As the sun began to set on Fife, Scotland, Emma and Alister’s autumnal wedding celebration unfolded like a dream. The bohemian rustic charm of their Falside Mill wedding was perfectly captured by Martin Venherm Photography, whose extraordinary shots bring the magic of their special day to life. The couple’s love for cozy romance shone through in every detail, from the soft glow of candles and moody lighting to the whimsical touch of wedding sparklers and a crackling fire pit – a testament to their entrepreneurial spirit, as they’ve since launched Firepit Hire Scotland. With Emma and Alister’s stylish attire, picturesque seaside backdrop, and infectious joy, it’s impossible not to be inspired by their unforgettable celebration.
Falside Mill Wedding
The Proposal
Our first adventure together took us to Crail in the East Neuk of Fife, a picturesque destination that holds a special place in our hearts. Fast forward five years, Ally proposed to me at the same breathtaking location in February 2019. The atmosphere was nothing short of enchanting – he had set the scene with twinkling fairy lights, candles, and a crackling fire pit overlooking the coast. To make the moment even more unforgettable, he arranged for a camera to capture the surprise proposal, allowing us to relive the magic whenever we want or share it with our daughter in the years to come.
The Vision
We aimed to create a lively and personalized wedding celebration that truly reflected our relationship. To achieve this, we opted for a DIY-style wedding, which allowed us to infuse every aspect with our unique touch. The East Neuk of Fife held special significance for us, making it the perfect location for our big day. Although planning required significant effort, selecting each vendor enabled us to craft an experience that was deeply meaningful and satisfying. We devoted considerable thought to the smallest details, hoping they would collectively make a lasting impression on our guests. After weathering the challenges of COVID-19 and ultimately postponing our wedding by a year, we were overjoyed to finally bring everyone together for a joyous celebration.
The Venue
Your Outfits
After considering various dress options at bridal studios, I finally had a clear idea of what I was looking for. However, that perfect find remained elusive! It wasn’t until my mum stumbled upon a stunning dress on stillwhite.com that I took the plunge and purchased it. When the dress arrived, I was thrilled to discover that it exceeded my expectations, radiating even more beauty in person than its online appearance. The idea of re-wearing a dress also appealed to me as an eco-friendly approach. The unique design of the dress led me to commission a bespoke veil from Nutmeg Couture’s Megan and her team, who simultaneously made some alterations to the dress. I was utterly enamored with my dress and veil, appreciating their distinctiveness. Meanwhile, Alister opted for a custom kilt from MacGregor and MacDuff in the ‘Arran Mist’ tartan, which he chose simply because it resonated with him. His best men, ushers, and dad all donned this tartan on our special day as well. The connection to our family’s history on the Isle of Arran – where we’ve spent over 50 years vacationing – made the choice even more meaningful.
The Ceremony & Music
As we exchanged vows at our Humanist ceremony, led by celebrant Marnie Roadburg, we aimed to make it a unique reflection of ourselves – with plenty of humor woven throughout to keep things relaxed and enjoyable. Having my Gran and Mum walk me down the aisle was an unforgettable moment that surprisingly became one of my favorite parts of the day! Our 6-month-old daughter sat with Alister’s mom in the front row, adding an extra layer of warmth and love to the atmosphere. After a 400-day wait (thanks, COVID!), we were overjoyed to finally be marrying each other – literally! To set the tone for our guests’ relaxation and enjoyment, Ally curated playlists that blended various genres to cater to our diverse guest list’s ages and tastes. He described his musical mission as creating soulful, eclectic, and party-filled vibes – a perfect match for our joyous celebration!
Your Photographer & Filmmaker
After conducting extensive research, my partner and I finally connected with Martin Venherm over a cup of coffee. The meeting went exceptionally well, and we quickly clicked with him. This was crucial for us since neither of us is particularly fond of having our photos taken. We were determined to find someone who would make us feel at ease on the day of the wedding, and we’re thrilled that Martin fit the bill. Our wedding photographs are truly breathtaking – we adore them and are grateful for choosing him as our photographer.In terms of videography, we worked with Dave from Amarone Wedding Films. He was a pleasure to communicate with prior to the wedding, and his friendly demeanor made it easy to be around him on the day. We’re delighted with our final video product, which exceeded our expectations. Additionally, Dave was accommodating when we requested guest testimonials at a reasonable extra cost – it was a lovely added touch that we appreciated.
The Styling & Decor
With unwavering dedication to crafting the perfect ambiance for their special day, the couple’s attention to detail was evident as they brought their boho rustic vision to life. Elaine from Fifty Six Events was instrumental in bringing their vision to fruition, combining her impressive styling skills with carefully curated props and personal touches. As the big day approached, the excitement grew as the couple watched their ideas take shape – a true testament to the power of collaboration and imagination.
The Autumnal hues Jill brought to the floristry were nothing short of breathtaking, featuring burnt orange, peach, blush pink, creamy white, and lush greenery. As the October chill set in, the warm tones helped create a cozy atmosphere that enveloped their loved ones. Meanwhile, Ronnie from All Wrapped Up worked his magic to create stunning candle fireplaces, which served as inviting nooks for guests to relax and unwind.
The pièce de résistance was undoubtedly the cake, masterfully crafted by Sarah – a dear friend of the bride’s sister – in a thoughtful gesture. Like many other styling elements, it was a labor of love, with personal touches including confetti cones adorned with dried petals, a pallet display showcasing their story through photographs, table names and signage, as well as an order of service cleverly stencilled onto a pallet.
्नTo top it all off, the couple also created their own favors in the form of charming seaside cottages crafted from wood and painted white with vibrant front doors – a sweet reminder of their special day.
The Honeymoon
As the COVID-19 pandemic and caring for our 6-month-old baby put our initial honeymoon plans on hold, we instead opted for a long weekend getaway to Croatia in June – eight months after tying the knot. It was a lovely respite from the usual parental chaos.
While we do have a longer trip planned for next year, it’s likely that we’ll bring our little one along and make it more of a family vacation than a traditional honeymoon. Still, we’re excited to take some quality time together as a new family and create lasting memories.
Memorable Moments
As Emma prepared to say her vows, she was surrounded by loved ones, walking hand-in-hand with her Gran and Mum down the aisle. The atmosphere was filled with joy and anticipation, setting the tone for an unforgettable celebration. Later that night, Emma let loose with friends and family, grooving to the band’s lively beats under the stars. Meanwhile, she cherished the rare opportunity to pose for photos at Kingsbarns beach, embracing the carefree spirit of the day alongside her wellies and wedding finery – a truly unique and treasured experience.
