Dancing Through Time: What a Castle Wedding in Scotland Taught Me

In June 2025, my husband and I embarked on a special kind of adventure — a trip to Scotland for a destination wedding. My cousin (from Canada) married her love (from the United States), and yes, you read that right: Scotland! It was a no kids event, which meant our children stayed home, and we decided to turn the wedding into a week-long getaway with a few cousins.

I can honestly say: I doubt I’ll ever attend a wedding this extraordinary again (and I say that with great affection for every future wedding to come! And I’ve had my fair share of unique experiences thanks to my career in government relations. Over the years, I’ve met seven Canadian Prime Ministers. I’ve attended fancy dinners, been to the Speaker’s residence in South Korea, spoke at Parliamentary events, and met global figures like Jack Ma, ambassadors, and listened to other world leaders speak in person.

And yet… this was different. This was magic. (Imagine me saying that in a Scottish accent!)

A Wedding Like No Other

The wedding was held in a castle — yes, a real Scottish castle, with grand rooms, towering ceilings, a sense of history in every corner, and a setting so stunning that no photo could ever fully capture it. The atmosphere? Opulent, timeless, and truly fairytale-like — it felt like stepping into a movie, almost unreal. There were owls and falcons, archery targets, and bonfires under the Scottish sky. The flowers were breathtaking, and the bride? Radiant. Theirs is a modern love story — a relationship that blossomed through online dating and weathered military deployments, long distance, and sacrifices for careers. It was beautiful to witness. But what struck me most was the deep sense of history that permeated the place. The groom shared during the ceremony that he had wanted a castle specifically because a castle is meant to stand the test of time — just as he and my cousin wish for their marriage to do. The castle held centuries of stories within its walls — a reflection of the past, of how people used to live, love, and fight for what mattered. You could literally see the imprint of history on the building, with cannonball impacts still etched into the stone exterior. And from the towering windows, stunning rolling hills stretched into the distance, a few deer grazing quietly below. It was a living blend of history and hope, with the past and present meeting in one beautiful moment.

A Time to Reflect

Beyond the beauty of the venue and the joy of celebrating love, this trip offered moments of personal reflection. My husband and I have now been married for over 15 years, and with five years of dating before that, we’ve shared more than 20 years together. Sitting through the ceremony, listening to the advice shared from couples the bride and groom admire — couples both our age and older — I found myself reflecting on our own vows. How well have we kept them? Where could we do better? It was a gentle reminder that no matter how long you've been together, there is always room to grow, to nurture your relationship, and to show up for each other more intentionally, forgiveness and grace. I was reminded at that moment, that no matter your age or stage, there is always something to learn from others. Life isn’t linear, and we are all constantly evolving — as individuals and as partners.

A Moment in Time

As the night unfolded, we danced and connected with cousins and guests from around the world. I shared playful moments with my cousins, carried out a long-standing prank on my aunt’s bed, twirled on the dance floor with family, and enjoyed a few slow dances with my husband. It was surreal — one of those life moments you want to pause and bottle up forever.

I know my cousin felt a little guilty about asking people to travel so far, but for me? It was pure magic. The experience came at a time when I badly needed a break — a shift in perspective and space to reflect on life and love. As a busy entrepreneur, I was feeling stretched thin — and dare I say, close to burnout — from the demands of work, marriage, and motherhood. I didn’t have much left in the tank. And yet, this trip — though filled with time changes, long days of adventuring from morning until late at night — left me renewed and refreshed in every area of my life. I returned with a newfound energy and excitement for what’s to come. So, Madison and RJ, thank you for dragging us halfway across the world for your nuptials — an experience I needed and will always remember.

And the words my cousin Mel shared at the ceremony? They were poignant and wise, and I wanted to share them here:

"Both of you have an admirable amount of motivation and self-discipline that has helped you achieve the career paths that you have chosen. Therefore, my advice would be for you to use that same motivation and self-discipline that you already possess to nurture and strengthen your marriage. You will need to choose every day to value each other and make your marriage work. Being quick to say you're sorry and offering a hug can go a long way."

Simple, true, and something we can all take to heart.

Final Thoughts

As I return to my regular routines, I carry a renewed appreciation for the relationships that shape our lives. Whether you're celebrating love at a castle in Scotland or gathered around your kitchen table, it’s worth pausing to remember what matters most — to keep striving to be the best version of yourself, for yourself and for those you love. And to laugh — to laugh hard, without apology, and to do it often. And when life feels heavy, to give yourself permission to take a break when you need it.

Until next time, 

Stephanie 

#WOMENdontDOthat