Lauren & Brian’s Real Wedding

Eight years after meeting in an Edinburgh bar on a night out, Lauren and Brian Taylor got married at Edinburgh Castle. Brian created a surprise proposal for Lauren by hiding an engagement ring in the glove compartment of his car and the newly engaged couple spent the following 2 years planning their fairytale wedding.

<img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/13/2019/04/02dadf1d2694fd246a65e9bdffaa10d1-f2f1473.jpg?quality=90&lb=1600,1600&background=white" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/13/2019/04/02dadf1d2694fd246a65e9bdffaa10d1-f2f1473.jpg?quality=90&lb=1456,1456&background=white 1456w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/13/2019/04/02dadf1d2694fd246a65e9bdffaa10d1-f2f1473.jpg?quality=90&lb=1112,1112&background=white 1112w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/13/2019/04/02dadf1d2694fd246a65e9bdffaa10d1-f2f1473.jpg?quality=90&lb=940,940&background=white 940w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/13/2019/04/02dadf1d2694fd246a65e9bdffaa10d1-f2f1473.jpg?quality=90&lb=728,728&background=white 728w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/13/2019/04/02dadf1d2694fd246a65e9bdffaa10d1-f2f1473.jpg?quality=90&lb=556,556&background=white 556w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/13/2019/04/02dadf1d2694fd246a65e9bdffaa10d1-f2f1473.jpg?quality=90&lb=355,355&background=white 355w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/13/2019/04/02dadf1d2694fd246a65e9bdffaa10d1-f2f1473.jpg?quality=90&lb=340,340&background=white 340w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/13/2019/04/02dadf1d2694fd246a65e9bdffaa10d1-f2f1473.jpg?quality=90&lb=320,320&background=white 320w, " sizes="(min-width: 992px) 940px, (min-width: 768px) 728px, (min-width: 576px) 556px, calc(100vw - 20px)" width="1600" height="1600" class="wp-image-35874 alignnone size-full img-container__image" alt="real-wedding-1coupletaylor18dec11-hero" title="real-wedding-1coupletaylor18dec11-hero"> Lauren and Brian Lauren and Brian met after she moved to Edinburgh aged just 18 to study professional dance. Lauren spotted Brian in a bar, when he was out with the Pipe Band after competing that day. He caught her eye as he was dressed in a kilt, so she made the first move to spark up conversation.

They married in Edinburgh Castle and celebrated an intimate ceremony in front of 40 guests, before moving on to The George Hotel. A further 100 guests were then invited to attend the wedding breakfast and reception party late into the night.

With a wedding date close to Christmas the Kings Hall inside The George Hotel was transformed into a festive wonderland, with wreaths and baubles bedecking the columns, and a large, decadent chandelier illuminating the room.

Brian & Lauren’s supplier list Photography by: Alan Watson Photography <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/13/2019/04/b993ce98dc2c84d9a45051d481fda6ff-267f959.jpg?quality=90&lb=1600,1600&background=white" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/13/2019/04/b993ce98dc2c84d9a45051d481fda6ff-267f959.jpg?quality=90&lb=1456,1456&background=white 1456w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/13/2019/04/b993ce98dc2c84d9a45051d481fda6ff-267f959.jpg?quality=90&lb=1112,1112&background=white 1112w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/13/2019/04/b993ce98dc2c84d9a45051d481fda6ff-267f959.jpg?quality=90&lb=940,940&background=white 940w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/13/2019/04/b993ce98dc2c84d9a45051d481fda6ff-267f959.jpg?quality=90&lb=728,728&background=white 728w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/13/2019/04/b993ce98dc2c84d9a45051d481fda6ff-267f959.jpg?quality=90&lb=556,556&background=white 556w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/13/2019/04/b993ce98dc2c84d9a45051d481fda6ff-267f959.jpg?quality=90&lb=355,355&background=white 355w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/13/2019/04/b993ce98dc2c84d9a45051d481fda6ff-267f959.jpg?quality=90&lb=340,340&background=white 340w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/13/2019/04/b993ce98dc2c84d9a45051d481fda6ff-267f959.jpg?quality=90&lb=320,320&background=white 320w, " sizes="(min-width: 992px) 940px, (min-width: 768px) 728px, (min-width: 576px) 556px, calc(100vw - 20px)" width="1600" height="1600" class="wp-image-35875 alignnone size-full img-container__image" alt="a-dream-wedding-gown" title="a-dream-wedding-gown">

A Dream Wedding Gown When it came to the dress, Lauren had known the style of gown she wanted ever since she was a little girl, but struggled to find a real-life dress that jumped out at her when searching through boutiques and magazines. Then she discovered ‘Hollywood Dreams’ online and instantly knew she’d wear one of their gorgeous gowns. The images alone gave her goose bumps!

After trying on nine Hollywood Dreams dresses at Perfect Bridal Rooms in Aberdeen, Lauren knew the last one she tried on was the one. The ‘Rochelle’ dress featured a corset decorated with Swarovski crystals, and the silk and taffeta skirt opened up at the back to reveal a lace and organza train, also with Swarovski detailing.

She accessorised with Benjamin Adams ivory peep-toe platform heels. Naturally, they too were covered in Swarovski crystals! As Lauren bought her shoes before her dress, she had to make sure the dress matched the heels, rather than vice-versa.

Brian & Lauren’s supplier list Wedding Shoes by: Paradox London Pink Wedding Dresses by: Hollywood Dreams Photography by: Alan Watson Photography Bridalwear Shop by: Perfect Bridal Rooms <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/13/2019/04/f5b44302f53661576b2f30cbbfc33a2b-db1314e.jpg?quality=90&lb=2822,2822&background=white" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/13/2019/04/f5b44302f53661576b2f30cbbfc33a2b-db1314e.jpg?quality=90&lb=1880,1880&background=white 1880w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/13/2019/04/f5b44302f53661576b2f30cbbfc33a2b-db1314e.jpg?quality=90&lb=1456,1456&background=white 1456w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/13/2019/04/f5b44302f53661576b2f30cbbfc33a2b-db1314e.jpg?quality=90&lb=1112,1112&background=white 1112w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/13/2019/04/f5b44302f53661576b2f30cbbfc33a2b-db1314e.jpg?quality=90&lb=940,940&background=white 940w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/13/2019/04/f5b44302f53661576b2f30cbbfc33a2b-db1314e.jpg?quality=90&lb=728,728&background=white 728w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/13/2019/04/f5b44302f53661576b2f30cbbfc33a2b-db1314e.jpg?quality=90&lb=556,556&background=white 556w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/13/2019/04/f5b44302f53661576b2f30cbbfc33a2b-db1314e.jpg?quality=90&lb=355,355&background=white 355w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/13/2019/04/f5b44302f53661576b2f30cbbfc33a2b-db1314e.jpg?quality=90&lb=340,340&background=white 340w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/13/2019/04/f5b44302f53661576b2f30cbbfc33a2b-db1314e.jpg?quality=90&lb=320,320&background=white 320w, " sizes="(min-width: 992px) 940px, (min-width: 768px) 728px, (min-width: 576px) 556px, calc(100vw - 20px)" width="2822" height="2822" class="wp-image-35876 alignnone size-full img-container__image" alt="five-bridesmaids" title="five-bridesmaids">

Five Bridesmaids Lauren had five bridesmaids; her two best friends, Jenny and Mimi, Brian’s two sisters Louise and Sammy and her own sister Vikki as her chief bridesmaid.

After struggling to find the dark red dresses she was dreaming of for her bridesmaids, Lauren sent images of a designer dress she loved to a dressmaker, in order to recreate the dress, therefore saving money. The bridesmaids wore taffeta, strapless, floor length dresses with boned corsets and a waterfall train at the back.

The Christmas theme continued as the bridesmaids teamed their red gowns with satin heels and cream faux-fur wraps tied with matching gold ribbon. Lauren and Brian had given the girls personalised goody bags, filled with customised champagne flutes, chocolate and candles as a wedding thank you gift. They also gave each girl a delicate gold necklace and earrings, which they all wore on the day.

Brian & Lauren’s supplier list Photography by: Alan Watson Photography <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/13/2019/04/cc8840294cc302d6e6028f5f10ef7476-6d8a31a.jpg?quality=90&lb=1600,1600&background=white" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/13/2019/04/cc8840294cc302d6e6028f5f10ef7476-6d8a31a.jpg?quality=90&lb=1456,1456&background=white 1456w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/13/2019/04/cc8840294cc302d6e6028f5f10ef7476-6d8a31a.jpg?quality=90&lb=1112,1112&background=white 1112w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/13/2019/04/cc8840294cc302d6e6028f5f10ef7476-6d8a31a.jpg?quality=90&lb=940,940&background=white 940w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/13/2019/04/cc8840294cc302d6e6028f5f10ef7476-6d8a31a.jpg?quality=90&lb=728,728&background=white 728w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/13/2019/04/cc8840294cc302d6e6028f5f10ef7476-6d8a31a.jpg?quality=90&lb=556,556&background=white 556w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/13/2019/04/cc8840294cc302d6e6028f5f10ef7476-6d8a31a.jpg?quality=90&lb=355,355&background=white 355w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/13/2019/04/cc8840294cc302d6e6028f5f10ef7476-6d8a31a.jpg?quality=90&lb=340,340&background=white 340w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/13/2019/04/cc8840294cc302d6e6028f5f10ef7476-6d8a31a.jpg?quality=90&lb=320,320&background=white 320w, " sizes="(min-width: 992px) 940px, (min-width: 768px) 728px, (min-width: 576px) 556px, calc(100vw - 20px)" width="1600" height="1600" class="wp-image-35877 alignnone size-full img-container__image" alt="traditional-scottish-groomswear-2" title="traditional-scottish-groomswear-2">

Traditional Scottish Groomswear As Brian is in the Army, the Royal Regiment of Scotland, he wore his dress uniform for the wedding. His best man also is also in the Army, so he wore the same kilt as Brian in order to match.

Brian’s uniform was Scottish Infantry Number One Dress, and his kilt was Cameron of Erracht tartan, which is a heavy-duty kilt. He wore his medals for his operational tours of duty of Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan.

The piper at the ceremony was a close friend of Brian’s and also served in the same regiment, so he was able to wear the same uniform to match the groom and his best man.

Brian & Lauren’s supplier list Photography by: Alan Watson Photography <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/13/2019/04/57c16ae9cf66904a10f66c16221aaf80-3ddbd05.jpg?quality=90&lb=1600,1600&background=white" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/13/2019/04/57c16ae9cf66904a10f66c16221aaf80-3ddbd05.jpg?quality=90&lb=1456,1456&background=white 1456w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/13/2019/04/57c16ae9cf66904a10f66c16221aaf80-3ddbd05.jpg?quality=90&lb=1112,1112&background=white 1112w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/13/2019/04/57c16ae9cf66904a10f66c16221aaf80-3ddbd05.jpg?quality=90&lb=940,940&background=white 940w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/13/2019/04/57c16ae9cf66904a10f66c16221aaf80-3ddbd05.jpg?quality=90&lb=728,728&background=white 728w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/13/2019/04/57c16ae9cf66904a10f66c16221aaf80-3ddbd05.jpg?quality=90&lb=556,556&background=white 556w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/13/2019/04/57c16ae9cf66904a10f66c16221aaf80-3ddbd05.jpg?quality=90&lb=355,355&background=white 355w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/13/2019/04/57c16ae9cf66904a10f66c16221aaf80-3ddbd05.jpg?quality=90&lb=340,340&background=white 340w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/13/2019/04/57c16ae9cf66904a10f66c16221aaf80-3ddbd05.jpg?quality=90&lb=320,320&background=white 320w, " sizes="(min-width: 992px) 940px, (min-width: 768px) 728px, (min-width: 576px) 556px, calc(100vw - 20px)" width="1600" height="1600" class="wp-image-35878 alignnone size-full img-container__image" alt="horse-drawn-carriage" title="horse-drawn-carriage">

Horse Drawn Carriage The couple got married at Edinburgh Castle, but chose to have their reception at the 4 star George Hotel as they wanted an intimate ceremony but a larger reception.

The bride arrived with her father at Edinburgh castle in a traditional, dark wood horse and carriage, from Ken Ruthven Carriage Horses. The rest of the wedding party travelled in a stretch Chrysler from AK Stretch Limousines. In order to keep things running smoothly, the couple organised an AAA Coaches coach to transport their guests from the castle to the reception, which was greatly appreciated.

Lauren and Brian had a civil ceremony in the Gatehouse Suite at the castle, and the bride walked down the aisle to Elbow’s ‘One Day Like This’. The readings came from her sister Vikki and best friend Mimi, and were both emotional and heartfelt.

Brian & Lauren’s supplier list Photography by: Alan Watson Photography Cars and Travel by: Ken Ruthven Carriage Horses Cars and Travel by: AK Stretch Limousines Cars and Travel by: AAA Coaches <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/13/2019/04/448ab9696f2d11ebdebe8df2685b26b3-01ec56b.jpg?quality=90&lb=1600,1600&background=white" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/13/2019/04/448ab9696f2d11ebdebe8df2685b26b3-01ec56b.jpg?quality=90&lb=1456,1456&background=white 1456w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/13/2019/04/448ab9696f2d11ebdebe8df2685b26b3-01ec56b.jpg?quality=90&lb=1112,1112&background=white 1112w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/13/2019/04/448ab9696f2d11ebdebe8df2685b26b3-01ec56b.jpg?quality=90&lb=940,940&background=white 940w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/13/2019/04/448ab9696f2d11ebdebe8df2685b26b3-01ec56b.jpg?quality=90&lb=728,728&background=white 728w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/13/2019/04/448ab9696f2d11ebdebe8df2685b26b3-01ec56b.jpg?quality=90&lb=556,556&background=white 556w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/13/2019/04/448ab9696f2d11ebdebe8df2685b26b3-01ec56b.jpg?quality=90&lb=355,355&background=white 355w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/13/2019/04/448ab9696f2d11ebdebe8df2685b26b3-01ec56b.jpg?quality=90&lb=340,340&background=white 340w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/13/2019/04/448ab9696f2d11ebdebe8df2685b26b3-01ec56b.jpg?quality=90&lb=320,320&background=white 320w, " sizes="(min-width: 992px) 940px, (min-width: 768px) 728px, (min-width: 576px) 556px, calc(100vw - 20px)" width="1600" height="1600" class="wp-image-35879 alignnone size-full img-container__image" alt="the-kings-hall" title="the-kings-hall">

The Kings Hall Lauren and Brian got married just one week before Christmas, and although they opted not to have a theme as such, they wanted to have the appropriate colourings and materials for the time of year. Dark red and gold touches were featured around the room, which matched the bridesmaids’ outfits and Brian’s uniform as well.

Guests dined on canapés and a meal consisting of potato and parmesan soup, ballontine of chicken filled with haggis and macerated strawberry shortbread delice, under the stunning chandelier in the Kings Hall.

The piper played as the bride and groom entered the hotel, where they greeted their guests and a champagne reception. As a surprise for Brian and their guests, dance teacher Lauren had a group of her students perform four dances that she had choreographed especially for the occasion. They had a traditional ceilidh to get the guests mingling, followed by a disco, by ‘The Ceilidh Experience’.

Brian & Lauren’s supplier list Photography by: Alan Watson Photography Venue by: Edinburgh Castle Venue by: The George Hotel <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/13/2019/04/6a9ca554a0eb402ebfc8a4a42c7a0524-18de961.jpg?quality=90&lb=1600,1600&background=white" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/13/2019/04/6a9ca554a0eb402ebfc8a4a42c7a0524-18de961.jpg?quality=90&lb=1456,1456&background=white 1456w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/13/2019/04/6a9ca554a0eb402ebfc8a4a42c7a0524-18de961.jpg?quality=90&lb=1112,1112&background=white 1112w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/13/2019/04/6a9ca554a0eb402ebfc8a4a42c7a0524-18de961.jpg?quality=90&lb=940,940&background=white 940w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/13/2019/04/6a9ca554a0eb402ebfc8a4a42c7a0524-18de961.jpg?quality=90&lb=728,728&background=white 728w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/13/2019/04/6a9ca554a0eb402ebfc8a4a42c7a0524-18de961.jpg?quality=90&lb=556,556&background=white 556w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/13/2019/04/6a9ca554a0eb402ebfc8a4a42c7a0524-18de961.jpg?quality=90&lb=355,355&background=white 355w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/13/2019/04/6a9ca554a0eb402ebfc8a4a42c7a0524-18de961.jpg?quality=90&lb=340,340&background=white 340w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/13/2019/04/6a9ca554a0eb402ebfc8a4a42c7a0524-18de961.jpg?quality=90&lb=320,320&background=white 320w, " sizes="(min-width: 992px) 940px, (min-width: 768px) 728px, (min-width: 576px) 556px, calc(100vw - 20px)" width="1600" height="1600" class="wp-image-35880 alignnone size-full img-container__image" alt="elegant-reception-tables" title="elegant-reception-tables">

Elegant Reception Tables The wedding reception tables were decorated with candelabras and cream roses with trails of ivy. Lit candles framed the floral arrangements, and the ivory table cloths were teamed with gold chair sashes.

Each table was decorated with tea lights, chocolate hearts wrapped in gold foil, and a sprinkling of red and gold crystals. Ivory and gold disposable cameras were also placed on each table, so the guests could take photos freely.

As Brian is in the army, Lauren decided it would be a good idea to buy favours for the guests from the charity ‘Help for Heroes’. They gave all their guests charity bangles, and for the men, included medal-style pins. The female guests also received small heart shaped soaps which were sourced online. Information leaflets about ‘Help for Heroes’ were provided with each favour so guests could learn more about the charity.

Brian & Lauren’s supplier list Photography by: Alan Watson Photography <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/13/2019/04/5fb7fbd3c987ccb202ad7b08f37250d3-d72d9a6.jpg?quality=90&lb=1600,1600&background=white" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/13/2019/04/5fb7fbd3c987ccb202ad7b08f37250d3-d72d9a6.jpg?quality=90&lb=1456,1456&background=white 1456w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/13/2019/04/5fb7fbd3c987ccb202ad7b08f37250d3-d72d9a6.jpg?quality=90&lb=1112,1112&background=white 1112w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/13/2019/04/5fb7fbd3c987ccb202ad7b08f37250d3-d72d9a6.jpg?quality=90&lb=940,940&background=white 940w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/13/2019/04/5fb7fbd3c987ccb202ad7b08f37250d3-d72d9a6.jpg?quality=90&lb=728,728&background=white 728w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/13/2019/04/5fb7fbd3c987ccb202ad7b08f37250d3-d72d9a6.jpg?quality=90&lb=556,556&background=white 556w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/13/2019/04/5fb7fbd3c987ccb202ad7b08f37250d3-d72d9a6.jpg?quality=90&lb=355,355&background=white 355w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/13/2019/04/5fb7fbd3c987ccb202ad7b08f37250d3-d72d9a6.jpg?quality=90&lb=340,340&background=white 340w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/13/2019/04/5fb7fbd3c987ccb202ad7b08f37250d3-d72d9a6.jpg?quality=90&lb=320,320&background=white 320w, " sizes="(min-width: 992px) 940px, (min-width: 768px) 728px, (min-width: 576px) 556px, calc(100vw - 20px)" width="1600" height="1600" class="wp-image-35881 alignnone size-full img-container__image" alt="white-chocolate-wedding-cake-2" title="white-chocolate-wedding-cake-2">

White Chocolate Wedding Cake The wedding cake was four tiers of chocolate heaven, from Goodfellow’s Cakes. It was made from chocolate sponge, with a chocolate butter cream. The outside was decorated with white chocolate straws and curls, and it featured pretty handmade white chocolate roses cascading down one side.

Lauren wanted a traditional cake with a modern twist, hence why she opted for chocolate filling. Although she liked the idea of cupcakes, Lauren was aware that such a grand venue required a cake to match, therefore she felt cupcakes wouldn’t suit.

Lauren and Brian arranged for the cake to be cut up and put in personalised boxes made of ivory card, with their names and the wedding date embossed in gold. The cake boxes were served with a late night buffet of bacon rolls.