I was invited by Ashley and Alex to cover their Isle of Skye Wedding Photography in Portree and at Eilean Donan Castle. What a wonderful day we had on the West coast of Scotland.
A cold but glorious Isle of Skye wedding in winter
There’s not many locations in Scotland more breathtaking than the Isle of Skye for a wedding. However, in the depths of winter, it really is pot luck when it comes to the weather.
Well, I was lucky on such an occasion for the wedding of Ashley & Alex.
Wedding day preparations on the Isle of Skye
The morning preparations were well under way when I arrived at the bride’s parents’ house in Portree to begin capturing the wedding day preparations. And the drinks were already flowing although, I must add, not at too fast a pace!
Ashley was relaxed and seemed to be enjoying the preparations stage along with her parents, bridesmaids and close family members.
The weather was being characteristically eratic as showers frequented the sea facing house on the outskirts of the Island capital. I must admit I was sometimes distracted by the views from the house and although the rain at times was heavy, when it cleared the views across the bay were just a delight to witness.
Wedding photoshoot at Sligachan
This, I must add, had been Ashley & Alex’s idea – this was not a case of the wedding photographer forcing poor couples to stand in the bitter cold whilst I got the shots. No, no, this was all their idea and I was more than happy to comply with their wishes.
We also had the help of one of Ashley’s relatives who kindly (or crazily) offered to help me out. She carried some equipment to the waters edge at Sligachan bridge as the light faded and the wind got up.
Sligachan Bridge is a very popular spot for passer’s by as it sits right by the road so during the Summer months, it can be impossible to get the location to yourself. However, on a dark and windy Novembers’ eve, we had no such problems.
This was very kind of the guests especially given that she was all dressed up from the wedding and was now walking over bogs and puddles to get to our spot by the river’s edge.
The light was starting to fail quite rapidly now so we had to rush a bit but we managed to get the photoshoot done and got some lovely shots of the bride & groom at Sligachan river before darkness fell.
Isle of Skye Wedding Photography – Back to Portree
It was then back to Portree for the wedding reception at the Skye Gathering Hall. Guests and family had congregated ahead of the wedding meal and Ashley & Alex were given a warm Highland welcome upon their arrival.
It was straight into the speeches and everyone was in good form as the speeches got under way.
Everyone then sat for dinner as the night continued. With the meal out of the way, the wedding reception was starting to build momentum. The band arrived and began to set-up ahead of first dances.
Evening reception at Portree Gathering Hall
The bar was now comfortably full as guests awaited the call to the dance floor of the bride & groom. Without further ado, Ashley and Alex were on the floor and swinging themselves to their chosen first song.
By this stage my work for the day was almost done. But not before I got some special photos of Ashley wither her Grandad. He had been too elderly and frail to manage the daytime ceremony.
This was an emotional and important moment for Ashley and I daresay for her Grandfather too.
It was such a pleasure to cover Ashley and Alex’s Isle of Skye Wedding Photography and I can’t wait for my next trip to the ‘Misty Isle’.
My job is done
As I packed away my equipment I had a lovely sense of being part of a very special day. I walked out feeling very content indeed.
After a long day’s work on the Isle of Skye, I retreated to my room for the night in the cosy Tongadale Hotel before venturing downstairs for a well earned beer. Slåinte.
If you’re planning a wedding or elopement on Skye
get in touch here to discuss your plans.
Other useful links