From a proposal written in sand by their children to a candlelit castle celebration filled with ceilidh dancing, step inside Jaymien and Karl’s deeply personal wedding at Neidpath Castle in the Scottish Borders.
The Story So Far
We met through a mutual friend about five years ago and then ran into each other again a few years later. Karl proposed to me on a family holiday with our children in 2024. We went for a walk along the beach at sunset and he’d got the girls to write ‘Will you marry me’ in the sand. When I turned around Karl was down on one knee.
He had asked my daughters for their permission to marry me earlier and they had happily agreed, which meant everything. The ring was a beautiful oval sapphire with diamonds either side.
The Venue
We decided we wanted to get married in Scotland after taking a few road trips there and completely falling in love with it. We spent evenings trawling the internet for venues and came across Neidpath Castle. We arranged a virtual tour and that was it, we booked it straight away.
We were nervous after paying the deposit, but three months later we visited in person and it was everything we had hoped it would be.
The day before the wedding, our family and friends gathered at the Peebles Hydro. I arrived in the evening and my mum, who was not planning to attend due to my dad’s declining health and subsequent passing, surprised me by being sat in reception. Emotions were very high.
Fashion
I went to Alexandra Anne after seeing a dress they stocked online. On the day of my appointment, Jenny was so helpful and encouraged me to try lots of different options. In the end, it was her idea to combine two Jesus Peiro dresses to create the exact look I was after, even placing one dress over the other so I could visualise it.
The Love Story jacket finished it perfectly. As we were getting married in Scotland in October, I wanted sleeves but also the flexibility to remove them in the evening. I had already bought navy Jennifer Chamandi heels, which became my something blue.
Karl was always going to wear military uniform, but he wanted his groomsmen in traditional kilts.
Jewellery & Accessories
I wore Maison Sabben earrings and later tracked down a matching hair comb by the same designer from a boutique in Ireland as it was not in stock anywhere in England.
Bridal Party
Our bridesmaids were our four daughters. I wanted them to choose their own dresses so they could feel comfortable and confident. They ordered online from JJ’s House and I was genuinely thrilled with what they chose. As it was bound to be cold, I paired their dresses with faux fur jackets from Temu.
I gifted the girls a small piece of jewellery each with a heartfelt letter. My eldest daughter Emilie walked me down the aisle. I also made them gift bags with pyjamas, slippers, snacks and drinks.
Tablescape
For favours and place settings, we made personalised mini bottles of whisky for the men, heather for the women and sweets for the children. The castle events team decorated the tables beautifully with flowers and candles.
Food & Drink
Our pudding station with mini desserts was a real hit, but I especially loved the local venison. The cocktails by Pure Bartending were exceptional.
Entertainment
One of my best friends sang while we signed the register, which was incredibly special. We had a pianist who moved his setup throughout the day to play during the ceremony, drinks reception and wedding breakfast.
In the evening, we had a traditional ceilidh band who were amazing and played our first dance song, Grow Old With Me by Tom Odell.
Beauty Regime & Wellness
I started CACI facials and drank far more water than usual following advice from my makeup trial with Caroline Stewart.
Honeymoon
We are heading to Disney World with our children in February 2026.
Words of Advice
- Trust in the professionals.
- With your dress, go with your instincts and do not settle until you find something that feels completely you.
- Soak it all in. Things will go wrong, but the beauty of the day is not perfection. It is the people who are there to support you and hold you up.
With Thanks
Bride: @e14jay
Groom: @karl_shanahan
Venue: @neidpath_castle
Caterer: @cooks_and_co
Dress: Jesus Peiro from Alexandra Anne Bridal
Bridesmaids: JJ’s House
Groom Outfit: Military dress
Florist: Fountain Flowers @fountain.flowers
Photographer: Craig Heaslip @craigheaslip
Videographer: Craig Heaslip
Wedding Rings: Bride wore her grandmother’s
Makeup: Caroline Stewart @carolinestewart.makeup.hair
Hair: Caroline Stewart
Wedding Website: Say I Do
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