James & Lou | Real Weddings at Bachilton Barn

Real Wedding

14 Feb

Written By Jess Smith

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How did you two meet?

We met through work when neither of us were really looking for it. In November 2021, I left the office to discover I had a flat tyre. James just so happened to be leaving at exactly the right time. The moment he was more than prepared for. His gallantry and chivalry (he wouldn’t let me take a turn) gave us the chance to chat properly for the first time.

What was it that made you choose Bachilton Barn?

How could we not? We both knew from the time we walked round that it was so magical and beautiful, we had to get married there. Views that looked gorgeous even on a moody miserable Scottish day; stunning spaces to make our own with features and fixtures already in place which are beautiful; accommodation on site so we could have our nearest and dearest so close by; the most helpful and lovely team on site.... Honestly, it was a no-brainer!

What was important to you when planning your wedding?

We wanted to make it really personal to us and we wanted everyone to have a really great time. Having a lot of family and friends on site was definitely a high priority.

Tell us about your big day! What was your favourite part?
Hmmm....from 1.30pm when the aisle music first went on until 1am when we left the venue. Honestly, we'd live the day over and over again if we could. If we had to be more specific, we loved the little things - the moment when the doors first opened and we saw each other for the first time that day. The confetti shot when my veil fell out but we just rolled with it. Kids running around playing and getting covered in mud before the meal had even began. Dancing in the gazebo with the moon rising behind us.

What tips and tricks would you give to other couples planning their wedding?

It's never too early to organise things - if you do a little bit a couple of nights a week, you'd be surprised how quickly it all comes together! Make sure you organise food for the morning of the wedding (for the groom and well and the bridal party!) Think about what beds are in each cottage (sofa beds in living rooms, bunkbeds etc.) and use a spreadsheet to drag and drop names to figure out the best use of the beds.

Trust your suppliers - they do it for a living and the advice they offer will be invaluable. No question is a daft one and they'll have an answer for you. Remember it is your day - don't make compromises to please other people. Have fun!! I know it can be stressful, especially the closer you get, but we had such great fun planning our day and chose to trust it would work out well on the day (which it did!).

How are you enjoying married life?

We're loving it so much. We constantly talk about how much we loved the day and never miss a chance to say "my husband" or "my wife". We look back on the photos and videos taken with such joy and we also can't wait for things to come in the future.

And finally… Shout out your fabulous suppliers: