Wedding Day

Winton Castle

Ceremony & Reception

Our Wedding

Six years ago, Valerie and I went on our very first date. I already knew I was going to ask her to be my girlfriend at the time. We were going to go to a nice French restaurant in Cleveland. But you know what they say about the best laid plans, they tend to change. Valerie had a sinus infection and was unable to taste anything. So, we cancelled our reservation and ended up at a ramen bar. After dinner, we walked over to a brewery and had a beer together as boyfriend and girlfriend. This is where the typical “the rest is history” is normally put, but there is oh so much life that we’ve lived since then. We lived in an apartment together with Penny, Valerie’s cat. As soon as we bought a house, we rescued Mandi, our Australian Shepard, and then just a year later we added Teddy, our giant Great Pyrenees mutt, to the family. We traveled a lot within the U.S. for weddings and to visit Valerie’s family in Plano, Texas. We watched Anna, Valerie’s sister, get married to her incredible husband Tyler and start a family. We have seen countless number of friends and family members get married as well. Valerie and I sometimes feel like we are bringing up the rear. As soon as the weddings of our loved ones started to slow down, we decided to do some traveling of our own and headed off to Ireland. We had such a great time exploring everything that we could fit in. There is no down time on vacations anymore, it is strictly travel, which is arguably the best. Less than a year later, we finally made it to France, with a short pit stop in Spain to get engaged in Ibiza. This trip was by far a long time coming. We originally planned to go to France in 2020… but we all know what happened to cancel that. So, after much delay we were finally able to go and visit Valerie’s grandma in the south of France. While we have been on several trips, big and small, we anticipate that Scotland, surrounded by friends &amp; family while getting married, will be our best one yet! See you all soon in Scotland! With all our love!&nbsp;

Our Story

Valerie's Bridal Party

Photos

My oldest friend, not by choice, but by birth. I don’t know if there was really any time in life where Adam and I did not get along. The list of things we have in common has grown to an unsurmountable level at this point, but what really makes us fun are the unique differences that separate us. When one of us has an idea to try something new, you best believe the other will be in tow. 

Adam Soya

Danny and I have been friends since middle school. Easily my oldest friend, by choice. Danny and I have been friends through the years and through distance. Different schools meant we just had a reason to explore a different campus and make more memories. Glad to have him back on the east side of town. 

Danny Armagno

Tony and I met through soccer, which shaped a lot of our childhood. While we didn’t play soccer together until high school and weren’t really close until college, we have easily become the best, worst at golfing, buddies to date. The score is always fun-to-fun!

Tony Pletikosic

It only took 4 hours south of home at OU for me to meet Alec who lived one town over. Alec and I became good friends at OU through our shared interests and fraternity. Most of those stories are locked away deep in the memories. Father to my goddaughter Arya, the cutest little girl around who one day will undoubtedly get a good laugh from some of those aforementioned memories. 

Alec Reese

Anna is my built-in best friend. The story that has been told time and time again is that when my parents brought Anna home from the hospital, the first word I said as I made my way up to her was “mine.” We grew up putting on fashion shows for our dad, playing together in the cabin our grandfather built in France for the two of us, and later trying to keep each other awake on our road trips between our colleges and home on the weekends. She is the best sister and friend anyone can ask for and will forever be the Phoebe to my Piper. As an extra benefit of having Anna as my sister, she brought my niece & nephew into this world and they are the best!

Anna Villacampa-Dimon

Daniela and I met as 3-year-old toddlers with beanie babies at preschool. We went from toddlers learning to read and write together, to middle schoolers that would perform flute & viola duets very badly in front of our poor parents, to high schoolers hanging out at the lake together, and now to adults taking on the world together. While we are technically best friends, we always say that we are actually sisters because we feel like that describes us much better.

Daniela DeJesu

Kristyn and I met as the only new kids at school in 2nd grade. Kristyn is the kind of friend that you run across an active kickball field for. We are never bored when we are together, whether it was making (very literal) dance choreography to an entire Avril Lavigne album, staying on the couch all day watching movies together, or being in a book groupchat with my mom.  She always knows how to make me laugh and no matter where she lives, she is there for me.

Kristyn Reeves

Josie came into this world in 2021 and has been Valérie’s favorite niece ever since. She is incredibly smart and is not afraid to tell you how she is feeling or thinking. She loves playing with her toys (especially her Frozen dolls) and her little brother Jack. Whenever Valérie goes back to Texas, the first thing Josie does is make sure Valerie sees that Jack is there too.

Joséphine Dimon

Arya came into this world in 2023 and has been Aaron’s favorite goddaughter ever since. She is incredibly sweet and loves people. She loves her kitchen utensils and will hopefully come to love cooking just like her dad & godfather.

Arya Reese

Jack came into this world in 2023 and has been Valérie’s favorite nephew ever since. He is booming with energy and likes to tackle all things head on (including trying to climb on absolutely everything with reckless abandon). He loves trucks and cars, but more than anything, he loves his big sister, Joséphine.

Jack Dimon

Wedding Party

Do I Need a Visa?

As of January 8, 2025, you need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to travel to Scotland (well, the whole U.K.). You can apply for it online. It costs £10.00 until April 8, 2025 and then it will cost £16.00 starting April 9, 2025. It takes at least 3 business days for a decision. Each individual person will need a visa (even children &amp; babies). For more information, visit: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta</a>. Please use the website or the official app on your phone. There are 3rd-party companies that charge way more and there are even scam websites now, so be careful, especially if it costs more than the above listed amounts.

How do we get to Winton Castle from Edinburgh?

We have hired a bus through AC's Taxis to take people to &amp; from the Castle. Morning Pick-Up: - Time: 8:30 a.m. sharp departure- Location: West Register House, Charlotte Square (<a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/TynBasnHe5GANbt7A" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://maps.app.goo.gl/TynBasnHe5GANbt7A</a>) to Winton Castle Evening Drop-Off: - Time: 11:45 p.m. (23:45) sharp departure- Location: Winton Castle to West Register House, Charlotte Square (<a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/TynBasnHe5GANbt7A" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://maps.app.goo.gl/TynBasnHe5GANbt7A</a>) Please let us know whether you do not intend to take the bus. Thank you!

Dress Code

For the Mini Highland Games (whether you are participating or not): Whatever is comfortable &amp; appropriate for athletic events. The Games will take place rain or shine, so keep in mind that it might be muddy! For the Wedding: Black Tie Optional (full-length dresses, jumpsuits, pantsuits, suits, or slacks with a button down and jacket). We do not care about the color, but if you wear white, someone may unintentionally (or intentionally) spill so much red wine on you (think buckets).&nbsp;

Changing Clothes Between the Mini Highland Games & the Ceremony

Please bring a small bag that can fit in your lap on the bus with your fancy wedding clothes.&nbsp; After the game, there will be a communal area for the men &amp; a communal area for the women to change. Unfortunately, there are only showers in the men's area. We will be providing body wipes &amp; deodorant for both areas. Thankfully, it won't be too hot out. There will be around 2.5 hours between the Mini Highland Games &amp; the Ceremony for people to change, mingle, and eat a quick lunch.

What about food?

Before the Games: Light pastries After the Games: Mix of sandwiches, wraps, &amp; fruit&nbsp; After the Ceremony: Canapés Dinner: When you RSVP, you will be able to pick your starter, main meal, &amp; dessert for dinner. There are two options for each course of the dinner.&nbsp; If you have kids joining, they will have a separate kid's menu. Unfortunately, we cannot customize the RSVP options to include their meal, so if you are RSVPing for kids, just pick a random food option &amp; we will provide the following 3-course meal: (1) Starter - Strawberry and melon salad; (2) Main Meal - Macaroni cheese; (2) Dessert - Brownies and Ice Cream Later in the Evening: Cake End of the Night: Evening Buffet

What do you need to be able to drive in the Scotland?

To rent/drive a car in Scotland, you will need:(1) Your passport; AND (2) Either a European driver's license OR a driver's license written in English Since everyone is coming from the U.S. &amp; France, we should all be good!

What do you need to know about the roads in Scotland?

In Scotland, they drive on the left side of the road. Also, if you are driving out in the countryside, keep in mind that there are roads that have one lane that goes in both directions, so please look into passing rules in addition to just general rules of the road.

What is the deal with plus ones?

Because of limited venue space, we unfortunately can't accommodate plus-ones beyond those named on the wedding invitation. We hope you understand our decision.

What is the Deadline to RSVP?

Q + A

Airport

The closest airport is the Edinburgh Airport.

The Castle

Winton Castle is around 30 - 45 minutes southeast from Edinburgh.

Places to Stay

Edinburgh

There are several hotels throughout the City of Edinburgh for almost every budget.

Closer to the Castle

There are several places closer to the Castle. Here are some accommodations that were recommended by Winton Castle:

1. Rosehip Hideaway, Pencaitland- www.rosehip-hideaway.co.uk3 lovely cabins, each sleeping 2-4 guests - a few minutes from Winton Castle

2. Greencraigs- www.greencraig.comLuxurious and spacious 6 bedroom self-catering house near Aberlady - 10 minutes from Winton Castle

3. Garleton Lodge- www.garletonlodge.co.ukSmall luxury Hotel with 8 ensuite bedrooms - 15 minutes North/ East from Winton Castle

4. Carfrae Farm Cottages, Gifford- www.carfraefarm.comNewly refurbished 2 &amp; 3 bedroom cottages - 15 minutes from Winton Castle

5. Overhailes Farm Cottages- www.overhailes.com4* bed and breakfast close to Haddington with self catering cottages - 20 minutes from Winton Castle

6. The Bonnie Badger, Gullanehttps://bbadger.dbm.guestline.net/availability?hotel=BONNIEBLuxury restaurant with rooms run by Michelin starred chef Tom Kitchen and his wife - 20 minutes from Winton Castle

7. Whitekirk Hill near North Berwick https://www.whitekirkhill.co.uk/lodges/Luxury self-catering lodges near the picturesque coastal town of North Berwick - 25 minutes from Winton Castle

8. The Marine, North Berwick https://marineandlawn.com/marinenorthberwick/ Luxury hotel with restaurant in the beautiful costal town of North Berwick - 25 minutes from Winton Castle

Travel

Things to Do

Registry

Start of the Day - 8:30 a.m.

Taking the bus to go to the castle from Edinburgh We have hired a bus through AC's Taxis to take people to &amp; from the Castle. Morning Pick-Up:Time: 8:30 a.m. sharp departureLocation: West Register House, Charlotte Square (<a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/TynBasnHe5GANbt7A" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://maps.app.goo.gl/TynBasnHe5GANbt7A</a>) to Winton Castle

Mini-Highland Games - 10:00 a.m.

Rain or shine, join in on 1.5 hours of highland games run by a clan chief on castle grounds (to include tossing the caber, wheat sheaf throw, axe throwing, tug-o-war, etc.)

Changing & Mingling - 11:30 a.m.

ChangingCommunal areas for changing (1 for women &amp; 1 for men) MinglingThere will be some snacks &amp; refreshments

Wedding Ceremony -  2:00 p.m.

Ceremony will take place in the castle itself

Cocktail Hour & Photos - 2:30 p.m.

Time to relax before food. If weather permits, croquet will be set up on the croquet lawn

Call to Dinner -  4:00 p.m.

(or as the Scottish call it, wedding breakfast)Bon Appétit

Whisky Tasting -  7:00 p.m.

Drams of small batch whisky with whisky expert

Dancing - 8:00 p.m.

The start of dancing our hearts out, drinking, &amp; learning a little ceilidh dancing

Evening Food - 9:30 p.m.

A small evening buffet &amp; delicious cake

END OF THE NIGHT - 11:45 P.M.

Taking the bus to go to Edinburgh ﻿Evening Drop-Off:- Time: 11:45 p.m. (23:45) sharp departure- Location: Winton Castle to West Register House, Charlotte Square (<a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/TynBasnHe5GANbt7A" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://maps.app.goo.gl/TynBasnHe5GANbt7A</a>)

Wedding Day Schedule

Agenda

Brief Outline

Here is an outline of what a group of us plan on doing during our week in Scotland. All are welcome to follow along or meet up with us at any point along the way! (And don’t worry about imposing, we are having our honeymoon at a later date!)

-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;10/30/2025 – 11/03/2025: Edinburgh -&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;11/04/2025: WEDDING!! -&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;11/05/2025: Glasgow -&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;11/06/2025: Driving to the Isles -&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;11/07/2025: Isle of Skye -&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;11/08/2025: Inverness &amp; Speyside -&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;11/09/2025: Edinburgh

Detailed Outline

Below is a more detailed run through of things we may do along our road trip route! These are all tentative plans

10/30-11/03: Edinburgh

Oct. 30th: o Arrive &amp; get situatedOct. 31st: o Morning: Kingarrock Golf OR St. Giles Cathedral &amp; Tron Marketo Afternoon: Kingarrock Golf OR Palace of Holyroodhouseo Evening: Samhuinn Fire Festival (tickets typically sell out quickly &amp; they are now on sale!!! - <a href="https://beltane.org/about-samhuinn/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://beltane.org/about-samhuinn/</a>)Nov. 1sto Morning: Arthur's Seat OR Scottish National Galleryo Afternoon: Food tour &amp; Johnny Walker touro Evening: Pub crawlNov. 2ndo Morning: The Writer's Museumo Afternoon: Edinburg Castle (with afternoon tea)o Evening: Guy Fawkes Festival (<a href="https://www.fawkesfestival.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.fawkesfestival.com/</a>)Nov. 3rdo Morning: Walking tour of St. Andrews Old Golf Course OR Day trip to Crathes Castle/Aberdeeno Afternoon: Walking tour of St. Andrews Old Golf Course OR Day trip to Crathes Castle/Aberdeeno Evening: Mary King's Close tour

We will be staying at: <a href="https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/edicahi-hilton-edinburgh-carlton/?WT.mc_id=zINDA0EMEA1MB2PSH3BNG4INTBPP5dkt6MULTIBR7_345851690_1004635_p80589813149&amp;&amp;&amp;&amp;&amp;gclid=276ecd1ddf0a1a16b7a1aabe94d04a60&amp;gclsrc=3p.ds&amp;msclkid=276ecd1ddf0a1a16b7a1aabe94d04a60" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Hilton Edinburgh Carlton - Edinburgh City Centre Hotels</a>

o&nbsp;&nbsp;Highland Gameso&nbsp;&nbsp;Weddingo&nbsp;&nbsp;Croquet (weather permitting)o&nbsp;&nbsp;Foodo&nbsp;&nbsp;Dancingo&nbsp;&nbsp;Whisky tasting

Nov. 5tho&nbsp;&nbsp;Late Morning: Stop at the Falkirk Wheel &amp; the Kelpieso&nbsp;&nbsp;Afternoon: Burrell Collection, Kibble Palace, or Kelvingrove Art Galleryo&nbsp;&nbsp;Evening: Explore the city

We will be staying at: <a href="https://www.apexhotels.co.uk/destinations/glasgow/apex-city-of-glasgow-hotel/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Hotels In Glasgow City Centre | Apex City of Glasgow</a>

11/06: Drive to the Isles

Nov. 6tho&nbsp;&nbsp;Late Morning: Lunch in Obano&nbsp;&nbsp;Afternoon: Highland Fold Ice Cream stop, Glencoe, &amp; stopping to look at Eilean Dolan Castleo&nbsp;&nbsp;Evening: Arrive on Isle of Skye

We will be staying at: <a href="https://www.isleofskyeguesthouse.co.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Isle of Skye Guest House</a>

11/07: Isle of Skye

Nov. 7tho&nbsp;&nbsp;Morning: Fairy Pools hike, Talisker Distillery, &amp; Oyster Shed for luncho&nbsp;&nbsp;Afternoon: Old Man of Storr hike OR Fairy Glen hike followed by Kilt Rock &amp; Mealt Falls viewpointso&nbsp;&nbsp;Evening: Dinner in Portree

11/08: Inverness, Speyside, &amp; Cairngorms National Park

Nov. 8tho&nbsp;&nbsp;Morning: Drive along &amp; stop at a viewpoint of Loch Nesso&nbsp;&nbsp;Afternoon: Whiskey tours OR Clava Cairns, Culloden Battlefield, &amp; Cairngorms National Parko&nbsp;&nbsp;Evening: Dark Skies Park

We will be staying at: <a href="https://www.richmondarmstomintoul.co.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Richmond Arms Hotel Tomintoul</a>

Aaron & Valerie

Aaron & Valerie

Registry

Thank you everyone who contributes through our registry. We know our wedding is quite far away. Please do not feel obligated to contribute if you are attending our wedding. We 100% consider your presense at our wedding gift enough.

With all our love.

Registry

Thank you everyone who contributes through our registry. We know our wedding is quite far away. Please do not feel obligated to contribute if you are attending our wedding. We 100% consider your presense at our wedding gift enough. With all our love.

Thank you everyone who contributes through our registry. We know our wedding is quite far away. Please do not feel obligated to contribute if you are attending our wedding. We 100% consider your presense at our wedding gift enough.

With all our love.