Highland coos, kilts and bagpipes for Scotland. Flags, favours and a rather unique dance for Romania. Zoé and Dragoş’s barn wedding at Falside Mill was the perfect cross-cultural mix
Blending Scottish, French and Romanian traditions, Zoé and Dragoș’s Falside Mill wedding in Fife was a fun-filled cross-cultural celebration.
With Highland cows at the drinks reception, bagpipes, handmade Romanian favours and a surprise chicken dance, the couple created a day that reflected every part of their story – from their long-distance romance to their love of Scotland’s countryside.
Wedding highlights at a glance
Wedding venue | Falside Mill, near St Andrews, Fife
Date | 29th May 2025
Photography | Chlöe Sidey Photo, with second shooter Yuri Shevchenko
Guests | 120
Decor | DIY flowers, stationery and venue styling by the bride
Ceremony | Humanist ceremony by Brian Baxter, Fuze Ceremonies
Entertainment | Piper Dean Saunders, DJ Shaun (Elite DJ), Highland cows from Crazy Critters Experience
Cross-cultural celebration at Falside Mill
When half-Scottish, half-French bride Zoé Duncan married Romanian-born Dragoș Tudorache, they wanted their day to honour both cultures. “We played French, Romanian and Scottish music,” says Zoé. “Everyone had flags from each country to wave — they were brilliant for photos and guests loved taking them home.”
Naturally, bagpipes were a must: “I walked down the aisle to Caledonia and we exited to I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles), which made sense — at one point in our relationship we lived nearly 500 miles apart!”
Eclectic pastel-toned real wedding at Falside Mill
Personal touches and Scottish surprises
Keen to treat their overseas guests to something memorable, Zoé secretly booked Highland cows for the drinks reception. “The order of service mentioned ‘secret guests’ and everyone was thrilled when Heather and Rab from Crazy Critters Experience arrived,” she laughs.
Romanian traditions also played a starring role. “Dragoș’s mum gave everyone towels, which are traditional wedding favours in Romania, and little bottles of cherry Palinka made by his grandmother. Each was tied with ribbons in the colours of the Romanian flag.”
Even the village “chicken dance” made an appearance: “It’s a custom where people dance with cooked chickens dressed up in clothes — I wasn’t sure what to expect, but it was hilarious and such a hit!”
A ceremony full of laughter
The couple’s humanist ceremony, led by Brian Baxter of Fuze Ceremonies, perfectly reflected their personalities. “We wanted it to be fun and engaging,” Zoé recalls. “Brian’s delivery had everyone laughing — so many guests said it was the best ceremony they’d ever been to.”
Everything you need to know to plan your wedding ceremony in Scotland
Love story and planning journey
Zoé and Dragoș first met in 2015 on holiday in Tenerife but didn’t start dating until years later, when he drove eight hours from Essex for their first date. Dragoș proposed in 2020 at Queen’s View, Pitlochry, and moved to Scotland soon after.
With 120 guests, many travelling from abroad, the couple planned a longer engagement. “We wanted to give everyone time and buy our first home before we started budgeting,” says Zoé.
When they visited Falside Mill, it was an instant yes. “We loved the barn’s spacious layout, the countryside feel and outdoor areas,” she says. “It was the first venue we saw and nothing else compared.”
The venue lowdown: TTKS visits Falside Mill in Fife
DIY details and family help
A creative at heart, Zoé made all the flowers, stationery and décor herself. “I only gave myself five months, which was intense,” she admits. “If you’re going DIY, start early!”
Family and friends played key roles too: her dad built the ceremony arch and drove her in his Bentley; her mum made the bouquet; her best friend Naomi crafted the rings; and her brother filmed and edited the wedding video. “Those contributions made it all the more meaningful,” says Zoé.
The couple spent around £25,000 on their day and have zero regrets. “You’ll never have another day like it,” Zoé says. “It was absolutely worth every penny – the best day of our lives.”
Wedding suppliers
Venue Falside Mill, Fife
Photography Chlöe Sidey Photo
Second shooter Yuri Shevchenko
Celebrant Brian Baxter, Fuze Ceremonies
Wedding film Finlay Jones (friend), edited by the bride’s brother, Aaron Duncan
Wedding dress Morilee from Madison Rose Bridal, Kirkcaldy
Dress alterations Ayla Fergus Specialist Bridal Seamstress, Perth
Bridesmaid dresses Pretty Lavish
Hair Sally Drummond Hairstylist
Makeup Joanne Melville Makeup Artist
Groomswear Slater Menswear
Wedding rings Naomi Smith
Cake Sparkles Cake Company
Catering A&D Bar & Catering
Flowers DIY by the bride using artificial flowers
Stationery DIY by the bride
Venue decor DIY by the couple
Favours Made by Dragoș’s mum and grandmother
Piper Dean Saunders
DJ Shaun at Elite DJ
DJ equipment hire Aarcan DJ Hire Services
Additional entertainment Highland cows from Crazy Critters Experience
360 video photobooth Give it Laldy Events
Transport Father of the bride’s Bentley
