Details
WEDDING WEEK
This week will be one for the books. It's not just a wedding; it's not just a vacation --
it's an experience that we will never forget and will cherish forever.
We will all enjoy 5 days/4 nights at the Dunskey Estate with exclusive use of the entire 2,000-acre estate, including the castle - meaning the only people there will be wedding guests. The entire week will be filled with magic, activities, eating & drinking, relaxation and, of course, celebrating the soon-to-be Sheppards. Click here for the itinerary for the week. Things will be added as we get bookings in place and we (and the Dunksey Estate hosts) are always open to suggestions to make this an exciting time for everyone who will be there to help us start this new chapter of our lives.
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ATTIRE
The weather in Scotland in October ranges from cool to cold, with the average high temperature being around 56° and the average low being around 45°. On any given day in October, there is between a 40-60% chance of rain. There will be quite a few outdoor activities throughout the week, so I do suggest bringing a light-weight jacket and heavy coat as well as a raincoat and rain boots/waterproof walking shoes. Below is a 6-day forecast for the area where we will be staying.
​On the evening of October 5th, we will have an indoor, semi-formal sit-down "rehearsal dinner." The attire is "Dress to Impress" with an optional Through-the-Ages theme -- 1920s-1950s. Women can wear a dressy cocktail/midi/maxi dress, dressy pantsuit or two-piece outfit. Shoes should be heels or dress shoes. There is a heel protector policy inside the castle because all floors are the original wood floors. I will have heel protectors for those who would like to wear stilettos. Men should wear a button-down dress shirt with dress slacks and dress shoes. Sports coats, blazers and ties are optional.
For the wedding on October 6th, formal wear is required. The ceremony will be outdoors and there will be some light walking involved. Women should wear a long formal dress. I would suggest bringing a coat that works with your outfit. Men should wear a suit jacket, slacks or kilt, and a button-down dress shirt with a tie. As for shoes, since this will be outdoors and we are unsure of the weather that day, my personal suggestion is to wear shoes you would feel comfortable walking. For reference, Stevie will be wearing hiking boots and Kyle will be wearing brogues (Scottish dress shoes.)
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​For children, on the wedding day, the same attire is requested. Their special dinner will be on the 5th. They can be in dressy casual, semi-formal, or formal wear. Our other suggestion is royal costumes -- we want them to feel like the prince and princesses they are; but this is their night, so we want them to have fun and be comfortable.
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For any other time, you are more than welcome to be as dressy or casual as you'd like. We want all our guests to feel comfortable so if you are unsure of any of the requests and/or suggestions above, please reach out via email or call/text (912) 658-0762. We are more than happy to explain in better detail or try to accommodate any requests. This weekend is about everyone, so please do not hesitate to reach out!
LODGING
Dunskey Estate
ABOUT THE ESTATE
Dunskey is a historically listed Edwardian private home built in 1900. The Castle is superbly maintained and retains all of its original features, including the majority of furniture and soft furnishings. The interior features Doric columns in the elegant drawing room, a Baronial stone fireplace in the hushed and grand hall, and lovely small details such as original Delft blue tiles in the Dutch kitchen. Come and stay with us for an exquisite and unique retreat and celebration. The entire Castle sleeps up to 46 guests in 23 bedrooms with 18 full bathrooms and 2 half bathrooms, seven reception rooms (three grand reception rooms), three kitchens (one commercial), a movie theatre, yoga studio, art studio, Dungeon Disco, Courtyard Spa, and Escape Room. There are 2,000 acres of rolling woodlands with wildflowers, picturesque lochs, babbling brooks, glens, and private seaside views between four separate bays and beaches. There is also an award-winning walled garden, a Hampton court-inspired hedge maze, waterfalls, a cave, and an African Boma fire pit.
THE FOOD
The food at Dunskey is tremendous. The Estate strives to support organic, sustainable, and responsible cuisine. They are committed to high-grade meats, locally sourced ingredients, organic and cruelty-free farm practices and, most of all, thoughtful conservation in packaging, recycling, and upcycling. They also aim to use game caught on the Estate and wild produce foraged all year long. What they have promised us, and we promise you, are delectable meals and treats with gorgeous seasonal and local ingredients. They are happy to honor anyone's dietary requirements!
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They have a ton to choose from and can customize any meal. The button below will give you some more ideas on the menus they have done in the past.
