Including the Whole Family: A Wedding Gift Commission in Glass

This wedding commission started with a request for something Scottish and personal. The client was considering a number of possible directions, including a portrait, a clan crest and personalised engraving. The final design brought the selected elements into a coordinated presentation set for the couple and their two daughters.

The completed commission comprised an engraved spirit decanter, a pair of wine glasses for the bride and groom, and two personalised highball glasses for their daughters. Each family member had a named piece within the set.

The decorative framework was based on our Chantilly lace inspired design, adapted to suit each piece within the set. At the centre of the decanter, the traditional circular medallion was replaced with an engraved portrait prepared from a family photograph supplied by the client. The portrait was integrated within the lace framework, with its scale and position balanced against the surrounding decoration.

The accompanying wine glasses carried matching lace inspired motifs together with the couple's names and wedding date. Separate highball glasses were then prepared for each daughter, personalised with their own names so that every member of the family was represented within the finished set.

To reinforce the Scottish theme requested by the client, the phrase Tha gaol agam ort ("I love you") was incorporated into the designs, providing a simple and personal message that connected the individual pieces together.

The portrait, lace motif, names and Gaelic wording were adjusted across the decanter, wine glasses and highballs. Each form retained the same decorative structure with its own layout.

The set was sandblast engraved in the Fife studio and prepared for the wedding presentation.