SCOTTISH CASTLE + ISLE OF SKYE WEDDING

Molly and Zach eloped to Scotland from L.A with a handful of family and friends for their Isle of Skye wedding and Scottish Castle adventure! Im so lucky being a wedding photographer in Scotland. To meet people from all over the World as they fly in to marry in our amazing country is something I never take for granted. It was so cool to finally meet Molly and Zach and their families and share this time with them.

They held their intimate and emotional ceremony at the historic and majestic Dalhousie Castle, a wonderful building sitting proudly above the banks of the river Esk.

 

MORNING PREPARATIONS

We spent the morning documenting their preparations and the excitement was palpable. Molly in one room and Zach in another, each wondering how the other was doing!  I love this part of the day, learning about others and quietly documenting in the background. It was also good to chat about their plans for the road trip they had in mind. To share news about their jobs and their families and friends.

During prep Zach was handed a gift, a card and a Journal.

He was unaware of this but Molly had been keeping a diary of their love since their first date!

Now here he was, reading it for the first time just an hour before the ceremony. It was emotional to say the least, and a moment I wont forget.

 

CEREMONY + RECEPTION

Molly and Zach opted for a first look before their ceremony, its not something that couples do often during weddings in Scotland but I hope its adopted more often. The first look’s I have shot always add something a little more intimate to a day and this was no different. With both families present too, it really was a special few minutes.

The ceremony was held in an underground chapel within Dalhousie Castle and was beautifully worded by the local celebrant. There were at least a few tears shed by family members as they said their vows, during the ring exchange and traditional Scottish hand fasting ceremony.

Molly and Zach completed proceedings with a traditional Scottish Hand-fasting.

After the legalities the party wandered the Castle and took in some of its historic rooms. The guests all sampled some fine Scottish food and whiskies before hitting the dance-floor big style for the evening reception.

ISLE OF SKYE

Molly and Zach’s plan was always to head North to the Scottish highlands as soon as they could after the wedding, as this was very much part of their celebrations (with another party in the US when they returned) they asked if I would join them and document this part of the wedding on Skye.

Luckily I was due to be shooting an Isle of Skye Wedding that week so our timings worked out well and we all met up in Uig for coffee and cake before spending a couple of hours exploring some of the classic areas for Skye elopements.

From the The Fairy Glen, to the Quiraing and also some waterfalls which are tucked away near the North of the Island. It was a joy to run wild in the rain with them and create this work which I hope lasts for generations.

Venue: Dalhousie Castle 

2nd Photographer: Katie Blair-Matthews

Videographer : Barry Best @Wild Pines Films

If you are looking for ideas for your Scottish elopement or Isle of Skye wedding, or are looking for an experienced Scotland Wedding photographer to capture your wedding please do check out my How to Elope in Scotland guide below (click on image) or fire me a message to receive my latest brochure.