A vibrant, fun-filled summer garden party wedding on Isle of Seil
Ellen and Calum
- ThePlus Audio
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Doctors Ellen and Calum met on a med school placement as the pandemic hit, and three years later Calum proposed on Urupukapuka Island in New Zealand in an ever-so-romantic fashion.
Ellen explains, “He bought a little boat without telling me and planned a camping trip at Matariki (Māori new year).
“We climbed to the top of the hill on the island just before sunrise and he got down on one knee. It was perfect.”
The couple, who actually live in New Zealand, knew immediately where they wanted to marry, especially as it would give their wedding budget a big boost.
“Calum’s parents were kind enough to let us celebrate our special day back in Scotland on the magical Isle of Seil, Argyll,” says Ellen.
“They have a beautiful place on the water – the perfect backdrop for our ceremony.”
GETTING CREATIVE
They opted for a bright, floral, fun-filled day and brought their summer garden party to life with as many DIY details as they could fit in.
Organising everything from afar did mean a lot of late night and early morning calls to the UK – plus a hefty baggage fee to get the DIY makes to their venue!
But as natural planners they found the process pretty fun.
“We designed our table stationery, wedding breakfast menu and bar menu, as well as the drinks coasters for the reception, which had our dog’s face on them,” says Ellen.
“Our confetti followed a similar theme, bagged up by us and sealed with a sticker of Indie’s face on it so it felt like she was with us in spirit.
“We kept our favours simple – a Tunnock’s teacake and mini-Whitakers chocolate bar, which represented our life in New Zealand.
“We got creative with our bridal party presents – I made earrings for each of my bridesmaids, for example.
“Our family got involved too with Calum’s mum kindly planning ahead and growing bright blooms for our tables to complement our florist’s arrangements, and my dad wrote our seating plan on a blackboard we got from Virginia’s Vintage Hire.”
Best friend Ruth had always been earmarked for maid of honour duties and the rest of Ellen’s squad was made up of family; her two sisters, Calum’s sister and her sister-in-law.
Finally, two of the couple’s besties from their med school years completed the line-up as adult flower girls.
With a colour palette in mind, Ellen started a group chat and asked everyone to choose a shade.
From there, it was up to them to find their outfit.
“The girls had different styles from different shops and, most importantly, wore something they felt happy and comfortable in. It came together really nicely.”
On the eve of the big day, the wedding party arrived to help with the final set-up details before everyone took a dip in the sea.
An intimate dinner, prepared by a private chef from Argyll Exclusive, let everyone get acquainted and the cute ‘something blue’ theme meant everyone had a touch of blue in their outfits.
The following morning was really chilled for Ellen – “We had a fab time eating croissants and listening to music,” – whilst Calum found it a little more hectic, making sure everything was in order for the day ahead.
Nervous but happy to head down the al fresco aisle, the bride was full of gratitude for the fact that people had travelled so far to see her walk down the garden path and marry Calum.
AFTER THE ‘I DO’S
A confetti arch led the couple and their 100 guests along the driveway to the reception area where bubbles, canapés and garden games were waiting, as well as musician Pippa Blundell who blew everyone away with her beautiful voice.
A tasty three-course meal followed, expertly prepared by caterers Scran And Swally between the house kitchen and their outdoor kitchen set-up.
In the evening, a fun-filled ceilidh got everyone in the party spirit and a mac and cheese break ensured everyone had plenty of energy to keep going into the early hours.
“It was amazing as everyone was up giving the ceilidh a go and spinning away at pace,” says Ellen.
“People from the local village even said they thought the music was incredible as it had been heard far and wide… Oops!
“It was so fun and happy with lots of dancing and smiling.
“The fact there are very few guest photos from the wedding shows everyone was just too busy boogying away!”
Thankfully photographer Euan Robertson was on hand to capture the couple’s day (“What an incredible photographer and human. He helped so much making sure everyone was in the right place at the right time, and we absolutely love our photos,”) whilst James at StrangeWorx Productions recorded the vibe perfectly on film.
What more could you want?!
Euan Robertson Photography
“When Ellen and Cal told me about their ‘back garden wedding’ I don’t think I understood just how incredible it would be. The setting on the coast of Seil Island was so idyllic, then there was the attention to detail, the fun of the games and the ample midge spray! It was one of the most memorable weddings I’ve been a part of.”
Euan
Here are the amazing suppliers that helped make my day so special
– I’d highly recommend them.
BAND Drams Ceilidh Band
BRIDE’S DRESS ‘Marrakesh’ by Forget Me Knot at Astra Bridal
BRIDE’S JEWELLERY Dean & Dust
BRIDE’S VEIL Astra Bridal
CAKE Rowan Bakery
CATERING Scran And Swally, Highland Fold Ice Cream, https://www.majestic.co.uk/
CELEBRANT Gregor Thurlow-White of Independent Humanist Ceremonies
DÉCOR Virginia’s Vintage Hire
FLOWERS Petals of Oban
GROOM’S JACKET MacGregor and MacDuff
HAIR Bruce-Low Hair MAKE-UP Gemma Mckie Makeup
MARQUEES Present Tents
MUSICIAN Pippa Blundell
RINGS Naveya and Sloane
TRANSPORT Go Travel Scotland
VIDEOGRAPHY StrangeWorx Productions
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