After meeting in the gym, Sam scored top marks in the proposal stakes when he got down on one knee at the top of the Eiffel Tower. His big question and the accompanying big sparkler from Jamieson & Carry came as a complete surprise to Natalie. But it was, of course, a big yes! And the bride-to-be even returned to Paris for her hen do. Sam, meanwhile, jetted off to Vegas for his stag party

The couple gave themselves two years to organise their big day; Natalie knowing from experience to leave plenty of time to plan a wedding – especially as she was (naturally) doing it all herself.

Natalie knew she wanted a colourful and fun celebration so got florist Jill on board to bring her super-bright vision to life. She worked on the wedding stationery herself, and this included very gorgeous dachshund-themed place cards in honour of the couple’s pooch, Pepper (who popped in for post-ceremony photos in the cutest tartan bandana).

Excited to hit the bridal boutiques, Natalie had a good idea of what she’d like beforehand. She found ‘The One’ – a showstopping satin off-the-shoulder gown with an overskirt full of sparkle – at La Novia in Edinburgh where she remembers feeling “like a supermodel”. She kept her accessories simple and elegant; a diamond necklace from her mum and a beautiful pair of Manolos from her husband-to-be.

Sam had a vision for his groom style too and was very lucky to have his kilt made for him by his grandmother. He teamed it with a navy jacket that complemented his Macneil tartan and got the very best of care at Deeside Kilts.

Natalie had ‘proposed’ to her four ‘maids and one junior bridesmaid with special gift boxes then found them dreamy sage green dresses that fitted perfectly with her theme.

The couple and their bridal party stayed at Logie the night before the wedding and enjoyed a “super-relaxed and fun-filled” morning getting ready. Arriving at their fairytale castle to tie the knot, Natalie made her way down the aisle to the romantic sounds of a string quartet and remembers seeing Sam – who was “very emotional” – as a highlight. They said ‘I do’ in a humanist ceremony and incorporated a couple of rituals – drinking from the quaich and handfasting, where they joined the Ross and Macneil tartans.

Afterwards it was back to Logie for celebrations with a live saxophonist bringing all the cool vibes. An exceptional three-course meal followed before the four speeches (Natalie’s uncle Rod, Sam, the best man and bridesmaid Maxine), which were very emotional.

Next up, an outfit change from Natalie, into something that’d give her full movement to dance all night. And a first dance with meaning. “Ellie Goulding’s Love Me Like You Do is our favourite song to dance to in the kitchen,” says
the bride.

“The reception was bursting with overwhelming love and joy,” she adds. “We had a DJ, a sax power hour and a surprise performance from the Red Hot Chilli Pipers. That was a definite highlight, bringing so much energy and laughter.”

Reflecting on organising your own marriage as a wedding planner, Natalie says she’d always dreamed of preparing for her very own big day. But equally she was happy to put her trust in the wonderful suppliers she’d worked side-by-side with for years. “I was super-relaxed and told them all to do their thing,” she remembers.

“The last couple of months were tricky as I was super-busy with Cluny weddings. But staying on track with my planning binder really helped. And I made sure to start the DIY tasks well in advance as they took some time. It all worked

out perfectly.

Natalie's Little White Book

Bride’s dress (day): La Novia

Bride’s dress (evening): Nadine Merabi

Bride’s shoes:Manolo Blahnik

Cake: Kenzie’s Cakes

Ceremony venue: Cluny Castle

DJ: Touch of Class

Entertainment: Red Hot Chilli Pipers

Eyebrows: Aluna Brows & Makeup

Flowers: Hays Flowers

Food/drink suppliers: Hudsons Catering

Groom’s jacket: Deeside Kilts

Hair: Zoe Gordon
Special Occasion Hair

Humanist: Neil Mellis of Independent Humanist Ceremonies

Make-up: Natalie Fearnley MUA

Musicians: Rococo String Quartet

Photographer:By Rhea

Piper: James Cooper Bagpiping

Reception venue:Logie Country House

Rings: Jamieson & Carry

Saxophone: More than Sax

Videographer: Dean Johnstone Films