REAL WEDDING Highland Fling 11649 views
Ruth & Paul
22 September 2007
They Met It was New Year’s Eve in a pub in Donegal: Paul had been invited along by a mutual friend and they got on straight away. Some time later, after a three-week trip from Denver on a couple of Harley Davidson bikes, Paul popped the question. They were standing on the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco and Ruth just could not believe the amazing surprise Paul had planned for the end of the journey.
Wedding Venue On their return from America, the couple started researching venues in Ireland and Scotland. Ruth's parents were really helpful in sourcing venues in Ireland while the couple looked around Scotland where they were living. They wanted a venue that would be a weekend away for their guest and really liked the area around Blair Atholl. They had admired Blair Castle from afar but only when they visited did they realise that it was the perfect venue - the staff couldn’t have been more helpful!
The Theme Inspired by the rich autumnal colours, deep burgundy was a key colour while local foliage and berries were used in abundance. As a nice touch, Ruth's parents collected around 200 pebbles from the beach in Donegal near where the couple met. They used the stones instead of place names on the tables with the guest’s name handwritten on each one. It brought a a tiny piece of Ireland to the reception and made perfect keepsakes for the guests. Otherwise, the grand setting of the castle provided a theme in itself with huge candelabra in the State Dining Room with shields and weaponry hung on the walls and open fireplaces roaring.
What They Wore Ruth fell in love with a Suzanne Neville dress the first time she tried it on at Castle Couture in Co Antrim (Northern Ireland). She got her dad along for a second opinion the following week, but loved the mix of fabrics – silk and lace – and the quirky but feminine cut - classic without being too traditional. She also wore a long veil with tiny pearl beading and pearl and crystal jewellery.
Paul had a kilt made in his family tartan by Kinloch Andersen and wore a dark grey tweed jacket with a thistle inter-twinned with the same berries from the bouquets.
The three bridesmaids wore strapless dress in burgundy raw silk. 'The dresses really complimented the different hair colours and skin tones', said Ruth.
The Cake was a classic three-tier design, created by Celebration Station in Perth, with white icing decorated with fresh Calla lilies.
The Flowers Ruth carried a trailing bouquet with ivory Calla lilies and green foliage. While the bridesmaids had posy bouquets with a mix of burgundy and ivory flowers, with berries and foliage interspersed.
First Dance The couple's first dance was to Elton John's Tiny Dancer.
A Moment to Remember 'Walking into the church and seeing all our friends and family' said Ruth. 'Then, after the ceremony, Paul and I went down to the edge of Lough Tay to take some more pictures. It was lovely because it was the first time we’d been alone together and was a gorgeous day with the sun glistening on the water. It just felt lovely to be there together.'
Any Advice? Ruth says, 'stick to your guns and make sure you are planning the wedding that you and your partner really want. Be gracious and polite when friends and family offer advice – they are only trying to help - but don’t feel guilty about completely ignoring it!'
Ruth & Paul's Contact Book
Venue: Blair Castle 01796 481 207
Caterer: Prestige Scotland 0800 328 1373
Photographer: Nigel Lumsden 01887 840 744
Bride’s Dress: Castle Couture 028 2565 0990
Groomswear: Kinloch Anderson 0131 555 1390
Cake: Celebration Stations 01738 625 886
Flowers: Carol Williamson 01738 625 886
Posted in category: Real Weddings
