With Muckrach Country House getting ready to reopen its doors, I found myself looking back through weddings I photographed there before it closed, and Sandy and Jules’ day in July 2018 stood out straight away.
It was a brilliant Highland summer day. Jules got ready at the Dulnain cottage beside the hotel while Sandy was just along the road at Holmhill House in Grantown on Spey. Both mornings had that relaxed, happy feel, no rushing, plenty of laughs, and 66 close friends and family gradually gathering for their ceremony.
Jules was walked down the aisle by her brother Robbie, and the ceremony, led by Laura Gillespie, was warm and personal without feeling overcomplicated. One of the things that really gave the day its character was the mix of Scottish and South African influences running through it, different accents in the speeches, different traditions blending together, all of it feeling natural rather than forced.
Afterwards, everyone gathered on the terrace steps for a full group photo, one of those classic Muckrach backdrops, before the afternoon rolled into drinks and speeches ahead of dinner. With contributions from Sandy’s dad, Jules’ brother, Sandy’s brother and Sandy himself, there was a great balance of humour and heart.
Looking back now, it’s a reminder of what made Muckrach such a strong wedding venue in the first place, beautiful light, great outdoor space, and a layout that allows the day to flow without feeling staged. If its next chapter feels anything like this one did, it’s going to be a welcome return.
A really good day to revisit.
