Emma Oxley and Euan Anson
2nd September 2017
Venue | Pratis Barns, Fife
Photography | Ali Jay Photography
“My Grandma and Grandpa have had a caravan on the Monifieth coast for as long as I can remember and that’s where I said yes in August 2015. That beach has been an enormous part of my life and, after ten years together, Euan got down on one knee, with our son Jack on the other, and proposed right on the sand. It was very special.
We didn’t want a formal ceremony or venue, hence our decision to tie the knot at Pratis Barns. The service was held in the old barn and the reception staged in the main function space – all in the same place, so that our 100 guests could relax and settle in.
From day one, the venue’s owner was amazing. She supported us throughout and was even on the dancefloor at night!
The aim was to be fuss-free and definitely not matchy-matchy. We have two wee ones and were looking for somewhere child-friendly, with plenty of room for them to run around and play. We put out lots of kids’ toys, assembled personalised party bags filled with LEGO, football sticker albums, colouring in and bubbles and kept timings loose and flexible.
The vibe of the décor was shabby, vintage chic. Our family and friends helped wherever possible, whipping up our three-tier, naked Victoria sponge cake and the decorations (including the planters), as well as bringing their own drinks. We had buckets of booze on the tables at the reception.
Family is everything. Jack was our ring bearer and walked alongside my mother and I while Euan’s brothers (who are pipers) played us down the aisle to ‘Caledonia’ – a powerful experience. I also had a picture of my father attached to my bouquet, as he sadly passed away when I was younger and I wanted him with us. My mother and brother then delivered what would have been his speech.
Looking back, we wish we’d had a film of our day. It was something we had to sacrifice due to going over budget.”
Top tip: “Try to relax and enjoy every second as it goes by so fast. Also, be firm with your guest list – ours kept growing and growing!”
Dress Pretty Woman
Bridesmaids’ dresses Coast
Jewellery Beaverbrooks
Cake Table made by friends and family
Favours Maggie’s Centres and British Heart Foundation
Stationery Made by the bride
Entertainment Strange Bru
Celebrant Lucie Johnston at Humanist Society Scotland
Makeup Elaine Milne at Bobbi Brown
