From Friends to Forever

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From Friends to Forever

Let's dive into the enchanting love story of Laura Douglas and Lee Dawson who tied the knot on 20 May 2023, celebrating at not one but two of the Northeast’s stunning venues.

Their Haddo House and Meldrum House Hotel nuptials were nothing short of
a fairytale…

Laura and Lee's love story began just over 10 years ago. Fast forward a decade and Lee decided to make it official by proposing on the top terrace of her parents' villa in Turkey. The engagement was a complete surprise and the ring from Rox added a touch of sparkle to their already glittering romance.

Before they said: 'I do' they celebrated in style – Laura had a blast with a Mamma Mia-themed home hen and a trip to Benidorm with her closest friends. Lee, on the other hand, jetted off to Prague with 17 mates for a memorable stag do, just a week before the big day.

The couple had a two-and-a-half-year planning journey, which helped them make sure their dream wedding would be free from any unexpected worries. They took charge of planning themselves and the groom took the lead on some parts (mainly tasting
cake samples)!

Their priority was selecting the perfect venue – and they picked two! For Laura there was no doubt that Haddo House was the place for their ceremony. The enchanting, picturesque location held a special place in their hearts and they'd often visited with their dog. It proved the ideal backdrop for a fairytale wedding where they envisioned a traditional ceremony with Bridgerton vibes… Followed by an all-night party at nearby Meldrum House Hotel, which they’d also fallen in love with.

While Haddo retained its timeless elegance, White Wedding Co brought the to-be-weds’ romantic vision to life at Meldrum with dreamy flower walls, picture-perfect archways, pretty blossom table centrepieces and more – all in a pink, silver and white colour scheme.

Laura visited two bridal shops and while the first left her with mixed emotions, the second – Perfect Bridal Rooms – was a dream come true as Nadiah, her consultant, helped her find the modern, lacy, sparkly dress that captured her heart. To complete her look, she added pearl details, and Quality Alterations in Dyce ensured her dress fit like a glove.

Laura and Lee

On the wedding morning, Laura and her ‘maids enjoyed a relaxed and heartwarming time at her family home while Lee and his groomsmen got ready at Meldrum, taking photos and having a tipple or two. They said their vows in a traditional Christian ceremony at Haddo, conducted beautifully by Dr. Rev. Alison Swindells, before heading out to the manicured gardens. The newlyweds and their guests were serenaded by the Rococo String Quartet, and canapés and endless prosecco and beer kept everyone in high spirits before they headed to Meldrum for the reception.

Reflecting on the day, Laura and Lee remember their highlight as their entrance into the evening meal when everyone stood up to clap for them. But the end of the evening, when Loch Lomond played and everyone got teary-eyed, was also special.

Afterwards, they jetted off to Thailand for a three-week adventure – the perfect way to extend their wedding bubble.

For all the couples planning their own magical day, Laura and Lee offer this advice: "Enjoy the process, take your time, and savour every moment. We couldn’t agree more!"

Laura and Lee

Laura and Lee

Laura's Little White Book

Alterations: Quality Alterations

Band: The Lockhearts

Bridal outfit and accessories: Perfect Bridal Rooms

Bridesmaids’ outfits: Perfect Bridal Rooms

Cake: Dimbim Specialty Cakes

Décor: White Wedding Co

Eyebrows: Jenny Gray Studios

Eyelashes: BeautybyMorvenn

Flowers: The Flower Shop Peterhead

Groom's outfit: Mitchell Scott

Hair: Zoe Gordon Hair Specialist

Make-up: Jenny Gray MUA

MOB and -groom outfits: Dressage Peterhead; Dorothy Jacks Ladieswear

Musicians: Rococo String Quartet

Photographer: ByRhea

Piper: Lewis Cantlay
– Ellon Junior piper

Rings: Rox Jewellers

Second shooter: JD Ryder

Stationery: Love Paper Co

Transport: Watermill Coaches;
1st Class Wedding Car

Venue: Haddo House;
Meldrum House Hotel

Videographer: Conor Ross