Laureen and David stretched out their celebrations with a luxurious three-day bash on the island of Santorini, followed by a soirée back home in Glasgow
Laureen Gallagher and David Farries, now Mr and Mrs Farries
Santorini | 5th July 2024 at Cavo Ventus Luxury Villa, Greece
Home party | 27th July 2024 at 200 SVS, Glasgow
Santorini photography | Lana Visual
Glasgow photography | Gordon Smith, Lenssmith
When you know, you know: that’s what they say, isn’t it? And it was certainly true for this pair. From the second David placed a ring on Laureen’s finger during an early morning engagement in the Fisherman’s Bastion in Budapest, the couple knew they’d have their wedding in the sunshine. Where, though, was up for debate.
“I really liked Sorrento and that was the idea first of all,” explains the groom. But Laureen had fallen in love with the chic white streets and blue skies of Santorini.
During a trip to the Greek island, the pair found a blank canvas venue that ticked every box. The catch? “We actually couldn’t book our wedding venue until this year, despite getting engaged in December 2021,” explains Laureen. “We were basically just sitting waiting to press ‘go’ on the plans. Things are different there, it’s pretty standard to have weddings every day of the week, so some venues don’t take bookings as far in advance as they do in Scotland.”
The couple decided on a double celebration: a wedding in Santorini followed by an evening party a few weeks later at 200 SVS in Glasgow for 160 of their favourite people.
“We actually hadn’t heard of the venue,” says the bride. “But we just loved everything about it. It was central, would allow us to get lovely Glasgow photos nearby (the snaps of the newlyweds strolling to the venue from the Kimpton Blythswood Square, where they were staying, are some of their favourites) and it was big enough for us to have the party we wanted.”
“If you are thinking of going for a blank-canvas venue, it’s worth making a note early on of all the things you need to buy or hire,” advises the groom. “We didn’t realise quite how many extras we had to sort ourselves and the costs did mount up."
Laureen used to keep a Planning Diary for Tie the Knot Scotland. Follow her journey to the top of the aisle here
The fun wasn’t just reserved for home turf. The Farries planned a three-day celebration in Santorini that encompassed a bridal dinner and ‘sundowner’ party on either side of the wedding.
But the couple say they faced unprecedented stress trying to sort out the legal paperwork (“Our bridesmaid actually had to bring this over on the Thursday and we were getting married on the Friday!”). They advise anyone looking to get married abroad to examine the legalities of doing so – especially as it comes with additional costs and admin.
“I thought I’d need to go to Istanbul to find the dress I wanted,” says Laureen.
"“I knew it was going to be a heavily embellished gown. I went to Eleganza Sposa with my sister Siobhan and we both ended up finding our dream dresses that day!”
It wasn’t just the couple and their loved ones (including Laureen’s mum, who almost left her hat in the airport!) who travelled to Santorini. One of the bride’s all-time favourite singers, the Scottish artist Red, made the journey to the island too.
“Having her there was a non-negotiable really,” smiles Laureen. “She has been one of my favourite singers for such a long time. She’s performed with everyone from Andrea Bocelli to Alicia Keys and is actually from Cumbernauld! Listening to her while the sun was setting and seeing our loved ones around us is a moment I’ll never forget.”
Discover more Scottish entertainers in our directory
The couple also brought lots of their own items from home by booking a bike box on the plane, something they would recommend to others getting hitched in another country.
“People don’t realise you don’t need to travel with a suitcase,” explains the bride. “We had a lot of stuff, everything from decor to cutlery (it was cheaper to bring it than it was to hire from the venue) so this was large enough to fit everything we needed.”
After they were officially wed (by the same celebrant who officiated one of their groomsmen’s weddings, no less), they headed to their reception for a delicious Greek-inspired feast, “funny yet sentimental” speeches and plenty of dancing. Laureen and David adored every minute of their Santorini escape, but both say they are “so glad they had their Glasgow date too.
“It really was all over in a flash – we said we’d have loved to have been a guest at our own wedding,” laughs David. “Having our Glasgow party was much more chilled out. We loved getting ready together and heading into the venue where we were met by all our friends and family.”
The couple booked Velvet Noir to “bring the vibe” and Laureen says the dancefloor wasn’t empty for a second: “We just loved being surrounded by everyone and seeing them all rave away.”
“Going for a different look at both weddings really gave my dress and veil a different feel”
Something the couple were also insistent on? “We wore the same outfits in both Santorini and Glasgow,” says the bride. “It felt even more special to have the opportunity to put them on and do it all over again.”
With two weddings, multiple entertainers, almost 200 guests, five bridesmaids, five groomsmen, a full roster of suppliers, a four-course meal and everything else in-between, is it even possible to choose a favourite moment?
“Honestly, getting to sneak off for an hour to have photographs taken – just the two of us – was my favourite,” smiles Laureen. “I totally agree,” adds David.
Greece suppliers
Venue Cavo Ventus Luxury Villa
Photographer Lana Visual
Filmmaker Magic Videography
Dress Martina Liana from Eleganza Sposa
Morning robe and veil Nola Grey
Bridesmaid dresses Club L London
Flower girl dresses Etsy
Mother-of-the-bride outfit Catherines of Partick
Hair Marianna Nomikou
Makeup Renia Bledaki
Groom’s suit Suited & Booted
Groomsmen suits M&S
Catering Spicy Bites
Flowers and stationery Made by bride
Engagement ring Cara Jewellers
Wedding rings Blair and Sheridan
Ceremony music Red
Glasgow suppliers
Venue and catering 200 SVS, Glasgow
Photographer Gordon Smith, Lenssmith
Venue decor Float & Frill Events
Drinks reception music Ross McGuire Music
Entertainment Velvet Noir
Hair The Ladies Lounge
Makeup Annie Walters Makeup
Content creator Your Day Unplugged
