Louise & Matthias's Grand Rowallan Castle Wedding
“Sarah, you are amazing! What a day & you captured it so beautifully 
“
– Louise & Matthias
Get ready for a great big Scottish and American bonanza. What a wedding!
The lovely Louise and Matthias live in London, Matthias is American and Louise is from Ayrshire, hence them heading up to Rowallan Castle to get married. The wedding was a real mix of Scots, their London pals and Americans. I love it when Americans come to Scotland and get to stay in an actual real life castle and Rowallan is definitely a real life castle.
Luxury Scottish Rowallan Castle Wedding
Rowallan Castle is Ah. Mazing. I mean, for starters, you get two castles for the price of one! Known as The Old Castle and The New Castle (although ‘new’ is subjective, it still dates back to the Victorian era) you get to take over both of them when you have a Rowallan Castle wedding.
There is so much history on this 600 acre estate. Surrounded by ancient Ayrshire woodlands there has been a castle on the grounds since the 13th century. If you’re staying there and fancy a wander around then you’ll come across the bridge over Carmel Water. The bridge was built back in the 9th century! It’s pretty awe-inspiring when you think about how many people have walked over that same structure over hundreds of years.
Scottish Wedding Photography
The Old Castle wasn’t open to the public until recently, it’s now been through a pretty extensive refurb – actually 30 years is more than pretty extensive isn’t it! – and looks incredible. The castle can be hired out as accommodation for a wedding or, if you just fancy a wee get together with your mates and want to stay somewhere cool then you can’t go wrong with the Old Rowallan Castle. Especially if you are golf fans, the course in the grounds is one of Ayrshire’s finest.
Matthias and Louise’s friends and family were over the moon to be staying in the Old Castle whilst over in the New Castle Louise and Matthias had taken over two huge rooms and were getting ready along with their wedding party. There was so much space and the rooms were super stylish with lots of lovely light. A photographer’s dream basically.
My pal Mel at Briar Rose Design was on flower duties. She did a sterling job as always, especially putting together the enormous centrepiece and table decorations. Louise and Matthias had chosen lots of blush pinks and lush greens, it looked so good amidst the grandeur of the castle.
Romantic Scottish Castle Wedding Ceremony
It wasn’t the sunniest of days, in fact we thought it was never going to stop raining! Not that it would have mattered, the rain actually added to the romance of the castle setting. It brightened up later on and we were able to get outside for some portraits but, to be honest, the interior of the castle is so cool we weren’t bothered if we’d had to stay indoors. This place would be perfect for a winter wedding, it’s so cosy.
We got a break in the rain as soon as Matthias and Louise were married, so it was straight outside for confetti. I love it when a couple listens to my confetti advice – go big, go colourful and get LOADS of it. Louise and Matthias did good, their confetti was some of the best I’ve seen. Thanks guys!
After dinner (shout out to Matthias’ brother for his heartfelt speech, it was a good one!) it was cocktail hour! What a fab idea, it set everyone up for the dancefloor and who doesn’t love a cocktail?!
So, the party. I don’t know how to describe the utter madness I saw. I think this was the greatest dancefloor I have ever seen. Ever. They partied hard. The band, The Socials, were SO freaking good. I highly recommend checking them out. Everyone was so up for a party and the band kept them dancing all night. Actual chaos. I loved it!
Wedding Photography at Rowallan Castle
I can’t talk about this place enough, it’s such a brilliant venue for a wedding. And as an added bonus it’s just half an hour from my house. What a win! It feels like you’re in the middle of nowhere, and you’ve pitched up in a fairy tale.
If you fancy getting married in an actual castle then you should definitely check out Rowallan Castle. And then book me 😉
Sarah x
Creative Team
Venue: Rowallan Castle
Hair & Makeup: AMM Hair & Makeup
Band: The Socials
Ceremony Musician: Sophie Rocks Harpist
Celebrant: Barbara Campbell
Favours: Phil Rao
Cake: Rosewood Cakes
Stationery: Tavern Creative
Jewellery: Elizabeth Wallace Bridal
Florist & Decor: Briar Rose Design
Bride Outfit: Unbridaled
Groom Outfit: MacGregor & MacDuff
Second Shooter: Kathryn Tuckerman Photography
Are you having a Rowallan Castle Wedding? Get in touch to book a consultation and find out how we, as an alternative wedding photographer, can capture your wedding day amazingness!
