29th May 2016
Venue | Luss Parish Church and Lodge on Loch Lomond
Photography | Duncan Ireland Photography
“Stewart proposed on a break to Lodge on Loch Lomond in November 2013. He popped the question with a fake ring and gave me a letter inviting me to New York later that month, where he’d made appointments for me to pick out my proper ring. It was just after Thanksgiving and all the shop windows had Christmas displays. It’s one of the most romantic places in the world – topped only by Loch Lomond!
We considered getting married abroad, but we changed our minds on another trip to the bonnie banks, and decided to marry in Luss Parish Church and then head back to Lodge on Loch Lomond after. The church is quaint and beautiful, and Reverend Ian Miller was great. Most importantly, the church allowed us to have our little Maltese dog Cooper involved in our ceremony.
With our reception, there wasn’t any other choice for us: the Lodge feels like a home away from home. We got married on a bank holiday weekend so most guests stayed for two or three nights and we had big family meals before and after the wedding. It was lovely being able to extend the celebrations.
Stewart will take credit for this one, but one of our best decisions was hiring a boat to take our guests from the church to the reception. On our two-hour cruise the weather was scorching, prosecco and beer were flowing and we had time chatting with all our nearest and dearest. When we arrived at the venue, we walked up the jetty to champagne and canapés – it was the perfect start to the reception.
I used to be a fashion buyer, so I knew I was going to be quite particular about my dress. I went to loads of shops and even had a weekend in London looking in boutiques there, but I couldn’t find anything that wowed me. After searching for a few months, I managed to find the most amazing outfit at Eleganza Sposa. The boutique had a trial of the Martina Liana separates collection and I fell in love with an unusual skirt and top in subtle gold.”
Top tip: “Take a break if possible. We went on holiday to Skiathos ten days before the wedding and just relaxed and spent quality time together. We came back tanned, chilled and ready for the best weekend of our lives.”
Dress Martina Liana at Eleganza Sposa
Shoes Sophia Webster
Rings Goldcraft Jewellers
Groomswear Anderson Kilts
Cakes Just Baked by Wilma and a pork pie tower from Marks & Spencer
Flowers Airbles Flowers
Entertainment Strange Bru
Boat Cruise Loch Lomond
