Kaitlin, Mike and I chatted by email about their plans for a non traditional wedding elopement to beautiful Loch Coruisk on the Isle of Skye. We planned a relaxed day with family and no fuss. We didn’t plan the glorious sunshine that sparkled across turquoise waters at Loch na Culice and we certainly didn’t plan for this adventurous couple to celebrate their day by jumping into the (still cold) sea from the Misty Isle boat, but that only made the day more theirs than we had envisaged.
We met at their holiday cottage perched on the steep hill down to the small harbour at Elgol. From the room where the couple got ready for their wedding day there were perfect views across the sea to the Cuillin mountain. As we chatted we watched their wedding “limo” ferrying walkers and hikers back and forwards to the hills.
At the Misty Isle boat we were joined by Sonja who conducted the ceremony with hand fasting and quaich rituals and her usual grace and genial company that blended with this close family party. Kaitlin and Mike chose a striking view point for their ceremony and afterwards we strolled to Loch Coruisk’s banks for “formal ” shots although there was more laughter than formality! After more whisky and cake we returned in late afternoon sunshine to the Misty Isle for toasts in champagne. One of my favourite parts of the day was the group strolling hand in hand back to boat and taking in the magnifence of the mountains.
Back at shore (and with safety very much in mind) Mike and Kaitlin leapt into the beachside waters from the boat.
Venue: Loch Coruisk, Isle of Skye
Celebrant: Sonja Eckl-Riel, Heart and Soul Ceremonies
Boat trip: Misty Isle Boat Trips
