Written by James · July 28, 2026
Some weddings arrive with a running order down to the minute. Others just breathe — and Timea and Gregor’s day at Restoration Yard wedding was very much the second kind. No pressure, no fuss. Just about 70 guests were there, including a group of university friends who’d flown in all the way from Australia. Together they enjoyed a relaxed, sun-soaked day in Dalkeith Country Park.
I was booked to provide wedding DJ and ceilidh calling services. That covered everything from the wedding breakfast right through to the end of the evening. It turned into a lovely, easygoing night with a genuinely international crowd. Timea is from Budapest and Gregor is Scottish born and bred. Guests had travelled from across Europe and beyond to be there.
The First Dance at Their Restoration Yard Wedding — Beyoncé’s “XO”
Timea and Gregor chose Beyoncé’s XO for their first dance — warm and romantic. It set exactly the tone that carried through the rest of the day. It’s not a song I get to play often as a first dance. It suited the relaxed, unhurried feel of the whole wedding perfectly.
A Warm Day, A Slow Start to the Party
It was a genuinely warm evening. After a busy start on the dancefloor, I lost most of the room to the weather outside — a very Scottish habit. If it’s not cold or raining, everyone heads out to make the most of it. Restoration Yard’s doors open straight onto the garden, so it barely took any encouragement at all. That easy flow in and out is one of the things that makes a summer Restoration Yard wedding here so relaxed.
Ceilidh Dancing — Gay Gordons, Dashing White Sergeant & Virginia Reel
I managed to draw everyone back inside for some wedding ceilidh dancing. We covered the Gay Gordons, the Dashing White Sergeant and the Virginia Reel — real favourites at any Restoration Yard wedding. Not a single guest had done a ceilidh before, so every dance was taught completely from scratch. They picked it up brilliantly, though, and kept beautiful time right through all three. Watching a crowd go from zero experience to dancing confidently is one of my favourite parts of the job. It’s especially rewarding when it happens within just a few minutes. This lot did it with real enthusiasm.
Rock Fans and a Late-Night Wind-Down at This Restoration Yard Wedding
After the buffet break, a few guests had already called it a night after a long, hot day. It turned out, though, that the bride, groom and a good number of the remaining crowd were serious rock fans. I kept the energy up with their kind of music until around 11pm. By that point, everyone was well and truly danced out. I eased into background music from there. It turned out to be exactly what Timea and Gregor wanted for the last part of their night.
Restoration Yard Wedding Venue
If you’re considering a Restoration Yard wedding of your own, here’s what makes the venue work so well. Restoration Yard, set within Dalkeith Country Park, is one of the more relaxed and characterful venues I work at. Think exposed stonework, floor-to-ceiling glass, and doors that open straight onto the garden. It suited a day like this one perfectly. I’ve written more about how the venue works for weddings if you’re considering it for your own day.
Congratulations to Timea and Gregor on a genuinely lovely Restoration Yard wedding. It was made all the warmer by just how far people had travelled to be part of it.
Restoration Yard Wedding FAQs
Do you provide ceilidh calling as well as DJ services?
Yes — I offer both as a combined package. Rather than hiring a separate ceilidh band and a DJ, I provide both. Ceilidh calling with traditional music is followed by a full wedding disco, all in one booking.
Do guests need any ceilidh experience?
Not at all. Timea and Gregor’s guests had never done a ceilidh before, and every dance was taught from scratch on the night. Part of my role as caller is explaining each dance clearly and talking guests through the moves as the music plays.
What if guests head outside during the evening?
It happens often, particularly on a warm day, and it’s usually a good sign — people are relaxed and enjoying themselves. I keep the music running and am always ready to bring the energy back up the moment guests return to the dancefloor.
Booking and Planning
Can the evening end with background music instead of a big finish?
Absolutely — every wedding is different. Some couples want the night to peak right to the end. Others, like Timea and Gregor, prefer to ease things down gently after a long day. Reading the room and adapting to what the couple and guests actually want is a big part of the job.
Do you DJ at Restoration Yard?
Yes — I’ve worked at Restoration Yard and know the room well. You can read more on my Restoration Yard venue page, including how the space works for ceilidh dancing and the evening party.
How do I book a wedding DJ and ceilidh caller for my wedding?
Get in touch via the contact page with your date and venue. I take on a limited number of weddings each year to ensure every couple gets my full attention. I’d recommend reaching out as early as possible to check availability.
About the author
James is the founder of Premier Disco Weddings, a professional wedding DJ service covering venues across Edinburgh, Glasgow, Stirling, the Scottish Borders, Fife and Perthshire. Rather than relying on generic playlists, he and the team build a bespoke set for every couple, drawing on experience across hundreds of Scottish weddings to read a room and keep the dancefloor full all night.
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