“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” ....Oscar Wilde

Friday 9 August 2013

Fairy Tale Wedding at Drumtochty Castle (Part 2)

So where were we? 
Ahh yes...'Drumtochty Castle' in the superb Scottish countryside celebrating a fairy-tale wedding. 

This was the first sight of the Castle as we drove up the drive...
I have to admit my tummy did do a tumble when I saw this fabulous entrance. 
I knew we were in for a wonderful experience in a very special place.

I did take lots of photographs at the wedding but obviously I want to respect the happy couples privacy. So with that in mind, I'll just let you take a peek at the bride and groom.
This photo was taken outside St Palladius Church where the ceremony took place, which is perfectly located close to Drumtochty castle.   

'Just Married'

I have to say that all the guys dressed in their kilts looked 'afa bonnie' ;D
And so back to the castle for the reception. 
The main ballroom...










(Photograph courtesy of Drumtochty Website)

Ahhh....the cutting of the cake sealed with a kiss. 

We were lucky to actually stay at the Castle Stables located within the tranquil wooded glen of Drumtochty. It was originally built around 1850. 
The Stables are built amongst beautiful gardens, a small lake and a water stream.
Naturally an Estate like Drumtochty Castle needed big stables for horses and carriages plus the accommodation for all the stable staff to provide a 24 hour service, but in modern times there was no need for these services anymore and the building disused, soon became derelict.

(Photography courtesy of Drumtochty Highland Games)

It did look so sad and unloved didn't it? 
But wait because it was rebuilt in the traditional style and converted into modern flats and apartments. The "Stables" now provide very much sought after accommodation. 
The Stables of Drumtochty Castle

The Stables are set in a magical place with loch, woodland and stream plus marked foot paths and cycle routes through Drumtochty Forest for 12.4 miles.
I must confess that it was such a luxury to be able to nip back to the Stables to refresh before the evening got underway.

With a tummy full of 'Stovies' everyone was fired up ready for the night of dancing and celebrations ahead.

For those of you not familiar with 'Stovies'...the recipes and ingredients vary widely, but the dish always contains potatoes and, variously, onions, leftover roast beef, corned beef, minced beef or other meat. The potatoes are cooked by stewing with fat and stock. To stove means to stew in Scottish. Lard, beef dripping or butter may be used. They maybe accompanied by oatcakes. 
I plan to have a go at making them at some stage and will no doubt post about it.


This photo is of my hubby standing on a chair in order to see more of the dance floor, where the ceilidh dancing was well under way. It's all a mystery to him as to how and where you are supposed to spin, whirl, swish and twirl...so trust me it's best he's out of the way! 
No, I won't go further as he is in a kilt after all...and I wouldn't wish that on any of you! ;D

The official wedding photography was Nicholas and Carol Frost Photography and if you enjoy looking at wedding photographs or maybe just want to see some really professional fantastic work then click here.
And so the happy couple are now ready to start their new life together. I'd love to tell you where they were heading for their honeymoon, but it was all a huge secret and I've yet to catch up to find out where their honeymoon destination was...for all I know they could still be there.

I'd love to hear any of your wedding stories...yes the successes and disasters!
My own wedding had quite a few disasters on the day, but we've just celebrated our 34th wedding anniversary, so whomever told me that the torrential thunder rain lashing down would bring us good luck must have known a thing or two! 
I apologise for my disbelief at the time because I thought they were just trying to be nice and distracting me from the 'pick up your dress and just make a run for the car' comments! 
Oh yes and the wedding car broke down on the way to collect me, so I arrived at the church very late..but the groom was still there, along with a huge sigh of relief as I finally got to the top of the aisle. 
Thankfully all the wedding party hadn't given up on me either! 

Have a fantastic weekend everyone!

24 comments:

  1. Enjoyed peeking in at what indeed was a Fairy Tale Wedding. You'll remember it always. Like your husbands shoes but did I miss what you wore? I'll have go back and look.

    Darla

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    1. I'm glad you enjoyed peeking Darla,
      I thought it was a special venue that people would enjoy. Especially if they haven't seen a castle up close and personal.
      I'll be posting about other castles over time because there are quite a few locally.

      Hehe...glad you liked the shoes too. On the topic of my outfit...no you didn't miss it...I'm respecting my own privacy! But I did look gorgeous! LOL ;D
      Maybe I'll send you a photo via email so you can get the full effect! HA!

      I hope you're enjoying your Sunday and I hope you have a great week ahead. :D
      xoxo

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  2. That really was a fairytale wedding! :)
    I can't believe the before and after pics of the stables! wow! Derelict is right!
    Those are some fancy shoes your sweetheart was wearing.
    What a treat! And you did respect their privacy and that of the guests, too.
    Thanks for sharing! :)

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    1. Wasn't it just Rita ;D
      I thought the before and after stable photos would be interesting for everyone to see.

      My sweatheart...(lol)...You should have seen his whole outfit...it nearly out done mine!!!
      Emphasis on the nearly!!!

      It was my pleasure to share the day with you. I'm so glad you enjoyed it :D
      xoxo

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  3. Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful! I know where the Bride and Groom have gone on their honeymoon - Cloud nine!!!

    Now do confess does your hubby own his own kilt and those shoes, or did he rent? Can he tap dance in them?

    Don't get me started on my wedding, it was in China at the Great Wall no less. But for some reason I had a Japanese wedding planner - lot's to get lost in translation!!!
    Wrenx

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    Replies
    1. I think you could be right on the honeymoon destination Wren ;D

      I have this terrible vision of my hubby tap-dancing now in a kilt!
      Firstly with being an Englishman he doesn't own a kilt, so had to hire the whole rig out and secondly he certainly can't tap-dance...well not unless he consumes copious amounts of whiskey...then he thinks he can!
      He did like the clip clop sound they made but thankfully he never thought to try to tap in them.

      Wow...I feel there's lots more to tell about your wedding day.
      You're the first person I've ever heard of who booked the Great Wall for their wedding venue...that must have cost fortune!

      Ready for another fun packed week to start...I hope it's a good one for you.

      Thanks for popping back to my place.
      Hopefully chat again soon xoxo

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  4. Gorgeous post, Love the photos.. Beautiful day had by all What a Stunning bride & groom...Love your Hubby's shoes... Thanks for sharing!! Hugs May x x x

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    Replies
    1. Thanks May...I'm happy you enjoyed the wedding and just think you didn't even need to buy a big hat! ;D
      It was lovely to be able to share the day with everyone there. The bride and groom looked so much in love.
      After their honeymoon they will be travelling back to Brisbane, Australia, so I'm hoping they won't forget us and they'll remember to send some warmth back over in the coming months.
      Obviously the weather we brought with us in our freight, has nearly disappeared.

      I hope you have a fabulous week ahead with lots of creativity.
      I'm planning some drawing which is making me quite excited. I need to get my 'thank you' cards done and posts asap. I can't believe we've been here a month now and I still haven't done them.
      xoxo

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  5. Well Neesie- this was beyond amazing! What a beautiful and magical place for a wedding. Your photos are just lovely--,you've given us a wonderful little tour. You were so lucky to attend a wedding in this beautiful place:)
    Vicki

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    Replies
    1. Aww thanks Vicki,
      I'm so glad you enjoyed visiting the castle. I have to say it was a fantastic weekend.
      A great way to re-introduce us into Scottish life ;D

      I hope you have a great week ahead.
      Thanks for popping by...it's always great to see you
      xoxo

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  6. What an amazing setting for a wedding! It sounds like so much fun! I love the old run down building too :)

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    1. That's the great thing about the castle...it isn't just about weddings. It can be used for lots of corporate activities or just a getaway. There's clay-pigeon shooting, fishing, golf, cycling and walks galore to name but a few.
      I loved seeing the transformation of the stables too. I wish they had a photo of the castle when it was a ruin for a comparison.
      It must have been one hefty renovation project! ;D

      Have fun this week and thanks for popping by.
      xoxo

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  7. I know, I know, it is ages since I visited or joined in WOYWW, I am a bad blogger....... The wedding looked fabulous, our D1 got married in a Scottish Castle too, a very memorable day. Your photos are, as ever, amazing. Hope you are enjoying your visit and thanks so much for visiting my blog, really do appreciate it! Hugs, Anne x

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    1. Me too Anne...dunna worry as they say ;D
      It's just great to see you whenever you can manage. I going now to try to draw for the first time in over seven weeks!!!
      Not that I'm counting!

      Just to let you know...we're not visiting...we're here for good! Yikes...yep done and dusted with the expat life.
      120 packing boxes prove that we're here and I'm not wanting to see anymore for a looooooooooooong time!

      Hugs to you too ((♥))

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  8. What a beautiful wedding venue! Sounds like a wonderful day.
    As for my own wedding disasters, there wasn't really one, although it was a super-hot day and very humid. I sort of remember it, but I was having such a wonderful time, I didn't really care!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Aww that's fantastic.
      I remember my face aching with constantly smiling throughout the day :D

      Thanks for stopping by.

      Have a great week whatever you have planned ;D

      Delete
  9. Hello, Neesie! Always so nice to hear from you, and wow! what a post I got to see! This is just beautiful! I bet you were thrilled to be there (my tummy would've flipped too!). Thank you for visiting my front porch in the rain post. Get those wellies--at least for yourself if not the puppy partner--you'll love them! ~Zuni

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    Replies
    1. And you too Zuni ;D
      I'm glad to hear that you liked the post...that's what it's all about.
      It's a very showery day here today, so I think wellies are going to be very necessary attire!
      I just need to decide on the pattern, colour, design...remember when all wellies were just plain green? :D

      I'm not sure if I should wish you a showery week, so that your wellies can have some adventures or not.
      Whatever...have fun!
      xoxo

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  10. What a romantic looking place for a fairy tale wedding! Thanks so much for sharing. We celebrated 34 this summer too though our day didn't have the drama it sounds like you had. Congrats to both of us for the longevity!

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    1. Drama seems to be what I do best Terrie, although all of the events of my wedding were not of my doing.
      Still it seems to have worked out.
      Congratulations on your 34 years too. ;D

      I hope you're having a great week...whatever you get up to have fun.
      I'll come and take a peek soon
      xoxo

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  11. What a fabulous day, talk about the whole fairy tale. The transformation of the stables is incredible. Loving your hubbies shoes and thanks for not showing what they wear under their kilts :) Sounds like your wedding was one you will never forget (he he). Hope you get to some art this week.
    Will write soon.
    Von xx

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    Replies
    1. I love the transformation of the stables too. It's modern but still has all the features. You just get the feel for what it must have been like years ago....without the stable smell (lol)

      I'm not getting into that debate of what's worn or not worn under a kilt...it's too early in the morning for that ;D

      I've managed to do a little drawing but only for about an hour or so...the trouble is the weather's so fine and I want to make the most of getting outdoors just in case my winter weather report above doesn't come true.

      Have a fabulous week with lots of creativity.
      Chat soon xoxo

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  12. Wow! I would like to visit the castle. What a great place for a wedding!

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    1. It was a fantastic venue for a wedding Patrice, but there's lots of castles here so hopefully over the coming months I'll be able to show you around a few ;D
      Have a great day whatever you have planned.

      Thanks for stopping by :D
      xoxo

      Delete

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