Emotional Support Dog at Thirlestane Castle Wedding

Kimberly Logie
Sep 7
4 min read

Updated: Sep 10

When you picture your dream wedding, what comes to mind? A stunning castle surrounded by lush gardens, a dress that takes your breath away, and the people you love most. For Amanda and Josh, their destination wedding at Thirlestane Castle in Scotland became a magical celebration filled with love, laughter, and a few unforgettable surprises. As their hairstylist, I had the privilege of being part of this story, and it truly was unforgettable.

Photo Credit: Kimberly Logie

Why Thirlestane Castle is a Dream Venue

Nestled in the heart of Scotland, Thirlestane Castle is breathtaking. Its grand architecture and surrounding natural beauty create a sense that is both regal and intimate. When Amanda reached out from Seattle, her excitement was contagious. We quickly connected over shared interests, including our love for animals and a mutual appreciation for Taylor Swift. From the first email, it was clear this would be a special collaboration, and I could not wait to be part of her wedding day.

A Heartwarming Twist with Dogs

Amanda and Josh, true dog lovers, adamantly insisted that my Labrador Minnie join them over the weekend to provide emotional support. With months of training, Minnie became an integral part of the day, bringing calm, joy, and connection to guests. Their wedding planner Hannah also brought her dog, Bonnie, adding another special furry-friend to their weekend.

Photo Credit: Kimberly Logie

The Bridal Look: Soft, Romantic, Perfectly Personal

Amanda’s gown was a stunning Galia Lahav creation, and my job was to craft a hairstyle that complemented its beauty. Her bleach-blonde hair was down past her mid-back, requiring careful protection from heat and styling products to maintain its integrity and not become weighed down. She wanted soft yet structured waves with a detailed braid adorned with blush petals. I hand-selected flowers from my salon bouquet to make the look personal and unique.

The final result was breathtaking. Soft, relaxed waves framed her face while the floral details added a whimsical, romantic touch. It was the perfect balance of elegance and personal charm, and seeing her joy made every detail worth it.

Photo Credit: Kimberly Logie

Honouring Harlow

Amanda’s beloved golden retriever Harlow had been diagnosed with cancer before the wedding. To honour him, Hannah and I created a custom locket keychain with cherished photos and the engraving, “Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day.” Minnie delivered the locket to Amanda and Josh privately the day before the wedding, creating a deeply emotional moment. Amanda later attached it to her bouquet so Harlow would be with her in spirit as she walked down the aisle.

Photo Credit: Kimberly Logie

Managing Weather and Perfect Hair

Scotland’s unpredictable weather posed a challenge for Amanda’s waves. Using protective products, I carefully styled her hair to maintain soft glam waves, keeping in mind her delicate bleach-blonde strands. I stayed onsite for touchups throughout the day, coordinating with their planner, photographer and videographer to ensure her hair lasted as long as possible despite wind and rain. For brides wearing down styles or glam waves, scheduling outdoor group photos until after the ceremony helps avoid more time consuming last-minute touchups. (Avoid the rain and wind the best you can until after your vows!)

Photo: James Frost

Connecting Loved Ones from Afar

Josh’s mother could not attend in person, but technology allowed her to witness the ceremony via Zoom. I helped set up the call and discreetly positioned the phone in the front row, creating an emotional moment that connected loved ones across continents.

Photo Credit: James Frost

Lessons Learned

This wedding was a reminder that hairstyling is about more than technique—it’s about relationships, moments, and being a true team player. Every detail, even a hairstyle, can leave a lasting impression. Josh shared that his hair styling unlocked a new confidence and a playful style he had never experienced before, a perfect example of how even small details matter.

Photo Credit: James Frost

Your Thirlestane Castle Wedding

Amanda and Josh’s celebration was unforgettable. Their love, connection to their pets, and the warmth of their family and friends made it extraordinary. If you are dreaming of a Thirlestane Castle wedding or planning an editorial session with personal touches, embrace every moment and let your story shine. Pets, personal details, and thoughtful styling create memories that last forever.

Have you ever incorporated pets into a wedding or editorial session? I would love to hear your stories in the comments. Planning a session or wedding in Scotland? Let’s create your perfect look together. Reach out and let’s make it as unforgettable as the moments it represents.