Mayra & Stuart: A Scottish Adventure

When Mayra and Stuart reached out to us in late 2023 to DJ their wedding in Edinburgh, Scotland, we knew it was going to be an unforgettable adventure. The wedding took place at The Balmoral, an iconic building in the heart of the city—a venue as grand as their vision for the day.

Our team is no stranger to international travel, but most of our trips are to places relatively close like the U.S., Colombia, or Guatemala. This time, heading to Scotland was something completely new and truly special. It was incredible to see how much appreciation there was for the talent of Mexican DJs in such a far-off place. We were also blown away by the kind words and compliments from WP Timeless White Weddings and al the other vendors we worked with.

Photo by @inthenameoflovephotography

The Challenge

This wedding came with its own set of challenges. Traveling halfway across the world, working with new people, and performing for a mixed audience of Scots and Americans pushed us out of our comfort zone. Scottish weddings are often simpler in format than what we’re used to, but Mayra and Stuart wanted to break tradition and create a celebration their guests would never forget.

A Venue Like No Other

The Balmoral is the epitome of a classic Scottish/English palace. With its grand halls, Greco-Roman columns, intricate carpets, and elegant details, it felt like stepping into a fairytale. Transforming such a refined space into a vibrant party venue was no easy task—but that’s exactly what we set out to do.

Photo by @inthenameoflovephotography

The Journey

Getting to Edinburgh wasn’t exactly smooth sailing. With no direct flights to Scotland, we took a multi-leg journey through the U.S. and London before finally arriving. Carrying Pioneer decks, production gear, and other equipment made things even trickier, with customs officers at every stop curious about what we were bringing into their country. But after a long trip, we arrived ready to make it all happen.

The Big Day

We arrived a few days early to scout the venue, meet the planners, and adjust to the time difference. The wedding day itself was full of surprises. Scottish weddings have their own flow: a welcome cocktail, a post-dinner cocktail, and a party that kicks off with traditional Scottish music. The groomsmen wore classic kilts, and whisky flowed freely on the dance floor.

Our production partners, DMA, were incredible. They understood our needs from the start and delivered flawlessly. With only two hours to set up the lighting, speakers, and DJ booth, their team worked like clockwork. Watching them roll out everything seamlessly, like a Super Bowl halftime setup, was a highlight in itself.

Mike Alducin, our DJ for the night, brought his international experience to the Balmoral. By the end of the night, everyone was still on the dance floor—a rare sight for Scottish weddings. Guests kept telling us they had never seen a party like this in Edinburgh, which made all the effort worthwhile.

Exploring the Highlands

After the wedding, we stayed an extra week to explore the Scottish Highlands. The peaceful landscapes, small towns, and towering mountains were a refreshing contrast to the fast-paced energy of our events. The calm and quiet were inspiring—a rare chance to reset and spark new ideas.

We visited local bars in tiny Highland towns, soaking in the unique atmosphere. The cold air, the quiet charm, and the warmth of the people gave us ideas for lighting, ambiance, and even music that we can bring back to future events.

The Return

We flew back the Thursday after the wedding, following the same route home. Landing straight into another production meant dealing with heavy jetlag, but that’s just part of the job. Edinburgh, the Highlands, and the entire experience left a lasting mark on us. We’re grateful to have brought a little vbmusic magic to Scotland—and we’ll never forget this incredible journey.