We wanted a fun highland wedding.
Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love…
Cam is from the Isle of Skye in Scotland (where we got married). He’s a firefighter in Vancouver now and is busy mountain biking whenever he’s not working. I grew up in Vancouver and love travelling and gardening. We live in Squamish (an hour from Vancouver), but we go back to Skye every year, usually in May, to see the lambs!
How/where/when did you meet – and what were your first impressions?
We met 8 years ago on a night out through mutual friends. We noticed each other across the bar, and the rest is history.
Tell us about the vision you had for the mood and style of your wedding.
We wanted a fun highland wedding that brought together our friends and family from both Canada and Scotland. We did lots of things ourselves and had so much help from our guests, which gave the whole day a really intimate feeling. We incorporated traditional music into almost every aspect of the wedding (thanks to Cam’s talented family and friends playing the fiddle, harp and bagpipes).
What styling and visual elements worked best for you?
We didn’t feel like we had to do much because of the natural beauty of Skye. We took photos of Cam’s family’s sheep croft and our favourite views of Brother’s point. Our reception was at the Skye gathering hall, a 150-year-old building in Portree with gorgeous views of the harbour. Guests wore kilts and bright colours that really popped in the photos.
What did you enjoy most about the planning process and do you have any tips for couples starting their wedding planning journey?
It was a lot of work, and we didn’t have the help of a planner, so I’d suggest getting a planner (if it’s in your budget). My advice would be that less is more and to not sweat the small stuff. People notice the big things, how the day flows and the meaningful moments, not the tiny details that are keeping you up at night.
I spent the most time on the parts I enjoyed. I loved making playlists for the different events and included our favourite Scottish groups, Cocteau Twins and Niteworks.
Tell us about your main outfits, what was unique, is there a story?
Cam had his kilt custom-made with the tartan of his mother’s maiden name to pay homage to her side of the family. I accidentally fell in love with a dress by a Canadian company, and for love. It was different from what I imagined myself in but really suited the highlands.
What was one, or two elements that were most important to you both that you were happy to spend a little more on?
Having a wedding in Scotland was always about having a ceilidh dance. Hiring Glenfinnan as our band was almost the first thing we did, and it was the best decision we made. They were incredible, and it was definitely the highlight of the wedding.
Did anything happen on your wedding day that you laugh about in hindsight (even if it was stressful at the time)?
The wedding day itself went ridiculously smoothly, even the weather cleared which was a small miracle because it rained the rest of the week. But the next morning we woke up at 5 am to a fire alarm going off in our hotel. It didn’t do wonders for the hangover.
BRIDE Emma Speakman, @emmalouspeak GROOM Cameron Ross, @chumbaross GETTING READY LOCATION Bealach Uige Bothy CEREMONY LOCATION Am Meall (locally known as The Lump) Isle of Skye RECEPTION LOCATION Skye Gathering Hall PHOTOGRAPHER Natalie Fong Malis, @nataliefongmalis FLORIST DIYed ENTERTAINMENT Glenfinnan Ceilidh Band, @glenfinnan_ceilidh_band CATERING Highland Hog Roasts, @highlandhogroasts CAKE Skye Cakes, @skyecakes RINGS Erica Leal, @ericalealjewellery BRIDAL DRESS And For Love, @andforlove BRIDAL BOUTIQUE Union Bridal, @unionbridal BRIDE’S SHOE Wellies, @welliesdotcom KILTS Ben Wyvis Kilts, @benwyviskilts_ BRIDE’S SECOND OUTFIT Reformation, @reformation BRIDE’S SECOND SHOE Converse, @converse HAIR & MAKEUP By the Bride BRIDE’S FRAGRANCE Hwy – Aesop, @aesop BRIDESMAIDS DRESS House of CB, @houseofcb