Planning Diaries: Laura on planning a wedding after cancer

June 2026 update – after the pause button, it’s full steam ahead

Wedding planning is often described as a whirlwind, but ours came to a complete standstill for a while.

When Darren and I got engaged, we threw ourselves into planning straight away and the only venue we visited was Carlowrie Castle. I still remember that day so clearly – it was sunny and we both had that moment of, ‘This is it!’

17 of the best castle wedding venues in Scotland

Then life shifted a little, and our plans had to take a back seat as I was diagnosed with breast cancer last August. Our wedding date moved back by six months while I went through surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

One thing I’ve learned is that while wedding planning is about looking ahead, life sometimes needs you to focus on just getting through the present. Finding that balance has been the biggest adjustment.

During treatment, I chose to cold cap in the hope of keeping my hair. It wasn’t easy – long hours in the chair and the daily reality of watching my hair change. There were moments I’d sit thinking, ‘I can’t believe this is my life right now’.

But whatever hair I kept, it gave me options for what I could do at the wedding. I’m grateful I persevered now.

Finding my wedding dress after treatment

My wedding dress journey changed too. I had a beautiful dress pre-diagnosis, but with all the changes, I ended up with a new dress post-treatment that I felt more comfortable in.

I wasn’t sure how I’d feel by the time I got married, so I’ve gone with a timeless classic from Aimee Bridal Couture.

My mum and auntie came with me to try it on and, when I came out of the dressing room in it, we all got emotional.

For the first time in a while, I felt like a bride again.

We picked up the dress recently and made a day of it – jewellery shopping in Argyll Arcade followed by lunch at The Ivy.

It felt like a proper turning point, like things were moving forward. There have been a lot of unknowns over the past year, but also some positive shifts. I’m now spending less time in hospitals and more time focusing on the future.

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Planning our Scottish castle wedding

Darren has been brilliant through it all. He’s very clear on what he feels are the important wedding details – he wanted it to feel really Scottish from the start, so the castle was an easy win.

He’s also very invested in a live band and, most importantly, the wine selection. I’m not entirely convinced he knows every other detail of the planning, but he’s definitely nailed those key decisions!

Music is a big part of the day for me, so I’ve been intentional about choosing ceremony songs that mean something to us, rather than just ticking boxes.

We’ve supported each other through everything, and the wedding has given us something to focus on together again.

Most recently, we’ve booked our honeymoon to Bora Bora – it felt like the perfect ‘after everything’ trip.

With just three months to go until our wedding, I feel excited (although slightly nervous) and very ready to finally get married. It has been quite a journey to get here, but it will make the moment feel even more meaningful.

Cancer may have changed our timeline, but it never changed the plan: to marry the person I love and celebrate with the people who matter most.

Standing together this September will feel like the best celebration. I can’t wait.

Want to see more? Check out this joyful modern wedding at Carlowrie Castle

What’s next?

We still need to choose our flowers and final colour scheme, decide on our cake and have all the important beauty appointments.

After putting so much planning on hold during treatment, it feels wonderful to finally focus on the fun details again!