

Jackie and Aldo travelled all the way from Mexico to fulfil their dream of getting married in Edinburgh. And I was the super lucky one to have been chosen as their Edinburgh wedding photographer to capture their beautiful elopement memories.
They started planning their elopement in 2020, and that was also when they first got in touch with me. No one knew that a global pandemic was approaching back then to ruin their plans! So of course that meant postponement of their wedding plans. But it finally happened last month!
Jackie and Aldo’s city elopement at Timberyard was inspired by two themes: rustic atmosphere and dark academia. As fellow Harry Potter fans and lovers of everything Scottish, they loved the idea of their elopement being dark, moody and most of all – romantic.
The rustic setting of Edinburgh’s Timberyard restaurant was perfect for their taste and needs. Timberyard’s rustic interiors, dark wood, candlelit wedding breakfast make up for incredibly stylish surroundings of a micro-wedding. When we were saying our goodbyes, they mentioned they they couldn’t have imagines a more beautiful venue for their tiny celebration. And more suited for their needs!
I can’t tell you how many things I absolutely loved about their Timberyard elopement. First of all, we were incredibly lucky to get beautiful, soft light that September Sunday morning.
Second of all, I loved that they incorporated an unbreakable vow in their elopement ceremony. Just like vows that witches and wizards have made, it cannot be broken.
Also, I loved that they brought chocolate coins from Gringott’s Bank in London to include in their wedding breakfast decor at Timberyard.
Additionally, I loved that Jackie was more than happy to run around Edinburgh’s cobblestone streets in her iconic green Manolos!
Finally, I loved how filled with love, emotions and happiness this unique city elopement was.
This is what Jackie and Aldo said about me working with them on the day.
We are so happy that we hope that one day, not too far from today, Natalia will take more photos of us together. But now all over the Scottish Highlands!
Elopement suppliers:
Venue: Timberyard
Flowers: Narcissus Flowers
Cake: Lovecrumbs
Humanist celebrant: Gillian Robertson
There were quite a few elements of Jackie and Aldo’s wedding ceremony. Conducted by the brilliant Gillian Roberston, the ceremony included handfasting and some more traditional elements as well. Every single one out of 5 wedding guests had a little role to play during the ceremony. It included breaking the bread, lighting candles and incense and pouring wine into two cups. For instance Jackie’s mum was helping the bride and groom with handfasting cords and Aldo’s father was responsible for filling glasses with wine to share.
Handfasting ceremony was a symbol of further binding their promises, their love and commitment for each other. So they tied the knot, following this beautiful Celtic tradition dating back to 7000 BC.
Today you are holding the hands of your best friend, young and strong, and full of love for you. As promise to love each other forever.
I have been living in Edinburgh for 5 years now and I’ve photographed at least a hundred tiny weddings in the Scottish capital since I moved here. Every single one was unique and beautiful in its own way.
If you’re planning a small wedding in the Scottish capital, please check out my Edinburgh small wedding and elopement guide for inspiration, venue and supplier recommendations. My guide will definitely help you shape your elopement plans super quickly!