A stunning rustic wedding at Dalduff Farm, Maybole

When it comes to romantic proposals Paul planned his perfectly, asking Holly to marry him in a cable car going over the River Thames to the O2 arena.

The couple had been together for seven years at that stage, having first met through Holly’s cousin.

When they both came back down to earth it was time to start wedding planning.

Choosing a barn style venue that ticked all the boxes was their top priority and they visited various locations before deciding on Dalduff Farm.

“It had everything we were looking for and had so much scope for making it unique and individual,” says Holly. “We had heard so many amazing reviews so it was a definite for us.”

They wanted to create a rustic look with plenty of DIY details.

Holly’s talented uncle made all their centrepieces and wooden love heart favours engraved with their names and the date of the wedding, while the bride kept to a soft colour palette with lots of blush pink.

Then John Gold Floristry worked his magic to complete the look.

“No words can describe his talents,” says Holly. “He literally made my floral dreams come true!”

As well as creating the rustic look they were after, it was very important to Holly and Paul that they found the right celebrant to marry them.

They wanted a Humanist service as neither of them is religious.

“We wanted our love story told to our closest friends and family,” adds Holly who was thrilled when they found George McLean of Fuze Ceremonies.

“He really is one in a million,” she says. “Leading up to our wedding nothing was ever too much trouble.

“If you want a heartfelt, funny ceremony then definitely choose George.”

Something old, something new

Although they were marrying in June 2021 as many couples were understandably in a flap about the constant changes, Paul and Holly didn’t find wedding
planning overly stressful.

Even choosing a dress to fit her growing baby bump was something this bride took in her stride – you can read all about it here.

She knew she wanted something fitted and not strapless but apart from that, kept an open mind.

She found her stunning sweetheart neckline embroidered sheath dress in Wed2B, the very first shop she went into, and accessorised with a simple pearl and sparkle belt.

“My jewellery had sentimental value,” adds Holly. “As my gran had recently passed away, I got her pearls restrung into a necklace and bracelet.”

The whole wedding party stayed at Dalduff the night before the wedding, enjoying an amazing meal and relaxing, though Holly admits she didn’t get much
sleep; “I felt like a kid on Christmas morning but I was also emotional.”

Walking down the aisle was really special for this bride who walked in with both of her parents to piper Liam Rogers playing Highland Cathedral.

“I was an emotional wreck as I saw Paul crying and it set me off!” she says.

And she remembers saying their vows felt incredible.

Following the ceremony their piper played on and entertained the guests during the drinks reception while the couple slipped off for some photos,
accompanied by their cute pug Frank of course!

Then Dalduff served up an incredible family style summer feast with seafood salad, lemon and rosemary chicken supreme, barbecue rump steak, Greek-style
lamb kebabs, homemade fries, celeriac remoulade and couscous.

Holly remembers the speeches as being “unbelievably amazing.”

“The best man’s was hilarious, my dad’s was heartfelt and Paul’s was just amazing,” she smiles. “He really is the best!”

Then they had a brilliant time celebrating with all their guests into the night.

“The atmosphere was fabulous,” says Holly.

Reflecting on their wedding, the bride says she loved choosing and organising all the suppliers and getting ideas from Pinterest.

But the real highlight was seeing Paul’s reaction when she got to the end of the aisle.

“It feels amazing to be married,” she says.

“And now baby Rory’s here it’s amazing to be a family of three.”

And when we ask for her one bit of advice for to-be-weds she says, “Enjoy every minute of planning.

“Definitely buy a good wedding planner book and don’t stress the small things!”