Real Wedding – Jamie & Kelly Shek – 12th August 2023

We hosted the wonderful Kelly & Jamie’s wedding back in August on a stunning summers day! The couple incorporated a Chinese tea ceremony into their day, where Kelly surprised Jamie by doing a quick wardrobe change into a cheongsam dress!

You can hear more about their day below…

Firstly a little bit about you.. 

How did you two meet?

We first met in primary school and were classmates all the way up to secondary school where we then got together.

Where did you get engaged?

We got engaged in Mauritius @ La Vallee des Couleurs nature park where Kelly zip lined down 1500metres, I was waiting at the bottom on one knee and with the ring. Kelly thought I was down tying my lace until she was unhooked from the zipline, and she got a surprise when she seen the ring.

Finding your venue and planning the wedding

What was it that first attracted you to Kinkell? Was there something that stood out when you knew it would be the perfect place for your special day?

With Kelly being a fife born hen, she always knew she wanted to get married somewhere in the Kingdom of Fife (personal joke). We visited many venues in and around the area but fell instantly in love with Kinkell Byre as soon as we walked through the door. The beauty of venue, the view out to the sea & St Andrews and pretty much the whole amazing set up for having a day there from ceremony to evening reception.

Tell us a little bit about planning your wedding. Where did you start?

From the initial planning to the actual day of our wedding it was 4 years. Originally planned pre-covid and then falling into the pandemic we postponed the wedding 2 times, so it was 3rd time lucky. To start off the wedding plans we attended the Kinkell Byre Open day which gave us ideas and we booked some of the suppliers straight away.

How did you decide on a colour theme or style?

Kelly knew what colours she wanted from the beginning which was a navy theme for the bridesmaids. Which then I went with the sky blue/navy theme for the groomsmen’s outfits. As for the venue theme we went for a light and greenery setting.

Where did you find your suppliers?

The suppliers were a bit of a mixed. Majority of recommendations were from the Kinkell Byre open day, and some were sourced by us. 

Is there anything you wish someone had told you about before about planning a barn wedding?

Not really, with the venue there is so many options you can create to suit your own ideas. 

Was there anything that was really important to you both to have? 

To have a great time with our loved ones and friends. Seeing everyone have smiles on their faces and enjoying the day. 

The Big Day!

Tell us about your wedding day, what are your highlights and favourite memories?

Jamie: for me, it was spending our special day with our family and friends and of course finally getting to see Kelly walk down that aisle after the long wait.

Kelly: Enjoying spending time with all our family and friends and surprising Jamie with the Chinese dress that was worn for the tea ceremony. 

Have you any advice for other couples that are planning their wedding? 

Enjoy and cherish your special day. The day does seem to be quite busy to begin with then it does finally settle down. Take 5 minutes to yourselves at some point in the evening and watch all of your guests. It makes you appreciate the hard work you have put in and watching everyone enjoying themselves. 

How is married life treating you? 

Life is pretty much the same but does seem nice to be known as Mr and Mrs.

Suppliers

Photographer – Chris Scott Photography

Cake – A Bonnie Wee Cake

Bar – Event Bar St Andrews

Lighting – i-Light

Catering – Scotts Catering Services

Videographer – Ashleigh June Films

Florist – The Flower Ranger

Day Music- Rusty’s Travelling Piano Bar 

Band –  Stereobeats 

Humanist Celebrant – Sharon Campbell

Accommodation – Hawkswood Country Estate