Sam & Liam’s Timeless natural wedding at The Schivas Steading, in Aberdeenshire

The Schivas Steading was the perfect location for Sam & Liam’s wedding. Set over two floors, the couple tied the knot downstairs with a glorious view of the lush green countryside (and let’s not forget the highland cows, making a cheeky appearance) to complete this gorgeous backdrop. 

This venue is a dream to work at with their big glass wall, letting in a beautiful stream of natural light. There is a real rustic vibe at The Schivas Steading, which I am really loving RN, with wooden barrels and brick walls.

It creates a lovely mix of old and new aesthetics, with the large glass windows and gorgeous chandeliers along the roof of the aisle space.

How the day unfolded

The day started as I joined Samantha in the beautiful on-site cottage for her morning prep, the decor is absolutely stunning, and there is plenty of natural light. I loved the boujee silk PJs the bridal party wore as they celebrated their BFFs wedding morning!

Liam got ready at a nearby cottage, The West Lodge, which is also available to hire.

The weather was very windy and wet on and off. But we did get some glorious moments of sunshine at one point , so I whisked Liam & Sam away and we headed off to the nearby Schivas House (which can also be used as part of the venue hire BTW).

We had a load of fun outside the walled gardens, with the stunning canvas of the Schivas House in the background, complete with gorgeous stone work and growing Ivy. The weather held up for their portrait shots and we spent some time exploring the gardens and capturing some really intimate moments between the two of them.

We ended up doing most of the formal group shots indoors after dinner as the weather was too wet and windy and Sam & Liam wanted some down time after their couples portraits.

I shot this wedding with just 6 days notice as sadly their photo and video team could no longer make it. And so it was really important for me to get to know the couple, and to make everything as stress free as possible on the day of their wedding. 

By the end of the evening I had family members telling me they “loved me” and that I was like part of the family when I was leaving for the night. 

Moments that made us ROFL🤣

OMG there were so many moments that had us crying with laughter!!

The first was the weather – it was so terrible that there was nothing else to do but laugh. 

Their marquee for their next day’s bbq blew away before the ceremony. All the groomsmen had to run after it and secure it down with large stones. This is something that I loved about Sam & Liam, absolutely nothing got them down, even when things started to go wrong.

During the speeches, Liam’s Nephew gave a surprise speech, which almost had everyone in tears. Both from how sweet it was but also how funny. He was so nervous as he said “Liam…” and left a huge long pause as he composed himself “you’re punching!!” It was so unexpected and hilarious the room erupted into laughter. Me included. He deffo got a high five from me after that!

Oh, and one last one to mention, was the epic Champagne tower, which had everyone chanting Sam to down her drink. She did and because it was so fizzy she ended up spitting most of it out by accident 🤣🤣🤣

Best parts about working at The Schivas Steading

I think one of the things I love most about The Schivas Steading has to be the incredibly helpful staff. Sam’s Mum and Tracy, the venue manager, helped Sam get dressed, which allowed me to capture an emotional reveal with her bridesmaids and dad. It brought us all to tears!!

Dance floor vibes at The Schivas Steading

There were some serious dance floor vibes for this wedding at The Schivas Steading. The couple had Ceilidh dancing which kept their dance floor full all night!

Once everyone was relaxed and having fun, we got to do some more informal and fun group pics with bridesmaids outside during the evening as the weather perked up a bit.

Trends I loved from this wedding at The Schivas Steading

The Heart shape sunglass trend is still going strong! We went around to a bunch of guests on the dance floor and asked them to strike a pose wearing the heart shaped sunglasses and everyone was super fun with it! It’s a really great way to help your guests loosen up and show off their awesome personalities. 

Fun Photos that Liam and Sam chose to include:

✌️Epic Confetti Shots

✌️Champagne Tower – do you get more boujee than that?

✌️Candid moments with their family and friends

✌️Heart shaped glasses – for funny moments on the dance floor

Liam & Sam’s Supplier List

Bouquets and buttonholes – Paper and Petals

Make up – Kim Stars

Hair – Kerry Anne Bridal Hair

Catering – Val Morrison

Best Men Kilts – Kilts Wi Hae

Dress – Ivory Grace

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