Cry over these childhood sweethearts getting married in their 70s 😭

Many people think elopements are spur of the moment, but this simple and elegant Scottish elopement was years in the making… literally! Marlene and Stephen were childhood sweethearts. After losing touch, they reconnected years later, fell in love (again), and decided to get married. This is the stuff of Hollywood movies… Believe us, we’re gushing too! Rather than having a big wedding in Wales, where they are from, they elected to elope to Scotland, and the rest, they say, is history. If you’re thinking about a Scottish ceremony, be prepared to be convinced by these stunning photos (captured by Joy Story). And if “simple and elegant” is your style, Marlene has some dress inspo for you! And this elopement had some extra special (and extra Scottish) guests… can you guess who they were?

We’re booking plane tickets after seeing this simple and elegant Scottish elopement

The theme of “simple and elegant” really starts with the scenery at this elopement ceremony. We're sure Wales is gorgeous, but we think Marlene and Stephen made an excellent choice with a Scotland ceremony! They got a gorgeous sunny day for the occasion (albeit a bit cold, as you can tell from their winter jackets — it was December, after all!). The rolling, green hills of the Scottish highlands, the ruins of a castle in the background, the pristine lake (or, as the Scots say, “loch”)… this ceremony truly looks like it was out of a fairy tale. Scotland here we come! 

With the help of Wee Wild Weddings (my small weddings and elopements company), they eloped to the stunning Kilchurn Castle in Argyll & Bute, Scotland on the most gloriously sunny day in December and got married on the shores of Loch Awe overlooking the spectacular castle with views of the Scottish mountains behind.

Joy Story

We’re obsessed with the dress at this simple and elegant Scottish elopement

Marlene really nailed the “simple and elegant” motif with her wedding dress. The simplicity comes from her solid, pearl-white, ankle-length dress, while the intricate lace layer over top really brings the elegance! The buttons along the back and her tiara of pearls add the perfect touch of intrigue to her look. Bonus points for matching the wedding cake! Move over, Mary Queen of Scots… it’s Marlene, Queen of Scots, now!

This simple and elegant Scottish elopement had a highland cow cameo

Would a wedding in the rolling hills of Scotland be complete without some highland cows making an appearance? Yeah, we didn’t think so either. Marlene is actually obsessed with highland cows, which is why this couple chose to elope to Scotland! So of course they had to get a few photos with them. I mean, there’s a reason portraits of highland cows are popular home decor… they’re freakin’ gorgeous! But obviously they still don’t come close to Marlene’s beauty on her wedding day. Cows can be a witness at a wedding ceremony… right?

This simple and elegant Scottish elopement reminds us that love always wins

We absolutely loved being a part of this love story that spanned across decades! And we’re so glad it had the happiest of endings. Congratulations, Marlene and Stephen! You might not be kids anymore, but it’s obvious that you’re still crazy in love!

Simple and elegant Scottish elopement vendors:

• Venue: Kilchurn Castle​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
• Photographer: Joy Story IG: @joystoryphoto​​​​​​​​
• Planner: Fin Flükra IG: @finflukra​​​​​​​​
• Florist: Briar Rose Design IG: @briarrose_design​​​​​​​​
• Officiant: Claire the Humanist IG: @clairethehumanist​​​​​​​​
• Hair and Makeup: Jennifer Mathieson IG: @jennifermathiesonhairandmakeup​​​​​​​​
• Picnic: Scottish Wild Picnics IG: @scottishwildpicnics​​​​​​​​
• Bride's Outfit: Pleser Bridal IG: @pleserbridal
• Groom's Outfit: Dyfed Menswear IG: @dyfedmenswear​​​​​​​​

Simple and elegant Scottish elopement gallery: