Romantic Castle Wedding: Thea and Cameron's Celebration at Auchen Castle

Romantic Castle Wedding / Celebration at Auchen Castle/Castle Wedding in Dumfries and Galloway

A Love Story for the Ages

In the heart of Scotland, nestled amidst the verdant landscapes, stands Auchen Castle, an epitome of timeless romance and grandeur. This historic venue became the dreamlike setting for Thea and Cameron’s unforgettable castle wedding in Scotland, a celebration that combined elegance, intimacy, and the couple’s unique love story.

Thea and Cameron’s journey began in Austin, Texas, where their friendship gradually blossomed into a profound romance. Their love endured the test of time and distance, especially during a 1.5-year long-distance relationship while Thea lived in Los Angeles. Eventually, they reunited and moved to New York City together, just as the pandemic began. Their shared passions for video production, movies, travel, and photography further solidified their bond.

Their engagement story is as unique as their relationship. Cameron proposed on their fifth anniversary during a special trip to Friday Harbor, a place both had personal connections to. Cleverly orchestrating the surprise, Cameron chose a scenic spot at Westside Preserve for the proposal, catching Thea completely off guard. Their engagement marked the beginning of their journey towards a romantic castle wedding in Scotland.

The Dream Wedding at Auchen Castle

Thea and Cameron envisioned a wedding that was both intimate and timelessly romantic. They chose Auchen Castle in Moffat, Scotland, for its breathtaking scenery and historical charm. The venue’s architecture and Scottish backdrop perfectly complemented their dream of a fairytale wedding.

From the outset, the couple aimed to create a close-knit celebration with around 70 guests, ensuring that their special day was filled with meaningful interactions rather than fleeting conversations. They meticulously planned every detail, from the vintage-inspired decor to the carefully curated guest list, ensuring that each element resonated with their vision of a perfect castle wedding in Scotland.

Thea, a self-proclaimed lover of all things vintage, was particularly drawn to the castle’s historic charm. She dedicated herself to planning every aspect of the wedding, creating vision boards, and putting together elements that would bring their dream to life. Her passion for wedding planning turned the preparation process into a labour of love, resulting in a day that was both beautiful and deeply personal.

Morning Preparations

The morning of the wedding was filled with excitement and anticipation. Thea’s creative touch was evident in every detail, from the invitations to the wedding stationery. She designed a Victorian puzzle purse with emblems of their wedding, such as the Scottish flag and bagpipes, adding a delightful element for guests as they unfolded it to find the RSVP QR code. The invitations were sealed with ivory wax and an owl seal, reflecting the couple’s whimsical theme.

Thea’s engagement ring, a vintage piece from the 1940s, was chosen together at Erstwhile Jewelry, while Cameron’s wedding band from Thorum featured wood from a whiskey barrel, a nod to their Scottish wedding. Sentimental touches, like jewellery pieces from Thea’s grandmother, added a personal and emotional layer to the day.

The bridal party gathered in the castle’s downstairs lounge, a spacious area perfect for getting ready and capturing stunning photos. Thea’s wedding dress, a beautiful creation from Sept Bridal, was a vision of elegance. Her accessories, including lace wrap-up Louboutin heels and a cathedral-length cape, added a regal touch to her ensemble. The floral arrangements, crafted by To A Mountain Daisy, featured ivory blooms with minimal greenery to complement the Scottish landscape.

The bridesmaids, dressed in unique ivory outfits that reflected their styles, looked stunning against the lush greenery. Thea, fondly calling them her “pearls,” appreciated how their different styles harmonized beautifully in photos.

Groom’s Preparations

Cameron and his groomsmen, dressed in kilts from MacGregor MacDuff, prepared for the day in the bridal suite. Cameron’s best man was his father, adding a special touch to the preparations. The groomsmen, including Thea’s brothers-in-law and friends, wore kilts that matched Cameron’s, creating a cohesive and traditional look.

A Ceremony to Remember

The ceremony took place on the picturesque grounds of Auchen Castle, with the Scottish weather providing the perfect backdrop. Thea had always dreamed of an overcast sky for the ceremony, and her wish came true with light misty rain in the evening. The setting was nothing short of magical, with a fountain in the courtyard and a floral arch that created a whimsical, secret garden vibe.

Thea walked down the aisle to the haunting melody of bagpipes, played by renowned bagpiper Donald MacPhee, a close friend of Cameron’s father. This traditional touch added to the authenticity and emotion of the ceremony. The couple’s nieces served as flower girls, and their nephew, the ring bearer, wore a tiny kilt that was a huge hit with the guests.

The exchange of vows was a deeply emotional moment, with both Thea and Cameron shedding tears. Their decision to write their own vows added a personal and heartfelt element to the ceremony, making it a memorable experience for everyone present.

Capturing Moments

Following the ceremony, the newlyweds and their wedding party took advantage of the castle’s stunning grounds for a photoshoot. Every corner of Auchen Castle offered a beautiful backdrop, making it easy to capture the magic of the day.

Reception at Auchen Castle

The reception was a joyous celebration that seamlessly blended love, family, and Scottish culture. The couple’s first dance, choreographed to “Corcovado” by Getz Gilberto, was a highlight of the evening. The song, chosen after a fun date night of listening to records, was perfect for the romantic dance they had envisioned. Their dance teacher, Anne-Marie from Wedding Day Dance in NYC, did an excellent job choreographing the piece, creating a special memory that the couple cherishes.

The menu was a delightful mix of Scottish tradition and modern favourites. Traditional Scottish dishes were served, along with a cheese wheel and pork pie tower for the late-night buffet. Fish and chip cones and pakoras were also included, adding a touch of fun to the culinary experience. The wedding cake, made by Sandra Braid, featured traditional UK flavours of lemon and vanilla with raspberry jam.

The couple couldn’t speak highly enough of their wedding vendors. From the talented photographer Bernadeta Kupiec to the subtle and sweet videographer Lee from Shutterbox Films, each vendor played a crucial role in making the day perfect. The behind-the-scenes team, including the hair and makeup artists, florist, and DJ, were praised for their professionalism and creativity.

A Perfect End to a Perfect Day

As the night wore on, Auchen Castle was filled with laughter, love, and the sound of bagpipes. Thea and Cameron’s wedding was not just a celebration of their love but also a testament to the power of careful planning, personal touches, and the enchanting setting of a castle wedding in Scotland.

Every detail, from the tartan-inspired colour scheme to the personalized vow books and guest book, came together to create a truly magical atmosphere. The couple’s vision of a romantic castle wedding was brought to life most beautifully, leaving lasting memories for them and their guests.

In the end, Thea and Cameron’s wedding at Auchen Castle was a perfect blend of romance, tradition, and personal touches, making it a day that will be cherished forever. Their love story, set against the backdrop of a majestic Scottish castle, serves as an inspiration for all those dreaming of a fairytale wedding.