A PICTURE PERFECT CAMBO ESTATE WEDDING IN ST ANDREWS
FEATURING
Rhianna + Matt followed their hearts and created the Cambo Estate wedding day of their dreams.
“As much as you should follow your heart when you choose a partner, you should follow your heart when planning your wedding.”
~ Rhianna + Matt
We Fell In Love With…
Stunning styling, a doughnut tower, and a Spice Girls bridal entrance!
“Skip over traditions that you don’t love. Make it your own!” – Rhianna & Matt followed their own words to the letter, with plenty of help from our very own Cat at Fin Flükra who created a picture perfect day for this gorgeous couple.
Read on to find out all about it and stay tuned to the end to hear their fabulous advice for those currently planning a wedding!
TELL US ABOUT YOU TWO + YOUR WEDDING JOURNEY
Matt and I first met in February 2018, when I was living in San Francisco and he was living in London. He was visiting California for work and we found each other on Bumble. We went on a couple of dates before he went back to London, but it was an instant connection.
Over the next several months we visited each other as much as possible, eventually deciding that in order to take the next step in our relationship we’d have to find a way to be living in the same country. So, in November of 2018, Matt and I eloped in San Francisco City Hall with only one witness. We wanted to keep this “official” marriage ceremony small as we both knew we’d want to have a proper celebration someday when we were ready.
Fast forward almost five years, two dogs, and buying our first home in Boulder, Colorado. We decided it was time to celebrate our love and marriage with all of our family and friends. Matt is Scottish, having lived in Dundee most of his life before moving to London. I’d visited Edinburgh and St Andrews with him many times over the years and I knew I wanted to have our wedding there. We started scouting locations and were lucky enough to plan a visit to St Andrews to tour Cambo House. We knew it was the right place for us. Cambo House is a beautiful venue with a traditional setting and plenty of space and freedom to celebrate into the night.
Once we had our venue selected, we quickly realized we were in over our heads in trying to plan a long-distance wedding. The Cambo team provided us with a list of wedding planners that they recommended and we were so lucky to meet Cat of Fin Flükra. We immediately felt comfortable and at ease with her and we’re so grateful for her enthusiasm, patience, and organizational skills. She really listened to what we wanted and sourced incredible vendors to work with that made our dream day come to life.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR OUTFITS
I wore the Persephone dress by Willowby by Watters and the Elvie Mules in ivory by Something Bleu paired with a long tulle veil, and I added a tiara by Lelet NY. I went dress shopping in Boulder with my Mom and as soon as I put the dress on, it felt right. I loved the neckline and the unique sleeves with the tassels. I felt like a princess.
My bridesmaids wore the Ocean dress from Azazie in five different colors, Terra Cotta, Cedar Rose, Amethyst, Pomegranate, and Bronzer.
Matt’s kilt and sporran were made by John Morrison Kilt Makers in Edinburgh. We selected the Robertson Hunting Weathered tartan.
Matt had two best men and we asked them to wear whatever kilt they had and we also organized kilt hires for any of our other guests that wanted to wear one. I really wanted the dance floor to be full of kilts and dresses in every colour. It turned out beautifully and our friends loved it.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR CEREMONY
We held our ceremony in the spectacular Drawing Room at Cambo. It’s such a gorgeous room with perfect lighting and a beautiful chandelier. We exchanged vows in front of the large fireplace which the Gloam team adorned with an absolutely stunning floral open archway.
Our ceremony was one of my favorite parts of the day. We had Fauna String Quartet playing a selection of our favorite songs. Then my bridesmaids and my Dad and I walked down the aisle to ‘2 Become 1’ by the Spice Girls. It was absolutely perfect.
We asked my brother in law to officiate and he was fantastic. I’ve known him since high school, so it was honestly like having my brother with me.
Matt and I shared very short vows and decided to do the quaich ceremony where we shared some whisky from the love cup. We actually forgot to bring any spirits to the ceremony – we were lucky that so many of Matt’s friends had flasks of whisky on hand to save the day.
TELL US ABOUT THE RECEPTION
We had our reception in the Coach Yard, which is a covered outdoor space that’s quite large. Gloam styled the space perfectly. We had a beautiful, soft, colour palette of rose, amber, peach, apricot, and rust. They dotted the three large trestle tables with a mixed collection of vintage brass candlesticks with taper candles, tea lights, and an assortment of bottle vases with mini flower arrangements that matched my bridal bouquet.
We had our entrance to the reception piped in by the Neilston District Pipe Band. We absolutely loved it. This was a special addition to our day that Matt really organized as a surprise for both me and our guests. With so many Americans, myself included, it was a first to even see a pipe band, but I think this was definitely a distinctive addition to our day as many of our Scottish guests had never seen a full band at wedding!
We did our best to keep the speeches short. They were followed by a delicious, family style meal. Matt and I slipped away for a sunset photoshoot while our guests had tea, coffees, and dessert.
My Dad performed our first dance song, ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love’, on acoustic guitar which was extra special. Our guests joined in the song on the last chorus.. I know this sounds awful, but it was actually an incredible experience to have the entirety of our wedding guests sing to us whilst we danced.
We then danced the night away with The Brightside Party Band leading us through several cèilidh dances and an absolutely phenomenal party. We ended in the enchanting Party Wood where the Cambo staff lit a bonfire and we could continue the party as late as we liked.
ANY LESSONS LEARNED OR ADVICE YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE?
Logistically, the biggest challenge was planning a wedding in St Andrews while we live in Colorado. We were so lucky to find Cat from Fin Flükra and relied on her for pretty much everything.
Invest in your photographer and videographer. We love rewatching the speeches and seeing happy moments that we missed. The day flies by so quickly and it’s nice to come back to it at our leisure and relive it.
As much as you should follow your heart when you choose a partner, you should follow your heart when planning your wedding. Create a day that will be special to you. Invite the people that support you and cheer for you. Skip over traditions that you don’t love. Make it your own!
Find time for each other during the madness of the day.
