the pair.
“It meant so much to us both.”
Treating their guests well was important and there were bubbles and beer on tap post ceremony, plus a bride’s and groom’s cocktail (Pornstar Martini and Old Fashioned) available from the bar.
The hotel’s Chez Joules restaurant took care of the catering and, again, the menu was chosen with the guests in mind. Meanwhile, the cake was made by Katie’s talented school friend, Elle.
“Her three-tiered masterpiece included white chocolate and raspberry; Biscoff, and lemon drizzle. Our guests raved about the cake and we almost didn’t get a slice. Luckily, I hid a few slices of cake in our bedroom for the end of the night. Best decision ever!”
A further 70 people joined for the evening and the newlyweds saved the speeches for after their arrival.
The first dance followed, then there was a ceilidh and a lot of fun – in fact, the hotel said a few days later it was the most cocktails they’d ever sold in one day.
Reflecting on the planning process, Katie found putting their stamp on things to be the most fun part – “The wedding industry can be quite overwhelming as you can have pretty much anything now.
“We just listed our priorities and aimed for them and would urge others to enjoy the process and celebrate every little thing. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, have a look online and pinpoint your likes and dislikes,” she adds. “It’ll start to come together and you’ll see a pattern develop.”
This wedding was originally featured on Your Scottish Wedding
Venue | Cromlix Hotel
Photographer & Videographer | Fotogenic of Scotland
Celebrant | Melanie Leckie, Humanist Society Scotland
Florist | Lavender Blue
Hair | Heather Robertson from AMM Hair and Makeup Team
MUA | Stephanie McDowell Makeup
Band & DJ | The Jiggers
Cake | the.cake.diet
