Photographed by Soraya Photography
at Toristan Beach
& An Cridhe
Isle of Coll-Scotland
Today we’re heading to the Inner Hebrides for a community wedding filled with sun, sea, sand and Hebridean hospitality. From the handmade 1,000 paper cranes to the beautiful beach ceremony, there’s so much to love.
Who saw who first?
We both moved to the Isle of Coll for work within 6 months of each other. George gallantly set up the ladies football team of which I was a keen member (with zero talent). My cheeky sense of humour and George’s endless patience was a winning combination and we quickly became close.
And how was the big question popped?
Absence makes the heart grow fonder! I had been away in Peru for work, when I returned home to Coll, it was a beautiful sunny day and we went for a walk to our favourite beach. Unbeknownst to me, George had stashed a ring in his pocket and got down on one knee in the spot where he had first told me he loved me. Romantic!
We were inspired by…
The Isle of Coll. The scenery, the produce, the friendships, the community, the place we met, the place we love.
We made 1,000 origami cranes. According to Japanese folklore, folding 1,000 Origami Cranes is a labour of love. Tradition holds that the bride who finishes this task, called ‘sembazuru’, before her wedding day will be richly rewarded with a good and happy marriage. Paying homage to the majestic crane, which mates for life. I thought it would be a lovely thing to do together (I think George made about 3 cranes – great cranes though!).
My brother Hugo sang an acoustic version of ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’ as the bridal party arrived. This caused a few tears!
Tell us about your venue…
An Cridhe means ‘the heart’ in Gaelic, it lies at the heart of community life on Coll. We were so fortunate in that our wedding was so much a community affair – everyone played their part, it was quite overwhelming. Our caterers, Karen and Heather Macintyre are so talented. Everything was locally sourced. We had local langoustines, squat lobster and crab for starters, locally-farmed lamb for our main-course and delicious trio of desserts.
Your photos are stunning! Was it tough choosing a photographer?
Margaret is so talented. We absolutely fell in love with her photos – both her wedding portfolio and her landscapes. As we were getting married in such a scenic location, Margaret seemed perfect for the job.
And something surprising about your day…
On the morning of the wedding, all was calm. A local Coll-friend, Paul had offered to provide the bridal transport in his beautiful blue Jaguar. Dad and I were sharing a dram as the Jaguar pulled into the drive and then the engine cut-out! The car had completely broken down and we weren’t going anywhere. Me and my two bridesmaids got out to try and push the car to start it again but to no avail! Luckily they had brought a back-up jeep that we all piled into! It has to be one of the funniest starts to a wedding. Unfortunately no-one had a camera to capture the moment.
Also, throughout the wedding there were seals bobbing up and down in the sea in front of us – joining in the ceremony.
You look so beautiful – tell us about your two dresses…
I loved the silk tulle for a beach wedding and also the intricate detail of the back. The evening dress I wore was so fun to dance in.
I wore a hand-made bracelet with my sisters’ names stamped on the inside. My sisters were my bridesmaids and they also had matching bracelets. I wore pearl earrings with amethyst stone to match George’s Skye tartan kilt from my Mum and Dad. My something blue was an embroidered handkerchief with the letter ‘H’ which belonged to my Nana.
George wore an Isle of Skye tartan kilt (we wanted an island tartan) with a Lovat green tweed jacket.
Any advice?
Try to get as many friends and family involved as possible – that’s certainly what made our day so special.
Why Scotland?
We got married in the place that is most important to us as a couple (Coll). George is also a very proud Scot!
What’s the one truly unforgettable thing about your wedding day?
We hit the jackpot in terms of the day. Having lived on a Hebridean island for almost five years, we know that the weather is not something which can be relied upon – gale-force winds and cancelled ferries are all too familiar. The fact that we had a day that had wall-to-wall sunshine with no wind was unbelievable. We could not have asked for more.
I love the idea behind Heloise and her bridesmaids’ matching bracelets, don’t you? Christina x
Suppliers
Venue – Toristan Beach & An Cridhe, Isle of Coll
Photographer – Margaret Soraya, Soraya Photography
Florist – Moreen Gracie at The Flower Basket, Oban
Hair & makeup – One of my best friends from school, Humaa Jamil.
Wedding dresses – Zoe by Catherine Deane from Agape Bridal Boutique. Francesca by Forget Me Not Designs for the evening.
Shoes – Eva by Rachel Simpson
Groom’s outfit – Slanj Kilts
Bridesmaids’ dresses – Ophelia Maxi Dress Monsoon
Stationery – Rosco Designs
Cake – Aura Bakery (Laura and Flora)
Band – Hector’s Heroes
Additional suppliers – Karen and Heather Macintyre (catering)
Photographer – Margaret Soraya, Soraya Photography
Florist – Moreen Gracie at The Flower Basket, Oban
Hair & makeup – One of my best friends from school, Humaa Jamil.
Wedding dresses – Zoe by Catherine Deane from Agape Bridal Boutique. Francesca by Forget Me Not Designs for the evening.
Shoes – Eva by Rachel Simpson
Groom’s outfit – Slanj Kilts
Bridesmaids’ dresses – Ophelia Maxi Dress Monsoon
Stationery – Rosco Designs
Cake – Aura Bakery (Laura and Flora)
Band – Hector’s Heroes
Additional suppliers – Karen and Heather Macintyre (catering)
Images copyright of Soraya Photography
