bride and groom kissing in front of a picturesque backdrop

Lesley and Matthew met at university in 2013. “We had been on the same course for a couple of years but had never really spoken,” says Lesley. “For our first date we went ice skating at the Christmas market in Aberdeen and then for some food. We got to know each other a bit before the date, so it meant we could really enjoy it. I just remember being so happy!”

Bride on the morning of her wedding reading a card from the groom

A proposal in the Lake District

The couple had been together for seven years before Mathew proposed in the Lake District. “It was a long time coming but was still so overwhelming, I was crying!” says Lesley. “Mathew made plans to propose in Barcelona and then in other places in Scotland, but the Covid restrictions kept on changing.”

“So, he decided that England was more likely to allow overnight stays and that would be the best place to pop the question. When he surprised me by saying we were going away the following day I had a suspicion that this might be the time!”

Bride with her bridesmaids in navy bridesmaids dresses

“We drove from Glasgow down to Windermere and Mathew took me up Orrest Head for beautiful views of the lake. He decided that it was too busy at the top, so we went to a field off the path and he got down on one knee. I was so excited to tell everyone. So we went back to the hotel and FaceTimed our close family and friends before going out for some fizz! The date was 20th July 2020.”

Bride posing with her dad in front of the wedding car

Shopping for the dress

"I had always wanted the 'big white wedding dress moment' but without the extortionate pricing that often comes with this,” says Lesley. 

Bride getting out of her wedding car

“I’d checked out WED2B online and found quite a few dresses I liked. I also liked how the sizing was very similar to the high street (not always the case in bridal) and how it felt special, yet casual.”

Bride walking down the aisle with her dad

“I found my dress in the Glasgow store and I also enjoyed being able to take the dress home straight away. It meant I could try it on again at home to make sure I was completely happy with it. I chose Roma. I loved the beading and the long train at the back and I felt really special in it.”

(For similar styles try Mallorie, Fae and Kindra)

Bride and Groom at their wedding ceremony

A countryside wedding venue

“We love the countryside and so wanted our wedding to reflect this,” says Lesley. “We chose the Trossachs Church in the heart of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. The church is tiny and right on the edge of Loch Achray."

Groom putting the ring on his bride's finger

“A close family friend is the minister there and he did a personal and intimate ceremony. Mathew and I then enjoyed a walk with the photographer afterwards, to get some shots in the area.”

Bride and Groom kissing outside their church wedding

“The reception was at Killearn Village Hall. From here there are views over Loch Lomond and the sunset was absolutely amazing. The venue was also a blank canvas for us to decorate however we wanted. We ordered different chairs to match the navy bridesmaids dresses, which were also from WED2B. The outdoor vibe with great views really suited us as a couple, so we knew it was right. The wedding was on 2nd April 2022.”

Bride and Groom walking through confetti outside their church wedding

The big day

“I got ready at my parents’ house with my parents, grandma and four bridesmaids,” says Lesley. “The weather forecast was for rain but it ended up being a sunny day with some clouds. We were so lucky.”

Wedding car pictured in the picturesque Scottish scenery

"We used family cars to get to the church and my dad walked me down the aisle. There were bagpipes as people arrived and we had a reading from Corinthians and from Everything I Know About Love by Dolly Alderton."

Bride and Groom embracing in front of a beautiful lake

“I was so nervous walking down the aisle, which caught me by surprise. I was very happy to get to the bottom and hold Mathew’s hand. It instantly calmed me down.”

Bride and Groom with yellow smoke surrounding them

Let’s party!

After the ceremony guests were transported by bus to Killearn Village Hall, where they enjoyed drinks in the sun while the newlyweds had some pictures taken. “Straight after the ceremony the children rang the church bell, which was lovely in the rural surroundings,” says Lesley. “Our first dance was to ‘Walking on the Waves’ by Skippinish. We’ve seen them play a few times and enjoy their music on road trips.”

Bride and Grooms wedding venue

Sunflowers and navy bridesmaid dresses

“We had sunflowers as our theme, with navy bridesmaids dresses to complement the yellow,” says Lesley. “I grew sunflowers with my papa when I was young, so this was a nod to him. We served beef Wellington for dinner, which was delicious. This was followed by a ceilidh for the whole night with sparklers outside when the band had a break.”

Bride and Grooms wedding cake

The best bits…

“I loved walking through tracks where we usually wear gym leggings and walking boots in a wedding dress,” says Lesley. “It was surreal and I really enjoyed it! The scenery and having all of our favourite people there was just incredible.”

My top tips

“I would set up a wedding email address to keep all your emails in one place. I also worked out what things were non-negotiable for me and stuck to them.”

Bride and Groom having their first dance

Lesley and Matthew’s Dream Team

Photographer: IMac Images Wedding Photography

Venue: Killearn Village Hall

Wedding dresses Glasgow: WED2B

Navy bridesmaids dresses: WED2B

Caterer: Three Sisters Bake

Florist: Narcissus Flowers

Bride and Groom with their guests lighting sparklers

If you would like us to feature your big day, like this Scottish wedding with its sunflowers and navy bridesmaids dresses, then please click here to share your story and photos with us and we’ll be in touch. Your nearest WED2B is closer than you think, click here for more details about WED2B’s bridal shops Glasgow