Amber Jane Cox & Michael Wilson
14th August 2019
Venue | Meldrum House, Aberdeenshire
Photography | Aboyne Photographics
Michael and I met when he was 19 and I was 15, through our friends who were in a relationship at the time. We were at a local dance called The Tattie Shed Disco and got chatting on the bus on the way home. We exchanged numbers and it went from there.
The first wedding planning decision I made wasn’t to shortlist venues: it was the band. I’d enjoyed Tom McGuire and the Brassholes so much at my sister’s wedding two years previous that Michael and I knew we would have to have them play at our reception too.
Our thoughts then turned to where we’d have the wedding. We chose Meldrum House Hotel, as it’s beautiful inside with stunning grounds for photos.
As Michael is a fisherman, we asked the hotel if we could provide seafood for a lobster and langoustine starter and they were completely obliging.
In homage to his job, we had a giant board in the shape of a fish covered in netting with lollipops attached for the children and our tables were named after fishing grounds.
It’s become a family tradition to get married on a Wednesday, so we stuck to that too. On our second day of celebrations, at The Fife Arms in Braemar, we also introduced the Orcadian Bridal Cog [a large wooden vessel filled with booze] which is another custom of ours.
Celebrant Rachel Donald was recommended by a friend and she was lovely. She helped us write a personalised script for the service.
I must admit, I didn’t have much of an idea of what I wanted my wedding to look like before planning. White, pale pink and lots of flowers sprung to mind, which led me to a classy, romantic look illuminated with lots of candles.
My mum and I would get together regularly to discuss our plans and visions. She’s very creative and handmade many of the decorative touches including our paper-flower wall, table plan, welcome sign and post box.
Family friend Chan made our wedding cake. She made a huge effort and I think her passion and attention-to-detail shine through on our absolutely beautiful cake.
I had an amazing wedding dress shopping experience at Ivory Grace in Aberdeen. Boutique owner Kayleigh made me feel so welcome and relaxed. I fell in love with one of the first dresses I tried on, a simple, immaculately constructed Sassi Holford gown.
We were looking for a natural style photographer who offered a mixture of classic and modern photos. I came across Aboyne Photographics at the AECC wedding exhibition and they totally stood out for me.
Favourite wedding keepsake? Aside from my husband (haha!), I’d have to say that we particularly treasure the photographs from Aboyne Photographics and the video by Orchard Wedding Films. We also couldn’t resist having a caricaturist, Picky Pencil, as a little extra entertainment touch for the guests.
My nerves on the wedding morning surprised me: I never thought I would feel like that. I was also touched by the generosity of all our guests – we felt so loved.
The entire day was one big highlight. From getting ready in the morning to walking down the aisle to Michael, photographs to speeches, meal to reception dance – it was all incredible and I wouldn’t change a thing.
Celebrant Rachel Donald, Humanist Association Scotland
Bride’s dress Sassi Holford from Ivory Grace
Bridesmaids’ dresses Midnight Elegance
Groomswear Gibbs Menswear
Cake Made by friend
Flowers Bliss Turriff
Chair covers Ruffle and Rose
Napkins 88 Events
Ceremony music Eclectic Strings
Reception band Tom McGuire and the Brassholes
Caricaturist Picky Pencil
Wedding film Orchard Wedding Films
Hair Zoë Gordon Special Occasion Hair
Makeup Make Me Up Artistry
