With only their photographer Nikki and the bag piper as witnesses, Erica and Dave were married at the breathtaking Crear Weddings in Scotland. With a dramatic coastline as their backdrop, they said their vows in a beautifully intimate Humanist ceremony, with the promise of a cosy fire and calls to family afterwards. The results are so romantic and special, and Erica's Jesus Peiro 110 wedding dress looked suitably striking for their portraits against the Scottish scenery.

Read on to find our more about their romantic Scottish elopement in Erica's own words, with photography by Nikki Leadbetter.

Jesus Peiro 110 wedding dress

I wore Jesus Peiro 110 with a Jesus Peiro cardigan/shrug which I just loved. I cannot wait to wear it again when we eventually manage to celebrate with everyone. The dress made me feel amazing, every doubt I had about the dress disappeared as soon as I put it on.

My friend from uni came with me to find the dress, and my Mum was on zoom. We loved so many of the dresses that I tried on but this one just felt the most like 'me' and even through zoom my Mum knew that.

Dress Shopping

Firstly I loved the Chapel and the space itself, there was a warmth as soon as I walked in. Corrine was an absolute dream and made me comfortable as I tried on all the dresses and even took the fabrics over to the camera so my Mum could see everything in detail which meant so much to me as I was really sad she couldn't make it in person. I just loved trying on all the dresses on though, especially the Jesus Peiro ones, every single one was a serious contender and could have picked any one of them and been happy.

It felt like there were an awful lot of hurdles. Postponing, cancelling, bringing the date forward, constant guideline changes; Rosie was always at the end of an email reassuring me, changing fitting dates and giving me one less thing to worry about. I remember after every government update I would receive an email from Emma straight away reassuring me (and the rest of the lucky Miss Bush brides) which did wonders at making me worry less.

Styling

I kept it very simple, the dress spoke for itself. I wore the Jesus Peiro shrug, I was so glad I had because it was beyond freezing. I wore pearl earrings that were a present from my parents and my Nana's ring. My shoes were a pair of super sparkly Kate Spade trainers, which I knew I had to have as soon as I saw them, perfect for some rock climbing and beach walking. I pulled my hair into a simple ponytail, I had tested out so many different things in the lead up but I am so glad I stuck with the ponytail because a) I just felt comfortable and b) I am pretty sure any other style would have been blown out by the wind.

A romantic Scottish elopement at Crear Weddings

Our day was very simple. There was the two of us, the Humanist Celebrant, the bag piper and the photographer who were also our witnesses. I spent the morning chatting to my Mum on zoom whilst doing my makeup, it was so nice to get ready slowly and feel like my Mum was very much part of the morning. We had all the weather (serves us right for getting married on the coast of Scotland in March in a storm) which added to the drama. We drove down to the beach and found slightly sheltered spot for our Humanist Ceremony and the rain held off for the majority of the ceremony before the heavens opened as we desperately tried to sign the marriage certificate with the fountain pen safe to say we all signed it about four times to try and get an signature that wasn't smudged.

We were then piped out to Singin in the Rain on the bag pipes as we had photos taken on the rocks and beach. It was absolutely freezing but we did not stop smiling all day! After photos we made our way back to warm up on front of the fire and call our families.

The best bits

I loved the whole day but having our photos taken and enjoying the absolutely amazing location was my favourite, our photographer Nikki was such fun and it felt like we had a friend at our wedding.

Erica's Advice

Trust your gut every time. Once we made the decision to scale right back a weight was lifted but it didn't stop me feeling stressed and sad about the whole thing but we tried to concentrate on the things we could control. You are allowed to be sad if you have had to change plans but don't let it take over because it is such a happy event and everyone is so happy for you even if it is from afar. Also, wear the dress! Life is too short not to wear the dress. I was so worried the dress wasn't 'right' for the type of wedding we were now having and that I would feel silly wearing a (in my mind huge) dress for such a small ceremony but I have zero regrets. I felt amazing on the day and no matter how big or small your wedding you should feel amazing, like a million dollars!

Suppliers

Venue & Flowers: Crear Weddings and Wee Weddings
Photographer: Nikki Leadbetter