COSY VIBES

DATE: Saturday 2nd October 2021 PHOTOGRAPHY: Emma Lawson Photography PHOTOGRAPHY SECOND SHOOTER: Esme Saville Photography VENUE: Coo Cathedral, Aboyne

With the help of her trusty spreadsheet, Georgie arranged the most wonderful warm, autumnal wedding, packed with personal details

After seven years together, Michael popped the question at Georgie’s parents’ annual Hogmanay celebration, just before the bells, with a beautiful yellow gold engagement ring he’d helped design from scratch. Bringing the new year in with a bang for sure, it was full steam ahead for Georgie! “I desperately wanted Emma Lawson as my photographer and Coo Cathedral as the venue,” she says. “I’d seen her photograph weddings there before and knew I didn’t want one without the other.” Impressed by how dramatically different each wedding at the Aboyne venue looked, Georgie was excited to put her stamp on the charming, restored cowshed. “The stonework is stunning, and I loved how high the ceiling was and how much character it had,” she says. “Our theme was relaxed and autumnal with bits of boho and lots of personal details. Michael’s Auntie Tracy drew pictures of our pets over the years for our table names, and his parents grew the succulents we had as favours. His Granda Wattie was a keen gardener who taught his family everything they know, so it was nice to have him included in some way.”

DRESS SHOPPING WITH A DIFFERENCE

With a boho gown in mind, Georgie visited six bridal boutiques and, due to Covid, could only take her mum to most appointments. “I had to wear my mask and picture what the dress would look like without it, which was difficult. Luckily, my mum knew exactly what worked and wasn’t scared of saying what didn’t!” The dress she fell in love with was quite different to what she’d been searching for, and she admits, “I just couldn’t fault one bit of it!” Becoming Mrs Madden, she teamed her gown with white Steve Madden mules then set about the tricky task of finding the rust-coloured dresses she’d dreamed of for her five bridesmaids. “I couldn’t find any designers doing them but, luckily, Ivory Grace stocked a brand who’d just released a burnt orange wrap dress. The girls all tried it on and looked incredible,” she remembers.

THE BIG DAY

The lead-up was a bit stressful according to Georgie. “I had so many suppliers coming in to set up and was worried I’d miss something or not have them arranged for the right time,” she says. “Having spreadsheets really helped remind me what I’d done or needed to do, and when.” When the big day arrived she had a relaxing wedding morning at Douneside House then headed to her venue in a stunning, 1930s vintage-style limousine.

As one of her best friends, Ailsa, sang her down the aisle, Georgie was nerve-free and couldn’t help admiring how amazing the venue looked! But by the time she met Michael and they were saying their vows, emotions started to take over. “I was very quiet as I worried if I spoke louder, I might burst into tears and spoil my beautiful make up,” she laughs. The couple loved their celebrant, Louise, who made sure they were relaxed, shared personal stories and, when Georgie was fashionably late, kept the waiting guests entertained! Afterwards, everyone toasted with ‘his and hers’ cocktails, and fizz from a Prosecco bike, whilst videographer Simon got people talking by filming a guest diary.

FOOD GLORIOUS FOOD

With a blank canvas venue, Georgie and Michael could choose any suppliers they liked, and this was particularly important when it came to food. “We have a lot of vegan family members,” explains Georgie. They met Thistle Catering at a wedding exhibition and instantly knew they wanted to book them. “Lorraine was so warm and friendly, and it was obvious she wanted to do the best for her brides. On the day, she and her team were amazing at coordinating and looking after everyone. Our vegan guests felt so included and raved about their food. It was a big highlight.” Luckily, the absence of Covid restrictions meant singing and dancing were absolutely on the cards, and the dancefloor was never empty. Georgie remembers feeling like everyone was one big family and she was so happy to hear her guests say they’d never felt so included in a wedding before. “It was exactly what we wanted,” she smiles. “Our family and friends are so special to us, and it felt right making them so involved in the day.” Whilst she’s still getting used to having a husband and gets a nice surprise when she picks up the post, Georgie couldn’t be happier to be part of a “forever team”. Reflecting on the planning process, she maintains her spreadsheet is what got her through it, and recommends other couples take plenty of time to consider what they both want out of their wedding. “Making it so personal was the best thing we did,” she adds.

Georgie

ACCOMMODATION Douneside House BAND Carlyle BAR Humble Cocktails

BRIDE’S DRESS Sassi Holford at Ivory Grace BRIDESMAID DRESSES Rewritten at Ivory Grace CATERING Thistle Catering CELEBRANT Louise McAllister CAKE Cakes by Leanne DÉCOR AND FLOWERS Gloam GROOM’S OUTFIT Gibbs HAIR Michelle Reid Hairdressing MAKE-UP Francine Ray Makeup Arist RINGS Finnies the Jewellers

STATIONERY Love Paper Co., Gloam TRANSPORT Silver City Cars VIDEOGRAPHY King Wedding Media

PHOTOGRAPHER’S CREDIT

Emma, Emma Lawson Photography

The Isle of Eriska Hotel, Spa and Island provides the perfect venue for your wedding day. Just imagine, your very own highland home on your very own Scottish island at any time throughout the year. Whether it is a small intimate occasion or something slightly larger enjoying a unique location on its own 300 acres private island where your Wedding Day will be tailored to your needs. The hotel is licensed for civil ceremonies for up to 120 guests or as few as 30, in the main house and outside in the garden. For a large wedding, a luxurious marquee can be placed on the front lawn, just outside the hotel.

Isle of Eriska Hotel, Spa & Island Benderloch, Near Oban, Argyll, Scotland, PA37 1SD 01631 720 371 office@eriska-hotel.co.uk www.eriska-hotel.co.uk