It all began in October 2019, when Tanya and Paul met on Tinder and arranged their first date at Bar 99 in Aberdeen. What started as a simple evening quickly became something more, setting the tone for a relationship built on easy humour and shared enjoyment of life’s moments.

Fast forward to May 2024, and Paul had a surprise in store. To mark Tanya’s 40th birthday, he whisked her away to Taormina in Sicily where he proposed.

The engagement ring, chosen by Paul from Jamieson & Carry in Aberdeen, proved to be a perfect choice in every sense, even down to the size. With no desire for a long engagement, planning began almost immediately. Eighteen months later, on Saturday 4 October 2025, the couple said “I do” surrounded by family and friends.

Personal choices and thoughtful details shaped a day that felt effortless from beginning to end. Taking a hands-on approach, every aspect of the wedding was planned by Tanya and Paul themselves. Photography mattered most, not just for capturing the day but for preserving it long after the celebrations had ended.

Their chosen venue of Thainstone House offered exactly the atmosphere they had imagined. The dark interiors and classic manor house feel created a sense of timeless elegance, while the ballroom complete with its own bar allowed the celebration to flow naturally.

The ability to host guests across the full weekend, including a relaxed gathering the night before, added to the experience. The vision for the day was simple. Keep it laid back, enjoyable and full of personality. Bright florals in orange and flashes of pink brought warmth to the October setting, while colourful stationery added playful detail throughout.

Tanya’s dress journey began at Midnight Elegance in Inverurie, where she found “the one” sooner than expected. The Bardot-style gown, crafted in off-white satin with a sweetheart neckline and front slit, offered both elegance and modern edge. Paired with a pearl-embellished cathedral veil and bow-detail shoes, the look was refined while letting the dress take centre stage.

Bridesmaids wore a mix of styles in the same fabric and colour, allowing each to feel comfortable and confident. Paul opted for a kilt outfit inspired by autumn tones, chosen to complement the overall palette and relaxed feel of the day.

The celebrations began the evening before, with a gathering in the Stockman’s Bar where close family and the wedding party came together for food and drinks. It set a relaxed tone that carried through into the wedding morning.

A humanist ceremony allowed the couple’s story to sit at the heart of the day. Cutting the cake during the ceremony meant guests could enjoy it while photographs were taken, while sharing a quaich filled with limoncello offered a meaningful nod to the Sicilian engagement.

Despite blustery conditions from Storm Amy, guests gathered outside for a confetti moment before moving into an afternoon of music, drinks and canapés. Live entertainment from Joyful set the tone early, even during the meal, where dancing on chairs became part of the fun.

Speeches brought both laughter and heartfelt moments, delivered by Tanya’s dad Paul and best man Keith. As the evening continued, the dancefloor remained full, with music from Touch of Class DJs keeping the energy high.

Their first dance to Hold My Hand by Lady Gaga reflected a shared love of film and music, adding another personal layer to the day. What stood out most was the atmosphere. It was a day filled with laughter, movement and togetherness, exactly as they’d wanted.

Their advice is simple. Focus on what feels right, not on trends or expectations. When a wedding reflects the couple at its heart, that authenticity shines through in every moment.

Following the celebrations, a relaxing minimoon in Zante offered time to unwind, before a three-week honeymoon exploring Vietnam, Cambodia and Singapore provided the perfect start to married life.

Tanya's Little White Book

Beauty: Lashes by KR Beauty,
Nails by Kirsten J Beauty

Bridal accessories: Lace & Favour, Oliver Bonas, Beaverbrooks & Be Mine @ ASOS

Bridal outfit: Midnight Elegance

Bridesmaids’ outfits: Azazie

Cake: Cakes by Chloe

Décor: Illumin8

DJ: Touch of Class

Entertainment: Katie McKay Artist

Flowers: Oddbunch Flowers

Groom’s outfit: Mitchell Scott

Hair: Hair by Becky Ewen

Humanist: Sheona Read

Make-up: MG Make-Up and Beauty

Mothers outfits: Dressage, Peterhead & Bentleys, Banchory
Musicians: Joyful

Photographer: Samantha Clyne

Piper: Alba Bagpipes

Rings: Jamieson & Carry

Stationery: Wedding Invitation Co

Venue: Thainstone House Hotel

Videographer: Conor Ross Media