Planning diaries: Scottish athlete and bride-to-be Stefanie Tucker shares her Scotland wedding plans

In a world where matches are made by swiping right on an app and texts like ‘U up?’, I feel incredibly lucky to have met my fiancé in real life, at a cafe while at university.

We were both members of Glasgow University Hares and Hounds Athletics Club, and I was studying for a degree in geography and Spanish, while Cameron was doing a masters in epidemiology.

Our early dates were often coffee at Black Pine, our favourite spot on Great Western Road, and drinks at the Finnieston.

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Long-distance challenges and lockdown love

The first couple of years of our relationship were less than ideal, though.

While we were lucky enough to spend the initial Covid lockdown together, a year into dating I went to Spain for six weeks over Christmas… and couldn’t return for nine months, thanks to renewed travel restrictions. To say that tested us is putting it mildly.

The next three years were also spent long-distance while Cameron was working in England and I returned to Scotland for university (first Glasgow, then Aberdeen).

We found ways to make it work, but it was a delight when Cameron was able to get a job in Scotland and move closer.

We had spoken about getting married one day and were both on the same page about wanting to tie the knot. Whenever we’d walk along Buchanan Street in Glasgow, I would pull Cameron through the Argyll Arcade to look in the windows of jewellery shops and point out engagement rings. I’d fully banned a Munro summit proposal and always said I wanted something intimate and private!

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The proposal: a magical day at Loch Katrine

Fast forward to last October, which was the fifth anni­versary of us being together.

Cameron and I drove up to Loch Katrine for a walk one sunny Saturday afternoon. The weather was cold but spectacular, and the autumn colours and afternoon sunlight reflected off the water.

Cameron suggested we walk up to the raised viewpoint to look over the loch and see the sunset.

The surroundings and views were gorgeous – the perfect spot for a proposal. I don’t think I believed it was really happening until he got down on one knee and pulled out the ring box. The moment was so special and is one we will treasure forever.

Dream wedding themes: Scottish, classy and country

We’re taking our time about planning, just enjoying being engaged and deciding on what theme and vibe we want for our wedding.

The key themes we’ve decided on so far are: ‘Scottish’ (think tartan, thistles, bagpipes and a ceilidh); ‘classy’ (did someone say castle?); and ‘country’ (anywhere with views of the hills).

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We are both Scottish, and we knew from the start that we wanted to get married here surrounded by plenty of tartan and thistles. I am so excited to share my planning journey as we head towards the big day, which we’re hoping will be in 2026.

What’s next in our wedding planning journey?

Our first priority is to find a venue for the wedding. I am excited to explore spaces around Scotland. Then I can start looking for a dress!

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Once Cameron and I were engaged, my first priority was to find a venue. We both knew that we wanted to get married in Scotland but beyond that we were open to ideas. 

Whenever I tried to imagine my wedding, though, a castle or a stately home with grandeur and impact always came to mind. I also wanted somewhere that our guests could stay overnight for a full celebration. 

Cameron’s family are from the Scottish Borders, so this was our first search area. We looked at a few venues there but they didn’t have the capacity we needed for our guest list, and having people stay was important to us. 

I started to look at places in the Highlands and discovered a few stunning castles. Unfortunately, though, they felt just a bit too far away for most of our guests to travel to. 

I then stumbled across Drumtochty Castle in Aberdeen­shire and fell in love with it instantly. The images on the website looked regal and elegant, and I knew I had to visit and see it IRL. 

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As we drove north, the scenery started changing from flat plains to rolling hills and Cameron, who loves hillwalking, was delighted. We nearly made a stop at Mount Keen on the way!

And when the castle itself came into view at the top of the winding driveway, I was pretty sure we’d found our perfect venue. 

We were shown round by the lovely Tamsin, who gave us a tour of all the common areas of Drumtochty and its wonderful bedrooms.

She talked us through how most couples choose to structure their wedding day and how the various rooms in the castle can best be utilised. We loved all of it.

There is an enclosed courtyard where you can host a rehearsal dinner with freshly baked pizzas. And the three beautiful reception rooms with views of the castle’s little loch would be amazing for photographs as they overlook the terrace.

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The bedrooms are all decorated individually with gorgeous fabrics and colour schemes. The bridal suite, in particular, is incredible – it has a large, luxurious bathroom and a dressing room to die for. 

Finally, there’s St Palladius’s Chapel, an old church with stained-glass windows in Drumtochty’s grounds. It’s such a romantic place for the ceremony.

Tamsin was quick to send us menu choices and a full breakdown of different aspects for hosting our wedding here. Cameron and I were so impressed the whole time with the attention to detail and all the personal touches that made the castle feel so homely. 

What's next?

Our wedding is now booked at Drumtochty for next August and I cannot wait to see how wonderful the castle looks in the summer. Up next is the most important part of planning any wedding – finding the dress!