The hit Netflix drama provided ample inspiration for this couple's elegant Renfrewshire wedding – the newlyweds even learned a choreographed first dance complete with lift!
Heather Ball and Christopher Jordan, now Mr and Mrs Jordan
28th April 2024
Venue | Mar Hall Golf & Spa Resort, Renfrewshire
Photography | Joshua Wyborn Photographic
If, dear reader, you’re a Bridgerton fan like newlyweds Heather and Christopher Jordan, you’ll know that love never plays by the rules. Our couple discovered that when on the hunt for a wedding venue.
“We were on the motorway, on our way back from visiting another venue, when we spotted a sign for Mar Hall. On a whim, we decided to pop in.”
They are so glad they did: “Even just the drive up to the front door was like something out of a fairytale,” recalls Heather. “We got taken on a tour and could really picture ourselves tying the knot in the grand indoor suite, having a string quartet play outside, and finishing the night in the beautiful marquee with the hills behind us. The setting, the scenery, the service – they all took our breath away.”
Read more about weddings at Mar Hall on their directory listing
The Netflix hit drama inspired many of Chris and Heather’s ideas for their wedding.
“We loved the grandness of the balls, so we enlisted the services of a choreographer to help us learn a Bridgerton-style first dance – complete with lift! – which went down a storm with our 150 guests. Our violinist played the music for our first dance live (Taylor Swift’s ‘Love Story’) which really added to the atmosphere,” says the bride.
“I also learned a dance with my dad. There were no nerves on the night – we just loved every minute!”
Even Lady Whistledown would be impressed.
Every elegant Regency soiree needs an impeccable party planner, and the couple certainly found that in Mar Hall’s coordinator, Samantha. “She was exceptional,” smiles Heather. “She would always respond instantly to our questions, and she suggested lots of little touches that brought our wedding to life.
“I cannot emphasise enough how amazing she was on the day itself,” she adds. “She really helped calm my nerves, made the day run like clockwork and pointed out all the best spots for photos. Chris and I felt like we were in newlywed bliss walking around in the sunshine with our photographer and videographer. I’ll never forget those precious moments we had together in such a busy day.”
While the happy couple posed around the venue and its beautiful gardens, guests played lawn games – mini golf rather than croquet – to the refined accompaniment of Capella String Quartet.
Find Scottish wedding musicians that set the scene on Tie the Knot Scotland's directory
“Chris’s happy place is the golf course, so we brought in a little course from Go2 Event Hire. Drinks receptions can drag on for guests sometimes, but ours flew in – and the golf generated some healthy competition!” laughs Heather.
“We also managed to get incredible golden-hour shots at sunset on the resort’s Earl of Mar golf course, which Chris was thrilled about.”
Before she made her way up the aisle, the bride had exchanged letters with her coterie of eight bridesmaids. “I will cherish those messages forever,” she says. “I also got a letter from my husband – which I’m glad I read before my makeup went on!”
Chris’s speech was also a tear-jerker: “I’m not an overly emotional person, but his words were so moving. He ended by saying: ‘Heather, when I’m with you I can feel it; when I’m with you, I am home’ – and that was me gone.” Aww!
“My dad’s speech was just incredible too. It was co-written by my mum and was the perfect combination of humour, love and childhood memories.
“One of the funniest parts of the day was at the start of the ceremony when my dad was trying to get to his seat and he got all tangled up in my veil! My brother had to come to his rescue!” Thankfully, a trip to Madame Delacroix for repairs was not needed.
Heather and Chris's highlights film by Gryffe Wedding Films
Venue, food and marquee Mar Hall Golf & Spa Resort, Renfrewshire
Officiant Minister Don Palmer
Photography Joshua Wyborn Photographic
Filmmaker Gryffe Wedding Films (see highlights above)
Wedding dress Eleganza Sposa
Bridesmaid dresses That Special Day Bridal (now closed)
Hair and makeup Katie Malin Makeup Artist
Hair Kirsteen Bell Hair and Elaine Mcinulty
Groomswear Next
Engagement and wedding rings Austen & Blake
Cake Rosewood Cakes
Flowers, venue decor and stationery JAM Events
Ceremony and drinks reception music Capella String Quartet
Ceilidh band The Haggis Chasers Ceilidh Band
Saxophonist Crookysax
Photo booth Mirrormirror
Mini golf course Go2 Event Hire
Transport MET Wedding Cars
