Handfasting Elopement Inspiration in the Scottish Wilderness

So you can imagine my delight at having these enchanting wedding ideas sent over to me. Set in the stunning Scottish landscape a wonderful team of creatives joined forces to showcase their talents and inspire couples.

Cosy and romantic, this styled elopement has so many steal-worthy ideas. From the tartan fabrics to the bridal beauty and statement florals I love it all.

Thanks goes to Chantal Lachance Gibson Photography for providing the striking imagery. Here is what the team had to say about the shoot;

Working creatively in the wedding industry it’s difficult not to be inspired by what surrounds us, especially if you’re lucky enough to live and work in Scotland. As the leaves turn and season changes, so do the visions and ideas.

This exciting shoot set amongst the rugged landscape gave the perfect opportunity for a group of leading suppliers to work collectively, have fun and get creative… not only showcasing new ideas but also what this beautiful and versatile country can offer couples who are planning their wedding here.

From the deep, wild florals and striking hair and make up to the romantic and perfectly rustic styling details, all the elements came together and were captured by Chantal Lachance Gibson to tell the delicate yet epic story of the beginning of our couple’s beautiful adventure together.

Her inspiration behind the shoot was to create something that was very Scottish but also very current. Scotland’s landscape is so dramatic and romantic and the forests are so inspiring. Her vision was a couple escaping into the trees to make promises to each other with a celtic handfasting ceremony then enjoying an intimate and cosy picnic together before embarking on their journey.

Inspired directly from the surroundings, the stylists Lemonbox Studios used a stormy blue grey colour scheme to reflect the intense Scottish October skies. These colours also contrasted with the warm autumn leaves allowing them to really pop and together give a dramatic backdrop for the romantic elopement.

To create a relaxed but elegant feel for the picnic, rustic natural materials that could be found in the woods were used but then mixed up with elegant glassware and cutlery. Holes were drilled in gnarly sticks to hold long black dinner candles for the table and a tent was created for the couple out of long twigs draped in soft fabric.

The table itself was kept simple using upturned wooden crates sitting on a woven herringbone rug to give a casual feel, then the scene was dressed with scattered tweed and plaid cushions.

The hanging feature over the table was draped, folded and pinched to form an organic shape nestled among the trees. The finishing touches were dip dyed napkins, fabric picnic menu and ripped up printed handmade papers to use as labels and place settings.

Michelle wore a dress by Flossy & Dossy and her hair and make up was created by Laura Gray who wanted her look to be the epitome of Autumn in Scotland. From the offset she was keen for the bride to have long, wild, red hair, which she then added small braids to and unfinished ends to give a less polished finish.

Working together with the florist the idea developed for floral extensions, an incredible look with foliage & wild flowers wired together and worked through the hair, the result, something very unique and fresh that beautifully contrasted the delicate neckline on the dress.

Autumnal shades and stronger tones were used for the make up, complimenting Michelle’s skin with a darker eye and lip, yet allowing her skin to breath and suit the feel of an easy make up achievable by brides today. Stuart wore a modern kilt by Slanj paired with knitwear and old tattered boots for a more relaxed and casual look.

The cake was a modern take on a traditional Scottish Clootie Dumpling by Three Sisters Bake, topped with forest fruits, greenery & figs and with so many low tree branches the stylists simply couldn’t resist suspending the cake on a crate complete with a hanging ‘cake topper’ sign.

As if the cake wasn’t enough, these talented ladies also provided a picnic feast to die for using seasonal ingredients that would make your mouth water.

The look of the table was completed with stunning wild garlands, delicate feathers, foliage sprigs and general floral loveliness created by Lisa of Sparrow & Rose. Her wild, organic and autumnal style complimented the Scottish woodland setting perfectly. Lisa also created the awesome bouquet, buttonholes, floral hair piece & tent flowers.

The photographer describes her style as soft with a lot of light. But for this shoot and to suit the day itself decided to change things up and go slightly darker then usual to really make the colours in the forest richer with a bit more contrast. The mist in the hills was just a bonus on top of every special touch and design that went into the shoot.

CREDIT WHERE CREDIT IS DUE |

Styling, Design & Production | Lemonbox Studios Ltd

Photography | Chantal Lachance Gibson Photography

Florals | Sparrow and Rose

Hair and make up | Laura Gray

Catering and cake | Three Sisters Bake

Dress | Flossy and Dossy

Kilt | Slanj Kilts

Utterly beautiful.

Thank you all so very much for sharing the results of the shoot on WWW XOXO Lou