Dubai-based bride Danielle reminisces about her wedding at a luxurious stately home that was a love letter to her native Scotland
Craig Emonds and Danielle Gen, now Mr and Mrs Emonds
20th June 2024
Venue | Kinmount House
Photography | Canvas & Peach Studios
Danielle and Craig’s love story spans many years and destinations, but started in a shared taxi one night as they were heading in the same direction home.
A first date at Duck Bay Marina in Loch Lomond soon followed, with Craig finally proposing in a private starlit campsite in Dubai where the couple have lived and worked for the past six years.
Despite having some stunning options in the United Arab Emirates where they could’ve said ‘I do’, they knew returning to Scotland was the only option for them. “We knew we’d get married at home,” smiles the bride. “All of our friends and family are still there and it was really important that we said ‘I do’ on Scottish soil. Getting married there was like falling in love with the place all over again.”
The couple waited three and a half years between getting engaged and marrying, which gave them ample time to plan their “timeless, classic day with Bridgerton vibes” at the venue of their dreams: Kinmount House, near Annan in Dumfriesshire.
“From the moment we drove up, we knew it was the one,” recalls Danielle. “We had actually booked another venue, but cancelled it after we saw Kinmount House. From the chandeliers, to the massive windows that allow loads of natural light in, it offered everything we were looking for, particularly that it could be exclusively ours for the whole day.
The couple celebrated with 90 of their nearest and dearest, holding their emotional ceremony in the ballroom, officiated by celebrant Craig Flowers from Independent Humanist Ceremonies, before heading out to the Italian gardens for a drinks reception. “We had Capella String Quartet playing and they created a stunning atmosphere,” says Danielle.
“Reading my vows to Craig, I wanted everyone to know how amazing he is and how much I love him. We had a humanist ceremony and wanted someone with a strong, passionate Scottish voice to lead it. When we heard celebrant Craig Flowers speak, we knew he was the one for us."
After that, the party headed to the purpose-built Pavilion for dinner. “One of Kinmount’s major selling points for us was that its food focused on produce from local suppliers. It gave it an extra-special touch,” Danielle says. “We created a bespoke menu full of Scottish dishes such as haggis, neeps and tatties, lamb and clootie dumpling.”
The bride says the venue team were a “massive support” as she navigated the planning process from her home in Dubai: “The staff couldn’t have been more accommodating. They were so flexible and really couldn’t have done more for us.”
The couple also enlisted the help of Scottish wedding planner Caroline at The Creative Occasion Co. who Danielle says “was our wedding-day angel! She took any stress regarding the set up away. I told her my vision and sent her images of what I wanted and she brought it to life.”
“Our colour scheme was based around soft neutral tones with hints of lilac and peach to give a little pop of summer. The base colours were white, soft pink and cream.”
Lanarkshire-based photographers Heather and Cheryl from Canvas and Peach Studios were on hand to capture the magical day. “I discovered them online and loved their work and approached instantly,” recalls Danielle.
“They brought such an unreal vibe and energy to the whole day, from jumping about with our nephews, to capturing all the amazing details.”
A moment please, for one of the big day’s most incredible details: the bride’s ballgown (called Iris by designer Patricia Couture). “It was made in Italy, then shipped to Dubai. I then had to figure out how to get it to Scotland in my hand luggage,” laughs the bride. “I told Craig it was wrapped in bubble wrap for its journey so as to not ruin the surprise of the size of it!”
“This style of gown wasn’t initially what I envisaged. I must’ve tried on over 20 dresses before I spotted this one online. It turned out it was a new-season number and I had to wait to get it – but I am so glad I did. I think everyone was really surprised when they saw what I was wearing: it was quite an unexpected choice for me!”
One part of the day stands out to the bride for a very special reason: “My dad is terminally ill, so getting to have him there, walking me down the aisle, is such a special memory that I will cherish forever. It really means so much to me that I got to experience those moments with him.”
Danielle says bringing all their loved ones together for such a happy occasion is another reason why getting married in Scotland was a non-negotiable:
“Living abroad makes us appreciate our home country and the family and friendships we have here so much more. Bringing everyone we love together to celebrate us was so special. We relished the chance to have quality time catching up with everyone.”
With many of the guests staying onsite, continuing the party into the wee hours wasn’t an issue. After kicking off the evening with a first dance to Sam Ryder’s version of N-Trance’s ‘Set You Free’, the couple danced the night away to their band, Los Perros.
Despite all the extensive planning and meticulous details, Danielle says the best bits of the day were the stolen moments she got to have with Craig. “Looking round and seeing everyone having a good time meant a lot,” she smiles. “But taking five minutes with your new spouse just to reflect on the fact you’re married is so precious and would be my number-one piece of advice to other couples. It was so nice to have those breathers when it was just us, reflecting on our day."
Bride’s top wedding tip “Enjoy the endless scrolling and emailing – planning a wedding is an amazing process that you will only ever get to do once. You are designing your own day and you get to choose who you want and what you want. Don’t be swayed by others when you are selecting suppliers.”
Venue Kinmount House, Annan
Photography Canvas and Peach Studios
Filmmaker RMH Productions (see highlight video below)
Celebrant Craig Flowers, Independent Humanist Ceremonies
Wedding coordinator The Creative Occasion Co.
Wedding dress Iris by Patricia Couture
Bridal dresser Wedding Day Dressing with Ainslie
Makeup ARK Bridal
Hair Elira Bridal
Groomswear Kilts 4 U
Flowers Fauna Flower Folk
Cake The Three Cupcakes Cakery
Drinks reception music Capella String Quartet
Wedding singer Ainsley Whyte Music
Reception band Los Perros Band
