Seaside-inspired wedding at Gilmerton House in East Lothian

Shona and Aaron's Gilmerton House wedding in East Lothian blended classic country house elegance with a seaside-inspired wedding theme. Held near North Berwick, their day featured a romantic indoor ceremony, coastal styling and a high-energy evening celebration.

Wedding highlights at a glance

Wedding venue | Gilmerton House, East Lothian
Date | 7th June 2025
Photography | Meggy Mac Photography
Guests | 90
Decor | Coastal-inspired styling with sandy tones, sculptural florals and candlelight
Ceremony | Indoor humanist ceremony with quaich ritual
Entertainment | Killer City Sound band with ceilidh

A relaxed ceremony at Gilmerton House

Planning a wedding at Gilmerton House near North Berwick, Shona and Aaron wanted a ceremony that felt personal but low-pressure.

“We were both quite nervous about the ceremony,” says Shona, “so we wanted to take the pressure off.”

Their solution was to exchange private vows afterwards. “We wrote our own vows and exchanged them after the ceremony, just the two of us, on the lawn… It was one of the day’s highlights.”

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They also chose celebrant Tasha Leung, whose warmth helped shape a relaxed, meaningful ceremony. “She crafted the most beautiful script… The ceremony was relaxed, unstuffy and such a lovely part of the day.”

Although rain meant moving indoors, the Music Room at Gilmerton House created a romantic setting.

“The rain during the ceremony actually made it even more romantic – we had lots of candlelight and delicate florals around the top of the aisle.”

Seaside-inspired wedding decor

Working with Studio Porter, the couple developed a coastal wedding theme inspired by East Lothian’s shoreline and their shared love of the sea.

“We came up with an understated, artful, oceanic theme,” explains Shona.

Gilmerton House provided a strong foundation: “The grounds are immaculate and the house is tastefully decorated and well maintained.”

The styling drew on waves, sea foam, rocks and natural textures, creating a refined but relaxed look.

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“The top table was like something from a dream!,” says the bride. “Incredible, wispy allium-type stems, a swirling draped fabric backdrop adorned with intricate florals, and a diaphanous installation cascading overhead.”

In the Laundry House reception space, Aspen Florals created a standout tablescape. A U-shaped layout was styled with warm sandy tones, sculptural ikebana-inspired arrangements, tonal candles set in sand and textured ceramic vessels.

Wedding dress shopping

Shona chose a Vivienne Westwood Nova Cora gown from Rachel Scott Couture in Edinburgh. “The sample fitted almost perfectly. I felt like I could’ve walked down the aisle in it the next day!”

Aaron opted for a bespoke suit from Norton & Sons on Savile Row. “I was so pleased with the result,” he says.

Food, drinks and evening celebrations

The East Lothian wedding catering by Edinburgh Catering Company was a highlight, with guests enjoying smoked salmon, bourguignon chicken with truffle jus and white chocolate cheesecake.

Cocktail hour featured espresso martinis and spicy margaritas. “They really helped keep up the energy,” says Shona.

The evening delivered exactly what the couple had planned.

“We said we wanted a big party… and that’s exactly what we got!”

Killer City Sound kicked things off with a ceilidh, introducing many guests to Scottish dancing. “There was a lot of dancing, the drinks were flowing, and everyone had a wonderful time.”

Wedding suppliers

Venue Gilmerton House, East Lothian  
Celebrant Tasha Leung, aka Tasha the Celebrant, Fulcrum Celebrants 
Wedding planning and styling Studio Porter 
Photography Meggy Mac Photography 
Secondary photography Nicole Parrack Creative 
Filmmaker Frances McMahon
Wedding dress and alterations Rachel Scott Couture 
Veil Harriette Gordon with bespoke embroidery by Lauren Mizon 
Reception dress Rixo 
Bride’s shoes Neous 
Bride’s earrings A.B. Ellie 
Bridesmaid dresses Lilysilk, Ghost, Forever New, Coast 
Hair Daisy from Bau Hair, Edinburgh 
Makeup Keeley Wilson, Altar Beauty 
Engagement and wedding rings Rachel Boston Jewellery 
Groomswear Norton & Sons 
Cake Wren Cake Design 
Catering The Edinburgh Catering Company 
Flowers and venue decor Aspen Florals 
Bouquet ribbon Papir By Hannah 
Stationery Hold Studio London 
Chair and furniture hire Virginia’s Vintage Hire 
Piper Kyle via Roddy the Piper 
Wedding band Killer City Sound 
Scented candles Le Labo