Anna Johnston and Scott Salter
25th May 2022
Venue | Hazlehead Park and couple’s garden
Photography | Danielle Leslie Photography
“We met on Tinder in summer 2017 and got engaged on Boxing Day 2020. Scott had hidden a ring in a Christmas decoration. The ring was a temporary one from Argos- one of the only shops open during lockdown!
The first thing I did at the end of lockdown was book an appointment at Finnies in Aberdeen. I always wanted a ring from here as it’s where my dad bought my mum’s ring in the 80s.
We wanted a non-traditional wedding that felt personal to us. We had around 50 guests for the whole day with a couple of extras at night and ended up spending around £15K.
The venue was the most personal aspect to us. Initially we were keen on an exclusive-use style of venue in which you hire for two-three days. We viewed most wedding venues across the north-east of Scotland; it was really helpful to visit them as they are all so different.
However, we didn’t find any that felt completely right for us so decided to have our ceremony in our local park function area and a marquee at home in the garden. We were the first wedding to take place at Hazlehead Park following an extensive refurbishment, as well as the first, and probably only, garden reception at our home.
From the first meeting I knew I wanted celebrant Mary Gibson to conduct our ceremony. She really took the time to get to know us throughout the planning process and was always at the end of the phone when we needed something.
I decided to walk myself down the aisle as I don’t like the historical meaning behind giving away a bride. Our ceremony was personal and included lots of funny stories about our relationship. It was nice to include Scottish traditions such as a hand fasting for our guests who travelled from far away to be there.
I used the try-on-at-home service with Magnolia Lane Bridal. Once things had opened up, I was able to visit Ivory Grace in Aberdeen for my evening jumpsuit and bridesmaid’s dress.
We wanted relaxed photos with minimal posing. Danielle was one of the first photographers we enquired with who took the time to actually get to know us before booking. Her chilled style was perfect for us. I loved our pre-wedding shoot and would highly recommend doing one if you aren’t used to getting your pictures taken.
I would suggest using tools like online RSVPs (WithJoy) to help reduce admin time. It’s super helpful for dietary requirements and seating plans. If you’re opting for a DIY or dry-hire venue, I would 100% recommend booking an on-the-day coordinator. Amy at Cymbeline Events was a delight to work with and took so much stress away on the day. Small things like restocking loo rolls and water jugs are easy to forget!
There were five speeches in total – bride, groom, best man, father of the bride and mother of the bride. We tried to keep them as short as possible as we know from attending lots of weddings people just want them over with so they can eat! We didn’t have a top table and instead had banquet style and ate amongst our guests, enjoying pizza from a converted horsebox from Firemill Pizza.
Lyn from Picky Pencil came to draw cartoons of our wedding guests and we had music from the Cairn String Quartet. We opted not to have an evening dance and instead just enjoyed food and drinks with family and friends.
The funniest moment was when my veil flew off in the wind and hit my sister in the face, all caught on camera!
It was so amazing to see all the hard work that went into planning come together. Everyone says it’s the best day which we were sceptical about, but it really was.”
Top tip: “Do what you want to do. It’s easy to compare yourself to others when it comes to planning a wedding. Think about what you have enjoyed at weddings you have been to. Don’t feel you have to stick to the generic format of a wedding day either.”
Venue Hazlehead Park and couple’s garden
Photography Danielle Leslie Photography
Filmmaker Robertson Creative
Celebrant Mary Gibson- The Celebrant Angel
Bride’s outfit Dress and veil from Magnolia Lane Bridal, jumpsuit from Ivory Grace Bridal Boutique
Bride’s jewellery bespoke from RedRocks in Aberdeenshire
Bridesmaid dresses Rewritten Bridesmaids from Ivory Grace Bridal Boutique
Groom’s suit Neil Selbie
Makeup Tiffany Dawson MUA
Bride’s nails Nailed it by Emma
Hair Hair by Hannah
Cake Marks and Spencer’s
Catering Firemill Pizza, Vintage Koffie, and Reynolds Catering and Cocktails
Bar hire Dutch Courage Bar Hire
Flowers Fauna Flower Folk
Decor Fauna Flower Folk and Amy from Cymbeline Events
Rings Finnies the Jeweller, Red Rocks and Flinn and Steel
Music The Cairn String Quartet
Entertainment Picky Pencil caricaturist
Transport RS Coaches
Marquee Carpe Diem Marquees and Events (also provided furniture, lighting and draping)
Personalised chair backs Daydreamer Creative Studio
Dog chaperoning Paul’s Dog Sitting
Sound system Atmosphere Sound and Lighting
Stationery Hollie Bruce Designs for invites and table names, table plan was repurposed from an old mirror from couple’s house
