“Our son, Mason, was born in the September so we didn’t start planning until February 2022. We looked at venues first because we wanted one that was central and had lots of accommodation. Michael’s family are from Peterhead area and mine from Aboyne, but some were as far afield as Alness and Edinburgh. Plus, we had friends travelling from all over Scotland and some flying in.

We instantly fell in love with the modern décor at the Sandman and already knew the food was amazing, so booked for June 2023. Everything else fitted around that and planning was an enjoyable, exciting experience, as were our hen and stag parties! Michael went to Dublin for the Guinness Tour and footgolf whilst I stayed in a big house just outside St Andrews. There was a hot tub, cocktail making and games.

Our wedding theme was modern with a navy and rose gold colour scheme, and the vibe was relaxed. We just wanted it to be enjoyable for everyone. The bridemaids wore navy dresses and the kilts were navy too. Michael had really looked forward to trying on outfits with his groomsmen and Mason, and he knew it would be a kilt for sure. He found the team at Mitchell Scott really helpful and, as soon as he saw a model with a grey and navy kilt, paired with a jacket and waistcoat, he knew it was the one for him. Mason wore the same and our flower girl, Hayley, wore a dress from my auntie and uncle’s wedding 15 years ago! We just changed the colours to suit our day.

Meanwhile, I was nervous to start shopping and had no idea what I wanted! I went to two boutiques and found some styles I liked but was nowhere near finding ‘The One’. Ivory Grace was shop three and when I tried on my gown (a fitted dress with a 3D petal effect and a train), I fell in love and couldn’t stop smiling. I didn’t go for a veil but added pearl heels, a pearl headband and pearl earrings for some
elegant accessories.

The bridal party and our parents stayed with us at the Sandman the night before then I had an amazing wedding morning with lots of laughs. It was really relaxed with music, dancing, hair and make-up and drinks. The boys had a chilled time– a walk and soft play for Mason then they got ready and went to greet the guests.

We had a registrar come to the venue and kept the ceremony speedy and simple because we wanted to have as much time as we could celebrating afterwards! We went up to the mezzanine where Joyful sang and played guitar as we ate, danced and sang with our guests in between photos.

Dancing seemed to play a big part of the day, with singing waiters getting everyone out of their seats during the meal too. It was a surprise to Michael from his best man – everyone got such a shock and loved it! The first dance was Lewis Capaldi’s Pointless. We’d originally chosen something else but heard this one a few months before the wedding and it just felt right. The ceilidh band and DJ took over and kept everyone on the floor all night, apart from when they were having a laugh over at the photo booth. All in all, it was an amazing day with all our friends and family. It felt like one big party.

A few days after the wedding we went to Lanzarote for a week and it was the perfect wind down. We’d say to other couples to relax as much as possible so you can enjoy every moment of the planning process. Go to exhibitions to see what you like and don’t like. And remember your day is all about you so go with your gut!"

Kirstie's Little White Book

Band: The Robroy Ceilidh Band

Bridal outfit: Ivory Grace

Bridesmaids’ outfits: JJ’s House

Cake: Steph’s Cake Studio

DJ: Graeme Davidson

Entertainment: Fabby Fotos Photo Booth Hire

Favours: Macmillan Cancer Support pins

Flower arch: Taylor’d Arrangements

Flowers: AngelK Silk Weddings

Groom outfits: Mitchell Scott

Hair: Bombshell Hair by Erin

Make-up and nails: Holliewood Beauty

Photographer: Jonathan Addie Photography

Rings: Chisholm Hunter

Singer: Joyful

Singing waiters: Right Here Productions

Stationery: RSVP By Amanda

Teeth whitening: The White House

Venue: Sandman Signature Aberdeen Hotel & Spa

Videographer: Love Weddings Aberdeen