Strictly Come Beautiful - A Dundas Castle Wedding - Images Stuart Craig Photography

Strictly Come Beautiful – A Dundas Castle Wedding – Images Stuart Craig Photography

June 17, 2013 Real Wedding Features

To kick off the week on the MrsPandP UK Wedding Blog I am very excited to share the stunning Dundas Castle Wedding of Hollie and William.

Images of the day were captured by Edinburgh based Stuart Craig Photography.

Dundas Castle is one of Scotlands most beautiful and historic Castles,

The Castle is an ‘exclusive use’ venue that is booked in its entirety for a wide variety of events – weddings, conferences, business meetings, incentive travel group visits, golfing holidays, private dinner parties, launch parties and receptions.

Its setting is secluded in the peaceful countryside of its own 1000 acre estate approximately 8 miles from Edinburgh.

The Auld Keep of Dundas Castle was built in 1416 for the purpose of being both a home in times of peace and a fortress in times of war. In 1818 the main house as it is known today was built by the renowned architect William Burn and has belonged to the Stewart-Clark family for the last century or so.

On the 7th of June Stuart captured the couples beautiful celebration, and he shares his recollections,

“It was a little overcast as myself and Agent Nan arrived in the grounds of Dundas Castle.”

“The boys arrived just behind us, bursting out of their cars and heading straight into the snooker room with some beers.”

“Both still and video cameras started rolling as they racked up a few frames whilst enjoyed some friendly banter.”

“I soon made my way up to the Bridal suite to greet Hollie and her bridesmaids who were instantly recognisable by the branded tracksuits. Their impressive looking dresses were hanging around nearby.”

“Hollie sat in the chair getting her make-up done as mum and the bridesmaids made sure I didn’t miss any of the gorgeous on show.”

“Meanwhile, Agent Nan was further along the corridor shadowing William with another camera.

The boys were clearly unfamiliar with the in’s and out’s of kilted attire and welcomed the helping hand.”

“I left the bridal suite as the girls got Hollie’s dress on and caught the tail end of their preparations. When I returned a few minutes later, a stunning looking Hollie was gazing out of the window.”

“Guests were already seated in the Auld Keep as Hollie and her bridesmaids finally made their way out of the bridal suite, pausing to capture the moment before co-ordinating their walk down the picturesque staircase.”

“Mum and Dad waited below as Hollie picked her moment to make the one way trip, gracefully moving down each step and savouring the moment.”

“It all ended in tears at the bottom, but after a deep breath and a few moments alone Dad was on hand to kiss his little girl and offer encouragement.”

T”he Auld Keep bristled with anticipation as I appeared just moments ahead of the bride. An audible gasp rang out to remind me that everyone seemingly knew she was coming!”

“William looked down at the ground as the celebrant (James Petherick) watched Hollie being helped into the keep, before walking down the short aisle in her fathers arms.”

“It was an intimate view of proceedings as the humanist ceremony got underway with some readings.”

“You could hear a pin drop as Hollie and William said their vows and exchanged rings in front of all their family and friends.”

“A celtic hand-fasting bound their love together before the happy couple were finally pronounced husband and wife.”

“A kiss brought the keep down and lit up everyones faces, including the newly weds!”

“After signing the register, a now beaming Hollie and William made their way up onto the roof of the castle and enjoyed their first moments alone as a married couple. And what a view it offered.”

“With guests enjoying a drinks reception, Hollie and William were led into the gardens by a member of staff (Ben) who was looking after their every need.”

It was beautiful to watch as they kissed, smiled and strolled around the grounds with a certain glow.”

“The sun was beginning to break through, adding a bit of sparkle and creating almost perfect conditions for portraits.”

“We returned to the castle to re-join their guests before everyone gathered outside for some family photographs. Sunglasses were now the order of the day.”

“The cake was slaughtered with a giant sword before guests walked across to the pavilion ahead of the speeches and wedding breakfast.”

“Hollie’s dad kicked things off with a great speech which set the humorous tone. Laughing at his own jokes seemed completely irresistible and soon had everyone joining in.”

“The best men took turns to carry out a character assassination on poor William, peppering their stories with embarrassing moments to laugh at. It was the perfect way to work up an appetite ahead of their meal.”

“With the stage set for a grand finale, Hollie and William took to the dance floor in each others arms.”

“Flashguns lit up around them as everyone tried to catch the romantic moment. The volume increased as everyone suddenly joined in and got the party started.”

“Dresses began swishing as the fun loving crowd got stuck in.”

“I escaped gratefully in one piece, recalling a cracking day full of glamour, happiness and fun in the sun to remember. It was Strictly Come Beautiful.”

Thank you so much to Stuart for sharing this gorgeous Big Day.

I love the cream colour pallete balanced against the greens and blue of the peacock feathers and blended into the highlandwear, subtle yet effective.

It looks like a really fun, family wedding and set in the stunning setting that is Dundas and the Firth of Forth.

Wedding Suppliers

Venue – Dundas Castle

Celebrant – James Petherick

Piper – Iain Grant

Photographer – Stuart Craig

Videographer – Lee Richardson

Floristry – Sarah Catterick @ Astrantia

Linen (chair covers and ties) – Prestige Scotland

Wedding Cake – Too Good to Eat