an intimate wedding at cromlix: georgina, james (& nelly)

Real Wedding
Written By Lou Rob

Georgina and James had a big, all-weekend wedding on the cards. Then they had a rethink, and landed on something smaller, chic and absolutely packed with detail. Ten guests, one very good sausage dog, and Cromlix in Dunblane, an absolute stunner of a venue. Georgina had planned every bit of the day in serious detail, from the reds, pinks and burgundy running through everything to the luxe wee touches at every turn. The weather couldn't make its mind up, but it didn't matter one bit. It was gorgeous and lives in my head rent free.

a slow, easy morning

The two of them got ready together in the Allium Suite, and the morning set the tone for the whole day: no rushing. A run, a bit of yoga and a walk round the estate with Nelly while Eva got started on hair and makeup, then breakfast, their own playlist on the speaker, and James getting into his kilt.

When guests arrived, the piper and drummer struck up Flower of Scotland and G & J were right there at the front door welcoming everyone in. Then into the bar for drinks, where they pinned the corsages and buttonholes on every single guest themselves. A wee touch, but it said lots about the kind of day this was going to be.

Before the ceremony, Georgina and her Nana slipped upstairs to get her into the dress. Nana did up the buttons, they held hands with the rings, and there were a few quiet minutes in the room together before they headed down for the ceremony.

the chapel

Cromlix has its own chapel on site, and it's every bit as lovely as you'd hope. The piper led James and the guests in to Auld Lang Syne, then played Georgina down the stairs to Highland Cathedral. Watching James turn round and see her for the first time was the cutest and there were definitely a few tears (not just from James!)

Gina Williams led the ceremony, with readings from the people who matter most: ‘A Red, Red Rose’ read by James' best friend, ‘Come With Me’ by Fran Landesman read by Georgina's maid of honour, and a prayer read by James' mum. The couple read their own vows, and the rings arrived courtesy of Nelly (with a bit of help from the bridesmaid) - she did a great job.

confetti + a rose

Out through the chapel doors to Scotland the Brave and a proper confetti before G & J planted a rose together while Gina read a poem. Something that'll keep growing long after the day itself and signifies the couples love of gardening, which I love.

afternoon tea, toasts and a first dance

The plan was drinks on the lawn, but the weather had other ideas, so everyone cosied up in the library instead. It was an espresso martini for her, an old fashioned for him, and canapés while the piper and drummer played a few more. Then Sophie took over on violin, opening her first set with You're Still the One.

Instead of a sit-down dinner there was afternoon tea, with a chocolate wedding cake brought out with sparklers. Instead of speeches, every guest gave a short toast. With ten people round the table, it meant everyone got a voice, and it was one of the best bits of the day. Sophie closed her set with their first dance, Never Too Much, played right there in the library.

exploring the estate

Every time we spotted a dry spell, Victoria (on video) and I snuck the two of them away for portraits: the staircase, a tree swing we found on our wanders. There were too many beautiful spots for photos at Cromlix that we were completely spoiled and the gardens were absolute perfection.

when the guests went home

At half six the taxis arrived and everyone headed off, but the day wasn't done. We grabbed some fun editorial shots around the hotel: playing cards, and on the bar with a cocktail. Then G & J sat down to their own private dinner, with a tasting menu and drinks pairing, candles lit and the bouquet in a vase on the table. A perfect way to end it, just the two of them.

thinking small?

If you're weighing up a big do against something more intimate, this day is proof that small doesn't mean less. It meant more time together, more time with their people, and every detail getting the attention it deserved. If that sounds like you, I'd love to hear about your plans.

Lou x

the dream team

Lou Rob
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