Greyfriars Kirk

Ceremony Rehearsal at Greyfriars Kirk Church

EVE Edinburgh (inside Virgin Hotel)

Rehearsal Dinner at Eve Restaurant

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

Red Room After Dinner Drinks

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Our Wedding

They say timing is everything, and on January 1st, 2024, fate (with a little help from Bumble) decided it was finally ours. After just a few days of chatting, we met for cocktails at Tigerlily on January 5th. From the moment our eyes met, something clicked—an instant connection that felt effortless and familiar, like we were finally meeting someone we were always meant to find.That evening was filled with laughter, conversation that flowed like we’d known each other for years, and that unmistakable feeling of right. The night carried on at an arcade, where our first playful competition began. It was the start of a shared joy and teasing rivalry that still fills our days.Over the next few months, we were inseparable. Every moment together felt natural and full of light, as if the world had quietly shifted into place. By May, we took a leap of faith and moved to Glasgow, beginning a new chapter and seeing how strong we could truly be together. There were challenges, of course, but through every new routine and busy day, our bond only grew deeper.Eight months later, we found our way back to Crieff, the town where Mitchell grew up—a place that instantly felt like home for us both. And on March 18th, along Lady Mary’s Walk, at the bend in the river that holds deep meaning for Mitchell, he asked me to marry him. It was quiet, heartfelt, and full of love; a moment that perfectly captured who we are together.Now, we’re so excited to return to Edinburgh, the city where our story began, to celebrate surrounded by our family and friends. Coming back to the place that brought us together feels like closing one beautiful circle and beginning another. We can’t wait to start our forever, hand in hand, exactly where fate first led us.

Our Story

Photos

Wedding Party

Our wedding reception will be held at the Virgin Hotel in Edinburgh, and they have kindly blocked a set of rooms for our guests from Wednesday, April 29th through Sunday, May 3rd. You’re welcome to extend or shorten your stay if you wish. The group rate ranges from £240 to £350 per night, depending on the dates selected.To book your room online, use this link: <a href="https://virginhotels.com/edinburgh/reservations#/booking/step-1?arrive=30%2F04%2F2026&amp;adults=2&amp;group=1977848" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://virginhotels.com/edinburgh/reservations#/booking/step-1?arrive=04%2F30%2F2026&amp;adults=2&amp;group=1977848</a> Or, on the booking page, enter the group code 1977848 in the “Promo/Group Code” section.If you have any trouble booking, you can contact the Virgin Hotel directly by phone or email and they will be happy to assist you.

Virgin Hotel

We also have a limited number of rooms blocked at the Hotel Indigo Edinburgh, located right on Princes Street in the city center. This is a wonderful option if you’d like to stay in the heart of the city and be close to all the main attractions. I don’t have the block code just yet, but I should receive it soon and will update this section with the booking details and available dates.This hotel also happens to have one of our favorite bars (Juniper) and restaurants (Twenty Princes Street) inside. It’s roughly a 10-minute taxi or Uber ride to the wedding venue.

Hotel Indigo Edinburgh - Princes Street by IHG

Another great option is The Grassmarket Hotel, which is just a 3–5 minute walk from our wedding venues. This hotel is located in a lively, historic area with vibrant pubs and nightlife. It’s a very popular spot for drinks, dining, and people-watching.

Grassmarket Hotel

Getting Around EdinburghEdinburgh is a very walkable city, and getting around is easy with several reliable transportation options:Lothian Buses – The main bus network in Edinburgh, running frequently throughout the city. You can pay contactless with your debit/credit card when you board—just tap once. Day passes are also available.Edinburgh Trams – A quick and convenient way to travel between the city centre and the airport. Trams run every few minutes and also accept contactless payment.Trains – Waverley Station (located in the city centre) connects to nearby towns and other parts of Scotland. Great for sightseeing before or after the wedding.Uber &amp; Taxis – Uber operates throughout Edinburgh, and black cabs are easy to find in the city centre. Both are convenient options for late nights or when traveling in groups.

Transportation

Hotels & Transportation

• Calton Hill — A short, scenic walk with stunning panoramic views of the city. • Arthur’s Seat — A more challenging hike with beautiful lookout points over Edinburgh.• Edinburgh Castle — Explore Scotland’s most iconic historic site at the top of the Royal Mile. Advance booking recommended (tickets often sell out). • Whisky Tour (Castle Area – e.g. The Scotch Whisky Experience) — Whisky tasting and a fun introduction to Scotch, just by the castle. Advance booking recommended, especially in peak season and weekends. • Johnnie Walker Experience (Princes Street) — Interactive whisky tour and rooftop bars with amazing views. Advance booking highly recommended for tours and bar tables. • Edinburgh Dungeon — Fun, theatrical, spooky history experience with live actors. Pre-booking online is essential to guarantee entry and best prices. • St James Quarter — Modern shopping mall with restaurants, cafés, and entertainment.• National Museum of Scotland (Free) — Fascinating exhibits, beautiful architecture, and totally free to enter.• Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh — Peaceful gardens, greenhouses, and lovely walking paths.• The Real Mary King’s Close — Guided underground tour revealing Edinburgh’s hidden historic streets. Advance booking strongly recommended (it frequently sells out).

Fun Things to Do in Edinburgh

Whether you’re looking for brunch with a view, a cozy dinner spot, or a celebratory cocktail, Edinburgh has so many wonderful options. Here are some of our favourites, grouped by area to make planning easier while you're in the city for the wedding. *Please make sure to make a RESERVATION as most restaurants require!* Princes Street Side (New Town)A great area for shopping, views of the castle, and modern restaurants.~Brunch~Harvey Nichols Fourth Floor Brasserie — Brunch with gorgeous views (also great for drinks).Café 71 Hanover — Relaxed, delicious brunch options.Café Calton — Brunch with a lovely view.~Afternoon Tea~The Dome — Iconic Edinburgh afternoon tea.The Balmoral Hotel — Classic luxury afternoon tea experience.~Lunch~Café 71 Hanover — Great for a casual, tasty lunch.Chez Jules — French bistro classics.Mowgli — Vibrant Indian street food.Café Calton — Light lunch with views.~Dinner~Mowgli — Fun, flavorful Indian street-food–style dinner.Chez Jules — Cozy French bistro.Minami Sushi — Fresh sushi and Japanese dishes.Howies Waterloo Place — Scottish-inspired dining.Twenty Princes Street — Stylish restaurant with city views.Dishoom — Bombay comfort food and beautiful interiors.The Dome — Elegant dinner option in a stunning setting.Duck &amp; Waffle — Brunch, lunch, or dinner, located in the St. James Quarter Mall.

Restaurant Recommendations (Princes Street Side (New Town))

*Please make sure to make a RESERVATION as most restaurants require!* ﻿~Brunch~Hula Juice Café — Colorful, healthy brunch spot with great coffee.~Lunch~Vittoria on the Bridge — Family-style Italian classics.Makars Mash Bar — Hearty comfort food featuring mashed potato dishes.Maison Bleue — Eclectic mix of French, Scottish &amp; North African flavours.~Dinner~Nok’s Kitchen (Castle) — Authentic Thai cuisine near the castle.The Witchery — Dramatic, candlelit dining with gothic charm.Howies Victoria Street — Scottish dishes in a historic setting.Vittoria on the Bridge — Great Italian dinner option.Makars Mash Bar — Casual, comforting dinner.Maison Bleue — Unique blend of flavours; great for dinner as well.

Restaurant Recommendations (Old Town / High Street / Grassmarket)

Princes Street Side (New Town)• Tiger Lily (George Street) — Stylish bar with great cocktails and a lively vibe.• Juniper (Hotel Indigo) — Chic rooftop-style bar with views over the city.• Voodoo Rooms — Elegant cocktails in a historic, art-deco setting.• Johnnie Walker 1820 Rooftop Bar — Whisky cocktails with panoramic views.• Harvey Nichols Fourth Floor Bar — Sleek bar with skyline views above Princes Street. Old Town / Grassmarket Area• Biddy Mulligans — Classic Irish pub; often has live music in the evenings.• The entire Grassmarket strip is full of lively pubs, perfect for casual drinks and people-watching.

Bar & Pub Recommendations

Recommendations For Your Trip

Registry

We kindly ask guests to dress in formal attire. Soft colors and floral details are encouraged if you’d like to match the garden aesthetic, but any formal look is perfectly welcome.

Dress Code

We’re so excited to celebrate with you! Here’s a rough outline of the day so you know what to expect.1:45pm-2:00 PM – Guest Arrival for CeremonyGuests arrive at GreyFriars Kirk Church and find their seats. Guests may begin arriving at 1:45pm. The ceremony will begin promptly at 2:15pm.2:15 PM – Ceremony BeginsOur ceremony will begin promptly. Please plan to arrive before this, as late arrivals may not be able to enter once the ceremony has started.2:50pm- Confetti Toss outside the church.3:00-3:15 PM – Head to Cocktail HourAfter the ceremony, guests head to Eve Bar for cocktails while we take photos.4:45–5:00 PM – Move to Reception HallGuests make their way to the Hall for the evening reception and find their seats.5:30 PM – DinnerDinner is served.7:00 PM – Dessert &amp; SpeechesDessert is served, followed by speeches.7:30 PM – Transition to Eve Bar &amp; Cake CuttingGuests move back to Eve Bar while the band sets up in the Hall. We’ll also cut the cake at this time.8:30 PM-Midnight – First Dance &amp; Band StartsWe’ll move back into the Hall and have our first dance, and then the band will kick off the dancing for the rest of the night!

Wedding Day Schedule (May 1, 2026)

Your presence at our wedding is truly the greatest gift we could ask for, and we want to make it very clear that no one is expected to give anything at all. We are simply so grateful to celebrate with the people we love most.For those who have kindly asked about gifts: rather than a traditional registry, we are saving for our honeymoon and would be thankful for any contribution, should you wish to give. Please do not feel obligated in any way — this is only if you genuinely want to. For guests in the U.S.: You may send a contribution via Venmo: @Breiyam For guests in the U.K.: You may send a contribution via Monzo: Name: Mitchell Shields Sort Code: 04-00-03 Account Number: 63171449 Thank you so much for your love, support, and for being part of our special day. 🌿💛

Mitchell & Brenna

Mitchell & Brenna

M&B

Wedding Day