Inside: A Scottish-Indian Celebration At Achnagairn Castle

From a chance meeting on a snowy dog walk to a two-day fusion celebration in the Scottish Highlands, step inside Meera and Ross’s effortlessly elegant wedding at Achnagairn Castle.

The Story So Far

Ross and Meera met on a snowy day when their plans to take the dog for a walk were thrown into chaos. “I couldn’t get my car out, so I managed to find a taxi,” Meera recalls. “It was one of those moments that set the tone for the rest of our relationship—things didn’t always go as planned, but we adapted, and it felt natural.”

Their bond grew stronger as they travelled, hiked, and explored new places together. “Ross is the planner, and I’m more spontaneous,” says Meera. “But over time, we’ve balanced each other out—he makes me confident, and I help him be patient.”

The proposal was equally surprising. Despite expecting a proposal on a beach or a walk in the Highlands, Ross had secretly planned to propose in Annecy, France. “My suitcase was missing when we arrived,” Meera remembers. “I wasn’t bothered at first, but Ross was clearly panicked. He had the ring, but I had nothing to wear!” She laughs, adding, “I had to buy a dress from H&M just in time for dinner. The proposal itself was perfect, though—it felt like everything fell into place despite the hiccups.”

They kept the news private for a few days, enjoying their time in Annecy. “We cycled around the lake, ate baguettes, and soaked it all in,” says Ross. “It was a quiet celebration before sharing the news with our families.”

The Venue

Achnagairn Castle & Estate in Inverness was the perfect setting for their celebration. “We always dreamed of marrying in the Highlands,” says Ross. “Achnagairn was ideal—it’s accessible, but it still feels like a secluded Scottish escape.” Meera adds, “We needed space for all our guests, but we didn’t want to lose the charm of a traditional venue. Achnagairn gave us both.”

The wedding unfolded over two days. On the first day, the couple’s Indian ceremony took place in the castle’s gardens, which were adorned with flowers and rich colours. “The Baraat procession was one of the highlights,” recalls Ross. “There was so much energy—the dhol drums, bagpipes, and guests dancing to the rhythm. It was a perfect blend of cultures.”

On the second day, their Scottish ceremony was an intimate affair held in the grand ballroom. “It was like stepping into a fairytale,” says Meera. “The ballroom was so regal—gold accents, ivory flowers, and a roaring fire made it feel truly royal.”

The Fashion

Meera’s bridal fashion was a beautiful mix of traditional and modern. For the Indian ceremony, she wore a stone-coloured lehenga by Seema Gujral. “I knew I wanted something different from the typical red lehenga,” she says. “This one felt both elegant and unique.” For the Scottish ceremony, she chose a Katherine Tash gown, with a flattering asymmetric neckline. “It felt so sophisticated, but still comfortable—perfect for the occasion.”

Ross’s outfit was equally special. He wore a custom Indian outfit from Arinder Bhullar, paired with shoes from Houston Kiltmakers. “I wanted to feel authentic and true to the celebration,” he says. “The response from guests was incredible—it was a completely different look for me.”

The bridal party wore dresses in various shades of pink, chosen by the bridesmaids themselves. “I wanted them to feel comfortable and to pick something they’d wear again,” Meera explains. Each bridesmaid received personalised gifts, including Dior lip oil and hand-knitted teddy bears. The flower girls carried bags filled with books and games, with a portion of proceeds supporting breast cancer research.

On the Scottish day, Meera’s family embraced the tradition of wearing kilts, and Ross’s family wore embroidered Indian outfits. “It was a beautiful moment,” says Meera. “Everyone embraced both sides of our heritage.”

The Jewellery & Accessories

Meera’s bridal jewellery was a blend of heirlooms and custom pieces. “My grandmother’s bangles, worn by her mother, were so meaningful,” she says. She also wore a traditional Hindu Mangal Sutra necklace, made of black and gold beads with a diamond pendant. “It’s such an important part of the ceremony, and I’ll cherish it forever.”

Her earrings were custom-made to match the Mangal Sutra. “It was a special touch, something that tied the two days together,” says Meera. Ross, too, wore a piece of meaningful jewellery—a bespoke ring made from London Diamonds.

The Food & Drink

The couple’s wedding feast was as eclectic as their cultural celebration. “We wanted to make sure our guests had options that suited every palate,” says Ross. The menu featured a four-course meal with vegetarian, vegan, fish, and meat choices, followed by a gin sorbet palate cleanser. “The goats cheese bon bons were incredible—they were the hit of the evening,” Meera laughs. Late-night snacks included a fajita station, and the groom took the mic for a surprise karaoke session. “I wanted everyone to have fun,” says Ross.

The Entertainment

Entertainment was at the heart of the celebration. The couple’s first dance was to Odesza’s Higher Ground, a nod to their New York honeymoon. “We practiced in the gym late at night,” says Meera. “It was our little secret, and we loved every minute of it.” A harpist played as Meera walked down the aisle, creating a magical atmosphere. Ross couldn’t hold back his tears during the performance. “It was an emotional moment,” he says.

A bagpiper led the guests to the ceremony, and a saxophonist played during cocktails. “The live music added a timeless element,” says Meera. A live illustrator captured the moments throughout the evening, and guests enjoyed tarot readings and henna art. “It was a celebration in every sense of the word,” says Ross.

The Honeymoon

After their wedding, Ross and Meera took some time for a peaceful mini-moon in the Scottish Highlands. “It was the perfect antidote to the excitement of the wedding,” says Meera. They enjoyed long walks, mountain views, and beach sunsets. “We left our phones behind and just soaked in the solitude,” says Ross.

Their honeymoon in Vietnam is set for August. “We’re already planning our tropical getaway,” says Meera. “Pinterest boards for tropical nails are in the works!”

Advice for Future Couples

Keep It Simple: “Don’t let too many opinions cloud your vision. We planned most of the wedding quietly, and it was the best decision,” says Meera.
Make It Personal: “Choose what truly matters to you. Your day should reflect your personality, not what others expect,” Ross advises.
Set Priorities: “We splurged on florals, food, and an open bar, but I wore affordable Steve Madden shoes and thrifted vintage mirrors for our welcome signs,” says Meera. “Don’t be afraid to mix luxury with practicality.”