Real Wedding: Shauna & Stephen, May 2023

11 Aug Real Wedding: Shauna & Stephen, May 2023

Pre-wedding
Shauna and Stephen had an incredible two-day wedding here at Dundas, with each day being just as memorable as the other. The couple travelled from the United States to marry in Scotland, paying tribute to their Scottish heritage.

To commence the celebrations, all 77 wedding guests were welcomed at Dundas with finger food and tipples; it was a perfect chance for everyone to meet and mingle. The wedding party enjoyed traditional highland games; trying their hand at ceilidh dancing and bagpiping too!

As evening approached, the guests dressed in their finest tartan trews, and were treated to a gin and whisky tasting. In honour of their heritage, haggis was served with grand regalia alongside a rendition of the famous Burns poem ‘Tae a Haggis’.

The evening drew to a close with a showstopping Beating of the Retreat, performed by a wonderful pipe band, whilst the Scottish and American flags were projected on the side of the Castle.

Wedding Day
The outstanding show from the day of arrival resulted in great anticipation for how incredible the wedding would be, and Shauna and Stephen created an unforgettable celebration.

Awoken by breakfast brought to the Winter suite, Shauna and her bridesmaids began getting ready. American and Scottish details were evident with the bride’s bespoke shoes having the Scottish and American flags designed on to them. Once Stephen and his groomsmen were suited and booted, they kept their pre-ceremony nerves at bay with a game of pool and some light bites in the Billiards Room.

As guests began to arrive, they were welcomed into the candle-lit Auld Keep for the ceremony, which had a gorgeous half-floral arch statement piece at the entrance. Stephen waited at the alter as the original castle bell was tolled and the bagpipes signalled the bride’s arrival.

Following the beautiful union of the couple, everyone made their way to the front of the Castle to enjoy live music and a drink from the ‘Tipple in a Tuk Tuk’ van. The happy newlyweds set off in a traditional wedding car around the estate to capture their first pictures as a married couple.

Shauna and Stephen reunited with their wedding party and cut their cake in front of the Castle with the sun shining down on them, and the first toast was raised to the new Mr and Mrs.

An abundance of candles and summery floral arrangements created the perfect setting for the wedding breakfast and speeches in the Pavilion. The night was brought to a close with a brilliant live band, a delicious buffet and a spectacular firework display; guests enjoyed boozy hot chocolate whilst they stood and watched the dazzling finale of this very special wedding celebration.

Quote from Shauna: “Dundas Castle was simply the most amazing experience of our lives. The 2-day wedding event was simply breathtaking. The staff, the grounds, and the entire experience was magical. I had been to many castle locations in Scotland, but Dundas had everything – my guests commented over and over again that our two-day wedding at Dundas was the best event they had ever been to. Thanks for everything!”