A rustic and romantic wedding at Òran Mór, Glasgow
Holly and Ryan
- ThePlus Audio
Please click here to hear this couples wedding story.
Hijacking a holiday to Sicily with family and friends for Holly’s parents’ 30th anniversary, (“They were good sports to be fair,” laughs Ryan) this groom-to-be was well-prepped for popping the question.
“I’d one countless research on different proposal locations and had four back-up options, ready for any obstacle.
“Holly’s parents took us to option one on the first day so that was out.
“The second option was derailed by a closed sign… And so was the third.”
Heading off from option three, however, Ryan saw Holly admiring a beautiful view and realised he couldn’t wait any longer.
So he got down on one knee – but admits he doesn’t actually remember asking her to marry him!
Thankfully it was a big yes and the rest was history.
Time to plan
Back on Scottish soil, they started discussing venues and knew they needed bags of character, charm and quirkiness.
“Òran Mór felt just right,” says Holly. “Although we stay in the Southside of Glasgow, we always love to visit the West End.
“There’s just something special about the area.”






With the space already brimming with colour, they decided to keep the décor simple.
“We based the theme around Ryan’s Campbell weathered tartan.
“The result was an autumnal feel (the season we got engaged) with a nod to spring (the wedding and honeymoon season) that knots those special times together.”
As an established architect, Holly is naturally creative and went DIY on some of the décor, like the table numbers (with super-cute baby photos of the twosome through the years), the table plan and entrance sign.
With Ryan’s kilt already sorted, it was time for Holly to get wedding-ready.
It took her three shopping trips to choose ‘The One’ – a beautiful boho gown from Pamela Jayne’s Bridal.
“It was timeless with a touch of vintage; a crepe fit and flare shape with lace sleeves and train detail.
“I decided against headwear but accessorised with satin and lace block heels, a gold rotary watch from my auntie, my mum’s pearl earrings and a pearl pendant charm necklace.”
Meanwhile, her bridesmaids Kirsty and Debbie, were totally on-theme in their autumnal rust-toned gowns.
The night before their big day the couple gathered at Holly’s parents’ house with family and the bridal party – but kept it very sensible and were in bed by 10pm!
After a sound sleep for the bride and a sleepless night for the groom (“I re-read my speech a hundred times and made several unnecessary changes,” laughs
Ryan) it was time to say I do, surrounded by their 107 guests.
Let’s get married
Holly walked down the aisle to Highland Cathedral on the bagpipes, feeling nervous and excited, and breaking into a smile when she spotted her other half.
The pair had written their own vows and Ryan’s mum had kindly printed and laminated them (even adding his tartan at the back) so they could read to one another.
“I remember while reading that Holly looked like she was having an out of body experience.
“I think she was so overwhelmed by everything that she was trying to take it all in while also smiling for the photos.
“I can’t imagine what it must have been like for her seeing everything for the first time,” says Ryan.
After becoming Mr and Mrs, celebrations continued with a delicious wedding breakfast, lovely speeches, a fantastic wedding band – and a spontaneous set of Arabic dances, choreographed by Ryan’s dad as a nod to his side of the family.
“He had cornered the wedding organiser (Barry from Òran Mór, who was great) and managed to pull together two dances.
“Everyone took part and it was lovely to see.
“We all danced in a circle then had a smooth transition back into modern songs from the band.
“We also had an Arabic evening menu that my dad organised, which went down so well.”
Afterthoughts
Reflecting on the planning process, the couple say their stress levels varied throughout.
“At the start, we were very organised and ticked off lots of things.
“But time creeps up on you very quickly and a month before the end it didn’t matter how prepared we were – there was lots we just hadn’t thought about, or things that took longer than expected.
“Luckily we had a lot of help from our parents, which eased things majorly.”
As such, the newlyweds would advise others not to get complacent in the planning stages because you may never be as organised as you think you are!
That said, when it comes to the special day itself they’d urge couples to “let the unexpected happen” because they can be “some of the most magical moments of your wedding.”
Finally, Ryan advises grooms not to worry what guests think of their speech.
“Everyone will love it regardless. The most important thing is to speak to your new partner from the heart and let all the emotion out.”
Òran Mór
- 0141 357 6200
- Byres Rd & Great Western Rd, Glasgow G12 0UE, UK
- barryshaw@oran-mor.co.uk
- https://oran-mor.co.uk/weddings/
Mack Photo Photography
“After our first call I knew it was going to be a really fun day. Marrying in Glasgow, you can’t rely on the weather so I was delighted when Holly and Ryan embraced the rain and we
went to Kibble Palace at Botanic Gardens.”

Lindsey
Here are the amazing suppliers that helped make our wedding so special
– I’d highly recommend them.
Band | Franco
Bride’s dress | Lillian West at Pamela Jayne’s Bridal
Bride’s shoes | John Lewis
Bridesmaid dresses | Six Stories
Celebrant | Claire the Humanist of Humanist Society Scotland
Cake | Glasgow Cakes
Décor | Make Believe Events
Evening buffet | Damasqino Restaurant & Cafe
Flowers | Lavender Blue
Groom’s outfit| MacGregor and MacDuff
Hair | Stylist Susan
Make-up | Glasgow MakeUp Artist
Piper | Bagpipers Scotland
Rings | Smiths Jewellers
Videography | Nine18 Wedding Films
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