Laura & Jamie | Real Weddings at Bachilton Barn

How did you two meet?

We met in 2017 at our hockey club in London. Laura had been in the club for 3 years, Jamie for 18 months but never met before. Looking back we had been at the pitches and clubhouse on the same day a few times but never noticed each other. Then one open day we were randomly put in the same team and got butterflies immediately. Some Facebook stalking, hockey gossiping and a few drinks later and we were Facebook friends and arranged our 1st date by the end of the evening.

What was it that made you choose Bachilton Barn?

The pond and pagoda definitely pulled us in. But what made us choose Bachilton was that we loved that we could have the wedding WE wanted, with no expectation or rules. Having the whole venue and accommodation for the full weekend to ourselves made it more than a day for us. The flexibility of indoor or outdoor ceremony that we didnt have to commit to in advance was huge, and I still don’t think we were told “no” at any point, no matter what we asked for. There are so many rooms and spaces to make the most of and to get amazing pictures. Our photographer also loved the space in the rooms (especially during the ceremony) to sneak about and get pictures from all over- which we absolutely love for catching the little moments that mean so much.

What was important to you when planning your wedding?

Having someone to speak to throughout the planning to be sure everything works together. Having the freedom to choose vendors we wanted, but it was very helpful to have the recommended suppliers included with people who have sucvessfully been to Bachilton before. And we didn’t realise how much of a difference it is having a Kayleigh to run about after us to polish out home made wedding to make it look perfect. And she made everything run so smoothly on the day that if there were any hiccups, we still don’t know about them. Invaluable!

Tell us about your big day! What was your favourite part?

We had the absolute best weekend! We cannot and will not choose one bit, amd there’s not 1 thing we would change about it. Laura loved getting ready in the morning. Having been able to set up the night before and chatting to Kayleigh we knew everything was in good hands. So it was a proper chilled morning with the girls, getting ready and dancing about. The ceremony was beautiful. (We LOVED our arch!!!) And the ceremony was so personal it was great. The drinks reception in the sun with all our favourite people was the nicest feeling. We had a brilliant smores station, which the adults definitely enjoyed as much as the kids! And some lawn games which kept the kids (and adults) entertained. Then having some time just the 2 of us and our phenomal photographer who felt like a best friend was great to just relax and take the day in. When it came to food and drink, Regis could not have been better. The meal was great and went so smoothly. Then our band. They were just phenomenal. We had a mix of ceilidh and Normal music, and as expected the Scots and non-scots all loved the ceilidh! We definitely have some converts. Oh, and then the evening pizza truck, yes please! We only wish the day didn’t have to end. But as it had to end somewhere, the yurts were the perfect place for that!

What tips and tricks would you give to other couples planning their wedding?
Choose only what you as a couple want to do, don’t worry about what’s expected of you. It’s so easy to get carried away with planning, but actually keep it simple and trust your suppliers, that way you don’t need to worry or stress and you can just enjoy it all. On the day, don’t wear a watch. Everyone will make sure you are where you need to be when you need to be there (again, thanks Kayleigh). Without a watch you won’t constantly be checking the time and will be able to enjoy the moment. It’s going to be the nicest day that you’ll wish you can do over and over again.

How are you enjoying married life?

It’s just the best. We moved back to Scotland the month of our wedding, so it feels like a brand new start and it’s great. The wedding bubble keeps on going, getting our pictures has been a highlight as it feels like we can relive the day again and again. And we get some of our gift list gifts this week. We really are making this last as long as possible!

And finally… Shout out your fabulous suppliers:
THE best photographer about, worth every penny and more: Kirsty. We couldnt eate kirsty any higher if we tried! We were very lucky to find her and everyone should have a kirsty for their wedding @KirstyMcelroyphotography
Hair and make up making us all look like 10s, and making sure we were actually ready on time otherwise us girls could have been chilling for a few more hours @chloeballantinebridal
For the most beautiful flowers (that arch, and how great did she do with matching the flowers and bridesmaids dresses!!!) and the kindest lady @Michelle_at_cordonfarm
Humanist – David Bryant from Independant Humanist Ceremonies. He managed to make it all so personal and genuine. The most organised, professional and great tasting food and drink with brilliant service.
Not forgetting the most lovely tasting set up. @regisbanqueting
Brilliant s’mores station @chocolatefallsx
Beautiful tables @allwrappedupscotland
Evening pizza truck @lutisartisanfood
Delicious and beautiful cake @celebration_cake_station
The best band to keep the dance floor pumping and teaching the non Scots how to ceilidh @upbeatsmusic
Laura’s gorgeous dress (and best experience dress shopping) @teokathoutlet
Jamies kilt @macgregorandmacduff
Bridesmaid dresses @hopeivylondon

All images taken by Kirsty McElroy Photography and provided by Laura & Jamie.