The Barn at Harburn wedding I’m about to show you was a very relaxed family gathering I was really looking forward to. I could say I knew half of the guests already! I met Bridget and Martin a few months before at this wedding at The Alnwick Garden. It was Martin’s sister that was getting married at the time hence when I came to Harburn it felt like I knew half of the guests already. At the time Martin walked his sister Natalie down the aisle but this time it was his turn and he was the one waiting to see Bridget in her white dress.
The Barn at Harburn wedding – Bridget and Martin
Growing up in different parts of the country their families both moved to Argyll and we both attended the same High School. We were parts of the same friend circle but didn’t spend much time together. Leaving High School Martin went to University in Glasgow and Bridget took a couple of mission trips abroad. When Bridget returned to Scotland she secured a place at college, also in Glasgow. They exchanged messages and went out for drinks and some dancing. 5 Years later Martin finished his studies and on a holiday with friends in Portugal he proposed on a beach. 2 years of saving and planning the couple got married at the Barn at Harburn.
Cuaiche wedding ceremony
A super relaxed humanist ceremony thanks to Craig Flowers, was held in the historic rondavel. Bridget and Martin walked down the aisle to Love you, I do by Jennifer Hudsonand and emotional readings from Martin’s sisters gave it extra an warmth.
As part of the Celtic hospitality tradition, each side of the family added an alcoholic spirit to the bowl/cup and it mixed to represent the mixing of families. The couple took turns to share the drink and both parties had a drink of whiskey from a quaich before Bridget and martin tied the knot (Hand Fasting ceremony).
Wedding reception
The rest of the day was spent in a similar atmosphere. The rustic barn gave it a special feeling and the rustic coffee bar provided refreshments throughout the afternoon. All Decorations were homemade. Hoop with faux flowers and tartan bunting hung from the ceiling. Chair sash materials were sourced and put together by the couple. There was also a gazebo/marquee set up outside in case of poor weather and this also was decorated with bunting and fairy lights.
Favourite moment of the day and why?
‘The meal. Adopting an almost entirely vegan 3 course meal with the exception of locally sourced wild venison. It was the perfect meal and we were able to share it with all our friends and family. The method of serving (family style) meant people could help themselves to the food they like and meant everyone got a great meal! It also helped to facilitate conversation around tables of people that may have been unfamiliar.’ – said the bride.
First dance
Bridget and Martin danced to Fare Thee Well by Oscar Isaac and Marcus Mumford sang and performed by a friend. Bridget said they discovered the song through a tv show they both loved and they’ve loved the song ever since.
It wasn’t long before the whole barn started buzzing and the traditional ceilidh band made everyone sweat on the dancefloor, I can hear it in my head even a year later. A proper wedding!
Advice for couples planning their wedding day
‘Write everything down. Have notebooks accessible at all times through planning so you can write it down don’t need to worry about forgetting it. It also means there is no confusion when discussing with vendors etc of what is expected.
Go with what makes you both happy. Don’t let other people (friends or family) tell you what you ‘should’ do and do what makes you happy and what you both want.’ – says the bride.
About The Barn at Harburn wedding venue
Harburn Barn is a private wedding venue located in the beautiful grounds of Harburn Estate in West Lothian. It’s a dream setting for a wedding and it’s such fun to work there as a wedding photographer. It gives so many optins when it comes to wedding photos, inside or outside wheather dependand. The Barn with the Roundhouse can hold up to 90 guests for dinner and up to 140 evening party guests. This capacity however can be extended with a marquee that can be attached onto the main hall.
If you are planning an outdoor wedding then, it’s worth noting about nine acres of landscaped gardens, lakes and parkland that can provide a stunning backdrop for your ceremony.
Bridget and Martin’s wedding Suppliers
Thanks for getting this far! Here is the list of some other helpers that made this day this beautiful:
Photography: Ufniak Photography
Venue: The Barn at Harburn, Harburn Estate, Harburn, West Lothian, EH55 8RJ, www.harburnbarn.com
Band: Fiddle Castro
Coffee bar: Something Brewed
Cake: The cake was made by the Brides sister who was also one of her bridesmaids.
Celebrant: Craig Flowers. Independent Humanist Ceremonies.
Food/catering: Food Creations Catering based in Livingston.
Makeup and hair: Mine and my bridesmaids make-up was done by Diz the HMUA. She was recommended to me by a family friend of my Husband. She was really fantastic, i would absolutely recommend her to anyone, she really understood what i wanted out of my look and the look for my bridesmaids.
Bridesmaid dresses and accessories
The bridesmaids dresses were bought from Renz Rags on Etsy, I gave my bridesmaids the choice for their dresses. As each of them have different styles i wanted them to feel comfortable in what they were wearing. Each dress was handmade and tailored to their exact size and all made in the same dusty blue colour.
My bridesmaids earrings were these beautiful little hoops with a drop pearl hanging from them. The necklaces they wore were these beautiful little silver swallow necklaces. The swallows are a little symbolic to myself and my bridesmaids, We each have a tattoo on our right wrists with four little swallows.
Bride’s dress and accessories
I wore a string of pearls that was given to me by my late grandmother along with a lovely pair of drop pearl earrings given to me by my mother. My veil was beautiful ivory lace and a family heirloom which was lent to me for our special day by my mother.
Bride’s gown (and why did you choose it?) My gown was a traditional A-line dress in exquisite lace. A soft sweetheart neckline which then gives way to a waist defining lace-up back for the perfect fit. I really didn’t have much of an idea of what i wanted when i was choosing my dress, I went with the idea of trying on a few different styles to find out what i really wanted. The minute i put this dress on i knew it was the one for me, it fit wonderfully and i just felt so comfortable and beautiful in it.
Bride’s shoes: ‘Nick of time’ by Irregular choice. They were a dorothy inspired high heel covered in a white glitter with pretty curved heels and cream bows adorning the toes. They really added a unique touch to my bridal outfit. My mum called them my ‘fairytale shoes’
Groom’s attire
Arran Tartan Navy Tweed Kilt Outfit by MacGregor & MacDuff. Jacket, Waistcoat and Kilt. Including; shoulder plaid of the same tartan. Burgundy Tweed style Tie and Pocket Square. Oatmeal colour socks and a Homemade vegan material Sporran. Pocket Watch and chain in waistcoat pocket.
Groom’s shoes: Black Brogues with Kilt Laces wrapped and tied around the calf.
Favours: Mini Teacups with saucers. Sourced by the brides mother from charity shops over the time we were planning the wedding.
Small Hessian Bags with a handful of wildflower seeds.
Flowers: The Bridal bouquet and the Bridesmaids bouquets were bought from Laurel Silk Florist on Etsy. The bouquets were made from faux roses, peonies, babies breath and green foliage. The bouquets all had a dusty blue and ivory/white colour scheme.
