These childhood sweethearts instantly fell in love with the 'fairytale feel' of Cornhill Castle in Biggar, and couldn't wait to share their special day with their nearest and dearest
Emma and Joel planned their summer wedding at Cornhill Castle, Biggar after the groom-to-be proposed in Italy.
Their special day – which was captured by photographers Willow & Wilde – included beautiful photo opportunities, a stunning Eleganza Sposa dress, an incredibly helpful wedding co-ordinator, and an unforgettable wedding meal ("the food was to die for," laughs Emma).
Read on to discover how Emma and Joel planned their dream wedding...
When Emma and Joel met as teenagers, neither thought for one minute they’d found ‘the one’.
But fast forward to 2022, more than a decade later, and Joel was down on one knee, making an extravagant proposal in romantic Sorrento (“It was about time!” Emma laughs).
The two of them were ready to embark on the next chapter of their lives together.
Fairytale Scottish castle wedding
“We viewed two other venues, but as soon as we arrived at Cornhill Castle we knew this was the absolute winner,” recalls the bride.
“Ever since I was a wee girl, I’d dreamt of a Disney-like wedding and being a princess in a castle, and straight away, as Joel and I entered the driveway, it felt like I’d found exactly what I was looking for.
"The turret and fountains were the first things I spotted, and I had a gut feeling this was where we’d get married.”
As they were shown around the stylish hotel on the banks of the Clyde, they discovered so much more that convinced them they were on the right track.
“We loved that there were so many great spots for photos, and the 1920s vibe in the bar – that’s right up our street. Everything felt super-luxe but at a reasonable cost.”
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The welcoming wedding team at Cornhill Castle
Sold on the idea of minimal stress, and feeling “like VIPs”, Emma and Joel booked – and even managed to secure a sought-after summer date.
“The staff were so welcoming,” says the bride. “It felt like we were their priority right from that first meeting.
"We didn’t feel rushed into anything – in fact, they encouraged us to come on a second visit with our parents.”
The only thing that might have deterred the couple was the location: it was around an hour’s drive away from their home in Airdrie.
“We were concerned about that, but we decided we’d hire a bus for our guests or offer accommodation at the hotel. And once everyone arrived, they were blown away by the surroundings. It was a no-brainer.”
They hired some pieces of decor and settled on a blue colour scheme, their favourite shade.
“Angela Hillen at Tiger Lily Wedding Events created a stunning floral arch for our ceremony,” says Emma.
“I also had a neon light made, saying ‘Mr and Mrs Muir’. It’s now in our living room.”
Wedding package at Cornhill Castle
The couple struck gold with their package from Cornhill Castle.
“It was fantastic – we got a three-tier cake and our flowers, including table arrangements, thistle boutonnières, my bouquet and the bridesmaid bouquets.
"When these were dropped off on the morning of the wedding, the staff at Cornhill dried the stems for us. There were so many little details like this where they went above and beyond.”
Also as part of that generous package, their 90 guests were offered a welcome drink, a toast for speeches and a three-course dinner with wine on the table, plus an evening buffet.
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And a moment Emma will never forget was orchestrated by the team at Cornhill too.
“Before the ceremony, they helped keep everyone in order, making sure they were where they were meant to be. I was getting my photo taken in the honeymoon suite while my mum helped me into my dress, and they invited my dad up. His reaction will stay with me forever,” she smiles.
“One of my biggest panics was worrying who was going to fix the train of my dress before I walked down the aisle. Thankfully, our master of ceremonies Danielle was there.”
Taking a moment to themselves, Emma and Joel enjoyed a glass of fizz as their photographer lined up guests for the all-important confetti shots during the drinks reception. Next it was onto dinner.
Catering at Cornhill Castle for a wedding
“I’d been on a strict pre-wedding diet so I’m being serious when I say the food was honestly to die for,” laughs the bride.
“My dad asked for a cheeseboard – which wasn’t on our menu, by the way – and the waiter brought one over.”
The newlyweds’ party kicked off with Beyoncé’s ‘Crazy in Love’ playing at dinner, followed by Paolo Nutini as their first dance. The dancefloor was always full thanks to their fabulous band, Fiore.
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The couple loved everything about their day, but say the best moment was finally seeing one another at the aisle.
“I had joked that if Joel didn’t cry, I’d turn around and do it again. But he was so emotional, and I just remember thinking, ‘he really loves me’,” says the bride.
It only took 13 years of them being together, but Emma tells us the wait for their happily-ever-after was absolutely worth it.
Wedding suppliers
Venue and catering Cornhill Castle, Biggar
Photography Willow & Wilde
Filmmaker Dean Johnstone Films
Celebrant George McLean, Fuze Ceremonies
Wedding dress Eleganza Sposa
Shoes Next
Accessories Swarovski
Hair Gemma Knowles at Zuri Boutique
Makeup Rachel Louise Bridal
Nails Gemma at OMG Nails Glasgow
Bridesmaid dresses JJ’s House
Groomswear Kilts 4 U
Cake Special Days Cakes
Flowers Bells Florist
Stationery Handmade by the bride
Welcome sign and decor Tiger Lily Wedding Events
Favours Handmade by the couple
Wedding rings Etsy
Ceremony and drinks reception music John the Piano Man
Reception band Fiore Band
Photobooth Crown Photobooths Glasgow
Transport Go Travel Bus
