Emi and Ian’s castle wedding exuded a warm, family atmosphere with charming details that inspire dreams of one’s own special day. The Scottish summer enhanced the celebration with stunning sunsets, a glowing sunny day at the beach, and enchanting misty mornings.
Location: Stranraer, Scotland, UK
Style: Rustic chic, modern, earthy
Time of planning: 1.5 years
Number of guests: 77
Setting: Castle
Season: Summer
Emi and Ian met in college while Ian was attending Georgetown, and Emi attended the nearby MICA. They hit it off but never seemed to be in the same place at the same time. Seven years after meeting, they found themselves in the Bay Area and rekindled their friendship. After several pottery classes together, a trip to Spain, and one enjoyable birthday kayaking, Ian and Emi started dating and haven’t been apart since.
They’ve done pretty much everything backward. First, they bought a house. Then they got pets – three of them, to be exact. Then Emi proposed to Ian, which was great in its own right. On top of that, she proposed deep in Point Reyes with wild elks walking about them. Believe it or not, right as she proposed, a pod of whales began to breach right next to us, the lovebirds. So not only was the proposal magical, Ian found out he was marrying Snow White. Some months later, Ian followed up with his counter-proposal in Hawaii.
Location & Planning
Emi and Ian dreamed of a destination wedding but wanted something different from a typical beach setting. They chose Dunskey Estate, a Scottish castle that looks like it’s straight out of a fairytale. Because who could resist a castle? The venue’s grandeur is truly magical. The Scottish summer blessed their celebration with beautiful sunsets, sunny beach days, and fantastic misty mornings.
Without skilled professionals, it would have been impossible to create the perfect wedding in that location. Jacqueline Hallgarth Events played a crucial role in bringing together every desire and turning it into a reality. Their precise focus on the couple’s wishes enabled them to make their wedding special. The entire wedding weekend showcased their dedication—from the thoughtful welcome packages and beautiful floristry on the first day to the cozy ceremony by the loch, the modern and earthy reception, and a fun farewell brunch packed with activities.
Pre-Wedding Dinner
At the pre-wedding dinner, Emi and Ian dressed comfortably yet stylishly. Emi wore a cocktail dress with comfortable shoes, while Ian opted for a suit and plaid shirt. Their outfits complemented each other well, reflecting their individual styles. The cozy atmosphere of the Scottish castle provided the perfect setting for family and friends to gather and share their excitement about the upcoming event. Everyone was delighted to be together and witness Emi and Ian celebrating their love.
"We knew we wanted all of our friends and family together in one place and to spend multiple days together. Our families are spread across the world - both coasts of the US, Japan, and Scotland."
Wedding Day
Bridal Morning: Fashion & Sentimental Touch
On her wedding day, the bride prepared in her room with her loving mother tenderly assisting her every step of the way. Her dress, simple and classic, highlighted her natural beauty. Since Emi’s grandmother couldn’t make the long trip from Tokyo to Scotland, Emi wore her pearls throughout the day. This meaningful heirloom touch created an aura of grace and elegance, honoring her grandmother’s presence in her life in a deeply respectful way.
Groom's Getting Ready
The groom looked striking in a deep blush green suit, perfectly complemented by his choice of brown wholecut shoes. A carefully selected boutonniere added a charming and cozy element to his appearance.
First Look
It was time for the first look, and the couple shared this intimate moment in the garden, surrounded by flowers. Ian gazed at his bride with so much love in his eyes. They took their time to savor this moment, cherishing it forever.
Ceremony
The ceremony unfolded by the lake, offering a breathtaking view as a backdrop. A massive, beautifully adorned floral arch stood as the focal point, radiating warmth and charm, perfectly capturing the intimate and cozy atmosphere desired by the couple. Vintage chairs added an elegant touch without overshadowing the main focus of the ceremony.
"We made a last-minute call to hold the ceremony out by the loch, which was the original plan but in doubt because of fluctuating weather reports. We risked the rain for our preferred spot, and it worked out perfectly—we got a beautiful mist with no rain whatsoever, which made for a magical moment."
Cocktail Hour
After the ceremony, guests enjoyed a cocktail hour accompanied by live music. Close friends and family wore traditional kilts and elegant attire, celebrating the couple’s union with style and tradition. A falconer’s unique presence added enchantment as a majestic bird of prey graced the scene.
Reception
Decorated with vintage paintings and painted in a muted, sophisticated hue, the room blends historic charm with a cozy atmosphere, making it an ideal setting for a romantic wedding reception. Tables were draped in rich green velvet, complemented by gold-rimmed plates and vintage brass candlesticks, which add a touch of opulence. Floral arrangements featuring wildflowers and greenery brought a natural, rustic vibe to the sophisticated space.
As the guests gathered at the reception, they created a warm and family atmosphere. Laughter and stories filled the room, making everyone reluctant to see the occasion end. “We wanted to focus on service and food over other flashier aspects,” Emi and Ian share.
The castle’s vast grounds allowed guests to move, interact, play, and dance. The entire atmosphere was designed for comfort and ease, creating a seamless and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Warm speeches were interrupted by the classic cake-cutting ceremony. The happy couple cut the cake, symbolizing a new chapter in their togetherness with sweetness. The cake was a two-tiered creation adorned with simple, elegant leaf motifs and natural accents, fitting the intimate and warmly decorated setting.
Post-Wedding Brunch
The following day promised a delightful celebration amidst nature. Embracing Scottish traditions, the party featured activities like archery and gun shooting, adding to the merriment. The couple could fully relax and savor the last moments with their loved ones, creating memories to be cherished forever. “The reception was unique because it spanned several days. With various activities and organic interactions, it was an unforgettable, joy-filled long weekend,” the bride concludes.
Advice from the couple:
• Work with Jacqueline; she made everything easy!
• Try to relieve the stress before the wedding and don’t let it affect you on the day of.
• Sometimes, especially when coordinating destination weddings, video calls are so much better than the colder and less personal emails.
PLANNER Jacqueline Hallgarth Events | VENUE & CATERING Dunskey Estate | PHOTOGRAPHER Kurt Boomer Photography | MUAH AMM | DRESS Sarah Seven | FLORALS MYRTLE & BRACKEN | STATIONERY Swell Press | BAND WooHoo Band! | RENTALS 88 Events
