Rachel and Ian Real Dundas Castle Wedding Story

When was your wedding?

14/09/07

How and when did you meet?

Ian was my next door neighbour!

How old are you both?

I am 27, Ian is 40

Where, when and how did he (or you!) propose?

In Las Vegas over a very hungover breakfast!

Did you have hen and stag celebrations? If so, what did you do?

I had a hummer, private screening of Dirty Dancing with bottomless glasses of wine and nibbles, then a huge meal for 30 and drinks and dancing! Ian had a great meal in a very exclusive venue in Edinburgh then the usual stag shenannigans!

How did your groom help with the wedding planning?

With most of the main decisions!

Tell us about your outfit, and where you bought it

Caroline Castigliano, Edinburgh. Amazing service and amazing styles.

Did you have bridesmaids? If so, who did you choose and what did they wear?

They both wore brushed stell coloured prom dresses from Coast, which were altered to make them fit perfectly and add a bit of underskirting.

Who did your groom choose for his best man and ushers, and what did they wear?

All work charcoal grey kilts and Ian wore a slightly different one.

Did you have a civil or religious ceremony?

Church of Scotland service.

Where did you hold your ceremony?

In the Great Hall in Dundas Castle, South Queensferry, Scotland

Where did you hold your reception?

Marquee in the grounds of Dundas Castle.

How many guests did you invite to your wedding, and did you have a separate evening guest list?

75 during the day and 250 at night.

Did your reception have a particular theme in terms of colour or style?

Black, White and Silver

How did you incorporate this in to your table settings?

The flowers were white and silver birch was used.

Did you give your guests favours?

Yes, Soundtrack to our wedding CD’s with all our favourite songs on that was played during dinner. This also included songs used throughout the wedding.

Describe your flowers (bouquets and table decorations). Who was your florist?

Lillium florist in Edinburgh. Totally amazed at what Fiona did as I really was a bit clueless about flowers!

What did you choose to have on your menu? Did you have an outside caterer or did your venue handle the catering?

All Scottish menu, Haggis, Potatoes, Steak etc.

What did you choose for your wedding cake, and who made it?

Too good to eat in Edinburgh. Four layers all different flavours.

Did you have any entertainment during the day or evening?

String quartet during the day and a big band at night.

Did you have a gift list? If so, who did you have your list with?

John Lewis

Where did you spend your first night and honeymoon? Who did you book your honeymoon with?

First night in the Castle and honeymoon in Vegas. All booked with Bellagio in Vegas directly.

What was your most memorable moment of the day?

The whole thing. Breathtaking and my fairytale come true.

Did you experience any “nightmare” moments in the run up to your wedding or on the day?

Too many to mention, mostly caused by stress and not due to any actual nightmares!

Is there anything you would do differently, or any advice you would give to other brides?

Wouldn’t do anything differently, but my advice is do everything for you and your hubby to be. Don’t do it for others, as you will always regret things. Get the photos that you want, not just to please your family! Harsh but soooooooo worth it in the end!