Katherine & Simon created the most beautiful celebration for their love, friends and family at Dundas Castle, just outside of Edinburgh. Sit back and relax yourself into Monday with these gorgeous images from Craig & Eva Sanders Photography.
Katherine says…
When Simon and I became engaged, we knew we had to decide where we would bring our families together, half from Melbourne, Australia and half from New York City. In the spirit of Simon’s Scottish heritage, we booked a weekend to Edinburgh on a whim to explore our unfolding fairy tale. From the moment we set foot in Dundas Castle, we knew in our hearts that was where we would make our vows to each other. The professionalism, warmth and kindness of the staff at Dundas Castle are unparalleled. We felt like members of a family, treated with such care and love.
I knew from the moment I saw my Suzanne Neville gown that it would make my fairy tale come true. I was looking for something classic, full and romantic, which the designer is known for. All it took were the tears in my mother’s eyes to confirm we had found the one! I loved that I was wearing a UK designer for our UK wedding. I felt like a princess.
City Brides did a beautiful, natural makeup look, accompanied by a time-honored updo. Planet Flowers provided me with some fresh flowers for my hair, and I wore a pair of simple vintage pearl floral earrings. These small effects were the ideal pairing for such a stunning gown. For the evening party I changed into a Roberto Cavalli dress, slightly sheer with some beading and a divine low back. I felt like it was the perfect evening dress for a castle setting, with slightly vintage characteristics. I added a crystal hair vine to my updo, which tied into the beading perfectly.
My bridesmaids each picked their own black bridesmaid gown, which turned out beautifully and allowed everyone to feel wonderful in their own personal style. Simon wore a custom navy tux by Alton Lane. His groomsmen wore black tuxes and green velvet smoking slippers for a splash of subdued color. This made for gorgeous pictures with my ladies in black as well. The white rose bouquets created the most stunning black and white photographs of the groups. I loved the idea of looking back at those pictures, and not being able to tie them down to a specific year. The looks felt timeless.
Planet Flowers made our dreams come true with regards to styling. Our theme for the wedding was classic and timeless. We filled the castle with bountiful white based florals, bouquets, and tablescapes. They added candles and lanterns throughout the castle which led to such a beautifully romantic evening. They also handled all of our stationery, and our menus were hand written with calligraphy for an impressive effect. 88 Events supplied our tables with exquisite pearlescent linens, gorgeous charger plates, and sheer seat coverings. The room the reception was in was enchanting.
We chose Planet Flowers, a recommendation by Dundas Castle. We had started following them on Instagram and realized that they were magnificent artists in addition to being florists. The amount of time they dedicated to us while planning our big day was truly astounding. They achieved beyond our imaginations and executed with flawless perfection and more.
We still have guests talk about how delectable our wedding cake was! Liggy’s Cake Company provided us with a gorgeous four tier wedding cake which was finished with a delicate cascading floral arrangement by Planet Flowers. The cake was a delicious alternating tier combination of lemon curd & buttercream and vanilla buttercream & raspberry jam. It was almost too beautiful to eat!
Craig and Eva Sanders are the absolute dream. This husband and wife duo are not only talented, but incredibly kind and warm. Craig also joined us to photograph our rehearsal dinner and welcome party on Friday evening, which was a special way to get introduced the day before our wedding! His humor and charm were a hit with our guests. Craig and Eva captured the love of our marriage, our family and our friends throughout our wedding weekend. We are so grateful for their passion, time and talent. Their pictures are worth a trillion words.
Best part of the day
It’s certainly hard to pick one moment from such an incredible day of love. We had such a gorgeous week prior to the wedding with weather (which we know is quite rare given the location.) I was a bit concerned the weather forecast said we were in for some rain on our wedding day! There was a moment just before we said our vows where a beautiful rolling of thunder echoed through the Auld Keep of the castle. It was one of those moments where you just felt it deep within your soul. It was so romantic and beautiful, and we knew we had received a blessing.
From one bride to another…
There is no greater feeling than celebrating your marriage in a room full of everyone that you love. Remember to take time throughout the evening to be in the moment with your newly betrothed. The minutes go so fast, but the memories will last the rest of your life.
Venue Dundas Castle
Photography Craig & Eva Sanders Photography
Piper James Nicholl
Florist & Stationery Planet Flowers
Linen 88 events
Hair & Makeup City Brides
Cake Liggy’s Cake Company
Childcare Trio Care
Ceremony Music Cairn String Quartet
Reception Music The Woo Hoo Band
Fireworks 21CC Group
Transport AAA Coaches
Whisky Tasting & DJ Reel Time Events
Photobooth Blush Photobooth