We love all weddings, but elopements hold an extra special place in our hearts. Intimate, incredibly personal, and so completely focused on the marriage itself, it’s hard not to be swept away by the romance of an elopement. JoLee and Greg’s elopement to Scotland was all of these things. And if you’re considering eloping, this just might be the inspiration you need.
JoLee + Greg | August 18, 2017 | Isle of Mull, Scotland
The Ceremony
My husband and I live in Seattle but got married in Scotland, in my namesake’s castle (Duart Castle is the seat of the Clan MacLean). We wanted our wedding to be intimate, low-stress and shared just between the two of us, so we decided to go without family and friends but invest in a really amazing photographer and videographer so loved ones could experience it later. We were married in the drawing room of the Chieftain, Sir Lachlan Maclean, in a lovely Celtic Christian ceremony with a bag-piper playing beautiful traditional Scottish tunes throughout. Besides our minister, we had two witnesses who blessed our marriage by giving us both Scotch which was drank from a Quaich (small bowl), which is a traditional practice between a bride and groom after the ceremony. The sun came out for a brief hour and allowed us to take beautiful photos all around the castle grounds and the Sound of Mull. It was truly a picture-perfect day and memory that I’ll have forever. The wife of one of our witnesses baked us Scottish shortbread cookies to go along with our celebratory bottle of whiskey. Immediately after our ceremony, our minister and two witnesses cheered us into marriage eating these wonderful goodies with us! A small group of loving strangers that turned into friends through supporting us in the best day of our lives.
JoLee’s Wedding Dress Search
I tried on about 5-6 dresses at the Nordstrom Wedding Suite in downtown Seattle and ultimately chose Carolina Herrera for her classic silhouettes that will never go out of style. I chose the Mason style because of it’s timeless versatility: it reminded me of a dress that a glamorous bride in the golden age of Hollywood could’ve worn, but it would also be fabulous at a country club wedding. Also, even though my wedding was an elopement, the backdrop was still a castle which warranted a ton of sophistication. I thought the style fit the occasion perfectly. On the practical side, it is made of sturdy silk which stood up to the Scottish elements (useful for me when taking photos outside), and it also had pockets which enabled so many more poses. The cut allowed me to eat and drink without thinking twice! I really hated taking it off, but it photographs so well that I’m never too far from looking at it!
How She Felt In Her Carolina Herrera
Elegant, alluring, sophisticated
Why She’s Selling Her Wedding Dress
It’s such a beautiful gown, it’d be a shame to keep it in a closet.
