Today might be April Fool – but here are the pictures to prove our story isn’t all bull.
A Highland castle wedding venue has gone all out to grant a bride’s special wish for her big day.
Amber Pickworth, 28, fell in love with Barcaldine Castle near Oban. But she had one special stipulation.
As well as something old and something new, this bride wanted something “moo”.
Amber asked castle manageress, Veronica MacKenzie, to arrange a Highland cow to be star attraction for the wedding pictures.
And her wish came true when she and her groom popped along to neighbouring farm West Ferlochan.
Amber married David Bragg, 31, at 12.30pm at the castle. And at 2.30pm the newlyweds headed for pictures with heifer Neoinean Ruadh Sixth of Leys – all three looking beautifully groomed.
The couple are from Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk. Amber, 28, is a veterinary nurse and just loves cows – especially Highland cows.
Be responsible around working animals – do not approach without the farmer
After a carefully managed photoshoot, with help from farm manager Willie MacLean and photographer Debbie Thornton, Amber gushed about her day.
She said: “I have had the best few days of my life. Willie couldn’t do enough for us. I have had a lovely stay at the castle. And I got to play with the cow. I’m calling her Neo, because I can’t speak Gaelic. She is beautiful, lovely and absolutely a force to be reckoned with.
“You need to remember that these are working animals. People must be responsible and not approach them unless they have the farmer with them.”
Willie bought “Neo” two years ago in Oban at the Highland Cattle Sale. The beast is now three years old.
He said: “We are showing her. Last year she was Highland Champion at Lorn Show.”
The couple have two English bulldogs, who also played an integral part at the wedding.
Freddie, the best man, carried the rings down the aisle in his collar. Chip performed flower girl duties.
April 1 might seem like an unusual day to choose to get married. But there is a special meaning behind it.
The pair met for the first time on April 1 and David proposed a few years later on the same date.
‘A really beautiful place’
David said: “This is a really beautiful place. The beds at the castle are ridiculously comfortable. And the staff are so helpful and friendly.”
Amber added: “Veronica has put up with all my tantrums and absolutely crazy requests. The whole thing has been amazing.”
Barcaldine Castle was built between 1601 and 1609 by Duncan Campbell of Glenorchy.
It is now a luxury B&B and a popular wedding venue.
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