Caly & Jacob’s Scottish Destination Wedding on the Remote Island Westray, Orkney

What can I say, Caly & Jacob’s Scottish destination wedding on the Remote Island Westray, Orkney, was such a vibe!

Just getting there was an epic adventure –  I travelled via plane for this one! Flying from Aberdeen to Kirkwall, and from Kirkwall I flew to Papa Westray and took the world’s shortest flight (just 90 seconds) from Papa Westray to Westray. I even got a certificate to prove it!!

Westray only has 500 people living on it (yup, you read that right!) and I was told on average there is only 1 wedding a year, so I felt extremely lucky to have been the chosen one to go over and photograph Caly and Jacob’s Scottish Destination Wedding. 

They told me they decided to book me because they wanted “different” photos and not the traditional pics they are used to seeing over there (that’s all I needed to hear, and would have gladly packed my bags right on our discovery call 🤣) . 

How the day unfolded at this Scottish destination wedding

Things are a little different in Westray for the way a wedding day runs so after their gorgeous intimate ceremony in the Kirk, we did a confetti shot and whisked friends and family over to the nearby Castle for group shots. 

Everyone then goes about their own for the rest of the day until the evening begins!! Where they are welcomed back to the evening venue for speeches, a yummy meal and of course dancing. 

After some pics at the Castle, we met a local lady who had an epic (picture-perfect) car which we borrowed for photos and headed to the only part of the island with anything remotely like trees, and got some seriously cool pics there. 

After speeches we headed back out to a nearby beach, and Caly threw off her shoes and was carried down to the sands by Jacob. 

It felt so romantic, like they were “crossing the threshold” together. And we created some stunning portraits. 

Caly looks like a mermaid on the rocks standing there in her beautiful dress with Jacob draped over her. It really was one of those breathtaking moments, where you just have to stop and breathe it all in. 

I am so glad we did it, because they were in two minds about going out for pics again after dinner, but I reminded them how much they were looking forward to these beach pics, and they were so so glad we did it. It was one of the highlights of this Scottish Destination Wedding. 

Moments that made us ROFL🤣

When I was driving Caly & Jacob around for photos, we discovered Jacob had a very long and very “oddly” placed loose thread in his trousers, I will let you use your imagination. But it had us in stitches in the car. 

Best parts about this Scottish destination wedding

The whole wedding felt really laid back and it was so nice to have time with just my bride and groom without them feeling like guests were requiring their attention.

I was made to feel like family and since I had nowhere to be, I ended up staying until nearly midnight to photograph a special tradition where a very alcoholic drink (almost like a whisky based mulled wine) is made and passed around in a cog for everyone to take a sip from. 

I love photographing old Scottish wedding traditions, and if you are planning a Scottish Destination Wedding I would love to share some of my favourite traditions with you!

Fun Photos that Caly & Jacob chose to include:

✌️an epic Bridesmaid reveal – Caly had the sweetest bride squad

✌️fancy cars – enough said, I think the images speak for themselves!

✌️confetti Shot – always a fave!!

✌️traditional orcadian cog – an Orkney wedding tradition (perfect to include for your Scottish Destination Wedding)

Caly & Jacob’s Supplier List

Hair – Kay Simpson

Make up – Kathryn Scollie

Videographer – Douglas Hourston

Minister – Iain MacDonald

Catering – Netta Harcus and Co

Cake/Dessert – Janet Tulloch – Arcadia Eats

Ceremony musicians – Connor Harcus, Katie Bilner, Michael and Teenie Harcus, Kenneth and Louise Harcus

Band/DJ – Stronsay Band

Rings – ROX

Bridal jewellery- Carat London

Allan Pottinger – driver and car owner 

Alex Benjamin – car owner

Florist – Flowers by Ingie

Cog – Richard Wilson

Bar – Saintear Bistro

Ready to become BFFs and book me as your wedding photographer? 

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