Aisha and John first met at a TEDx event in Aberdeen, where John was hosting a robotics display and Aisha was attending the event. Their relationship led to a proposal at Buchananhaven Pier, one of their favourite intimate spots, where John presented Aisha with a specially painted heart-shaped stone.

Her engagement ring was custom-made by a Sri Lankan jewellery designer and inspired by the couple’s travels there. They knew they wanted a yellow sapphire, but the finished design itself was kept as a surprise.

After getting engaged in March 2025, Aisha and John spent the summer looking at venues. Staying close to home was important and, after visiting House of Schivas, they knew they had found somewhere that could bring their ideas to life.

“We fell in love at once with the walled garden, private lake and perfectly cute ivy-covered castle,” they say.

\With John being Irish and Aisha Scottish-Nigerian, bringing their different cultures together was at the heart of the celebration. They also wanted a big, welcoming wedding that would reunite family and friends, some of whom travelled from Australia, America, Europe and Nigeria.

Their inspiration was a Modern Love Fairytale for the daytime, moving into A Midsummer Night’s Dream for the evening. The beautiful walled garden needed little decoration, with white muslin, flowers and pillar candles dressing a wooden ceremony arch and yellow roses tucked into the hedges.

John wanted his outfit to reflect both Scottish and Irish influences. He chose an Ancient Weathered Hunting Robertson kilt, honouring Aisha’s mum’s family tartan, with a green tweed jacket representing his Irish heritage and copper Celtic accessories completing the look.

Even Loki, their four-legged ring bearer, got involved, wearing a handmade jacket designed to closely match John’s!

The ceremony was packed with personal meaning. After Aisha walked down the aisle with her dad, her brother Tunji opened proceedings with a reading from Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. A Celtic handfasting and oathing stone ceremony followed, with the couple using the same heart-shaped stone from their engagement. John had also handmade their handfasting cords.

Live violin music filled the garden before guests headed to the steading for canapés and drinks, including Nigerian stout, palm wine and Scottish craft beers.

The speeches brought one of the most emotional moments when Aisha paid tribute to her mum, who passed away in 2024, by singing Angels. Guests were given the lyrics on vintage-style scrolls decorated with rosemary from the couple’s garden and encouraged to sing along.

Then it was time to party. A ceilidh brought everyone onto the dancefloor before Aisha and John changed into their Nigerian-inspired emerald and silver evening outfits. Nigerian food including jollof rice and suya was served before another very special tradition took centre stage.

Aisha and her bridesmaids made a mystery entrance with their heads covered and John had to work out which one was his new wife. Fortunately, he chose correctly!

The newlyweds then took part in the Nigerian tradition of ‘spraying’, with guests showering them with money as they danced. It was a completely new experience for many of those watching and exactly the kind of memorable moment Aisha and John had hoped to create.

Their first dance was About You by The 1975, chosen after memories of seeing the band together at BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend in Dundee.

Looking back, it is the little moments as much as the big ones that stand out: children from different parts of the family playing together, Scottish and Nigerian dancing, the excitement of the wedding morning and slipping away together for photographs as the orange sun set over the Northeast countryside.

For John, however, one moment is difficult to beat: turning around to see Aisha walking down the aisle just as the sun broke through the clouds.

Their advice to other couples is to start early, particularly when planning a larger wedding, but to make time for the personal details.

“It’s totally worth taking the time to put your personal touches into things, even if they’re a bit different. Your guests get to experience something original, unique and heartfelt.”

Aisha's Little White Book

Band: Cabra Ceilidh Band

Bridal outfits: Azazie, UceeAfrica & Giovanni

Bridesmaids: Azazie

Cake: Gemma Cake Creations

DJ: Don Robertson, Executive Entertainment

Favours: Lagos Arts & Craft Center

Flowers: Isla Duncan

Food: Harry Fraser Catering & Tasty T Nigerian Food

Groomswear: McCalls Highland Wear & UceeAfrica

Hair: Avantgarde

Make-up: Gosia Makeup

Musician: Joseph Hibbs, Violinist

Photographer: Jony Dyer Photography

Piper: Gary Brindley

Rings: Forge & Lumber

Transport: Premier Coaches & A2B Taxis Ellon

Venue: House of Schivas

Videography: Dani at House of Schivas

Wine: Majestic Wines

Wedding website: Say I Do