Jenny Sweeney and Colin Maxwell
28th October 2017
Venue | Boturich Castle, Balloch
Photography | Scott Robb Photography
“The first thing we did was book our venue, Boturich Castle. We knew the wedding was going to be big as we wanted to include everyone, and when we visited the staff couldn’t have been more helpful. The scenic landscape over Loch Lomond was breathtaking too – we never saw the same view twice, it always changed.
Our wedding fell on Halloween weekend so we ran with the autumnal/Halloween theme with pumpkins, pinecones and lots of candles. I love to craft so I started with save the dates and invites, and that led to place settings, menus and slippers. I had a go at everything! My mum created some stunning dried flower centrepieces, my sister chipped in with wooden signs and my auntie rustled up some sweet lavender bags.
The ceremony was really emotional for us, one minute we were laughing, the next we were crying. I know it sounds cheesy but seeing all our friends and family dance to Loch Lomond as the last dance was so overwhelming.
I found my dress at David’s Bridal. I wanted to feel like me, and if I looked like a bride that was a bonus. I loved the way I felt in it from the moment I tried it on. My friend Stacy Mclister did our hair and it was lovely having her there in the morning. Our makeup artist Katie Hellier was my best find of 2017 – she knows exactly what works.
My biggest bargain was our flowers. I had a good idea of what I like so two days before the wedding I went to James Taylor Flowers in Glasgow and picked out a selection of blooms, then my mum and I made bouquets. We saved around £500 doing it this way. My star supplier was Lynnie Carson. She sang and played guitar with my brother as I walked down the aisle and played an acoustic set during the drinks reception. She was absolutely amazing.”
Top tip: “Take a step back and try to take more of it in. My day went by in a heartbeat.”
Dress Melissa Sweet at David’s Bridal
Veil Bluebird and Blossom on Etsy.com
Jewellery John Mcintyre & Sons and Notonthehighstreet.com
Bridesmaids’ dresses Debenhams
Groomswear the groom and best men wore their own Highlandwear
Catering Castle Catering
Cake George Mewes Cheese
Favours A donation made to MND Scotland
Flowers Bought at James Taylor Flowers, arranged by the bride and her mum
Entertainment Lynnie Carson and Chitterybite Ceilidh Band
Filmmaker Good Morning Films
Makeup Katie Hellier Makeup