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When Hayley and Matt first contacted me, they told me about their plan to have a relaxed and intimate ceremony in Glencoe. They wanted candid photos that showcase the scenery they love and have chosen to be surrounded by on their wedding day. As Glencoe wedding photographer I was delighted to also get to show them around my favourite locations in the area.
They planned to stay Glencoe House and finish the day with a celebratory dinner, drinks and cake after exchanging vows.
As Glencoe wedding photographer I have witnessed couples planning their elopements in different ways, mixing and matching old wedding traditions. And introducing new elements to them. Which I have to say – I love.
Hayley and Matt’s elopement showed me that elopements can be planned in a totally unique way. This is what it’s all about, right? Your elopement day should reflect you, your style and personalities. And it should be all about what you love and value. It should be a day that when you look back on your elopement photos, you’re able to say it’s so us.
Moreover, I need to add that they tied the knot at the most beautiful time of the year.
If you’re interested in an autumn elopement in Scotland, read my article about the best time to elope in Scotland.
Wedding suppliers:
Officiant:Â Rachel Middleton
Flowers:Â Myrtle and Bracken
Accommodation:Â Glencoe House
Wedding gown:Â The Vampire’s Wife
Suit:Â Stewart Christie
Hair & make-up artist:Â Melanie – MHM Styling
Hayley’s shawl:Â Tartan Blanket Co
Wedding cake:Â Schillicious
First of all, Hayley’s wedding dress. WOW. The moment I saw her dress hung by the window, I thought this girl has style! I’m a fellow lover of everything green and I own around way too many green dresses myself, so I immediately knew that we share taste in clothing. Her The Vampire’s Wife was gorgeous – unique, shiny and emerald. Because who says you need to be wearing white on your wedding day?
If they do, tell them it’s your day and your choice. And that they’re not invited to the ceremony anyway (a bit of humour never hurt anyone, right?). Also, did you know that Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales the exact same owns the exact same dress? She wore it at a reception during her and Prince William’s visit to Ireland. Afterwards, she also wore it in official royal portrait with Prince William (by artist Jamie Coreth). The Falconetti dress is a stunning piece – a ruffled skirt and metallic emerald colour are my favourite things about it. I wonder if the designer ever thought that it might be
Secondly, you can still have the first look moment, even if your significant other has seen your wedding dress or wedding outfit. Because why not? The element of surprise is still there, therefore you can still get a wonderful reaction to them seeing you – dressed up, looking all beautiful. Matt’s reaction to seeing Hayley in her wedding dress, ready to marry him was so precious to capture.
Moreover, what was a great idea was that the bride and grooms’ wedding attire was to some extent colour-coordinated. As Matt’s suit matched Hayley’s dress and tartan shawl.Â
Furthermore, their elopement ceremony was emotional, romantic and spontaneous. To start with, I loved that the decided to include Celtic rituals in the ceremony – handfasting and a quaich. When it comes to traditional wedding elements, it was exchanging of the rings. Of course all elopement ceremonies are always planned in advance. Nevertheless, you can’t go wrong with a bit of spontaneity. I loved that when thet were pronounced husband and wife, Matt picked Hayley up in the air. The joy and happiness of the moment were really contagious. For instance Matt picked Hayley up after they were pronounced husband and wife by the officiant. Their laughs, smiles and tears during their personal vow exchange – and looks they would give each other on the day, that were the essence of their obvious, strong connection with each other.Â
Finally, their celebratory dinner after their wedding photoshoot was also quite unique. The decided agains a caterer, private chef or even a restaurant meal. Instead, they prepared some snacks themselves. The table was beautiful – decorated with stunning floral arrangements provided by Myrtle and Bracken.
Although I’m not a wedding planner, I always try to be as helpful as possible when my clients are planning their dream elopement. Whether it’s about advice, recommendations or simply my flexibility on their day.
Here’s what Hayley and Matt said about my work with them.