A Castle, Ilamas and Bagpipes! This traditional Scottish wedding is an absolute fairytale. Sarah and Scott got married in the 15th Century ‘Auld Keep’ – google it and be amazed. #rcrealbride Sarah wore the Delco gown by Pronovias Photography by Ryan White Photography THE FIRST SIGHT Scott and I met in my hometown of Edinburgh on a night out in 2012. Scott was living in London but visited Edinburgh for a weekend and was out with one of his friends. His friend started to chat up my sister and Scott and I got talking. We went on a double date the following night to a Ceilidh bar and Scott and I hit it off. He was very funny, had a great smile and I loved his accent. We exchanged numbers and messaged nearly every day while he was travelling around Europe and I was studying. I travelled to London on a few occasions and Scott then moved to Edinburgh for the last 6 months of his visa. I then made the big decision to move to Australia with him to give things a shot and the rest is history! THE PROPOSAL We had been dating for 4 and a half years when Scott took me on a day trip to Studley Park on the Queen’s birthday long weekend. We had lunch at the Boathouse and then went for a walk around the gardens. I happened to mention that one of the views was pretty enough to paint a picture and Scott later told me he thought ‘well this is as good a place as ever’. Scott then gave me a hug and I felt something in his jacket pocket. I asked him what it was and he told me it was his aftershave which I found strange as he rarely wears it. It turned out it was the engagement ring box! Before I knew it he was down on one knee showing me the most gorgeous solitaire engagement ring and asking me to marry him. I think I started crying before he even took the box out his jacket! He caught me completely off guard as I was expecting him to propose at Christmas in Scotland and I had always said to him if you are going to propose you need to make sure I have had my nails done, which I had not so it was a very big surprise! THE VENUE We always knew we were going to get married in Scotland. All my family are there and Scott’s mums family has Scottish heritage so it seemed to make sense. We chose to get married in a castle (how can you not in Scotland?!) just outside Edinburgh. I had always dreamed of getting married at Dundas Castle and as soon as we walked in it took our breath away. We fell in love with it instantly. It was so elegant and romantic, just like out of a real fairytale. We loved that it had different spaces for everyone to enjoy. We got married in the 15th Century ‘Auld Keep’, had our drinks reception in the castle itself and our wedding reception in the Pavilion all located in the beautiful picturesque grounds, complete with llamas! The view from the tower of the Auld Keep was stunning and overlooked the Forth Road Bridges which was a beautiful backdrop. We even had a bagpiper who piped traditional Scottish songs throughout the day. The staff were incredible and really went above and beyond for us. It is truly a day we will treasure forever. FAVORITE MOMENT It is so hard to choose just one favourite part of the day. There were so many moments that made the day spectacular and perfect. However I would have to say the times when it was just Scott and I. I remember after the reception we headed outside to get some night time shots. The sun was setting, the rain falling and we were dancing out the front of the castle. It was such a perfect moment and we were able to reflect on the day just us. Scott was holding me and told me he loved me. It is something I will never forget. THE DRESS The dress I chose was the ‘Delco’ gown by Pronovias. I had been to a few different stores and tried on several different dresses but as soon as I put the Delco on I knew it was the one. It was very me and as soon as I came out the fitting room with it on my family all gasped and were speechless. There was so much I loved about it. I loved that it was simple yet striking and extremely elegant and timeless, just like our wedding venue. I also loved that I could remove the sleeves which I did for the reception and I ended up adding a belt. It looked like a whole different dress. I felt like a true princess and every time I look at photos of my dress I still think wow! FINDING THE ONE I had actually been dress shopping in Edinburgh with my family but knew I needed to get my dress in Australia due to alterations. I knew it had to be the Delco dress as I kept comparing it to all the others I tried on. As soon as I went to Raffaele Ciuca in Armadale Maria was so accommodating and made me feel special from the beginning. She had looked out the Delco dress ready for me to try on. She was so knowledgeable yet personable and took a genuine interest in my wedding plans. She gave me great advice about how I could style the dress and was so complimentary. The fitting room suites are gorgeous and the store is lovely inside. Luana and the team at the alterations department also did an amazing job. My dress fitted like a dream and nothing was ever too much trouble for them. They took great time and care with my dress and the addition of the belt was amazing! TIPS FOR ALL THE BRIDES TO BE My advice would be to really enjoy the planning stage. It is fun working out what you want and exciting to think that this is for your wedding and you will be married at the end of it! I also think spending time with your partner planning your day is important. This day is special for you both so make sure the decisions are made together. I found that setting aside a certain day and time of the week to go through everything together really helped. On the wedding day just try to enjoy it. Understand that things may go wrong but for the most part no one will know or even notice. Also, try to stop and take in every moment of the day and remember to take time just the two of you. It is such a nice feeling to reflect during the day. It truly is the best day of your life. As for tips for a happy relationship, I would say communication is key. I think it is important to be open and say how you feel but also listen to each other. Reminding your partner how much they mean to you and doing the little things will deepen your relationship. I also believe that spending quality time together is one of the best things you can do to strengthen your relationship. Having fun, sharing in special moments and trying new things together will really make you the best team you can be.