Both hailing from warm and sunny Florida, had always dream of having an intimate wedding in the beautiful Scottish Highlands. Inspired by their love for the TV series Outlander, they wanted to experience firsthand the breathtaking landscapes they had only seen on screens or in travel guides.
WHEN DREAM COME TRUE
As an avid traveler and adventure enthusiast, I’ve always believed that the location of a dream wedding doesn’t matter as long as it holds meaning to the couple. So when Rinata reached out to me just a month after my tour around France and Italy, asking if I could film their elopement wedding on the shores of Loch Ness near Urquhart Castle in Scotland, I couldn’t resist the opportunity.
When I first heard about the location, images of the highlands, mountains, lakes, and the legendary Nessie immediately filled my mind. It was a resounding yes from me. Rinata and Robert, both hailing from the warm and sunny Florida, shared a love for the Outlander series, which inspired their dream of an intimate wedding in the beautiful Scottish landscape they had only seen on screens and in guidebooks.
Scotland’s unpredictable weather added an air of uncertainty to the occasion, but as fate would have it, Rinata and Robert were greeted by beautiful sunshine on their wedding day. However, the gusty wind proved to be both an ally and a formidable opponent, making it challenging to capture steady shots while keeping the veil flowing gracefully during the shoot.
The preparations took place at the Best Western Palace Hotel in Inverness, a charming location nestled in the heart of the city at the foot of the River Ness. Upon arrival, I couldn’t resist the urge to capture the breathtaking view in front of me, and promptly deployed my drone.
During Rinata and Robert’s preparations, I had the opportunity to get to know them better, and we instantly connected. We all felt at ease, and I was fortunate enough to arrive early and film the heartfelt moments as they penned their personal vows to each other.
TOUCHING HAND FASTING CEREMONY
After the preparations, we made our way to the shores of Loch Ness for the Handfasting ceremony, which was beautifully conducted by Kacey from Mountain Tours Scotland. Surrounded by the stunning views of the loch and mountains, we enjoyed a deliciously prepared lunch, accompanied by violin music and the warmth of a crackling campfire. Rinata and Robert, surrounded by their closest family and friends, exchanged vows that would bind them together for a lifetime.
It was an incredibly emotional moment, filled with joy and serenity, as nature provided the perfect backdrop for their union. Following the ceremony, we indulged in the delightful lunch prepared by Kacey and her husband.
THE ESSENCE OF SCOTLAND
Once the cake was cut, the newlyweds, along with their loved ones, embarked on an unforgettable boat trip around Loch Ness, marveling at the majestic mountains and the ancient walls of Urquhart Castle.
Not wanting to miss any opportunity, I took out my drone once again, capturing the enchanting landscape that surrounded us. Then We visited Urquhart Castle, where we could finally take a moment to catch our breath and appreciate the shared beauty that surrounded us. It marked a beautiful end to their wedding day adventure.
However, the story doesn’t end there. A few days later, Rinata and Robert found themselves in Glasgow, continuing their exploration of Scotland before returning to the warmth of Florida. Unable to resist the chance, I met up with them again. We concluded their Scottish trip with a perfect glass of Scotch whiskey and a delightful meal, solidifying our newfound friendship.
Looking back, their elopement wedding became a testament to the power of combining work and adventure. It led us to new experiences, breathtaking landscapes, and most importantly, lifelong friendships. From capturing their intimate moments on the shores of Loch Ness to toasting to their future in Glasgow, Rinata and Robert’s wedding was a journey that will forever be etched in our hearts.