Suzanne Boroujerdi and Mark Gibson
9th September 2017
Venue | Aikwood Tower, the Borders
Photography | Andrew Weild Photography
“Our first big decision was whether to have our wedding in Spain or Scotland. We decided on the latter as we planned to invite lots of families with young children. Our guest list was made up of our very close family and friends. Among the 28 attendees, seven were children, including our own daughter Ariana.
We chose Aikwood Tower, near Selkirk, to host both our humanist ceremony and reception – and also our mini-moon. We wanted an exclusive-use venue in a stunning setting that could accommodate most of the wedding party. Aikwood fitted the bill perfectly.
With kids playing a major part of proceedings, fun, relaxation and sharing ran through the day. We included a bouncy castle and toys; had a ‘sit where you like’ philosophy to our table plan; served sharing platters for our wedding breakfast and put on a ‘help yourself’ bar. The whole thing was filled with colour, love, nature, children, family, food and wine!
The venue is so atmospheric that it did not need much décor – just a few highlights to introduce the colour we wanted. Stylist and florist Get Knotted did a fantastic job on the vibrant scheme used for the flowers and table linen.
I bought my Willowby dress 13 months before the wedding from Pan Pan Bridal in Edinburgh. Although it was not the style I had envisioned, I quickly discovered that a fit-and-flare shape best suited my figure. It was so comfortable to wear and the gown’s champagne, gold and rose gold colouring was flattering to my complexion. I also adored the custom-made leather flower crown from Maggie Mowbray Millinery and the champagne, blush and rose gold Rachel Simpson shoes that I wore to complete my look.
One of the most memorable moments was right at the end of the day. We all got changed into our pyjamas at around midnight and had a party around the fire in the great hall with all our family and friends. It was the perfect way to round off the wedding.”
Top tip: “Look out for deals. Lidl’s offer on prosecco just before we got married saved us a few quid: six bottles for £21!”
Dress Willowby at Pan Pan Bridal
Headpiece Maggie Mowbray Millinery
Bridesmaids’ dresses Coast
Groomswear McCalls
Rings Goldsmiths and Hannah Louise Lamb
Cake The Sicilian Pastry Shop
Flowers and venue décor Get Knotted
Stationery Paperless Post
Catering The Orde Food Company
Bouncy Castle Noon Entertainments
