Crisp white florals, shades of dark green and glimmers of gold. Our latest Real Wedding Story is like a masterclass in how to use a defined colour scheme throughout the day, from the invitations to the spectacular venue decor. Carolyn and Andrew’s flower-filled Edinburgh wedding had a simple theme, and a distinctive style that created the perfect start for their marriage to blossom.
Carolyn and Andrew
Carolyn and Andrew both work in the financial services industry, and lead busy lives. They met through their careers, and discovered in each other a partner to enjoy the simple things in life. Someone to spend quality time with when they’re not rushing around at work, or in their non-executive positions at Edinburgh Academy and Queen Margaret University.
In our individual worlds of chaos, we found each other – Andrew
They got engaged quietly one evening, keeping it a secret until they visited Carolyn’s favourite jeweller on Old Bond Street. Together, they found the perfect diamond solitaire, which was wrapped in a duck egg blue box with a satin ribbon. From there on, the wedding was to be a personal affair with close family, friends, and their three sons at the heart of the day.
We are complementary in character and are so lucky to have found each other to spend our lives together. – Carolyn
A Wedding Theme with Understated Elegance
Carolyn and Andrew’s theme complements their serene style and desire for a wedding that had their love at the centre. They wanted it to be an intimate day with friends and family. Each element of the planning took this into account to ultimately create their city chic Edinburgh wedding.
Choosing a venue is often the first step when wedding planning and, for Carolyn and Andrew, it was an easy decision. Living in the city itself, they regularly spent special occasions at The Waldorf Astoria, The Caledonian and love The Pompadour. With high ceilings, grand winding staircases and enchanting decorations, it was ideal.
Since the beginning of our worlds colliding there has been one special place that we have returned to time and time again… The Waldorf Astoria, The Caledonian in Edinburgh – Carolyn
A Simple Colour Scheme
To ensure their decorations didn’t detract from the beauty of the building, Carolyn and Andrew chose a simple colour scheme. Ivory, cream and natural greens were the focus, with a few touches of glamorous gold. They used this as the basis for their flowers, stationery, décor and wedding cake.
Flowers were particularly important to Carolyn, so she made sure they had a good budget for them. She wanted the floral displays to be delicate and pure. Their florist, Lianne at Roseparks, was an incredible support in finding their dream blooms.
We had flowers everywhere. When choosing, it’s important not to be driven too much by the moment… Natural big blooms with pastel tones are all on trend but I wanted pure white, ivory and cream. It was impact and wow factor I wanted, without the detraction of colour. – Carolyn
Carolyn’s bouquet was Lily of the Valley, Sweet William and Stephanotis, with a white satin ribbon. This, along with her pearl belt, silk tulle veil and petite pearl headdress meant her stunning outfit was befitting for the theme. They then chose hydrangeas, open roses, spray roses, double eustoma peonies, and dark greenery to create breathtaking displays throughout the venue.
Viewing my flowers for the first time when I crept down to see the florists working on the staircase at 6am was amazing. And, I heard guests in the hotel saying ‘are these flowers for the Royal Wedding? They are just beautiful’! – Carolyn
Carolyn and Andrew’s Wedding Stationery
Wedding stationery was important to Carolyn and Andrew. It needed to fit the colour scheme, include gold foiling and ensure the theme flowed effortlessly through the preparations into the day itself – from the save the dates to the on-the-day décor.
They decided on our Beaumont Collection to complement their elegant theme. The delicate detailing in this ornate design looks stunning in gold foil on white linen card.
For the on-the-day stationery, gold foil highlighted the pale whites, ivory, and creams of the colour scheme. There was also gold leaf in the cake, the Fortnum & Masons wedding favours and the exquisitely hand-painted birds that adorn the Waldorf Astoria’s banqueting rooms, so the stationery fitted in well. Guests were welcomed with an order of service, and later found their seat for the wedding breakfast via a table plan, table numbers and place cards. Finally, a menu card outlined the delicious meal ahead.
Our wedding stationery pieces are now beautiful mementos of the day that we will treasure always. – Carolyn
Adding Personal and Fun Touches
To emphasise the intimate style of their Edinburgh wedding, Carolyn and Andrew decided not to have best men or bridesmaids. Their adult sons, David and Sam acted as witnesses and 10-year-old Oliver did a reading from Winnie the Pooh. Along with David, the boys looked dashing in navy blue suits with Ferragamo silk ties.
As the ceremony ended, the fun began. Carolyn had prepared personalised goodie bags for all the children, with their names in gold on ivory fabric. There were glowsticks, a sweetie cart, retro arcade machines, and plenty of confetti. Andrew had an impromptu singing moment at the reception, and when it was time for dancing, Carolyn was prepared, swopping her lace Jimmy Choo’s, for a sparkly pair of sandals.
There were so many highlights, but getting married was the most wonderful part of the day. We smiled and giggled our way through the ceremony it was simply more perfect than we had imagined. – Carolyn
Carolyn and Andrew’s City Chic Edinburgh Wedding
See more of Carolyn and Andrew’s stunning big day at Edinburgh Waldorf Astoria in this video by Claremont Photograpy:
About the Beaumont Collection
Our Beaumont Collection has a touch of grandeur that is sure to impress your guests. The detailed foil embellishments have a timeless elegance that can be used to complement many luxurious wedding themes. Because of its exquisite and memorable design, this stationery works particularly well when used throughout the entire celebration – from the save the dates, invitations and RSVP cards to the wedding menus and table decor.
Communication was swift and clear and the whole process was really professional and organised, thanks to Wendy and her team. In the end the design we chose was a perfect reflection of my husband and me. – Carolyn
Special thanks go to:
Carolyn and Andrew for sharing details of their spectacular Edinburgh wedding with us.
Photography and Video – Claremont Photography
Wedding Venue – Waldorf Astoria: Edinburgh – The Caledonian
Flowers – Roseparks Florist
Dress – Phillipa Lepley
Suits – Stewart Christie
Cake – Liggy’s Cake Company
Carolyn’s Hair – Carla Silva from Brian Drumm, Edinburgh
We looked at many, many websites, visited a studio in London and finally decided that The Foil Invite Company was a one stop shop that had great examples, full collections of stationery, fantastic photographs from previous clients and brilliant information. – Carolyn
