All-aboard for a summer steam train wedding with beautiful, relaxed images by Jade Esson Photography
Lisa and Grant
Please click here to hear this couples wedding story.
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After ten years together, Grant Cheesewright proposed to Lisa Fairley at Haddo Country Park in Aberdeenshire while they were playing hide and seek with their daughter.
“When I popped out from behind a tree she was holding the ring and Grant asked me to marry him,” says the bride.
“It was romantic for a split second until Maggie didn’t want to give up the ring!”
To be fair, we’re not surprised.
Grant knew how much his other half loved the jewellery by Long Silver Thread in Australia and chose a silver band with a beautifully engraved bamboo pattern.
Lisa went for something a bit different for her wedding ring too – a custom-made piece with a teardrop-shaped moonstone, a leaf on the top and a moon on the bottom.
Once Lisa’s new fave possession was safely on her finger, the pair started booking the most important parts of their big day – the venue and photographer.
Having known (and posed for) Jade Esson for years, there was no question over who would capture the Cheesewrights’ day,
“Jade has a way about her that makes you feel completely relaxed and you always have a right laugh. I wouldn’t have wanted anyone else,” remembers Lisa.
With no idea what to wear, Lisa considered going for an off-the-rack outfit from a fashion retailer – but after visiting Lillia Bridal she (eventually) changed her mind.
“I found it really difficult at first as I just didn’t suit any of the dresses.
“And it all felt a bit much for me; going from being a mum who’s always in jeans and a t-shirt to a donning wedding dress.
“But I tried on one more… And it was perfect, especially the lace-printed roses on the tulle skirt.
“I love being outdoors and growing my own flowers and knew it was ‘The One’”.
Lisa personalised her look by adding her favourite Silver Green Jewellery pieces, a bracelet that belonged to her late mum, a rustic dried flower comb and a gorgeous vintage veil that was her ‘something borrowed’.
She gave her five bridesmaids free rein over their outfit choices – “I only knew what one of them was wearing until the day of the wedding and they all looked amazing together!” – and Maggie had the dress Lisa had worn to her parents’ wedding many years ago, which meant a lot to the bride.
The couple were largely chilled on the lead up but admit it was pretty stressful trying to get everything done on time during the last few days.
In the end, though, they realised the little details didn’t really matter and spent the night before the wedding on some much-needed self care!
Despite spending the morning worrying she was going to miss the train, Lisa managed to relax when hair and makeup arrived, and loved getting ready with her best friends.
And, luckily, she made the train on time!
Choosing not to incorporate the traditional walk down the aisle, Lisa and Grant waited until their 60 guests were on-board then got on the train together to say ‘I do’.
“We wrote our own vows, which was so special. It was a little nerve-wracking at first but we just looked at each other and nothing else mattered.”
Afterwards, both feeling very peckish, they were delighted to be served some of their favourite nibbles (bruschetta and haggis bon bons) whilst mingling and enjoying the glorious scenic views.
The to-be-weds had put a lot of thought into their reception location and settled on the Big Husky Lodge in Aviemore because they wanted their family to stay together, and give those who had children the opportunity to put them to bed before rejoining the celebrations.
“We basically wanted a big house party and that’s what we got, although the weather was incredible so we were able to do the whole thing outside.”
On arrival, everyone helped themselves to their favourite tipples from the bar and, later, what the couple consider the “best pizzas ever” arrived courtesy of Spruce and Stag (including one topped with goats cheese, walnuts, grilled peaches and honey… Yum)!
“The reception had a festival vibe about it,” adds Lisa.
“The sun was shining, music was playing and everyone was happy.
“The kids loved the bubbles, swings and paddling pool while the adults ceilidh danced on the grass in bare feet then chatted round the firepit under the stars.”
Reflecting on their celebration, the pair say it doesn’t feel too different to be married but they do like being able to, after 10 years, say they’re husband and wife.
“I love looking over and seeing his wedding ring,” smiles Lisa, who adds that one of the best pieces of advice she got while wedding planning was from Martine, the lady who altered her dress.
“She said not to worry about all the little the stuff on my to do list because no-one would know about it.
“So, I decided to score off lots of things that didn’t really matter and guess what? Nobody noticed. They’d all just come to be around us and have a good time.”
Jade Esson Photography
Here are the amazing suppliers that helped make my day so special
– I’d highly recommend them.
Alterations | Martine Blair Dressmaker
Bride’s dress | ‘Ella’ by Etoile at Lillia Bridal
Bride’s flower comb | Blooming Good Flowers
Bride’s jewellery | Silver Green Jewellery
Bride’s shoes | Esska Shoes
Cake | KJ’s Bothy Bakery
Caterer | Spruce and Stag Woodfired Pizza
Celebrant | Neil Lynch of Humanist Society Scotland
Ceremony venue | Strathspey Railway
Flowers | Blooming Good Flowers
Groom’s outfit | Haddo Highland Wear
Hair | Zoe Gordon Special Occasion Hair
Make-up | Jacquelyn McPhee Makeup
Music | Neil and Scott Mellis
Piper | Spud the Piper
Photography | Jade Esson Photography
Reception venue | Big Husky Lodge
Rings | Long Silver Thread, Silver Green Jewellery
Stationery | Paper Pleasures, Hollie Bruce Designs
Transport | Bremners of Aviemore
Videography | Cam-Media Photography and Video
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