FUN IN THE SUN

DATE: Saturday 5th June 2021 PHOTOGRAPHY: David Long Photography VENUE: Hartree Estates, Biggar

Planning, postponing and replanning a wedding during lockdown wasn’t always easy for Caitlin and Fraser – “The day of our non-wedding was a really tough one,” she remembers – but when they finally got married, it was all worth it.

THE PERFECT VENUE

The couple chose majestic Hartree Estates for their ultra-personal, laid-back wedding and decided it was ‘The One’ before they even visited. “I couldn’t make up my mind between an old Scottish building or a castle, or an outdoor, woodland venue – Hartree had them both,” explains Caitlin.

Despite initially having “no idea what we wanted or should be doing,” it didn’t take the pair long to realise steering away from tradition was important. For them, it would be all about representing their couple style and creatively incorporating

as many of their favourite things as possible!

Of course, that meant loads of DIY details! “I made our invites and save the dates, and we worked together on the table plan and personalised bottle labels. My family designed the blackboards and we got friends and family to bring games we could play outside.”

Instead of table numbers, there were “table symbols,” which were all about the couple and things they’d done. “We had a hot air balloon table, a Marvel table, a campervan table and one named after our dog, Loki. Their place settings were mini-campervan photo holders with a snap of us with each of them, so they could take away a happy memory.

“And everyone got a can of either Coke or Fanta to toast to us as a married couple. It was a nod to a long-standing joke from a notorious speech Fraser gave at my 21st birthday!” Most of the dreamy boho décor was conveniently supplied by Hartree but Caitlin added her magic touch with multicoloured lanterns and floralfilled gin bottles. When it came to the bouquets, her love of wildflowers was reflected, and the pew-ends, cake and signing table were adorned, too.

ON THE DAY

Hartree’s spectacular accommodation was a big attraction as it meant the full wedding party could stay on-site. They had a celebration the night before the wedding then split off into their own quarters for a night cap or two – ladies in the penthouse and gents in the lodge.

Caitlin

After a fun morning getting glammed up, there wasn’t a dry eye when Caitlin’s entourage saw her in her Dando London dress, funked up with silver boho-style earrings, a rose gold arm cuff and a blue anklet. “It was almost entirely opposite to what I thought I wanted… And I felt amazing in it!” she laughs.

Her bridesmaids were effortlessly stylish in floaty, high-necked jumpsuits, their soft stone shade providing the perfect backdrop for brightly coloured bouquets and shoes.

“Buzzing” to be finally walking down the aisle to Fraser (who was suited and booted, complete with a signature bowtie), Caitlin loved their fun and interactive ceremony. They’d booked Brian Hawkins as soon as they spotted his three-piece suit and pocket watch in his picture on the Humanist Society website and were glad they did. “He sent us some fun homework, including three promises to one another that we kept secret until the day. We ended up with one being the same, about Sherlock and Watson. Everyone thought we’d planned it!”

After a quaich of Jura and lots of happy tears, it was onto the drinks reception (where the flash-singingmob, a surprise pulled together by the newlyweds’ friends and family, was a big hit!) and dinner.

The feast, crafted by Pickled Haggis, comprised giant sharer boards filled with the couple’s fave dishes. “Some were from our travels, like black pepper noodles, and some we just love, like the giant pile of fries and wings, and the huge bowls of smashed avocado. The centrepiece was a hanging swordfish kebab that made the whole thing look spectacular.”

Not fans of dessert (or cake – they opted for a delicious-looking cake of cheese) it was ice poles and ice creams for pudding, which went down a treat.

With no dancing allowed, the speeches became the main source of entertainment, and they were advised to make them last. “Our best man really stuck to that advice but luckily he was hilarious, and some crowd participation really made it work.”

“The word of the day was ‘happy,’” adds Caitlin. “Everyone was feeling it, and everyone has said it when we’ve spoken to them since.”

BRIDE’S DRESS Dando London at Amy King Bridal BRIDE’S HAIR VINE Kate Dillon Designs BRIDESMAID JUMPSUITS River Island CATERER Pickled Haggis CELEBRANT Brian Hawkins of Humanist Society Scotland FLOWERS The Secret Garden – Floral Designs by Lynn Murphy GROOM’S OUTFIT Tom, Dick and Harry Menswear HAIR + MAKE-UP Lilly Lu Hair & Beauty VIDEOGRAPHY r7cmedia

PHOTOGRAPHER’S CREDIT

“You can tell by the photographs that they are such a funloving, energetic couple. Their choice in venue was fantastic. Hartree Estates is amazing with huge grounds to explore and loads of interesting, photogenic scenery.” David David Long Photography

Tucked away in beautiful countryside, a mile from the shores of Loch Lomond, Fruin Farm provides the perfect backdrop for laid back intimate weddings, with an emphasis on bespoke. You and your guests will fall for the rustic, rural charm of this lovely venue, with stunning scenery and a true Scottish welcome from their friendly and attentive staff.

There is an on-site wedding suite available for use throughout the day and your wedding night. Also included with the venue is a dedicated wedding planner who will advise and assist in the build up to your wedding and oversee the smooth running on the day, allowing you to relax and enjoy the most special of days.

Fruin Farm Glen Fruin Helensburgh G84 9EE

info@fruinfarm.co.uk

www.fruinfarm.co.uk

Òran Mór is a unique wedding venue in the heart of Glasgow ' s West End.

Within the converted church, the Auditorium and Gallery - with ceiling mural by renowned artist Alasdair Gray - provide an atmospheric setting for up to 250 guests, while our beautifully appointed Private Dining Room is perfect for more intimate wedding gatherings.

+44 (0)141 357 6214 info@oran-mor.co.uk www.oran-mor.co.uk @oranmorglasgow @oranmorweddings