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Gothic Wedding Magic in Edinburgh | Sarah and Leeās Non-Traditional Day
A gothic wedding celebration at Edinburghās Prestonfield House filled with dark elegance and unique personal touches. From handfasting ceremony and mead-drinking ritual to an axe-wielding cake-cutting, Sarah & Leeās wedding defied tradition in the most memorable way. Prestonfield black cat even appear to compliment Prestonfieldās moody dĆ©cor and add the final bit of Gothic flair.
Sarah and Lee's Gothic Wedding at Prestonfield House in Edinburgh was a celebration steeped in Halloween inspiration and personal touches. First meeting working in the food industry, they bonded over their shared love of food, music, tattoos, and a creative, alternative lifestyle. After nearly a decade together, Sarah decided to take the lead and proposed to Lee on a holiday in New Yorkāan unexpected yet perfect reflection of their unique connection.
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From the beginning, they envisioned a wedding with gothic charm, delicious food, and a relaxed yet deeply meaningful atmosphere. They found their ideal setting at Prestonfield House, with its delicious food, rich history, dramatic interiors, and gothic style. For their intimate gathering, Prestonfield provided them with small beautiful spaces which perfectly blended elegance and moody autumnal vibes.
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Sarah walked down the aisle in a dress that beautifully balanced traditional elegance with personal flair. Though she initially planned to wear black, she fell in love with the first gown she tried on, a glittering tulle-layered design with a flattering deep v-neckline and the perfect back to showcase her āCorpse Brideā tattooāa subtle but fitting tribute to their shared love of the gothic. Completing her look was a custom headdress by Hysteria Machine, and her hand-painted leather jacket added a distinct edge.
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The ceremony itself was really tailored to them by the fabulous Tim Maguire, it blended pagan traditions such as a handfasting, drinking mead, and jumping over a broom. They walked down the aisle together as equals, they chose a soundtrack of music from Cradle of Filth, Ghost, and Type O Negative, reflecting their love of alternative styles. And Sarah and her mumās beloved dog, Olly the Springer Spaniel, carried the rings up the aisle to them which brought a sense of warmth and playfulness to their gothic ceremony.
What is a Gothic Wedding?
Sarah and Leeās wedding at Prestonfield House was a beautiful example of a Gothic wedding. So, what exactly makes a wedding āGothicā? For Sarah and Lee, it meant embracing the moody elegance of autumn and the dark interiors of Prestonfield House along with personalised elements like a dramatic black wedding cake, and a custom handfasting ceremony. With deep colours, gothic decor, pumpkins and even a black cat, the day felt like something from a dark fairy tale.
What to Wear for a Gothic Wedding
Sarahās wedding look showcased Gothic style with her custom crown, Corpse Bride tattoo, and a unique, traditional dress with a modern twist. She originally planned to wear black but fell in love with a dress that allowed her to express her love for Gothic elements, without giving up the classic feel of a wedding gown.
For guests attending a Gothic wedding, choosing attire in deep, jewel tones or even black can harmonize with the theme without overshadowing the coupleās look.
Finding a Gothic Wedding Venue in Edinburgh
When searching for a Gothic wedding venue, itās all about finding a space with rich history and atmosphere. Sarah and Lee chose Prestonfield House in Edinburgh because it offered exactly that. The historic venue provided the perfect backdrop, with its dark, elegant rooms, dark jewel fabrics, gold features, chandeliers and antique charm.
For other couples considering a Gothic venue, Edinburgh has several optionsāfrom castles to grand estatesāthat capture the essence of Gothic romance.
Final Touches: Personal Details & Unique Traditions
With a ceremony complete with drinking mead, a handfasting, and even their dog delivering the rings, Sarah and Leeās wedding went beyond convention. Leeās daughter stood as his best person, adding a modern family twist to the traditional roles. These details made their Gothic wedding feel as unique and authentic as the couple themselves.
The Super Team
Photography: Ali Jay Photography
Celebrant: Tim Maguire of Celebrate People
Brideās dress: Sophia Tolli at Hoops a Daisy
Brideās headdress: Hysteria Machine
Brideās shoes: Kurt Geiger, Michael Kors
Bridesmaid dress: JJās House
Cake: Liggyās Cakes
Florist: Liberty Blooms
Groomās trousers: Moss Bros
Wedding At The Den, Culross
Jessica and Danās wedding at The Den in Culross was a beautiful celebration of two people from different parts of the world coming together.
Jessica and Danās wedding at The Den, Culross was a beautiful celebration of two people from different parts of the world coming together.
Dan is from Canada and travelled over just before the wedding. We met up the night before the wedding in the 17th century town of Culross for a few fun coupley photographs. The townās cute streets and colourful palace are famous across the world thanks to Outlander.
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On the wedding day, we arrived at The Den which is a delightfully converted barn set amongst fields with views on the hills behind. Audrey, the owner has a brilliant eye for decor and I love how she has furnished the spaces in the Denās multiple barns.
The sun was shining brightly as we headed in for the ceremony. Jessica and Danās friend conducted the ceremony for them which added a beautiful intimacy.
The speeches were proper tear jerkers, especially when Jessicaās proud granddad set everyoneās emotions going as he said how the wedding was bittersweet as the wedding would see her move to Canada and after living so close to her for so long he would miss her terribly.
After their meal, everyone cosied around the firepits with sāmores and then waved goodbye to Jessica and Dan as they walked through a wall of sparklers and then drove off into the sunset.
The Wedding Team
Caterers: Bespoke Caterers
Florist: Scottish Cut Flowers
Cake: Heather's cakes
Hair: Cheryl Doig
Makeup (Cruelty Free): Top Drawer Make up
Candlelit Ghillie Dhu Wedding
The dramatic candlelit hall in the Ghillie Dhu looked beautifully romantic and the perfect place for Sarina & Liamās wedding
Itās lovely that two teachers who travel the world teaching and exploring so many placeās chose Edinburgh for their beautiful wedding. Liam is Scottish and Sarina is from Germany and they love the city.
The dramatic candlelit hall in the Ghillie Dhu looked beautifully romantic and the perfect place for their ceremony. The Ghillie Dhu has super thick curtains which they use to close off the ceremony space within the hall, it creates a moody gothic space which is just lit by the Ghillie Dhuās ornate chandeliers and candlelit mantlepiece. It really focussed everyoneās attention on the aisle for Sarina to make a dramatic entrance.
The Ghilie Dhu has access to the private gardens in Rutland Square so the whole wedding party headed along for a drinks reception. The summer rain arrived in good Scottish style but their hardy guests happily stayed out in the gardens rather than returning to the cosy bar in the Ghilie Dhu, until it go very heavy and they conceded that heading inside would be a good idea.
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The Ghillie Dhuās chefās create wonderful Scottish cuisine with a modern twist which was the perfect Scottish experience for their many German guests. When the guests returned for their meal the venue felt completely transformed with the curtains pulled back, the light spilled in through the stained glass windows. When the sun got low in the sky and the rain stopped I popped out with Liam & Sarina to get some pictures in Princesā Street Gardens and then they finished off the night by introducing their friends and family to the lively fun of a ceilidh.
The Wedding Team:
Venue: Ghillie Dhu
Caterer: Ghillie Dhu
Band: The Big Shoogle
Cake: Nice Times Bakery
Florist: Pretty Little Petals
Hair & Make-Up: Julie McGuire
Ceremony Officiant: Neil Johnston
Dress: opus61_brautmode
Stylist for bride and bridal party: Julie McGuire
Bride Preparations Venue: Waldorf Astoria Caledonian Edinburgh
Enchanting Megginch Castle Wedding
Megginch Castle is a superb new elegant wedding venue with a famous past. Nadia & Steven loved the beautiful courtyard and expansive grounds.
Megginch Castle may be a superb new elegant wedding venue but once upon a time, a long long time ago (well actually in the 90ās) the castleās historic courtyard hosted movie stars, including Liam Neeson, for the filming of the 1995 movie Rob Roy.
The Wedding Ceremony
Nadia & Steven chose Megginch Castle for their wedding after COVID meant they re-evaluated their original plan to elope to Spain. They loved the beautiful courtyard and chose the light conservatory for their ceremony but they could have chose the chapel or the gardens.
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Places to Explore
The castle is a hidden gem, I love little adventures and Megginch had lots of great places to explore. The conservatory links the courtyard via the grand ballroom to the gardens with itās 1000yr old yew trees, fun topiary, fountain and expansive lawns. There are also horses to go say hello to and a tiny chapel in the groups which can be used for religious ceremonies.
Surprise, Surprise!
Nadia and Stevenās guests were entertained with croquet and the big surprise of the night was when the waiter fell over and then got up and started singing. Nadia had told us that it would be happening so we were waiting in anticipation for him to fall. As a guest ran to help the poor fallen waiter, he jumped up and started singing and caused a lot of hilarity. Everyone loved the impromptu performance, guests were standing on the chairs, dancing, swinging their napkins around their heads. Danielle and I ran around the room having far too much fun capturing it on camera to make sure the fun was bottled up for Nadia & Steven to look back on and laugh.
The Magical wedding Team
Venue ā Megginch Castle
Event Management: Jan Deegan Next Step Events
Officiant ā Margery Bambrick
Photographer ā Ali Jay Photography
Videographer - Danielle Watt
Hair stylist ā Hair Ups
Make-up artist ā Christina Grace
Nadiaās outfit ā Pronovias - San Patrick
Cake ā Celebration Stations
Are you Planning a wedding at Megginch Castle?
Get in touch today, Iād love to be part of your amazing wedding team.
The Pawfect Wedding At Balmule House
The heartwarming ātailā of Andrew & Emmaās āpawfectā wedding at Balmule House with their 5 month old retirever pup, Koda.
Iāve got to get this in here, this is a heartwarming tail of the pawfect wedding, sorry, cheesetastic!
Andrew and Emma embarked on a heartfelt journey to tie the knot in the enchanting landscapes of Scotland, and they didn't do it aloneāKoda, their beloved 5-month-old retriever puppy, played a significant role in their joyous celebration. Like Gavin and Stacey, they had met on holiday and then had a long distance relationship between Wales and Essex.
Choosing the pretty Balmule House, set in the countryside just outside Dunfermline, as the backdrop for their intimate ceremony, Andrew and Emma opted for an elopement surrounded by their closest family members and their furry companion, Koda.
Dressed in a fetching tartan bow tie, Koda was by Andrew's side, lending a paw in the preparations and eagerly observing the ceremony with genuine canine curiosity.
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But Koda's involvement didn't stop there. Thanks to Andrew's dedication to training, Koda had mastered a charming trick called 'middle,' where he skillfully maneuvered between Andrew's legs. This endearing trick became an unexpected highlight, adding a touch of whimsy and playfulness to their group photographs and is a definite training tip for anyone planning a wedding with their pup!
Koda proudly joined in the group photographs, effortlessly becoming a cherished member of the wedding party.
Puppies get tired and after all the excitement of the group photos, Koda crashed on the sofa during the drinks reception. We left Koda to nap and headed out for some golden wedding portraits around the lovely grounds at Balmule House. After a while, the groomsmen brought Koda out to join Andrew and Emma so they could enjoy some pictures with him. Koda's lively spirit added an extra layer of joy and warmth to moment.
"Dog-friendly" weddings are becoming more common, and for good reason. Our furry friends bring so much joy, love, and happiness into our lives, so why not include them in one of the most important days of our lives? Not only do they add an element of cuteness and fun, but they also serve as a reminder of the love that we have for our pets.
Here's to Andrew and Emma, their beautiful love story, and their pawfect wedding. May their marriage be filled with many more cherished moments with Koda by their side. And to all the pet lovers out there planning their own wedding, consider making it a dog-friendly affair. Trust me, it will be a day you'll never forget.
The PAwfect Team:
Venue: Franc and his wonderful team at Balmule House
Celebrant: John Tonner from Fuze Ceremonies
Modern Pipes: by Dean Saunders
Are you Planning a wedding at Balmule House?
Get in touch today, Iād love to be part of your amazing wedding team.
Dovecot Studios Wedding - Lynsey & Mike
Lynsey and Mikeās colourful wedding at Dovecot Studios in the heart of Edinburgh
Lynsey & Mike love colour and music, they wanted a vibrant fun venue which was a bit different. They settled on the beautiful Dovecot galleries, a contemporary art hub and tapestry studio, originally built as a grand Victorian swimming bath where Lynseyās mum used to swim.
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The Artistic Team
Venue: Dovecot Studios, coordinated by Caitlin
Dress: Gwenne's, Edinburgh
Kilt: Groomās Own
Officiant: Kathleen Hood
Floristy: Save The Date Collective
Hair & Make Up: The Beauty Works
Band: Hot Date
Are you Planning a wedding at Dovecot Studios?
Get in touch today, Iād love to be part of your amazing wedding team.
Barnbougle Castle - A Unique Castle Wedding By The Sea
Barnbougle Castle is a beautiful picturesque exclusive use wedding venue near Edinburgh with panoramic views over the River Forth and an exclusive beach. Check out Louisa & Jonnyās wedding at the castle.
Are you planning a wedding at Barnbougle Castle?
Get in touch today, Iād love to be part of your amazing wedding team.
Ellie & Dom - Wedderlie House Wedding Photos
Living in the land of Oz, but with Ellie's family residing near the vibrant city of Edinburgh, Ellie and Dom were on a quest to find the perfect location that could bring their entire family together. Enter Wedderlie House, a place that not only offered ample on-site accommodation but also a plethora of exciting activities. And the cherry on top? It was just a stone's throw away from the lively streets of Edinburgh!
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With a squad of sport-loving friends that could rival a whole hockey team, Ellie and Dom's guests were in for a treat. From the thrilling tennis court battles to the laughter-filled games room adventures, there was no shortage of amusement. And to kick off the wedding festivities, the guys even embarked on an exhilarating clay pigeon shooting adventure.
I first crossed paths with Ellie and Dom at Ellie's twin sister's wedding back in 2019. It was an absolute delight to reunite with her wonderful family and collaborate with familiar faces once again. Trust me when I say, this dream team is one you'd definitely want by your side on your special day.
Wedderlie, being a new venue, introduced me to the dynamic team of Jamie, Kamile & Chantel. The highlight for me was the quirky and charming 'Un-Stable' bar, nestled within the old stable block. And let's not forget the mischievous peacocks, strutting around, competing to be the best-dressed guests with their majestic feathery ensembles. Talk about a true spectacle!
Blessed with sunny weather, the wedding day was simply stunning. As the evening approached, I sneaked Ellie and Dom away to explore the enchanting woodland, where they could bask in each other's company. The melodies of Luke Combs filled the air as they took a moment to contemplate their first dance. And to end the night on a high note, we all got caught up in the infectious energy of an epic ceilidh dance. I must admit, I couldn't resist joining in on the fun!
So, if you're looking to create unforgettable memories on your big day, Wedderlie House and its incredible team are ready to make your wedding dreams come true. Trust me, you won't be disappointed!
Riddles Court Wedding - Duncan & Bex's Micro Wedding
Bex & Duncan's micro wedding at Riddles Court, a hidden gem of a wedding venue, right beside the castle. A wedding full of family moments.
Duncan & Bex had the sweetest micro wedding at Riddles Court surrounded by family. When I arrived, their house was full, with cats, dogs, kids & relatives. It was magically bustling and full of smiles :-)
When everyone was ready we all jumped in taxiās and headed to Riddles Court.
It was my first time at Riddles Court but Iāve admired it for a while. I love the stunning 16th Century architecture and the colourful orange facade.
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The Wedding Team
Photography: Ali Jay Photography
Ceremony Officiant: Evelyn May Cowie
Dress: Nancy Mac
Suit: Grooms Own
Wedding Coordinator: Erin, Riddles Court
Venue: Riddles Court Weddings
Stunning Indian Wedding - In Edinburgh's City Centre
Shra and Neilās Scottish Indian wedding was an epic celebration. They had a board game cake, took the whole wedding party out for a curry, they created a new clan and had an epic ceilidh to finish the day.
Like two Carcassonne meeples, Shra & Neilās Scottish Indian Wedding brought them together in a magical medieval city where they built something new, a new clan, the clan Senpatrick!
They mixed their Scottish and Indian cultures together with their love of gaming and ceilidh dancing to create a truly unique day. Shra merged her name āSenā, Neilās, āFitzpatrickā to create a new clan name they could share.
Wearing their gamer colours (Shra always plays red, Neil always plays green) they married in the City Chambers and then took their entire wedding party out for a curry and then back to the City Chambers for an epic ceilidh. For their first dance they did a Gay Gordons with everyone.
As super fun gamer geeks they had a cake fit for the Kingā¦of Tokyo. The cake made by the phenomenal Sweet Unique Cake Boutique is the most impressive cake Iāve ever seen, you had to look very closely to see that it wasnāt actually a stack of games.
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It was important to Shra and Neil that the wedding was low waste so they didnāt have flowers and table arrangements and their favours were a cute meeple photo holder created by their fabulously talented friend Renae from the Yellow Door Studio.
Shra switched from her traditional red wedding sari in the evening and chose a floaty vintage white dress perfect for whirling around on the dance floor with her amazing group of friends who were all fantastic ceilidh dancers.
The Wedding Team
Venue ā Edinburgh City Chambers
Officiant ā Carol Swan
Photographer ā Ali Jay Photography
Hair stylist ā Natasha Dalziel
Make-up artist ā Renu Singh
Shraās outfit ā Vintage wedding dress from Those Were The Days
Neilās outfit ā Kilt outfit from Kinloch Anderson
Cake ā Sweet Unique Cake Boutique
Musicians ā Mark Neal, Fruin Ceilidh Band (previously Heeliegoleerie ceilidh band)
Meeple Photo Holders: Yellow Door Studio
Are You Planning Your Own Amazing Wedding?
Get in touch today, Iād love to be part of your amazing wedding team.
Forbes of Kingennie Wedding - A Vintage Style Wedding
The highlights from Kate and Seanās vintage themed Forbes of Kingennie Wedding.
Suppliers List
Photography: Ali Jay Photography
Bespoke lace decorations: Angela Clarke (check out her amazing decorations and interior design @the_upside_down_house on Instagram)
Cake: Gorgeously Sweet Cake Emporium
Dress: Stella York Dress
Venue: Forbes of Kingennie
Decor: Celebre Weddings and Events
Flowers: Forget Me Not, Dundee
Find Out More
Are you having a wedding at Forbes of Kingennie? please get in touch if youād like more information about my wedding photography.
Read More:-
Read more about Kate and Seanās Forbes of Kingennie wedding in āTie The Knot Scotlandā magazine or check out couples photo shoots
Micro Wedding Edinburgh - A Beautifully Small Wedding
Drew & Diana had planned a big wedding in June but with that on hold they decided to have a micro wedding in Edinburgh as soon as the lockdown lifted.
The beautiful thing about micro weddings is they are simple and you can enjoy the day with your absolute closest people.
āAli photographed our wedding beautifully. We were one of this few people to get married just after the Covid restrictions were lifted.
She took a tiny group of 8 people and directed us into the most perfect places and positions for the most fun, sweet, touching photos.
She was an absolute joy to have around and work with. She was particularly good with our 8 year old twins (who can be a bit of a handful).
I would recommend Ali without hesitation, an excellent photographer and a fantastic, fun person to have around.
Look no further. You've found the right person.ā
- Drew & Diana Long
Weddings by The Sea - A Secret Wedding in South Queensferry
Nikki and Ian met at school when they were 5 years old and decades later they secretly eloped to South Queensferry for their wedding.
Nikki and Ian met at school when they were 5 years old and decades later they secretly eloped to South Queensferry for their wedding. From our initial conversation I could hear how passionate Nikki was to marry Ian and to have their wedding in South Queensferry, a place which she just loves.
South Queensferry Registrars Office
Nikki and Ian eloped from South Shields to have their secret ceremony at the Registry Office in the beautiful coastal town which is dwarfed by the magnificent Forth Bridge. Nikkiās only photo request was to make sure I got the bridge in the background of the pictures as she loves how it dominates the views.
The ceremony was so short and sweet and with no guests the second registrar and I stepped in to witness the marriage. Nikki says sheās loved Ian since she was 5 years old and theyāve been together for the last 14 years so they decided they just wanted to get married without much fuss. They kept their plans secret, even from their children and decided to just surprise them by sending a picture.
After the ceremony we explored some of their favourite areas of the town to capture some photographs. Iāve spent a lot of time in South Queensferry and Iād never been down Harbour Lane before, this cute little lane was introduced to me by Nikki and I can see why she loves it.
The Boathouse
After a lovely walk around South Queensferry we went to the Boathouse for a little mini wedding reception. I joined them for a wee celebratory drink before leaving them to enjoy the rest of their trip to Scotland and some fun in the Edinburgh Festival.