A joyous wedding weekend at Carlowrie Castle, Edinburgh

 

With friends and family coming from all over the world to celebrate not one but two wedding ceremonies, Ruth and Emmanuel struck gold when they found Carlowrie Castle.

The couple needed a venue where their loved ones could stay for the weekend and enjoy an African ceremony the night before their official wedding.

They loved Carlowrie’s eclectic mix of old and contemporary and decided to replicate that fusion in their décor.

Read on to hear all about their big day, photographed by the amazing Duke Wedding Photography.

Ruth and Emmanuel first met in London through their sisters 14 years ago.

However, despite being “inseparable” ever since the bride admits it came as a complete surprise when Emmanuel proposed.

“We happened to be viewing some rings in a jeweller’s window display and admiring the bling,” says Ruth.

“He asked if I wanted to go in and see what else they had and obviously I said yes.

“Lo and behold, when I tried on a ring I liked, he’d secretly planned it and he proposed to me in the jewellers.

“The ring I had loved was the one I went for and on the same day we ordered our wedding bands.”

With guests travelling from all over the world, the pressure was on to not only secure the perfect venue but also get the invitations out in plenty of time for family members to complete visa applications.

“We wanted an iconic venue in which we could tell a story about its story and our story,” remembers Ruth.

“We started looking at castles in Scotland and came across Carlowrie Castle.

“We are quite an eclectic couple and like to mix the old with a new modern contemporary style.

“Part of Carlowrie Castle’s undeniable charm is the amazing mix of modern interior design in a building with historic roots.

“It totally encapsulates the essence of modern Scotland.

“The décor was in line with our style and the castle was very spacious.”

The couple fell in love with the amazing estate where their guests could take part in outdoor activities like tennis, cycling and walking over the estate.

Ruth and Emmanuel wanted a fresh colour palette that would showcase the outdoor flowers and green space and wanted to mix old and more modern elements in their décor.

“We envisaged an outdoor wedding ceremony in the South of France but, obviously, replicated in Scotland.”

They used French lanterns, a vintage baroque mirror and candelabras purchased in a vintage store in Edinburgh.

 

Finding the perfect dress was definitely one of Ruth’s wedding planning priorities.

She wanted a demure, romantic gown with long sleeves and “loads of lace”.

“I wanted a timeless silhouette that represented my style,” she says.

She eventually hit upon a stunning form-fitting Martina Liana dress which she swapped for a more vintage-style Eliza Jane Howell number in the evening – perfect for dancing the night away!

Ruth accessorised her gowns with simple teardrop Swarovski Crystal earrings and a French silk tulle veil along with iconic Jimmy Choos.

As a mummy, and an auntie to many nieces, the bride envisaged herself surrounded by pretty little flower girls in lacy dresses.

Her son was also part of the wedding train while her four sisters and another niece performed the roles of maids of honour.

And not to be outdone in the style stakes by his fiancée, Emmanuel opted for a tailor made suit from Saville Row.

After all the fun of their African wedding celebration the night before the big day Ruth enjoyed a nice slow morning, starting with breakfast in bed and a relaxing bath.

The day started with light drizzle and even a short thunderstorm but it cleared away and they were able to hold the outdoor ceremony they had dreamed of.

Walking down the aisle to Air on a G String Ruth says felt “like a dream”.

“I cannot explain the joy I felt,” she smiles.

“We wrote our own vows. It was a special moment to connect with each other.”

After the ceremony guests were entertained with Prosecco and canapés before the wedding breakfast.

Then a further 20 guests arrived for an evening of jazz and dancing.

“It was laid back with a soul vibe and was great to see everyone dancing end enjoying themselves till late at night,” remembers the bride.

“Seeing all our families in one place considering most of them travelled from far and wide to celebrate with us was a highlight,” adds Ruth.

“It was the first time meeting my mother-in-law as well. That was priceless!”

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