Mari-Claire Riley and Chris Morgan
30th April 2017
Venue | Lodge on Loch Lomond, Luss
Photography | Abrightside Photography
“Chris and I knew we had to marry in Loch Lomond. We met on holiday in Majorca when we were 13 years old and were pen pals. Through the years, Chris would come up and visit. During his first trip north, we went to Loch Lomond. We visited there a few times over the years and it became ‘our’ place.
The first planning decision we made was to secure the venue. Due to the area’s significance to us, we chose to tie the knot at the Lodge on Loch Lomond in Luss.
We made as much as we could ourselves. We crafted the decorations, flowers and centrepieces and I had our close friends’ and immediate family’s children decorate a canvas with the table numbers. My mum, mother-in-law and I did all of the flowers the night before. I wouldn’t recommend it. We were up until 2am!
My sister was due to be my maid of honour with my best friend as bridesmaid. As she sadly passed away before the wedding, I chose not to replace the role. Instead, my friends honoured her memory by incorporating purple into their outfits. They collectively became my maids of honour. It was a lovely touch.
I don’t like having my picture taken but we struck gold with John Paul at Abrightside Photography. Not only is he a brilliant photographer, but he has a way about him that gave me confidence to have my photo taken. I’m so thrilled with the results and proud to show them off.”
Top tip: “Keep an eye on the sales. My biggest bargain was my dress. I saw a Vera Wang gown I loved in David’s Bridal but it was massively out of my budget. Fast-forward a year and I spotted it on sale on the American site down to $400 from $2,500! The lovely girls at the Glasgow store had it shipped over here at no extra charge.”
Dress Vera Wang at David’s Bridal
Bridesmaids’ dresses Watters
Groomswear The Kilt Centre
Rings The I Do Studio
Celebrant Claire Digance at Humanist Society Scotland
Cake 3D Cakes
Flowers Bought from James Taylor Flowers and arranged by bride, mother of the bride and mother of the groom
Entertainment Helensburgh String Quartet and Sugarush
Venue décor Make Believe Events
Hair Carrick Spa at Cameron House
