Rural Romance

The autumnal countryside setting for Claire Ann Waldie and Craig William Johnston’s wedding was the stuff of fairy tales...

We’re in awe of the dainty florals and twinkling lights that complimented the beautiful brickwork at Windyheads Cottage – and the terrific tipi that ensured guests got to enjoy the outdoors all night long!

“Craig and I crossed paths at various points in our life and finally met properly when we were introduced by the darts team at the pub, I worked in. They thought we’d be well suited, and they were right!

Craig proposed in Newcastle right before a Gerry Cinnamon concert with friends. I had no idea it was going to happen and initially thought he’d fallen over! Our friends recorded the moment and it’s such a beautiful memory to have on camera.

We gave ourselves 18 months to plan everything…But had to cancel due to Covid and managed to pull it all together in just five with a lot of support from all our suppliers (especially our photographer Danielle who was pretty much the bridesmaid I didn’t know I needed!)

I stumbled across Windyheads cottage on AirBnB. It was perfect and allowed us free reign over the décor, which was autumnal, rustic and unique.

Due to the pandemic-related changes to our wedding, I was extra nervous about dress shopping and had no idea what might suit me. I went to Heritage Boutique (I really wanted a sustainable option) and Julie was just so lovely. The dress I ended up leaving with was nothing like what I’d visioned myself wearing and I would have never picked it out to try on. But as soon as I put it on, I knew it was the one. I wanted the dress to fit me and not me having to fit into the dress – Martine Blair did an amazing job at adjusting it and added a loop so I could still dance.

Craig opted for a grey granite tartan with a red pinstripe through it which matched beautifully with the flower girls’ red striped dresses.

We chose to stay in the cottage the evening before the wedding with some of our closest friends who helped with all the last-minute prep. The wedding morning was amazing. We had the last warm day of the year, and it was a gorgeous sunrise. The girls all got ready upstairs in the cottage while the boys got ready downstairs and did all the setting up.

My mum walked me down the aisle, which was one of the most special moments of my life (she’s been my rock my whole life so having her do that meant the world to me) and our ceremony was short and personal

As we went straight into the evening meal after the photos so decided against canapes and had shots instead! Stephen McPhee provided a wonderful acoustic set while we ate then we used a playlist of our favourite songs for the reception.

The day was amazing, and everything went so smoothly - it blew me away. All our friends and family came together to ensure it went to plan and all contributed in some way. We couldn’t have had the day we did without them!

My advice to upcoming couples would be if you feel like bucking the traditions and following a more individual wedding, do it! I think sometimes weddings get lost in expectations and become about other people and what they’d like you to have rather than just being unique.