A Scottish Highland elopement shoot

FEATURING

Today we’re taking you on a virtual tour to one of our favourite parts of Scotland, the striking west coast. With textures and colours inspired by the Highland landscape, plus Peaky Blinder and biker inspired style for added edge, this creative shoot sent our hearts a flutter the moment we saw it.

And as if that wasn’t enough, a pod of minke whales made a surprise appearance. So magical! We caught up with wedding planner, Stephanie MacKellaig of Highland Edge Events to find out more.

What was the inspiration behind the shoot?

The brief for this shoot was “wild and free.” The inspiration – from the colour pallete to the textures used, came from the Highland landscape.

I wanted the feel of the shoot to be vintage with a bit of edge. With “Peaky blinders” inspired groomswear and a bride with red hair, tattoos and biker boots to toughen up the look.

Western Isles Cruises took us out to sea for the first part of the shoot. I wanted it to feel like the couple were going on an adventure. We were so lucky on the day to be surrounded by minke whales breaching all around the boat and flocks of gannets diving into the ocean. How much more “wild” could it get?

My motto as a Scottish wedding planner is “hope for sunshine but prepare for rain.” People don’t choose Scotland as a wedding destination for the sunshine so the moody skies were perfect on the day.

I chose Arisaig House for the second part of the shoot as the setting is so dramatic and overlooks the sea, to tie the two shoots together.

Tell us more about the creative team…

I wanted to keep the shoot as local as possible, using mainly suppliers from the Lochaber area.

At the moment, John Paul of Abrightside photography is one of the most sought after photographers in the Highlands, so I knew I wanted him on board from the very beginning. John Paul recommended Dean Cameron for the videography. Dean is fairly new to the scene but I was absolutely blown away when I saw his video and how talented he was.

Nikki’s floristry style is wild and elegant at the same time – which was exactly what I was looking for.

I had been following the work of the other suppliers for a while and was eager to work with them so I was delighted when they all agreed to be a part of the shoot!

I thought, how could I combine my two favourite wedding venues in the area, even though they are completely different? Then I decided on the concept of “going on an adventure” because really, that’s what marriage is, one huge big adventure together.

What do you love most about this part of Scotland?

I love the rugged, wild landscape of the west coast. There is so much drama in the surroundings. I feel we have it all when it comes to wild venues, from mountains to beaches to castles. We are spoilt for choice. And I love a wild venue!

Any insider tips for couples thinking of eloping to the West Coast?

Picking the right time of year to elope to the west coast is probably the single most important part of planning your perfect elopement! Spring or autumn would be my ideal seasons.

And always have a plan B, C and D when planning an outdoor ceremony. You can, and probably will, witness four seasons in one day, maybe even one hour…so be prepared.

But most of all, just do it! You won’t regret it!