A windswept but picture-perfect elopement at Kilchurn Church, Loch Awe
Hannah and Ben
- ThePlus Audio
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Hannah and Ben technically got engaged when he proposed 15 months after they first met but the couple admit they did things “a bit back to front”.
We talked about getting married and started looking around and always knew we wanted to elope somewhere,” smiles Hannah.
“We then booked with Wee Wild Weddings, then bought the ring together and lastly got engaged!”
The couple live in Cornwall but an elopement was always on the cards and they had quite specific criteria.
“We wanted to elope, [with a] laid back, dog-friendly, outdoorsy and beautiful venue” says Hannah.
“We love being around the water and loved the idea of being married with a castle in the background.
The couple found Wee Wild Weddings who helped organise their beautiful wedding by Kilchurn Castle.
They describe the planning process stress as “mild to moderate” but the main worry was forgetting something considering how far they were travelling. Added to that was the stress of “feeling like you only get married once and everything has to be completely perfect.”
But they said having Wee Wild Weddings as their wedding planner really helped.
Time to chill
The couple spent the night before the big day playing games and hanging out in their Airbnb with Meghan and Ryan and, keeping with tradition, stayed in separate rooms the night before.
Hannah woke the next day feeling slightly nervous and excited and Ben took the dogs out for a walk to ease his own nerves.
Then it was systems go with Jenna Clayton arriving to do hair and make-up and Meghan made the bride pancakes for breakfast.
Hannah woke down the open-air “aisle” to their piper playing Highland Cathedral and remembers feeling happy and excited.
“It was nice not really having an audience or people,” she says. “Just our two close friends, dogs, sheep and, of course, Ben.”
The couple opted for a humanist ceremony and wrote their own vows.
“I couldn’t wait to hear Ben’s,” smiles Hannah.
“They were beautiful and meaningful. It was emotional and we both teared up.
“I had been worried about saying them out loud but it did just feel like I was talking to my best friend.”
They included a handfasting ritual and it was so much more personal because Hannah’s mum had made their beautiful cord, incorporating charms from close family and friends.
They also drank gin from a quaich and loved the symbolism of these two traditions.
“We knew we wanted a relaxed ceremony without worrying about lots of people.”
Keeping with the relaxed vibe of the day their wedding breakfast was provided by Scottish Wild Picnics.
“In the evening we had our leftovers, cheese fondue, some drinks and played board games, with the wood burner on to warm up after the crazy weather we had during the ceremony.”
Following their Scottish elopement they completed the wedding celebrations with a big party back in Cornwall with family and friends.
“It was very relaxed party by the beach with buffet food, lots of drinking and dancing,” Hannah recalls. “We just wanted a real party.”
Looking back to their elopement she says, “Everything about the day was perfect.
“I wouldn’t change it and was genuinely the best day of our lives.
“The weather added to the fun, I had hoped for sun and lovely weather, but we had everything from hail, sun, crazy wind and rain.
“It just added to the day. It made it fun and unpredictable.
“The hail added the ice to our gin in the quaich perfectly!”
And she says she loved being married to her best friend.
“It still makes us smile when we look at our hand and see our wedding rings,” she adds.
The couple would encourage other to-be-weds to plan the wedding they want and not be swayed by others’ opinions.
“I’m glad we booked the elopement before telling people we were engaged, because although that’s what we wanted, it didn’t always suit people’s expectations and that was tough.
“If we hadn’t of booked it, we may have been swayed to have a wedding that wasn’t what we wanted.”
Joy Story
“When you think it’s sunny and you send the celebrant ahead with the umbrellas – think again! Hannah and Ben embraced the Scottish elements and it’s the best when couples do! Lean in! You won’t regret it, but you may get wet.”
Sarah
Here are the amazing suppliers that helped make our wedding so special
– I’d highly recommend them.
Bride’s dress | Madi Lane Bridal
Bride’s halo | Etsy
Bridesmaid dress | Six Stories
Catering | Scottish Wild Picnics
Celebrant | Claire the Humanist
Florist | Briar Rose Design
Groom’s outfit | Cornwall Suit Room
Hair and make-up | Jenna Clayton Makeup and Hair
Videography | Journal Wedding Films
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