Planning from Sydney, this couple returned to Scotland for a spectacular castle wedding overlooking the country's most famous loch
Inspiration this way for Scottish castle weddings...
Scots who now live Down Under, Kirstine and Rhys travelled from Sydney to celebrate with family and friends at Boturich Castle, one of the most sought-after Loch Lomond wedding venues.
Their elegant June wedding combined an outdoor wedding ceremony amid spectacular scenery, statement wedding flowers and unforgettable entertainment, proving exactly why a destination wedding in Scotland is worth the journey.
Wedding highlights at a glance
Wedding venue | Boturich Castle, Loch Lomond
Date | 20th June 2025
Photography | Rachael Friend Photography
Guests | 110
Decor | Luxury pink, blue and neutral floral installations by Fiori Glasgow with elegant styling by Caroline Bickerstaff Wedding & Events
Ceremony | Outdoor humanist ceremony
Entertainment | String quartet, DJ and gospel choir
Why Boturich Castle was the perfect Loch Lomond wedding venue
Although they now call Sydney home, Kirstine and Rhys always knew they wanted to celebrate in the UK so both families could be together.
"Having all your friends and family together and celebrating in one place is a once-in-a-lifetime thing – even more so for us because we live so far away and don't have the luxury of seeing our loved ones frequently," says Kirstine. "My parents hadn't even met Rhys's until we married!"
Searching for a Loch Lomond wedding venue that guests could turn into a holiday, they immediately fell for Boturich Castle.
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"We fell in love with its panoramic vista and the dream of an outdoor ceremony there."
Arriving in Scotland two weeks before the wedding during cold, grey weather tested their confidence, but on the day itself the skies cleared.
"The weather ended up perfect and the sunset made the view even more idyllic than we'd imagined."
A Scottish castle wedding filled with personal traditions
Set against panoramic Loch Lomond views, the couple exchanged personal vows before 110 guests during an outdoor ceremony led by Clare Dougall of Fuze Ceremonies.
A handfasting ritual symbolised the joining of both families using a piece of Kirstine's wedding dress, the Forrester family tartan and a scarf belonging to Rhys's grandmother, who couldn't attend.
"We decided we'd write our own vows, but I left that task until the morning of the wedding. It was rushed and I definitely wouldn't recommend that," laughs Kirstine.
All you need to know about planning a wedding ceremony in Scotland
The couple also incorporated a playful Australian tradition into the speeches with a celebratory "shoey" – drinking beer from a shoe.
Before the ceremony they chose to share a private first look accompanied by GeO Gospel Choir.
"It was such a special moment for just us. I was so nervous in the morning, and seeing Rhys before it all kicked off calmed me down."
Luxury styling and entertainment at Boturich Castle
From Kirstine's couture Woná Concept gown to Fiori Glasgow's dramatic pink, blue and neutral floral installations, every detail reflected the couple's vision for an elegant castle wedding in Scotland.
Planner Caroline Bickerstaff Wedding & Events brought everything together.
"Engaging Caroline was the single best decision we made. Without her, I dread to think how the day might have unfolded. She was completely on top of everything from beginning to end."
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Rachael Friend Photography captured the celebration in a relaxed documentary style. "We did not want overly posed photos or to spend most of our day chasing the perfect shot, so Rachael was the perfect photographer for us."
Guests enjoyed champagne and cocktails on the castle terrace while GeO Gospel Choir performed before moving inside for dinner. A last-minute espresso martini station proved a huge success, followed by a surprise performance from Unison Anthems and a jumping dancefloor led by LordzDJ.
"There was no way we could've planned for how perfect the weather would be. Had we known, we'd have had the evening entertainment outside on the terrace."
Their biggest surprise came after the wedding
Looking back, Kirstine says they don't regret a single decision. "I was a little fearful that I'd look back and wonder if the money could've been better spent elsewhere, but even now, I wouldn't do anything differently."
Shortly before the wedding, the couple discovered they were expecting their second baby and have since welcomed son Rowan.
"Our toddler son Ruaridh was the cutest little ring-bearer, but knowing both of our babies were there just makes the memories of our day even more special."
"We spent so much time planning every part of our wedding, but the most magical moments in life are always the bit you don't plan."
Wedding planning tip from a real bride
"Ask your suppliers for recommendations," says Kirstine. "They will have worked with plenty of good people and will have lots of ideas if you need them. Every single supplier we had was incredible – so warm, welcoming and engaging that it made the planning process really enjoyable."
Venue Boturich Castle, Loch Lomond
Planning and coordination Caroline Bickerstaff Wedding and Events
Photography Rachael Friend Photography
Second shooter Milana Jones
Videography RHB Wedding Films
Content creator Your Day Unplugged
Celebrant Clare Dougall, Fuze Ceremonies
Wedding dress Woná Concept from Anne Priscilla Bridal
Veil Moira Hughes Couture
Alterations Abigail Westrup Bridal
Reception dress Rachel Gilbert
Bridal shoes Mach & Mach
Makeup Rachel Louise Bridal
Hair Cherry Cherry Hair By Loredana
Groom’s tuxedo Theodore
Flowers Fiori Glasgow
Cake Infinite Indulgence
String quartet Arta String Quartet
Choir GeO Gospel Choir
DJ LordzDJ
Pipers Unison Anthems
Children’s entertainment Dizzy Ducklings
Childcare Jenn from The Event Nanny
Stationery Etsy
Glass hire Cairns Event Hire
Favours Donation to CHAS
