With previous connections to Schloss Roxburghe, Katy and Gregor knew it was the perfect place to say 'I do'. Despite the Scottish Borders venue being under renovations they didn't hesitate to book
Katy Nimmo and Gregor Millar, now Mr and Mrs Millar
7th July 2023
Venue | Schloss Roxburghe
Photography | Duncan Ireland Photography
Sometimes, things are truly written in the stars. Imagine meeting the love of your life at an event you weren’t going to go to, or discovering that the last pair of Manolos in the sale are in your size. It can feel that some things are just meant to be. That’s what it felt like when Katy and Gregor were deciding where to get married.
They were looking for a venue that was “luxurious, country and relaxed with a modern feel” to suit their 100 guests (to be joined by a further 60 friends for the evening reception), with some people making the journey all the way from West Africa and the Middle East.
Could that venue ever have been anything other than Schloss Roxburghe? The bride’s family has had ties to the Borders hotel for quite some time: “My mum worked there as a receptionist and wedding planner when I was younger, and my dad has been a member at the golf club for years and was even club captain the year before we got married. It has always been my dream to get married there.”
So this was clearly the obvious choice – but there was a small problem: “When we were looking to book, in the autumn of 2022, the hotel was in the middle of a renovation, including the room the reception would be in,” explains the bride. It meant they’d be booking the venue without seeing exactly what they’d be getting.
Should they take a chance and trust that it would be all they’d hoped for? There was never any doubt: “We could see the potential and already loved the original hotel and grounds,” says the bride.
They didn’t have a theme as such, but knew they wanted a traditional Scottish wedding. The day started with a church service in Katy’s home village of Ancrum, Before the happy couple and their guests drove 15 minutes to the hotel’s Teviot Suite for the reception.
“We went for the Tartan package, which was £125 per person. It included a reception drink, canapés, a three-course meal, half a bottle of wine per person and a drink for the speeches,” shares Katy. “We then added in extra drinks for everyone and an evening buffet. The hotel also organised cocktails for us. We prepaid for these and guests were given a token to take to the bar for either the bride’s choice (a passionfruit martini) or the groom’s (a mojito).”
“There was no stress at all on the actual day of the wedding. But I’m sure that was only because lots of people were running about behind the scenes making sure everything went smoothly!”
As well as receiving support from the events team to put together their dream day, Katy was kept very busy, creating nearly all the wedding stationery and decor to complement the venue.
The couple were able to make use of the stunning scenery around the Borders landmark and beyond. “We had the drinks reception out on the hotel lawn while Gregor and I went to my parents’ farm for photos. So by the time we got back, everyone had already had drinks and canapés,” recalls Katy. “The sun was shining and we were really lucky with the weather, so it was great to be able to spend some time outdoors in the hotel’s gorgeous gardens.”
Despite Schloss Roxburghe’s wedding coordinator having to go off on maternity leave shortly before their date, Katy says the big day was completely stress-free: “The whole team were lovely. Everyone was very accommodating and relaxed, which helped keep me calm."
Venue Schloss Roxburghe
Photography Duncan Ireland Photography
Wedding Dress and bridesmaid dresses Reflections Bridal
Shoes Russell & Bromley
Hair vine and leather jacket Alexandra Bespoke
Groomswear David Thomson & Son
Officiant Rev. Una Stewart
Cake Dizlicious
Catering Schloss Roxburghe Hotel
Flowers Flora Fauna Event Flower Design
Guest Book design and invites Gavin Douglas
Engagement/wedding rings and jewellery Laings
Ceremony music Organist Jamie Mckenzie, Bagpipes Doug Whitson
Reception music The Jordan Murray Band
Transport Borders Vintage Experience
Hair Hair by Jess
Nails Cora B Nails in Nails by G
Tan (Celui tan) Laura Louvain's
Make- up Becca Hutchison Make up
