Modern love in the Northeast can start in unexpected places. For Claire and Matt, it was Tinder that did the matchmaking, with a first date at Lairhillock sealing the deal. We knew right away this was something different, Claire smiles.

Fast forward to December 2023, when Matt proposed during a snowy dog walk. The storm was wild, we were trudging through snow with the dogs and suddenly Matt was down on one knee. I honestly thought he was joking at first!

Planning weddings is usually Claire’s day job through her business Illumin8 Events – so to be on the other side was a surreal experience. “I knew my suppliers straight away, so the process was easy, but I had to remind myself this was our wedding, not someone else’s styled shoot!”

The first priority was the venue and Logie Country House owners Tim and Steph made the couple feel instantly at home. “Once we had Logie, everything else slotted into place,” said Claire.

Her vision was to flip the script and create a ballroom design that felt new and different, not like work. And with industry pals from Hays Florist, Northeast Events and Without a Hitch by her side, it was a dream team effort.

The bride: Claire’s Suzanne Neville gown from Perfect Bridal Rooms was understated elegance at its finest, clean lines, timeless fabric, and the confidence to let her statement hairstyle by Gemma Taylor take centre stage. Alterations by Martine Blair were the
finishing touch.

The groom: Matt, with son Spencer at his side, headed to Mitchell Scott for sharp, contemporary tailoring. “They made it so easy to pull everything together,” says Claire.

The squad: A close-knit bridal party, with Matt’s lifelong friend (also Matt) as best man, daughter Neave as flower girl in white to echo her mum, and Spencer suiting up as
ring bearer.

The Friday night before, guests settled in with pizza at Logie - relaxed, informal and very “them”.

The wedding morning brought a lovely calm. While Matt hit the gym in true-to-form fashion, Claire enjoyed a laughter-filled prep session with family and bridesmaids. Luna, the family dog, trotted between rooms and Gemma Taylor, one of Claire’s closest friends, styled hair in the bridal suite.

The ceremony itself was led by the one and only Neil Mellis, known throughout the industry for his warmth and humour. Personal vows, readings from Matt’s sisters and a candle-lighting ritual made it deeply personal. “Neil made it feel like a true reflection of us,” says Claire.

The moment that stole the show, however, was Neave’s piano performance as her parents walked back down the aisle. Self-taught, she played the couple’s chosen song flawlessly, which Claire described as “honestly spine-tingling”.

Hudson’s delivered a wedding breakfast guests are still raving about. Speeches were full of heartfelt words and laughter, with hardly a dry eye in sight.

Claire and Matt had rehearsed their first dance for months to Luke Combs’ Forever After All. I forgot every move the second the song started,” laughs Claire, “but it just added to the hilarity and joy of the moment.

Entertainment was top-notch: Brodie from Standing Ovation kept the LED dancefloor alive, before More Than Sax brought a surprise ‘power hour’, a gift from friend Tracy at Without a Hitch. Guests spilled outdoors to enjoy Portsoy Ice Creams under the spring sunshine, giving the celebration that perfect summer-party vibe.

When asked for their highlights, Claire reels off a list: Our vows. Neave on the piano. Spencer’s little panic about losing the rings. Everyone mingling in the sunshine. And Luna being there with us.

Her biggest piece of advice? “Don’t sweat the small stuff. It’s the people and moments you’ll remember, not whether the décor
was perfect.

The couple jetted off to Greece the very next day for a week of much-needed sunshine and relaxation. It was exactly what we needed after months of build-up, Claire says.