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Stephanie & Matt’s Thirlestane Castle Wedding

by Emma Hla
Images by Forget Me Knot Images.
Last summer, Stephanie and Matt travelled from America to Scotland to celebrate their wedding. With 45 of their closest friends and family also making the journey, they toured around the UK and Scotland to see the sites before their arrival at Thirlestane Castle.

They made themselves at home for two days, staying in the luxury Castle suites, woodland lodges and nearby accommodation.

On the eve of the wedding, guests had a chance to relax and enjoy a variety of experiences throughout the Castle and estate. This was also the perfect opportunity for Stephanie and Matt to capture some final engagement shots and become at ease with the camera before the big day.

Guests enjoyed a decadent Afternoon Tea served in the Victorian Kitchen, guided Castle tours and some high-octane clay pigeon shooting. The day was complete with an intimate rehearsal dinner in the Victorian Kitchen before an early night as excitement was building for the wedding.

Waking up at the castle allowed the wedding party to relax and enjoy the preparations while they tucked into a delicious breakfast. Matt and his groomsmen began the day with an early morning run through the beautiful estate.

As guests arrived, they walked through the Rose Garden before making their way to the State Rooms within the castle for the highly anticipated ceremony.

The castle was beautifully decorated with delicate pastel and white blooms, perfect for a summer wedding. All eyes were on Stephanie as she walked down the aisle to meet Matt and make their vows to one another.

Once the nuptials were complete, guests gathered on the Castle Terrace to greet the new Mr and Mrs McConnell and shower them in confetti! While Stephanie and Matt took the opportunity to get some incredible photographs around the Castle, the wedding party were treated to an exciting falconry display.

It was time for everyone to return to the State Rooms, where tables had been adorned with elegant, tapered candles and stunning summer blooms. The delicious wedding breakfast was served, and heartfelt speeches were shared between courses.

Following the dinner, Stephanie honoured an age-old tradition of tossing her bouquet on the Castle steps, eager to see which friend would next be in line for a wedding!

The guests then descended to the Vaulted Cellar – a relaxed, rustic space filled with twinkling fairy lights. The space opens to the connecting Courtyard, which the couple decided to cover with a funky stretch tent atmospherically lit with fire pits.

Mr and Mrs McConnell then cut their vintage-style wedding cake before a DJ started the party and had everyone dancing into the wee hours.

Credits

Venue Thirlestane Castle

Photographer Forget Me Knot Images

Officiant Lenny Love

Florist Flowers by Fiona Hay

Marquee Stretch Tent Scotland

Event Management and Catering Ginger Snap

Cake Liggy’s Cake Co.

Hair Stylist Caroline Topping

Makeup Rachel Girdler

DJ Funk Wagen

Afternoon Tea Firebrick Bakery

Clay Pigeon Shooting Scotland’s Outdoor Centre

Falconry Elite Falconry

Tags: Forget Me Knot Images, Real Wedding, Scotland, Thirlestane Castle, Wedding Inspiration, Wedding Venues in Scotland
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Thirlestane Castle
From £2,500

Includes 2-night venue hire and food.

From the grand and experiential, to the intimate and elegant, let your vision come to life at Thirlestane.
Meet the author
Emma Hla
Emma is the founder & curator of these award-winning pages. Passionate about venues, interiors and a good Whiskey Sour. You'll also find Emma working as a Creative Director consulting for wedding venues around the UK.
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