Bring on the bagpipes: Sarah and Gary’s Scottish wedding in Perth

It was all bagpipes, kilts and tartan at Sarah Curnow and Gary McGraw’s Scottish wedding that paid tribute to the groom’s Celtic heritage.

The Perth couple wed in a traditional Scottish ceremony at Brookleigh Estate, with the reception following at the venue’s Stewarts at Brookleigh Restaurant.

The couple walked down the aisle on October 2, 2015 in front of 71 friends and family and the ceremony included traditional elements such as handfasting and drinking from the quaich, with the bride arriving in a horse and carriage.

“The weather was perfect, with the sun lighting up the building, which looked like a castle,” Sarah says.

A bagpiper provided traditional music as the newlyweds made their way back down the aisle.

The child-friendly wedding also united Sarah’s son and Gary’s daughter into a family and there were children’s activities at the reception to keep the 12 young guests busy. A photobooth from Vintage Photobooths was a highlight for guests.

Despite all her careful planning, Sarah, a teacher, says there were a few hiccups – from the celebrant’s dog eating their marriage documents, to the bride forgetting the rings and turning up to her own wedding early, but she says she wouldn’t change a thing.

“Our wedding was beyond perfect and very original,” she says.

“We thought out every little detail… the photos speak a thousand words.”

Photos courtesy of Dave & Charlotte Lifestyle Photographers.

Gary surprised Sarah with a pair of Vera Wang earrings as her something blue. “They have sapphires under the diamonds. They match my engagement ring,” Sarah says.

Without parents of her own, Sarah says there were plenty of people ready to step in. Gary’s mum helped her in choosing a wedding gown, her bridesmaid, a close friend whose family she lived with for many years, and her grandpa walked her down the aisle. Sarah also did a special reveal with her older brother, who made the journey from Adelaide for the big day.

Hand fasting was one of the traditional elements of the couple’s Scottish wedding.

On Sarah and Gary’s first date the groom ordered a whole flounder. “As a result of this his nickname was born – My Sweet Flounder,” Sarah says.

Die-hard West Coast Eagles fan Gary made Sarah pledge she would ditch the Adelaide Crows for his team and presented her with a jersey on the big day.

Sarah took the lead in putting together decorations for the white-themed wedding.