From the Swilcan Bridge to “I Do” – Nicola & Calum’s Old Course St Andrews Wedding
- Debbie Allan
- Aug 15
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 17
Setting the Scene
When Nicola & Calum first came to me, they had three clear requests: colour, drama, and wow factor. Their wedding, set against the backdrop of The Old Course in historic St Andrews, deserved stationery that would stop guests in their tracks. They wanted invitations that made a powerful first impression and then revealed layers of personal detail - an experience guests would remember long after the day itself.
The Design Concept
Their bespoke suite began with a gatefold invitation designed for maximum visual impact. The exterior was a bold splash of colour, paired with our hand-painted illustration of the iconic Swilcan Bridge - only this time, the scene was personal. Nicola, Calum, and their beloved dog were seamlessly added into the illustration, using photographs from their engagement shoot taken right there on The Old Course.
The Big Reveal
Opening the gatefold unveiled a breathtaking surprise: an expansive, full-width illustration of their St Andrews wedding venue, meticulously detailed and washed in soft coastal tones. This panoramic scene gave guests the feeling of stepping right into the landscape. Along the bottom edge, our signature illustrated timeline marked the day’s key moments - from the ceremony to the celebration - turning the inside of the invitation into both art and story.
Layers of Place and Palette
To complement the bold cover and serene interior, the envelope liner featured a view of the town’s skyline and shoreline, painted in soft blues, sandy golds, and gentle ivory - a palette drawn directly from St Andrews itself. Every piece was printed on luxuriously smooth silk card stock, with refined serif typography and flowing script to frame the artwork without overpowering it.
The Unwrapping Experience
Opening Nicola & Calum’s invitation was designed to feel like unwrapping a series of little treasures. Guests were first met with the striking gatefold cover, before discovering the panoramic venue illustration stretching across the inside. From there, each component offered its own moment of delight - the envelope liner revealing a softly painted sandy beach, the RSVP card featuring the world-famous 18th hole of The Old Course, and the main invitation adorned with layers of illustrated detail. Every piece was intentionally unique, so that as guests explored the suite, they experienced the day in chapters, building anticipation for the celebration itself.
On-the-Day Stationery - The Welcome Sign
The couple chose just one on-the-day stationery piece - but it was unforgettable. A fabric welcome sign displayed Nicola, Calum, and their dog on the Swilcan Bridge once more, this time paired with The Old Course Hotel in the background. Surrounded by pastel floral arrangements in peach, blush, and blue, it felt like an extension of the invitation, tying the entire celebration together from first impression to final farewell.
Nicola & Calum’s suite is a perfect example of how wedding stationery can create drama, tell a love story, and transport guests to a place before they’ve even stepped inside the venue. Through a mix of bold colour, sweeping illustration, and intimate details, their Old Course St Andrews wedding lives on not just in photographs - but in print.
Love Story Stationery...
If you’re dreaming of wedding stationery that feels as personal and immersive as your love story, let’s create an experience your guests will never forget.
Book a consultation here or explore more of my bespoke designs.
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