Clare & Will

We're getting married

Clare & Will

We're getting married

Clare & Will

We're getting married

Clare & Will

We're getting married

Clare & Will

We're getting married

Save the date

26 APR 2025

The Bride

I can’t believe it’s been six years since Will and I met - on the one hand it feels like we met yesterday, and yet from early on it felt like we’d known each other forever. Year on year, we have gone from strength to strength, and on our first day moving in together (despite a global pandemic) I remember a moment of feeling like a jigsaw had just ‘clicked’: from there on, I was home, no matter where we went next. I can’t wait for this next chapter of our life together, and to see what homes we will find along the way (accompanied by our wee fur-baby).

Clare

The Groom

When we first moved in together, I admit that I was a bit nervous that we were taking a big risk. Not only living together but living together during the pandemic when you couldn't get much space away from home. I knew we'd be alright by the end of day 1 and every day since has been a blast. I always used to look to the past and agonise over whether I made the right decisions. Since we met, I look to the future knowing that I got the most important one right.

Will

We are waiting for.....

The adventure
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Our Love Story

June 2018

First Meet

As classic millennials, we both ‘swiped right’ on Bumble – despite profile pictures of Will eating a doughnut, and Clare in full X-Men face paint! Clare was heading away on a family holiday, but we kept on talking.
June 2018
July 2018

First Date

We had a few drinks after work on a sunny summer evening in St. James’ Park in Westminster. We talked all through the evening until the sun set and the park’s geese finally chased us away.
July 2018
June 2020

First Home

What started as a joke by Will about moving in together was very quickly made reality as we moved into our own space after two years together. After many weeks of not seeing each other in person during the pandemic, we were finally able to share our wonderful little flat in Putney
June 2020
April 2022

First House

Two years later we took the plunge and quit the Big Smoke for our first house in Woking. After surviving several weeks of painting and decorating our new place - plus a plethora of IKEA furniture assembly - we breathed a sigh of relief and settled in, just in time for…
April 2022
October 2022

First Cat

Our true relationship goals were finally achieved when we brought home 1yo rescue cat Bandit from Battersea Cats and Dogs Home. Despite only seeing two eyes peering from a crate for a couple of days afterwards, she soon settled into her domain, and has us both utterly wrapped round her little paws.
October 2022
August 2023

The Proposal

Having impressively hidden all preparations from Clare in the weeks beforehand, Will waited until our summer getaway to the idyllic island of Kefalonia to pop the question. Decorating the staircase of our villa with photos of us, and playing a favourite song in the background, Will led Clare up to the balcony of our villa during a beautiful sunset and got down on one knee.
August 2023

We are going to...

Celebrate Our Love

Wedding Event

Timings

  • Newhall Estate, Carlops, EH26 9LY
  • Saturday 26th April 2025

Please arrive between 13:00 and 13:30 for the ceremony (which will begin at 14:00)

Please arrive from 19:00 for the evening reception.

Carriages at midnight

See location
Men in kilts

Dress Code

The dress code is formal. Kilts or trews (tartan trousers) are encouraged but not required.

If you are new to the world of kilts or trews but would like to try one out, MacGregor & MacDuff are a good place to start to get a sense of what’s involved in hiring a kilt, but once you start to look there are lots of kilt hire shops (e.g. for those in the south of England, Moss Bros have three versions of the full kilt ensemble available to hire).

This handy list also explains the key components of a kilt outfit (we welcome both Argyll and Prince Charlie jackets with the kilt ensemble). But if you have any questions please do get in touch!

FAQ

  • When is the RSVP deadline?

    Please RSVP by 1st January 2025 , so we have an accurate headcount, and can then write to confirm menu choices, taking into account any dietary requirements. If you have any further questions (or have any problems filling in the RSVP form) please feel free to contact us directly at clareandwillwedding25@gmail.com .

  • What time should I arrive?

    For day guests, please arrive between 1pm - 1.30pm (as the ceremony will start at 2pm). For those attending for the evening celebrations, please arrive from 7pm.

  • Where should I park?

    There is some parking on-site at Newhall Estate (this is clearly signposted when you arrive via the main entrance). If you are planning to drive to the venue please indicate this on your RSVP response so that we know that there will be enough spaces for everyone.

  • Is the wedding indoors or outdoors?

    If the weather cooperates (never a given!) we may have an outdoor ceremony. The reception will be indoors, however outdoor seating will be available throughout the night, and there is a short outdoor walk ( less than 5mins) between the ceremony building and reception/dancing space. We would therefore advise guests to bring coats or warm coverings with them (to prepare for all eventualities during a Scottish spring!).

  • Should I take photos with phones and cameras during the wedding?

    We would love for you to take photos during the reception and evening celebrations, and to share your lovely pictures with us! However, we want everyone to be able to enjoy the ceremony without distraction so we would kindly ask that no photos are taken during the ceremony, and that phones and devices are on silent during this time.

  • Can I bring additional guests/plus ones?

    Unfortunately, due to capacity restrictions at the venue, we are not able to accommodate all of our lovely guests bringing additional guests of their own. All guest names are written on our invitations. We thank you so much for understanding!

R.S.V.P.

Getting There

Transportation

Getting there

Newhall Estate is located south of Edinburgh, about a 20 minute drive. There are no public transport connections, so we recommend either driving or getting a taxi. We are looking into running a coach/minibus back from Newhall Estate into Edinburgh at the end of the night if there is enough interest (see RSVP).
If you are driving from Edinburgh to Newhall Estate, follow the A702 southbound for about 20 minutes. The entrance to Newhall Estate will be on your left. The entrance is not very visible as you are approaching but, if you accidentally overshoot, don’t panic – the exit road from the estate is about 200m further ahead. You can pull onto it to turn around and head back to the entrance (we speak from experience…).
Parking is available on site though there are a limited number of spaces. If you intend to drive, then please note this on the RSVP so we know how many cars to plan for.

Taxi firms

The venue have advised that Uber do not operate as far out as Newhall so we strongly suggest you pre-book travel from one of the following companies, if you are not driving or using a coach service:

  • RAB Cabs: 07541 256 473
  • Penicuik Taxis: 01968 679 600
  • FM PrivateHire: 01968 677 370
  • Aerial ABW Cabs: 0131 663 3232
  • JC Taxis: 01968 676 161
  • KPM Private Hire: 07735 987778
  • Green Lyne: 07771 756471

Accommodations

We recommend staying in and around Edinburgh, and it has good transport connections available.
For those who are travelling from around London & the South of England, the cheapest option is usually an advance ticket on an LNER service from London Kings Cross to Edinburgh Waverley. Assuming a good service, it takes about five hours.
There are also good flight options to Edinburgh airport.

There are many hotels available in the city. Edinburgh Park has a cluster of hotels (including a good Premier Inn) that is located next to a train, tram, and bus line and has parking available for cars (all of these links will take you into the city centre, if you are travelling to and from Waverley Train Station).
There are also AirBnB options both in the city and in areas closer to the venue such as Penicuik, West Linton, and Peebles.

Please note that there is a Low Emission Zone in Edinburgh’s city centre so do check that your car is compliant before driving through the town.

If you would prefer to stay nearer Newhall Estate (and outside of Edinburgh city), there are also the following accommodation options which have been recommended by our venue.

Self-catering properties

  • Pentland cottages  here
  • Eastside cottages here

Hotels & AirBnBs
  • Eastside cottages here
  • Toftcombs Mansion here
  • PeggysLea Farm here
  • The Horseshoe Inn here
  • The Gordon Arms here
  • Pentland Cosy here

Wedding Gifts

There is no need for a gift - your presence is present enough!

However, if you would like to give a gift, we would be very grateful for any contributions toward our honeymoon, using this link.
Alternatively, if you would like to give a specific gift, we have made a few suggestions on our wish list here. Please send any gifts to 18 Glendale Close, Woking, GU21 3HN.