Kristen & Joseph | Cluny Castle Wedding in Aberdeenshire, Scotland
Couples from all over the world come to Scotland to tie the knot – and I may be biased, but it’s not hard to see why. With incredible scenery, lively cities, and a rich history, Scotland has something for everyone.
Kristen and Joseph, originally from Austin, Texas, decided to cross the pond and get married at Cluny Castle here in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, and I had the pleasure of capturing their big day. With eccentric guest attire, handmade bridal accessories, and heartfelt vows, this wedding was the definition of personal.
Looking For Chic Wedding Vibes
Fashion was at the forefront of Kristen and Joe’s minds, and it all started with their guests and their wedding parties. They encouraged their guests to dress eccentrically, and the wedding parties all wore different outfits. Think Vogue in real life – which was fitting since the couple was very much looking for that Vanity Fair-like, magazine cover style drama in their shots. And Cluny Castle provided the perfect backdrop for that.
Using Their Wedding as an Excuse to Have the Vacation of a Lifetime
Because Kristen and Joe are from the States, most of their guests also traveled quite a distance to celebrate with them. Around 50 of their closest friends and family came to the wedding, and it really was the vacation of a lifetime. The couple and some of their loved ones stayed at the castle, so it gave them the perfect opportunity to be present and soak up time with the people that matter most to them.
One of a Kind Wedding Attire
Kristen’s strapless satin ballgown was an absolute showstopper, but the real highlight was her veil. After searching high and low, she didn’t find anything she liked. One day, she was at a local haberdashery shop and found a gold fabric that she fell in love with. So what did her close friend do? They made her a beautiful veil out of it. Talk about the ultimate, heartwarming wedding present. Not to mention the fact that it went perfectly with the gold floral crown and 1940s pearl choker that she bought on Etsy.
I have to give Joe credit, too. He looked awfy handsome in an all-black suit, paired with a black neckerchief and gold accessories. It matched the gold detail on Kristen’s dress beautifully. They’re easily one of the most fashionable couples I’ve ever photographed.
Personal Vows With a Musical Addition
One of my favourite parts of photographing a wedding is witnessing the personal vows. There’s something so beautiful about couples wearing their hearts on their sleeves for everyone to see. Kristen and Joe were no different. Their personal vows were not only super heartfelt and emotional, but Sean, the officiant and friend of the couple, also included a Scottish poem called Red Rose by Robert Burns.
Fun fact: ‘Red Rose’ has a song version (also known as ‘(Oh) My Love is Like a Red, Red Rose’), which Sean arranged for a string quartet to play in the background while he read the poem aloud.
A Ceremony Name Change Surprise
At the end of the ceremony, Sean explained to everyone that Kristen and Joe were not taking either of their surnames, but they were actually coming up with the new surname, Cold Iron. “Cold Iron” is historically believed to repel ghosts, fairies, and other supernatural creatures. It’s one of the most unique surprises I’ve ever witnessed!
A Wedding Cake Complete With a Sword
Although Kristen and Joseph cut their wedding cake, they actually had a sword in the cake. They drew it out, which was very different, very cool, and very fitting for them, then cut it. The sword that was in it actually has their names engraved on it, which I thought made it a cool wedding favour that they can enjoy well beyond their wedding.
Looking For a Scottish Wedding Photographer?
Whether you’re planning your wedding at Cluny Castle or elsewhere in Aberdeenshire, I’d love to shoot your big day! If you’re looking for a wedding photographer who will help make you feel comfortable in front of the camera, I’d be chuffed to be that person!
Learn more about what it’s like to have me by your side here!