When Jen and Matt decided to elope to Skye for their wedding we got to know each other over a long email correspondence as we planned their day and their visit to Skye. So when I met up with them and Jen’s Mum over breakfast on the day before their wedding I felt like I was sitting down with old friends. The couple had booked a pre wedding couple shoot touring Trotternish Peninsula. We spent a wonderful morning visiting the Old Man of Storr, the Kilt Rock, the Quiraing and hunting for the dinosaur footprint at Staffin beach.
From the north of Skye Matt and Jen moved to the cosy luxury of Coruisk House in Elgol. Their initial plan had been to marry at Loch Coruisk but unseasonably high August winds meant the boat couldn’t sail that day and the wedding was re planned to the beach. I joined the couple and Jen’s Mom and Dad at Coruisk House on the morning of the wedding. As Matt and his father in law to be were wearing kilts for the first time I was asked to photograph groom prep rather than bridal prep for a change. There was much hilarity as the guys put on their kilts and ghillie brogues, and a well earned dram at the end! Matt and Jen opted to have a first look which is always emotional but on this occasion I am not sure who was more astounded by the other’s outfit. Matt of his beautiful bride or Jen seeing her groom in his kilt for the first time!
We walked down to the beautiful Elgol beach and choose a sheltered spot under the honeycomb cliff with views across the sea to the Cuillin for the ceremony. Interfaith celebrant Sonja greeted Jen and her Dad and prepared the space for the ceremony. As ever the ceremony, outside in the elements was moving and incorporated celtic rituals and the traditional Jewish breaking of the glass. Afterwards we scrambled along the rocky shore line for some couple shots with the Cuillin as their back drop before hurrying back to the warmth and shelter of Coruisk House and some champagne and more photos. I particularly like the group shot Jen’s Mom took with Matt’s antlers!
Images: Rosie Woodhouse, Love Skye Photography
Venue: Coruisk House
Celebrant: Sonja Eckl -Riel, Heart and Soul Ceremonies
Rings: Love from Skye
Cake: Cakes by Fiona MacKinnon
