An intimate destination wedding in Edinburgh

It was love at first sight when Dana and John met at a mutual friend’s wedding in the United States. Drawn by Scotland’s charm, they travelled to Edinburgh with their close family and a few friends, where they were married at Timberyard Restaurant, an industrial-style former warehouse space in Edinburgh.

Their next adventure together was walking part of the West Highland Way, before cosying up in a cottage on the Isle of Skye. We love their style!

Love at first sight or gradual attraction?

We met at a mutual friend’s wedding a few years ago. We were asked to do an arts and crafts project to help set up the day before the wedding. It was immediate attraction and those feelings were scary and overwhelming.

We enjoyed the weekend getting to know each other and went our separate ways to separate states. We both knew our lives were changed that weekend. I (Dana) just didn’t know how. I didn’t ever think I would see John again. Little did I know that John is the most passionate and persistent man in the world. He chased me across the country and we’ve never been apart since.

John proposed in the backcountry desert lands of Southern Utah at the same spot where I fell in love with him the second time. It’s amazing how we keep falling in love over and over again.

What inspired your wedding plans?

Travelling has been such an important part of our lives. We wanted to bring our close family and share a travel adventure together. We also wanted to keep our wedding small and intimate. We chose a country we have never been to but have always wanted to. Scotland has the charm and nature we love. So we eloped with our parents, siblings, grandmother, and a few friends. It was magic.

We were looking for a place that was rustic and intimate. We have never been to Scotland before so we came across Timberyard Restaurant through a simple Google search. Briefly looking at the pictures, menu and wine list, we immediately knew this was the right choice. The venue was a perfect match for our taste from the food to the decor.

At the wedding ceremony, we chose the violinist and guitarist to play Another Story by The Head and The Heart. We listened to this song the day after we met and knew our lives were forever changed. The instrumentals were beautiful.

At the after party, we were our own DJs. We first danced to Coming Home by Leon Bridges. We love dancing to American soul. After we did a little lindy hop swing dance number in the style of Charleston. We think our guests enjoyed the performance.

The floral arrangements by Hedgerow were breathtaking. It was hard leaving them behind as we traveled back overseas.

We love your outfits!! Tell us more…

The style that always draws me in is the 1940s. I chose a simple off-white tea length dress and focused on the accessories.

I borrowed the shoes from my friend’s mom who purchased them in France. She wore these on her wedding day over 30 years ago. I kept the 1940s look with a Hollywood waves hairstyle and some simple sparkly earrings. We added the birdcage veil and flowers in my hair (all made that day).

John wore a muted blue plaid suit with a paisley tie and brown vest. He chose this combination because it was fun and classy.

Your photos are beautiful! 

Jen Owens was recommended by someone through the restaurant. We browsed through her portfolio and were captivated by her ability to bring you, as a viewer, into that moment. She can capture love and joy in a way that is timeless. What we love about our photos is that every emotion remains locked in time. It also helps that she captured some of the most breathtaking views I have ever seen on our trip to Skye.

Did everything go to plan on the day?

It rained that day, but this wasn’t a surprise since we chose to get married in Scotland. We were supposed to get married outside. The staff quickly rearranged the restaurant and lit some candles. It was so warm and intimate; I couldn’t imagine it any other way.

Any advice?


Do what feels right for you. This is the one moment that is yours forever.

Honeymoon or minimoon?

After the wedding we hiked part of the West Highland way. We like a little bit of a challenge and seeing a country through nature. We then rented a tiny little cottage on Skye, had a fun photo shoot with Jen there and just spent time in the quiet serenity of the island.

What’s the one moment you’ll always remember?

It was the moment when we first caught eyes as I was walking down the restaurant. Nothing has ever felt so right in our lives. Our hearts were full and ready to burst.

Not going to lie, we have a bit of a crush on these two and their incredible love story. We’ll be sharing Dana and John’s Skye honeymoon shoot later this month. It’s absolutely breathtaking! x