Elizabeth Walker and Maciej Kowalski
13th May 2023
Venue | Brisbane House Hotel, Largs
Photography | David Long Photography
“Maciej and I were together about two-and-a-half years before he got down on one knee and popped the question at home in August 2021. He had already sought my father’s approval ahead of the proposal and had shown his mum and stepfather the engagement ring in secret when they had been over from Poland visiting us.
I said yes, of course, and we cracked into my favourite bottle of champagne that he’d had chilling in the fridge.
We enjoy taking trips to Largs for fish and chips and ice cream, so it’s a place that already holds happy memories for us both. Brisbane House Hotel is a gem of a venue right next to the promenade. We loved that it had outside facilities for our 100 guests to relax and soak up the views of the sea and plenty of accommodation for friends and family to stay over.
We knew Largs would also be a winner as a beautiful backdrop for our wedding photos. We were keen to incorporate the fun of the fair and the ice cream stall. I also wanted to include the iconic Nardini’s, a place I visited a lot growing up. It was also where I got my first Saturday job as a waitress.
We lined up David Long as our wedding photographer after seeing his work on Facebook. We were looking for someone who would be able to accommodate our ideas for our photographs and embrace our chilled and fun approach to the day. David certainly did that, even stopping traffic for us as we recreated the Beatles’ iconic ‘Abbey Road’ album cover with myself and my bridesmaids on a zebra crossing!
We stayed at the hotel from the Friday to the Sunday. On the Friday, we enjoyed a trip over to Millport on the ferry, cycled around the island and enjoyed a picnic with friends and family, before welcoming more friends from near and far back at the hotel. We had guests travelling from Poland, England and Iceland, so it was nice to have dinner and drinks to catch up with everyone.
We budgeted £12k but spent nearer £14k. It was important to Maciej and I to source local suppliers. They were all amazing and went above and beyond for us.
Case in point: Sharon’s Bridal Boutique in Kilwinning. Sharon was so accommodating and patient during my appointment. I was over the moon when I discovered that my chosen dress was from the ‘Preloved Reloved’ selection at the store. I was touched by the idea that my gown had a history, and that I was part of a sustainable story.
We first met celebrant Janice Hendry from Fuze Ceremonies at Brisbane House’s wedding fair. She was brilliant to deal with from the outset and helped tailor a personal ceremony that would tell the story of how we met and share our happy memories together with all our guests.
We incorporated both Scottish and Polish traditions during our ceremony too. We had a traditional Scottish handfasting, my mum sung a song blessing our marriage, and Maciej’s stepfather performed a Polish blessing. After the speeches by my dad, Maciej and best man Chris, we all had a shot of Polish vodka as a toast, something else that happens at weddings in Poland.
Getting the music right was important to us. I walked down the aisle to Al Green’s ‘Let’s Stay Together’; we signed the marriage certificate as Led Zeppelin’s ‘Thank You’ played; and walked back up the aisle as husband and wife to ‘You’re My Best Friend’ by Queen. Our first dance was The Cure’s cover of Adele’s ‘Love Song’. The DJ in the evening took requests too. Everyone was up dancing all night.
Alongside the wonderful memories and amazing pictures we have, I asked my florist Samantha Kennedy if she could use wildflowers in our bouquets that would dry naturally. They have all turned out beautifully and are my favourite keepsakes from the wedding.
Top tip: “If you have a supplier in mind that you like, don’t hesitate to book them. We discovered that many book up quickly and you could end up disappointed if you are not able to get them.”
Venue Brisbane House Hotel
Photography David Long Photography
Celebrant Janice Hendry, Fuze Ceremonies
Bride’s dress Sharon’s Bridal Boutique
Bridesmaid and flower girl dresses David’s Bridal
Makeup MakeMeUp by Claire, based at The Studio in Prestwick
Hair Linda Kay McGhee
Nails Unique Nail by Jodie, Saltcoats
Groomswear Tailored tartan suit from Clyde Kilts
Rings Ernest Jones and Chisholm Hunter
Cake West Coast Cakes
Flowers Samantha Kennedy Florist
Stationery Abbey Screen and Digital Print
Favours ‘Grow your own love’ flower bombs in biodegradable personalised favour bags Evening DJ and additional ceremony and venue decor C&J Weddings
