A SPRING wedding filled with personal LETTERS, global TRADITIONS and the JOY of finally bringing EVERYONE together
Danni Pearson & Sandy Vracar
- ThePlus Audio
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Danni and Sandy first matched on Tinder while living in London. “We both had such full-on careers, dating apps felt like the only way to meet someone,” says Danni. They bonded instantly over dogs and poetry. And their first date was Halloween at the London Dungeons, followed by dinner and hours of talking. Five years later, during a cosy staycation in Cambridge, Danni hid a ring under their hotel duvet. “I was about to propose then Sandy pulled out a ring of her own!” Dual proposals – perfectly them.
Their rings were chosen with intention – both went for platinum, brilliant-cut diamonds with elegant simplicity that suited Sandy’s clinical work and Danni’s rock climbing. “We wanted pieces that were timeless, practical and still beautiful.”
“Having THREE days TOGETHER was priceless.”
THE PLANNING
Newhall Estate was love at first sight – twice. “We viewed it pre-pandemic and adored it but the timing wasn’t right. When we returned in 2022, we knew instantly,” says Sandy. They loved the stately-home feel, the endless grounds and the ability to host family all weekend. “Everyone lives so far apart. Having three days together was priceless.”
A palette of sage green and blush pink brought early-spring softness, with a mix of fresh and dried florals. Their décor was deeply personal – table names featuring places they’d travelled, photos of memories at each destination, and (the highlight) handwritten letters to every guest. “Eleven years together means we know our people inside out. Seeing everyone cry and laugh reading their letters was incredible.”
Their two-year-old daughter, Ada, was the flower girl and their dog Olive appeared as a figurine on the cake. Scottish and Serbian heritages blended beautifully with tablet, Serbian sweets and a shot of whisky or rakija at every place setting.
Platter & Pop handled the catering, décor, florals and favours. “They nailed the brief. Our guests still talk about the food.”
THE LOOK
Danni surprised herself during dress shopping. “I thought I wanted completely minimal but it turns out glamour suited me more!” Her Maggie Sottero gown, which featured delicate pearls, floral detail and a buttoned back, was the first dress that made her feel amazing postpartum. Minimalist jewellery kept the look soft and refined.
Sandy chose a long-sleeved Rosa Clará gown from Kudos Bridal. “I wanted something elegant, comfortable and a little sensual – with sleeves for the Scottish chill.” Flats from Etsy meant she could dance all night.
They altered their dresses together so they mirrored each other, which was a personal touch they both loved.
THE DAY
With around 30 friends and family staying, the morning was relaxed and communal with pastries, coffee and chatter. Hair and make-up began early while Ada happily distracted everyone from nerves. “We got ready together in the bridal suite. It was calm and cosy; exactly how we wanted to start the day.”
They walked down the aisle to Love You for a Long Time by Maggie Rogers and exited to There She Goes – millennial perfection. Their close friend Tim officiated the ceremony. “We’d married legally beforehand but Tim knows us inside out. We trusted him completely.” They wrote personal vows reflecting their long journey and the family they’d already grown. “People said it was one of the most personal ceremonies they’d ever seen.”
Danni remembers the atmosphere in Newhall’s glass room feeling “intimate, emotional and a little terrifying – but in the best way!”
Drinks reception canapés and cocktails led into a show-stopping dinner by Platter & Pop – pâté, beetroot carpaccio, venison and veg pithiviers, crumble and chocolate mousse. “The chef even came out to congratulate us,” says Sandy. “It was unforgettable.”
Speeches were spaced throughout the meal – two before starters, two before dessert – keeping the evening flowing. Sandy’s parents gave emotional speeches in English (not their first language), Danni’s dad and sisters had everyone laughing, and the best men kept things “just about PG.”
Everyone moved from The Coach House to The Granary, where the cake was cut, the first dance took place and the floor opened to a ceilidh. “It was the perfect icebreaker for our English guests!” They ended the night with being thrown into the air to the sounds of Loch Lomond. “Pure joy,” they say.
REFLECTING
Getting ready with Ada stands out as one of the day’s most tender moments. “Back when we first got engaged, we never imagined we’d have our daughter there. It made everything richer.” Another unforgettable moment was watching guests read their handwritten letters. “Seeing 100 people silently reading then crying and laughing made the hours of writing worth it.”
Their advice is to start early and spread the planning. “Book your venue, photographer, caterer and band first – the rest follows. And remember, people remember how they felt, the food and whether they danced.”
A final tip for parents and pet lovers: “Hire sitters. You get to enjoy the day without stress – and still include your little ones.”
“People REMEMBER how they FELT, the FOOD and whether they DANCED.”
Karol Makula Photography
“Newhall Estate has such a special atmosphere. Couples often stay for a couple of days so everyone can settle in, relax and spend real time together. What I loved most about this wedding was seeing the brides absolutely glowing all day.”
Karol
Here are the amazing suppliers that helped make my day so special
– I’d highly recommend them.
BAND THE SOUL ESTABLISHMENT
BRIDES’ ACCESSORIES ETSY, LACE & FAVOUR
BRIDES’ DRESSES ROSA CLARÁ AT KUDOS BRIDAL, MAGGIE SOTTERO AT ANNAROSE BRIDAL
BRIDESMAIDS’ DRESSES AZAZIE
CAKE KAYLEIGH’S CRUMBS
CATERING PLATTER & POP
DÉCOR PLATTER & POP
DOG CHAPERONE WOOFY WEDDINGS
FLOWERS PLATTER & POP
HAIR PAMPER & POLISH
KILTS 8 YARDS
MAKE-UP PAMPER & POLISH
TRANSPORT LOTHIAN MOTORCOACHES
RINGS STEVEN STONE JEWELLERS
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