This couple’s cute poodle Ted and whippet Gracie had pride of place at their golden-hued late autumn wedding at the magnificent Edinburgh venue
Kirsty Sorley & Eoin Diamond (now the Sorley-Diamonds)
27th November 2021
Venue | Mansfield Traquair
Photography | Rachel Spence Photography
“Eoin and I had been together for three years when he proposed in December 2018. We were in Lapland in the middle of a secluded, snowy area. He caught a photo of it by setting up a tripod and then running in to pop the question. I had thought he was just setting up a nice holiday snap of the two of us, so it took me completely by surprise.
Our first step when we were back was securing our venue. Mansfield Traquair in Edinburgh absolutely blew us away and it was everything we ever dreamt of. We set the date for winter 2020.
However with so many Covid restrictions and uncertainty around weddings, we decided to move our nuptials to November 2021. We were worried that our suppliers would not manage to reschedule with us, but luckily everyone had our new date available. Panic over!
Our celebrant was Tom Elliott. He had married our friends previously and we really enjoyed their ceremony. He brought a sense of humour and fun to our service.
Choosing Rachel Spence as our wedding photographer was an easy decision. Eoin is a keen photographer and – once upon a time when he was starting out – he had lessons with her which helped him improve his skills. We were both in no doubt that it had to be her who captured our day; we love her photographic style. Rachel and her second shooter Helen made having a camera pointed at us so much fun, with ideas and banter flowing freely.
We also really rated our videographer, Knoxland Films. They are a fantastic, helpful team who went over and above. We had a great laugh working with them.
Our cake by A Cherry On Top was sensational and a real talking point. It was on a floral cake swing in the shape of a horseshoe. Every tier – Oreo, Victoria sponge and lemon – was yummy.
I had a definite idea of the dress style I wanted before I went shopping. I went to David’s Bridal at Braehead and tried on what I thought I’d love – but I actually hated it! The stylist presented another dress that I disliked on the hanger, but when I saw it in the mirror, I fell in love. There was no changing my mind – it was The One. I am a massive shoe fiend, so accessorised my gown with Jimmy Choos.
I also got the bridesmaids’ gold sequinned dresses from David’s Bridal. There was a sale on the day I went to buy them which was a nice surprise.
We added lots of little touches that made the day our own. It was one of the things our guests said they loved most about our wedding. That and the saxophonist – he was fabulous and went down a storm.
Eoin and I are big dog lovers. We had personalised dog treats for guests to take home to their pooches, alongside Dogs Trust and Macmillan Cancer Support charity pins. We also had personalised confetti and hung photo baubles on a cherry blossom tree of all our loved ones who have sadly passed away.
Our first dance was Set You Free by N-Trance. Our wedding singer slowed it down and made it her own – it was outstanding.
The day was one big highlight. Having all our family and friends celebrating with us, along with our dogs Ted and Gracie, is something that we’ll treasure forever.”
Celebrant Tom Elliott
Bride’s dress and bridesmaids’ dresses David’s Bridal
Hair Fern Ward
Makeup Nicole Miller
Groomswear House of Henderson
Mother of the bride outfit Frox of Falkirk
Rings ROX
Cake A Cherry On Top
Catering Heritage Portfolio
Flowers Victoria Florists
Stationery Paperdoll
Favours Dogs Trust badges; Macmillan Cancer Support pins
Ceremony music and magician Fiona MacKenzie, and husband Steve (magician)
Reception music Fife Wedding Entertainments; Shades of Sax
Photobooth Selfie Mirror by Melissa
Wedding film Knoxland Films (scroll on to see)
Transport MET Wedding Cars
Dog chaperoning California Dogs
