Step inside Ashley and Alex’s elegant Signet Library wedding in Edinburgh’s Old Town – a candlelit celebration filled with luxe details and Hogmanay party energy
Edinburgh Old Town wedding venue The Signet Library's soaring ceilings and candlelit atmosphere created an unforgettable backdrop for Ashley and Alex Hogan's New Year’s Eve black-tie celebration.
With deep red florals, bespoke “Hogsmanay” branding and 110 impeccably dressed guests, the couple leaned fully into the timeless elegance of this iconic Scottish wedding venue.
Wedding highlights at a glance
Ceremony venue | The Signet Library, Edinburgh
Date | 31st December 2024
Photography | Ricky Baillie Photography
Guests | Around 110
Decor | Black-tie and elegant romance with red decor
Entertainment | Piper, saxophone and DJ
A grand new year wedding in Edinburgh
When Alex and Ashley first stepped inside The Signet Library, they instantly knew this Edinburgh landmark was the perfect setting for their New Year’s Eve celebration.
“Initially, I wanted a summer wedding but the minute we visited The Signet Library, we were blown away,” says groom Alex.
“Everything else slotted into place.”
The Signet Library, located just a stone's throw from St Giles Cathedral, is a grand space with soaring Corinthian columns and a bespoke handwoven carpet.
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And the happy couple – who got engaged in Ibiza – were more than happy to lean into the regal atmosphere with their 110 guests.
Black-tie wedding theme with rich red palette
“I'm not the sort of person that’s been planning my wedding since I was a young girl,” smiles Ashley, “but once we got engaged, I knew exactly the kind of vibe to follow for our wedding.”
With a black-tie dress code (“We wanted our guests dressed to the nines – and they definitely delivered,” confirms the couple) and a deep red colour palette, Ashley and Alex worked with Gemma and the team at Planet Flowers to bring their vision to life.
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“We requested that the venue’s Christmas decorations were dismantled and asked for a room full of candlelight. All the flowers were a really rich red, too.
“We also created a logo for our wedding that read ‘Hogsmanay’ (in reference to Alex’s nickname, Hogs, based on his surname) that not only featured on our on-the-day wedding stationery and save the dates, but also on the walls as a personalised light.
“The team were incredible at helping to make it all happen.
"Emma, in particular, at The Signet Library deserves a shout-out. She was our wedding coordinator and honesty she kept us on track with everything.”
The search for the perfect Vivienne Westwood Dress
Finding a wedding dress, however, wasn’t such a smooth ride for bride Ashley.
“I knew I wanted to wear Vivienne Westwood – it’s so timeless and I thought I could keep it for my kids or grandkids one day. I had a particular style in mind, and I knew there weren’t a lot of shops in Scotland that stocked it.
“I had an appointment booked with Vivienne Westwood in London, but I ended up missing my flight. I then frantically emailed Rachel Scott Couture (who is based in Edinburgh) to explain and just by chance she was hosting a designer trunk show the following week and this dress was going to be there.
"It was meant to be.
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“I also had a second dress for evening, but the day was too busy, and I didn’t get a chance to wear it.”
With everything underway, it was time for the wedding.
“I stayed with my bridesmaids at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh as it’s just around the corner from The Signet Library, while Alex stayed at our home."
Relaxed and personal ceremony at The Signet Library
“We wanted a really relaxed and unique ceremony as I have a big fear of public speaking,” says Ashley. “In the end, my best friend Gemma married us instead of a celebrant and lead our ceremony.
“She wrote the script herself, and it was really personal.
"We then had six people (three from my side and three from Alex’s) to give a reading, share a memory or say a wish. It ended up being the highlight of our day.
“This was in place of vows as it wasn't a legal ceremony – we’re still to do that part at a later date.”
New Year wedding celebration
As a string quartet played some of their favourite songs during the drinks reception, the pair made time for some unforgettable photographs in the Lower and Upper Libraries.
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“We then had a piper play for our guests as they made their way upstairs for dinner. The meal was fantastic.
“Afterwards, we headed to the dancefloor where Alex DJ’d. It was a party to remember.”
Supplier list
Venue The Signet Library, Edinburgh
Photography Ricky Baillie Photography
Accommodation Virgin Hotels Edinburgh
Catering Heritage Portfolio
Second photographer Connor McEwan Photo
Wedding dress Vivienne Westwood at Rachel Scott Couture
Shoes Jimmy Choo
Bridesmaid dresses Victoria Beckham
Groomswear Giorgio Armani
Flowers Planet Flowers
Cake Liggy’s Cake Company
Stationery Mama Inc. Studio
Makeup Natalie Clyall and Eve Learmonth
Hair Holly Lewis and Reece Chiwara
Wedding rings ROX - Diamonds & Thrills
Transport City Cabs
Piper Dean Saunders Piper
String quartet Edinburgh String Quartet
Saxophone Trav Saxingh
DJ The groom
