Amber Anderson and Connor Swindells’ Scottish Highland Wedding: A Blend of Tradition and Personal Touches

Actors Amber Anderson and Connor Swindells recently tied the knot in an intimate and personalized ceremony held in the Scottish Highlands, reflecting a journey from friendship to romance during the COVID-19 lockdown. Anderson explained that the pandemic provided them with the opportunity to spend meaningful time together, leading to the strengthening of their relationship. “Lockdown meant we had time with each other that we wouldn’t have gotten if we’d both been away filming,” she remarked.

The engagement took place during a group trip to Botswana. Swindells recounted the elaborate steps he took to maintain the surprise of the proposal, including entrusting the ring’s safekeeping to his friend Oakley. “I tasked my best friend Oakley with both collection and transport of the ring,” he shared. Once in Botswana, their friend and guide Gareth suggested a perfect site for the proposal, by a 1,400-year-old baobab tree. “I knew the rest was up to me,” Swindells commented. The ensuing radio message, “She said yes,” confirmed the moment.

The couple selected Boath House as their wedding venue, honoring Anderson’s connection to the Scottish Highlands. “It’s close to where the bride grew up,” she noted, adding personal significance to the location. Anderson meticulously planned the event, enlisting the help of Lindsay from Wide Sky Weddings for the final stages. The bride adorned herself in a Vivienne Westwood gown, accentuating her favorite features, and accessorized with Chanel jewellery and Roger Vivier shoes. “My favourite parts of my body were accentuated,” Anderson said.

Connor Swindells donned a navy suit by Atelier Arena with Anderson tartan details. “He dresses me for 90 percent of all things I do,” Swindells mentioned, expressing appreciation for his tailor’s craft. The groom’s shoes featured the couple’s initials, adding a personalized touch. Anderson’s bridesmaids were given the freedom to choose outfits ranging from cobalt to navy blue, allowing them to express their unique styles.

The couple’s wedding was further personalized by involving family and friends in significant roles. Alistair Petrie, who plays Swindells’ father in “Sex Education,” officiated the ceremony. Anderson’s godmother gave her away, acknowledging her father’s absence due to illness. Amber walked down the aisle to the music played by her friend, Sean Shibe, using her father’s guitar.

Highlights of the celebration included a humorous aura cleansing performed by comedians Maddy and Marina Bye, and Moose, the couple’s pet dog, acting as ring bearer wearing an Anderson tartan bandana. A Celtic quaich ceremony symbolized unity as the couple shared whisky from a cup, a nod to their heritage.

Local cuisine featured at the wedding was lauded by guests. The couple chose not to have a traditional wedding cake, opting instead for individual chocolate desserts inspired by the River Café. Floral arrangements were designed with an unstructured ‘70s style by Wild Gorse. Invitations and menus illustrated by Fee Greening added an artistic flair, while Anderson tartan ribbons decorated the chairs.

The wedding festivities concluded with a ceilidh led by Anderson’s music school friends, the Haggis Chasers. Anderson changed into a tartan Vivienne Westwood outfit, perfect for dancing. “You don’t have to know the dances, you just pick them up,” she commented on the dance, emphasizing the casual and fun atmosphere.

Following the celebrations, guests were invited for a post-wedding gathering at the Kimberley pub, where they enjoyed fish and chips and a spontaneous dive into the North Sea marked a joyful end to the weekend.