CASTLE ELOPEMENT IN THE HIGHLANDS, SCOTLAND

We were prepared for the rain. Truly, we were. And if I’m being honest, I was actually hoping for a little rain on this wedding day, their elopement to the highlands of Scotland. The landscape is so rugged and beautiful, and fits perfectly with the moodiness of the rain and the feel of the clouds. And we were rewarded with some typically Scottish weather. But the feeling of the days weather was in direct contrast to the energy and love shared by Dani and Dave, who were equally excited by the cool temperatures and eagerness for their castle elopement.

We shared an early bond – all living in Canada, though hailing from different regions; in love with Scotland and it’s invigorating beauty and incredibly warm people. Fate, and a combination of instagram and pinterest brought us together for this lovely destination elopement.

I caught up with them in the lounge of the beautiful Flodigarry Hotel, in the north of Scotland’s Isle of Skye. Their ideal wedding was an intimate affair, away from the eyes of onlookers, and they could not have chosen a better place in all the world. They took turns getting ready in their cabin, Dave having a quiet drink while Dani stepped into her dress. Their first look was beautiful, overlooking the sea, surrounded by layers of green.

The ceremony was held at the Eilean Donan Castle, which is one of the most iconic castles in all of the UK. Known more for its rugged beauty, and the bridge separating it from the shore at high tide, surrounding them in privacy and intimacy as they exchanged their handwritten vows. When you think of a fairytale elopement, this is it. We spent the rest of this day taking photos in and around the castle, before the promised rain fell in ernest. The sun was setting, the rain settled in for the evening, and Dani and Dave enjoyed a private dinner at the Kinloch Lodge, a Michelin starred restaurant…which they raved about!

The next day saw us tour most of the Isle of Skye, seeking all the beauty the Isle has to offer for Dani and Dave’s After Session. From rugged mountains to churning seas, colourful harbours to white country houses, we took it all in. And it was perfect. The sun even made an appearance in between wind gusts and midge swarms. The end of the evening saw us meet-up by accident at the only restaurant left open on all of Skye on a Sunday evening – Prince of India. With the restaurant nearly empty, we gorged ourselves and celebrated the beginning of their future together. Scroll down for some bonus content – flaming shots at the end of the evening.

I was lucky enough to be joined on this trip with some amazing filmmakers (and friends!), Raj from A Love Story and his wife Eileen. In addition to the photos, and the slideshow of images, I’ve also included the amazing highlight video that they created from the wedding. So much fun, and so many great memories from our time together.

Scroll down to view Dani and Dave’s wedding images. Slainte!

And, as promised – the end of the evening, with some peculiarly flavoured flaming shots!