A stunning autumnal byre wedding at Coo Cathedral, Aboyne

 

After seven years together, Michael popped the question at Georgie’s parents’ annual Hogmanay celebration, just before the bells, with a beautiful yellow gold engagement ring he’d helped design from scratch.

Bringing the new year in with a bang for sure, it was full steam ahead for Georgie!

“I desperately wanted Emma Lawson as my photographer and Coo Cathedral as the venue,” she says.

“I’d seen her photograph weddings there before and knew I didn’t want one without the other.”

Impressed by how dramatically different each wedding at the Aboyne venue looked, Georgie was excited to put her stamp on the charming, restored cowshed.

Here’s how she did it, captured beautifully in Emma Lawson Photography’s gorgeous images.

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“The stonework is stunning, and I loved how high the ceiling was and how much character the venue had,” says Georgie.

“Our theme was relaxed and autumnal with bits of boho and lots of personal details.

“Michael’s Auntie Tracy drew pictures of our pets over the years for our table names, and his parents grew the succulents we had as favours,” she adds.

“His Granda Wattie was a keen gardener who taught his family everything they know, so it was nice to have him included in some way.”

Dress shopping with a difference

With a boho gown in mind, Georgie visited six bridal boutiques and, due to Covid, could only take her mum to most appointments.

“I had to wear my mask and picture what the dress would look like without it, which was difficult.

Luckily, my mum knew exactly what worked and wasn’t scared of saying what didn’t!”

The dress she fell in love with was quite different to what she’d been searching for, and she admits, “I just couldn’t fault one bit of it!”

Becoming Mrs Madden, she teamed her gown with white Steve Madden mules, then set about the tricky task of finding the rust-coloured dresses she’d dreamed of for her five bridesmaids.

“I couldn’t find any designers doing them but, luckily, Ivory Grace stocked a brand who’d just released a burnt orange wrap dress. The girls all tried it on and looked incredible,” she remembers.

The big day

The lead-up was a bit stressful according to Georgie.

“I had so many suppliers coming in to set up and was worried I’d miss something or not have them arranged for the right time,” she says.

“Having spreadsheets really helped remind me what I’d done or needed to do, and when.”

When the big day arrived she had a relaxing wedding morning at Douneside House then headed to her venue in a stunning, 1930s vintage-style limousine.

As one of her best friends, Ailsa, sang her down the aisle, Georgie was nerve-free and couldn’t help admiring how amazing the venue looked!

But by the time she met Michael and they were saying their vows, emotions started to take over.

“I was very quiet as I worried if I spoke louder, I might burst into tears and spoil my beautiful make up,” she laughs.

The couple loved their celebrant, Louise, who made sure they were relaxed, shared personal stories and, when Georgie was fashionably late, kept the waiting guests entertained!

Afterwards, everyone toasted with ‘his and hers’ cocktails, and fizz from a Prosecco bike, whilst videographer Simon got people talking by filming a
guest diary.

Luckily, the absence of Covid restrictions meant singing and dancing were absolutely on the cards, and the dancefloor was never empty.

Georgie remembers feeling like everyone was one big family and she was so happy to hear her guests say they’d never felt so included in a wedding before.

“It was exactly what we wanted,” she smiles. “Our family and friends are so special to us, and it felt right making them so involved in the day.”

“Loch Lomond” at the end of the night was definitely a highlight,” says Georgie.

“Being in the middle with everyone jumping towards you is so much fun!”

Whilst she’s still getting used to having a husband and gets a nice surprise when she picks up the post, Georgie couldn’t be happier to be part of a “forever team”.

Reflecting on the planning process, she maintains her spreadsheet is what got her through it, and recommends other couples take plenty of time to consider what they both want out of their wedding.

“Making it so personal was the best thing we did,” she adds.