Thomas and Kayla made the journey to Scotland from New York, USA, for their dream wedding day. Joined by 150 guests, they celebrated their union with exclusive use of Thirlestane over two days. Their closest friends and family stayed in the Castle suites, and all other guests were accommodated nearby.
Their vision was to tie the knot at a Scottish Castle and make the most of every space to create an unforgettable experience for their guests. With the help of their planner and the Thirlestane Castle team, their vision was brought to life.
The Pre-Wedding Evening Soiree
To kick start the celebrations, Thomas and Kayla welcomed their guests for an evening of highland games, falconry, and archery at the Castle. They then enjoyed speeches in the Castle’s Courtyard followed by live music and authentic Scottish food including fish and chip van and sharing platters full of locally sourced produce. The pre-wedding celebrations continued in the Vaulted Cellar and in front of the Castle, with the band paying into the evening and guests enjoying the summer evening around the firepits.
The Wedding Day
Staying at Thirlestane Castle allowed the bridal party and groomsmen time to relax and prepare for the big day ahead.
Thomas and Kayla chose to be married in the Rose Garden with the Castle as their backdrop. Their ceremony was truly unique and included some nods to Scottish tradition such as sharing a drink from a quaich and handfasting, which symbolises the bond created through marriage. The celebrant also played the guitar which was a particularly special and unforgettable moment.
Following the ceremony Thomas and Kayla were welcomed as the new Mr and Mrs Smyth down the Castle steps, complete with a beautiful confetti toss from their guests. They then popped some champagne, pouring it into a magnificent champagne tower, and shared speeches on the terrace. shaded from the summer heat under a beautiful stretch tent.
The wedding breakfast was enjoyed over two spaces, The State Drawing Room and The State Dining Room. This was to comfortably hold their 150 quests and also make use of every space, as Thomas and Kayla had envisioned.
A mixture of round and refectory tables were decorated with ivory cloths statement charger plates and low floral arrangements surrounded by an abundance of candles. The party were served a three course meal by a renowned Scottish caterer who not only made sure every dish was delicious but also beautifully presented.
Evening Party
Once the wedding breakfast was complete, it was time for the celebrations to truly begin. Thomas and Kayla chose a beautiful sperry tent to be erected in the Rose Garden, decorated with stings of festoon lighting and statement foliage arrangements. Musicians flew in for the night provided the entertainment for the evening and brought an unbeatable energy which had every guest on the dance floor.
Once the time had come to draw the night to a close, the new Mr and Mrs Smyth had one final magical moment. Their guests created an archway of sparklers and Thomas and Kayla danced their way through. It was a truly joyous end to an incredible celebration, and a beautiful send off for the newlyweds.
That first drive up the gravel lane where you get to see the front of the castle is unmatched. We remember it fondly from the first time we visited and watching all of our guests get to experience it was so fun.
From day one, Sarah, Monica and team were excited about our vision and encouraged us to get creative with using the various spaces available. During the two days we spent at the castle, the team went above and beyond in ensuring we had everything we needed, that the spaces and parts of the grounds that we used were pristine and that everything was going smoothly.
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Suppliers
Wedding Planner – Timeless White
Photographer – Colin Ross
Videography – Lawson Films
Wedding Day Entertainment – DMA Audio, Next Level Music, Caledonian Cowboy, Cairn String Quartet
Wedding Day Food & Beverage – Platter & Pop
Florals, Hire & Decor – Fifty Six Events, Tupelo Tree
Marquee hire – Stretch Tents Scotland, Frame and Tailor
Officiant – Kevin Thompson
Beauty – AMM Team
Cake – Liggy’s Cake
Pre-Wedding Soiree Entertainment – Reel Time Events and Rusty Travelling Piano Bar
Pre-Wedding Soiree Food & Beverage – The Spotty Dog and The Bay Fish and Chips
