House of Schivas Wedding – Seonaidh & Thomas

House of Schivas is an L-plan tower house, dating from the 16th century, about three miles east of Methlick, in the valley of the River Ythan, in Scotland.

Not only was I lucky enough to have the first ever pre-wedding shoot there with Seonaidh and Thomas but I’ll be also the first photographer to do a wedding there – how exciting, EEEEK!

Says Radek, the photographer.
House Schivas

I met Seonaidh and Thomas for the first time just before their engagement shoot, in their beautiful cottage in the shire early in the morning. We shared a cup of tea, talked about the upcoming wedding, went through all the bits and bobs that will soon help turn their big day into pure magic. There’s nothing quite like knowing from the minute you meet your clients that you will click. You will get great photos because your personalities are a good match and because the two of them love each other to bits.

Says Radek, the photographer.

House of Schivas wedding

When Radek the photographer was walking around the estate with the couple, chatting and taking photos for the engagement gallery he prepared a solid plan on how he was going to tackle the wedding. He knew the places he wanted to go to with the couple, and already had an idea on how to work the building and the light and the staircases. On the wedding day however when they arrived at Schivas House, some of his plans had to be amended straight away. The weather was completely different that day and there was no indication of sun ever planning to come out to say ‘Hi’!

So I improvised a little, fought with challenging lighting conditions and later on when the weather cleared up a little even managed to take some photos outside. All in all, as if by magic the weather, the darkness, the narrow corridors of the building, they all came out perfectly in the photos giving away the slightly eerie, romantic feel of the venue.
Seonaidh and Thomas were a perfect couple to photograph, easy going, wouldn’t say no to anything. And their wedding party – stars. I enjoyed every minute that day.


Says Radek, the photographer.

Christmas day engagement

Thomas proposed to me in our living room on Christmas Day 2016 after 10 years together. The ring was hidden inside a homemade stocking that his mum had made me. We have been together since we were teenagers so it was an instant yes! Our priorities for our big day was that everyone (including us!) felt relaxed and that there was to be no stress involved. Photography and music were the most important aspects – photography as the photos last a lifetime and music as it is one of our shared passions. Our personal style was reflected through many parts of our wedding, including a gothic vampire diaries theme during the day and a boho theme in the evening.

Said Seonaidh.

Thomas’ mum Helen made the most beautiful cake with lots of sugar flowers – each tier was a different flavour and the inspiration came from the couple’s garden and a forest floor style vibe. The couple picked the end of July as Thomas loves being outdoors and in the sunshine. The venue was a no brainer as it was the first place they discovered when they first moved into their country home. The couple came across House of Schivas on a summers walk and being less than one mile from their home. It was the perfect location.

On our wedding day it was pouring with rain. Luckily after we said our vows the sun came out and we headed outside to take pictures with our photographer Radek Makar (Photomagician). It was a lovely day spent with all our friends and family and really was the best day of our lives.

Says Seonaidh.

What sort of dress did you choose? Why did you choose it?

Bridesmaid dress as I didn’t want to be too fancy or stand out too much. It was actually my favourite one and I found out it was a bridesmaids dress afterwards.

Says Seonaidh.


Curious what House of Schivas holds for you? Keep scrolling and follow the footsteps of Seonaidh & Thomas on their wedding day.

About the photographer

Radek Makar is a wedding photographer based in Scotland and available to photograph weddings throughout the UK. You can see more of Radek’s wedding work on his website.

Seonaidh & Thomas’s suppliers

Venue: House of Schivas

Bride’s gown: Brides Delight

Hair: Nicole from NK Studio in Ellon

Bridesmaid dress: Monsoon

Groom and groomsmen’s attire: Haddo highland wear

Favours: Wildflower favours

Flowers: Elegant blooms

Cake: Mother in law

Food/catering: Hudsons catering

Celebrant: Vanessa Smith – humanist

Invitations/stationery: Zazzle

Table decorations: Hudsons

Venue decorations: Ginger ray/own items

Rings: Finnies

Photobooth: Homemade

Wedding planner: Michelle Paterson of Raphael weddings

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