This happy couple wanted to tie the knot close to home, and everything fell into place when they found their perfect wedding venue – Atholl Palace Hotel
This stress-free summer wedding at Atholl Palace Hotel in Pitlochry included a generous wedding package and entertainment that brought the party vibes.
The couple had four different musical acts performing throughout their special day, including Alerion Strings, Brian Cattigan, Gav on Sax and Tartan Entertainment. Plus, all behind-the-scenes content was captured by Social Brides Club. See in the pictures below how Robyn and Jaber planned their dream wedding...
Jaber Abubaker and Robyn Gauld, now Mr and Mrs Abubaker
26th July 2024
Venue | Atholl Palace Hotel, Pitlochry
Photography | Connor Barrett Photography
For a lot of couples, planning a wedding can feel like a daunting thought. Where do you even begin? Often, it's not until you find the 'key' (which can be different for each couple) that everything else falls into place. Jaber and Robyn's key was their venue.
Historic Pitlochry wedding venue, Atholl Palace
“We had a clear idea of what we wanted – a place with charm and character, away from the hustle of city life,” says bride Robyn. And that’s exactly what they found at Pitlochry’s beautiful Atholl Palace Hotel.
In the weeks after getting engaged in April 2023, the Dundee-based couple viewed four venues, with a view to tying the knot close to home so Robyn’s grandparents could attend.
Atholl Palace was just 34 miles away, and they fell in love with it immediately.
“We made our way up the winding road, taking in the impressive grounds,” recalls Robyn of that first visit. “Once we made it to the top, our jaws hit the floor – it looked incredible.”
See more amazing hotel wedding venues in Scotland
Opened in 1878, the hotel still retains many features of a traditional large country house – and the couple discovered it perfectly fitted their desire to marry somewhere “special and unique, with timeless elegance”.
It was also important there was plenty of guest accommodation (there are more than 100 bedrooms here) and a helpful team on hand.
“Our coordinator, Grace, deserves a special mention for her support,” smiles the bride, “but actually all the staff went above and beyond to make everything stress-free for us. Their attention to detail really stood out. It meant we could relax, knowing everything was in safe hands.”
The night before they were due to wed, the couple headed to the hotel’s Stag Bar with their closest family and friends.
They stayed up until midnight, revelling in the excitement of what was to come – at which point Jaber and Robyn decided to trial their first dance. Cue some unexpected drama!
“We managed to fall over and I landed on Jaber’s arm so hard I thought it was broken!” laughs the bride.
Thankfully, no damage was done and the wedding morning was a chilled-out affair rather than a trip to A&E. Robyn spent it with her mum, bridesmaids, granny and Jaber’s mum, while Jaber’s brother, who owns Stallion Barbers in Musselburgh, gave him a fresh haircut.
Take a look at this romantic elopement in Perthshire woodland and Atholl Palace Hotel
Robyn made her entrance to the sounds of Alerion Strings playing ‘Lover’ by Taylor Swift, and the newlyweds agree that their favourite moment of the whole day was seeing one another at the top of the aisle.
The ceremony (and the meal) took place in the Bow Lounge, which has natural lighting and panoramic views of the countryside.
Catering at Atholl Palace Hotel
“At dinner, Jaber and I sat at a sweetheart table with our families positioned at either side,” Robyn recalls. “It felt so special for us to have a little moment of togetherness during such a busy day.”
One other thing that had to be spot on was the catering, so the couple opted for a package they hoped would suit all backgrounds and cultures.
Guests were treated to canapés, a three-course dinner and an evening buffet, prosecco for the reception, fizz for the toasts and wine during dinner (plus alcohol-free alternatives).
“The staff at Atholl Palace went above and beyond to ensure everything was stress-free for us”
After a delicious meal, the party, held in the Atholl Suite, got started with music from Tartan Entertainment and Gav on Sax (“the atmosphere was electric!”), before the couple retreated to their luxurious honeymoon suite for an impressive three nights.
“The entire day was everything we’d hoped for and more,” smiles Robyn.
Robyn and Jaber's wedding highlight video by Social Brides Club
Wedding suppliers
Venue Atholl Palace Hotel, Pitlochry
Photography Connor Barrett Photography
Content creator Social Brides Club
Celebrant Angela Maughan Ceremonies
Wedding dress Pretty Woman Edinburgh
Shoes ASOS
Bridal accessories Swarovski
Bridesmaid dresses Billy J
Hair Bonnie & Bold Bridal
Makeup Rachel Louise Bridal
Groomswear MacGregor and MacDuff
Flowers Flùr Pitlochry
Cake Couple’s friend
Stationery and favours DIY by the couple
Wedding rings Goldsmiths
Ceremony music Alerion Strings
Drinks reception music Brian Cattigan
Reception entertainment Gav on Sax and
Tartan Entertainment
