At the start of the year I stumbled across a new wedding venue in the Scottish Borders that totally captured my attention - Wedderlie House. It is the epitome of a beautiful, rustic wedding, that's just seeping with Scottish history and if I weren't already married, I'd certainly have thought about tying the knot here. (In fact, this ended up being a very popular opinion by the end of our time there, with nearly every married vendor contemplating renewing their vows!)
I decided to reach out to the Events Manager at Wedderlie House and propose a Stylised Photoshoot in where we would stage a fake wedding for us all to have stunning images on their grounds as part of our portfolios. The venue would be set up the same as a real wedding, the main difference was that there wouldn't be guests and no-one would actually get married haha! To my delight, Wedderlie agreed along with several other vendors and together, we all created something out of a fairytale.
After agreeing collaboration with a the venue, a florist, a venue decorator, a cake maker, a bridal boutique and a hair stylist and make up artist (all listed at the bottom - please check them out, they are honestly AMAZING), I took a chance and decided to approach a couple that I know to see if they would be willing to be our model Bride (Steph) and Groom (John). I've worked with Steph and John before and it was amazing, they're genuinely the nicest couple and I knew that we'd all have a lot of fun on this stylised shoot... so why was I nervous to "pop the question" (see what I did there? *wink, wink*)? I was asking a couple that's not married and not engaged to pretend to get married and for these images to be shared around at least half a dozen businesses for marketing. Eek! I fully expected a "oh heck no!" and, in my usual manner, sent them a super lengthy message telling them that there was no pressure but almost straight away received one back saying they were in and super excited!! And I'm so glad they did!! I mean, just look at them - aren't they stunning?!
I can't wait to share with you all about all of the amazing businesses we have in the Borders and how much fun we all had helping our model couple to become "Not-Wed" at Wedderlie!
If anyone would like to see the full gallery of our gorgeous stylised shoot then feel free to follow this link for a browse! ->> https://rachelcassieartphotography.shootproof.com/gallery/14940209
Venue - Wedderlie House
Oh my goodness, what can I say about Wedderlie House?! It is stunning to look at, but more than that, the owners and staff are so genuine and care so much about helping their couples to create the beautiful, relaxed wedding day of their dreams. I had so much fun having our stylised shoot here, and know that this would be an absolutely amazing venue for elopements, weddings with 100+ guests and everything in-between!
About Wedderlie House
Wedderlie House is an exclusive use venue based near Gordon, in the beautiful Scottish Borders - with grounds spanning 50 acres and surrounded by stunning scenery. They accommodate only one wedding at a time and work with each couple to create their one unique event. The ethos of Wedderlie is so beautifully simple; Your Day; Your Stay: Your Way. And with many options - converted stables, outdoor ceremonies, garden marquee - the choice really is yours, and they will help you in every step of the way in creating your perfect day.
Venue Decor - Lynsay Borthwick Weddings and Events
Lynsay thoughtfully wrote a piece to include in this post to share with you all more about her work. Everything she puts together is absolutely gorgeous and Lynsay herself is a beautiful human being, inside and out. You will be in amazing hands choosing her to help you style your perfect wedding.
About Lynsay Borthwick Weddings and Events
Lynsay Borthwick Weddings and Events deliver impeccable weddings, corporate events and special occasions across Scotland. We cover all of your event needs from planning, managing and venue styling. Our vast selection of hire stock and bespoke design services, will create the wow factor in any venue, and will bring your vision for your special day to life! Weddings, corporate events and special occasions, we can create any idea, and make your venue have the look and ambience to suit your design. We offer a complimentary initial consultation and create a bespoke vision board for you to visualise what your special day will look like!
Florist - Roseparks Flowers
Roseparks Flowers create the most stunning, creative pieces that take your breath away. Their work is so inventive and leaves you wondering how anyone could think up such a beautiful idea. Like the centre pieces shown below for instance, they took total creative rein and made something so unbelievably perfect for our stylised shoot. On top of that, they are absolutely lovely people - could you ask for more?! I have pinched a bit from their website to tell you a little bit more about their business.
About Roseparks
Roseparks are corporate event and wedding florists. They are a family run business, since 2005, and can now be seen in many prestigious venues in and around Edinburgh, Lothians and Central Belt. They believe passionately about customer service and attention to detail in all aspects of their business and boast a great working relationship with their suppliers, venues and customers alike.
Cake - Diana's Delicious Bakery
Wow was this cake good! Not only did it look absolutely beautiful, but it was so tasty as well. (Yes, after these photos were taken we ate the cake... between five of us... haha! I'm not even embarrassed - it was that good!) So only the top tier is actually a real cake here, with the bottom two tiers being fake cakes. Which is such an amazing idea! Why spend loads of money on a huge cake if you only have a small wedding? Diana is so talented and can produce a cake to suit any size of wedding whilst still making it look beautiful for that oh-so-important "cutting the cake" photo! Fully real cakes (for lack of a better term) are available too.
Instagram - @dianasdeliciousbakery
Hair and Make Up - Selena Jack MUA
Selena is so talented at what she does, and to top if off she is so genuinely nice - which is exactly the type of person you want helping you to feel your best on one of the biggest day's of your life. She took her time with Steph's makeup and enhanced her beauty in a way that was so purely her. Then topped it off with the most gorgeous hairstyle which suited the entire theme of the shoot perfectly. If you're looking for someone who will chat to you like a lifelong friend while helping you to feel beautiful and confident, then Selena is your girl!
About Selena Jack MUA
Selena has had first class training at the School of Makeup in Manchester and has worked with some of the top names in the industry - including; published work in British VOGUE; OK; REVEAL; Missguided, Santander, Teen Vogue, Warner Bros, Parkinson’s UK, Jaguar Land Rover, Shell, Disney and many more. She has also worked/works with the BBC, BT Sports and Hollyoaks - to name a few. She does both hairstyling and makeup and has so much diversity for whatever your needs - a beauty look for your wedding day, a dramatic look for a photoshoot, special effects for a movie or theatrical makeup for the stage.
Dresses - Reflections Bridal
Steph and I met Carol and Chloe at their new boutique in Kelso before the stylised shoot. They were so friendly and are absolutely amazing at their job. I pinched an excerpt from their website (see below) which tells you a bit about them as a business, but I really just want to back up that it is all absolutely true. They are amazing at picking dresses perfectly suited to each Bride, and going by only measurements, they had chosen several beautiful dresses for Steph that fit her and accentuated her body type beautifully. It was so clear how much they care about helping Brides feel stunning and confident, and to have the wedding they've dreamed of.
About Reflections Bridal Boutique
Reflections Bridal Boutique is an Award winning Boutique in Kelso. Here at Reflections Bridal, we are passionate that your Wedding Gown should be an extension of your personality - a reflection of your inner self. We understand that your perfect dress is such an individual and personal expression of you, ‘The Bride’.
With over 10 wonderful years experience in Bridal, our friendly atmosphere will make your Dress buying experience with us an enjoyable one. Above all, we wish for you to have fun and feel relaxed. Every Bride is made welcome with a glass of cold bubbly or if you prefer tea and coffee. We take time to discuss with you your Wedding plans so that we get an insight into the type of wedding you have dreamed of.
Every Bride we meet is fabulously different but with one common aim; to find the most important Dress they will ever wear. We are passionate that no two Brides should ever look the same and we go to great lengths to ensure each Bride has the look of individuality she so deserves. With our many years of experience and a keen eye for detail, we will advise on which styles are best suited to every Bride from size 0 to size 30. Every Reflections Bride is beautiful!
Kilt - A1 Kilt Hire
I actually didn't have any contact personally with A1 Kilt Hire, with Kamile the Events Director from Wedderlie very kindly sourcing the kilt. But super thankful to them for taking part in our stylised shoot and have popped an excerpt below from their website to tell you a bit about them.
About A1 Kilt Hire
A1 Kilt Hire has established a reputation for top quality kilts and efficient friendly service. Our first priority is to provide exceptional quality highland wear for adults and children at minimal cost to you. Visit our shops in Edinburgh, Dundee and Glasgow or simply have your outfit delivered to your door and picked up again at your convenience.