Mariya & Eduardo’s wedding celebration at Castle Lachlan was nothing short of pure magic. I know that people usually pray for good weather on their day because wet days can present their own challenges (like when you’re planning to eat outside under the trees!) but I really think there is something special about days when the clag hangs low on the hills and there’s a little chill in the air. Our short hike to Old Castle Lachlan for wedding portraits was so special, and behind the scenes Mariya & Eduardo’s friends and family and the teams from Castle Lachlan and Regis Banqueting were insuring that despite the rain, an alfresco dining experience was still possible. Despite some language barriers, their day was so full of love and I really enjoyed that everyone had translated their speeches so no one was excluded.

Mariya & Eduardo, thank you for taking me to this most incredible space; I absolutely loved my day with you.

If you’re planning your own wedding celebration at Castle Lachlan, I’d love to chat more about your day, do get in touch.

How did you meet?

Bumble! It ended up that we lived on the same street as well. Hopefully divine intervention would have forced us to meet even without modern resources!

Tell me your proposal story

Our proposal was more of a mutual agreement. We knew we wanted to be each other’s forever and we didn’t really mind what that looked like. Our original plan of a courthouse wedding grew arms and legs as we told our loved ones of the exciting news and they expressed how much they wanted to celebrate with us. It went from “I’ll wear my mom’s wedding dress in the streets of Edinburgh” to “hosting our closest family and friends in a Scottish castle sounds lovely”. To fit the theme of our plans growing arms & legs, but staying true to our casual nature – Eduardo bought a beautiful ring and proposed in our living room, wearing a Morrison’s sweatshirt (I work for ALDI so this was a huge OFFENCE). Yet it was perfect. I got home from work, on the phone with a friend, walked in and kissed Eduardo making dinner, spent over 20 minutes on the toilet (LOL) till talking with my friend, and came out to Eduardo on one knee, under the Christmas Tree in our living room. Lesson learned, you never know what you partner has planned, keep your toilet breaks short. Our flat is the place our relationship has really grown so this was the most special proposal to us both!

Why did you choose to hold your wedding celebration at Castle Lachlan?

We wanted our family & friends, coming from Spain & the US, to get a magical Scottish experience. A castle was the perfect place to do it! Between learning the history of Castle Lachlan, hiking along lochs, up hills, trying all Scottish delicacies, we absolutely met our goal of ensuring our loved ones felt the magic Scotland has given us as expats.

What was it you loved about your outfits and accessories that made you choose them?

Honestly, we just loved that we felt like ourselves!

Tell me about the vision you had for your wedding

My biggest vision was more so about family and friends feeling welcomed, loved, and building memories. We spoke different languages and came from different parts of the world, yet the love was very clear!

The theme was simple and summery (although we felt not an ounce of summer on our day). Perfect Scottish vibes and weather!

What was your first dance and why did you choose it?

We didn’t do a first dance as it didn’t feel natural to us! Dancing is actually something Eduardo saves only for our kitchen so I find it to be our little secret that he moves like Shakira…

What were the most wonderful parts of the day for you?

We loved spending time getting ready with the boys and girls. It was so relaxed and the weather was a perfect hazy drizzle. The girls danced to Taylor Swift and the boys played pool.

Our parents surprised us with wanting to do dances with us which was so heartfelt and special.

We also loved our vows alone and photos with Hannah. We really enjoyed that time together and a small hike to the Old Castle Lachlan.

Why did you choose Hannah Hall Photography as your photographer, and what was your experience of your photography on the day?

Hannah felt so right to us. I ran Eduardo through the photographer phone calls I had, and we both knew Hannah was it when I described her as “it felt like I was talking with an old friend”. Hannah’s style was also candid, natural, genuine, SCOTTISH.. Exactly what our small party needed and exactly the photos we wanted for us and our guests – the moody ones!

She was amazing. Accommodating, kind, and just downright so talented!

What would be your best bit of advice to other couples planning their wedding?

 Do what feels right; there is so much pressure, but I had the most fun when I listened to myself and Eduardo.

Wedding celebration at Castle Lachlan

Photography Hannah Hall Photography

Venue Castle Lachlan

Florist Floritalia

Caterer Regis Catering