Scottish Castle Wedding at Drumtochty Castle || The Last Unicorn
Melissa & Christian’s Wedding at Drumtochty Castle
Some weddings transport you to a different world—a place where time seems to pause and every moment feels woven with magic. Melissa and Christian’s wedding at Drumtochty Castle was exactly that. From the quiet morning preparations to the laughter and tears that filled the evening, their love story came alive in a way that only they could write. And we were honoured to capture it, framing their unique day into a film we titled “The Last Unicorn.”
Did you know
〰️ Scotland's national animal is the unicorn?
Did you know 〰️ Scotland's national animal is the unicorn?
The Morning’s Quiet Magic
Gregg and I typically arrive at the venue ahead of schedule, eager to capture aerial shots with the drone. However, from the skies, everything appeared strikingly pristine and clear. Tucked away in the Scottish Highlands, Drumtochty Castle seemed the perfect setting—a majestic backdrop where history met the personal. Inside its stone walls, the air buzzed with quiet anticipation.
Melissa was surrounded by her closest friends, preparing for the day ahead in the bridal suite. But the morning wasn’t all calm and serene. At one point, a tense moment arose as the bridesmaids had to grab scissors to make last-minute adjustments to Melissa’s dress, adding a bit of excitement to the final preparations. I’m not sure about you, but the idea of scissors anywhere near a wedding dress makes me fearful lol Despite the flurry, Melissa’s joy remained at the forefront, and soon everything was back on track.
Over in the Tartan Room, things were just as eventful. The rest of the American contingent, many of whom were wearing kilts for the first time, found themselves trying to figure out how to properly assemble the traditional attire. Thankfully, Simon—ever the kilt enthusiast—stepped in to help the group, guiding them through the process and easing the tension with some light-hearted humour. By the time Christian and his groomsmen were ready, the room had gone from slightly chaotic to full of anticipation for the day ahead.
A Legendary Love
I want to fast forward to later in the day, during the speeches, to share the inspiration behind the title of this film. When the best man stood to speak, his words resonated with everyone in the room. He had been searching for the perfect way to describe Melissa, to capture the essence of her spirit and the strength of her love. Then, it struck him—“Melissa’s a unicorn.” A rare, mesmerizing, one-of-a-kind person. As his words echoed through the halls of Drumtochty, the room felt the profound connection of love and admiration he had for her, for Christian—it was something mythical, something legendary.
This moment became the heartbeat of their film, “The Last Unicorn.”
A Ceremony to Remember
At 1:00 pm, under the guidance of Gary Smith The Humanist, Melissa and Christian stood before their loved ones and exchanged vows in a deeply personal, humanist ceremony. There was laughter, there were tears, but more than anything, there were OWLS! It was a hoot 🤣… Hoo said that! (I’m a Father of three what do you expect)
Their vows reflected the everyday beauty of their relationship. In Christian’s vows, he spoke of Melissa’s “unrelenting ambition,” her love for family, and her constant support—even in the little things like putting the laundry away. Melissa, in turn, expressed her love for Christian’s steady nature and his fearless approach to life. “He anchors me when I lose the sense of things,” she said, as her words painted a picture of a couple who complete one another in every sense of the word.
The ceremony was a perfect blend of laughter, sincerity, and the kind of love that comes once in a lifetime. It was clear to everyone present that Melissa and Christian were each other’s greatest adventure.
Let the celebrations commence
After the ceremony, the celebrations continued into the afternoon with a joyful cocktail hour. The sounds of the Rococo Quartet filled the air, creating an elegant atmosphere as guests mingled across the castle’s sprawling grounds. As with every aspect of the day, Melissa and Christian made sure every detail was just right.
The speeches, which followed at 4:30 pm, were full of humour, heartfelt moments, and reflections on the journey that had brought Melissa and Christian to this day. The Father of the Bride, David, and the Father of the Groom, Michael, shared warm and funny anecdotes, while the Maid of Honour, Nicole, and Best Man, Ryan, added touches of humour and sentimentality. As Christian and Melissa sat, surrounded by their family and friends, you could see the deep connection between them—a love that had not only brought two people together but had also united their families.
Taking a wee writers break here, I want to ask you a question. I’ve left the times of the day to give more of an idea for what usually happens on a wedding day (at summer time). Is this helpful? Anyway…
First Dance with a Twist
As the evening unfolded, the atmosphere shifted from heartfelt to downright electric. At precisely 8:15 pm, Melissa and Christian glided onto the dance floor, setting the night in motion to the sounds of the Jordan Murray Band..Their steps were effortless, full of chemistry that made everyone stop and watch—but what happened next stole the show. Enter: ceilidh dancing. For many of the American guests, this whirlwind of a Scottish tradition was a new adventure. It didn’t take long before they were swept up in the fun, stumbling through steps, twirling with gusto, and letting loose. The room filled with laughter and playful chaos as everyone threw themselves into the dance, making the reception just as vibrant and unforgettable as the rest of the day.
"The Last Unicorn" is not just the title of their wedding film—it’s a tribute to the unique and irreplaceable bond Melissa and Christian share. A love that is as rare as it is beautiful, captured in a place as magical as Drumtochty Castle.
A Day to Be Remembered Forever
Melissa and Christian's wedding day wasn’t just about the beautiful details. Although if you're in search of more information —the kilted attire by McCalls Highland Wear, Melissa’s elegant gown from Caribis Atelier, or the stunning cake by Liggy’s Cakes —it was about two people who have created a life together that is entirely their own. The way Christian looks at Melissa, the way Melissa anchors Christian—these are the moments we live for as wedding filmmakers.
Their wedding at Drumtochty Castle was, without a doubt, one we won’t forget. And through “The Last Unicorn,” their story is now captured forever, for them to relive and for us to be inspired by.
Suppliers List
Venue : @drumtochtycastle
Photographer : @caroweissphoto
Humanist : @garythehumanist
Wedding Outfits: @mccalls_highlandwear
Dress : @caribis.usa
Shoes : @dune_london
Cake : @liggyscakes
Stationary: @theillustratedinvitation
Quartet : Rococo Quartet
Piper : @thistle_piping
Falconry : @elitefalconry
Florist : @tupelotree
Band : @thejordanmurrayband
