This American couple waited out the pandemic so they could have the classy, luxurious day of their dreams in the Capital, with 50 of their loved ones joining them from the States
Photo: NC Photography
Kalyn Kegerize & Bret Meyers
28th September 2022
Venue | The Scotsman Hotel, Edinburgh
Photography | NC Photography
“Bret and I were together for three years before we got engaged on 6th May 2020. It was during the peak of the USA’s Covid-enforced quarantine, I was making dinner in my pyjamas and Bret had tied my engagement ring onto the collar of our dog, Bernie!
Ultimately, our first decision was made very early on in our relationship: that was to get married in Scotland. We live in the States, so planning a wedding overseas was a challenge in itself. We had to be very patient in planning initially; mostly waiting for restrictions to ease up. All of our vendors were accommodating. We wanted to be married sooner, but in the end, we are so happy that we waited out the pandemic to do what we wanted.
We chose The Scotsman Hotel in Edinburgh for both ceremony and reception. The look we were going for was classic, swanky and elegant and the hotel catered to that every step of the way. The majority of our 50 guests were travelling from the USA and staying in Edinburgh, so its central location was a boon too.
We threw a welcome party the night before the wedding to thank our 50 guests for travelling so far. Each guest could select either a tour of an underground vault or a distillery. After those, we held a soiree for everyone to meet, have cocktails and food.
We chose an intimate ceremony setting in the hotel’s Glenfiddich Garden Suite. Our celebrant, Andrew D. Scott, was amazing. Bret and I were both very calm during the ceremony and throughout the day. I thought I would be more anxious than I was, but I think I’d had such a wonderful time getting ready with my mom, sisters and Bret’s mom that it really did help calm my nerves.
We definitely wanted to have a piper play me in, and Spud the Piper more than delivered – he was amazing. So much so, that Bret says the highlight of the day was seeing me walk down the aisle to the sound of the pipes.
Our wedding was the perfect mix of a Scottish and American family coming together and filled with personal touches. We incorporated an old tradition from the States and provided each guest with a monogrammed matchbook. We also had a bar named in homage to our dog, Bernie, and had a sign made up that featured his picture.
We hand-wrote a letter for each table too, specific to each of the friends/family sitting there. We got a lot of feedback on them and guests really seemed to enjoy reading them.
When choosing the photographer, we wanted pictures that were moody. My mom actually found our photographer, Nicola Campbell from NC Photography. She was absolutely outstanding. Shortly before the wedding, Nicola suggested we also hire second shooter Kirsty to help.
They were with us from start to finish and provided much more than photos: moral support, help with fixing a piece of hair, straightening Bret’s shirt etc. The photos they got are stunning.
My parents hired a wedding taxi for us as a surprise gift. At the end of the reception, everyone went outside for a send-off on the corner of North Bridge and The Royal Mile. There, we were picked up by an old-fashioned car with a chauffeur. Everyone in the street was stopping to take pictures and cheer us on. It was unforgettable.”
Venue The Scotsman Hotel
Photography NC Photography
Celebrant Andrew D. Scott Celebrant
Bride’s dress Atlas Bridal Shop, Ohio
Hair and makeup Christopher Laird and Emma Cantwell from November Collective
Cake Rustic Cake by Annie
Flowers April Blooms
Ceremony music Spud the Piper
Reception music Dallas Wilson
Transport Wedding taxi from My Fayre Lady
