Sam and Vanessa’s elopement in Gretna Green, Scotland, was an unforgettable celebration of their love. Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, they seized control of their wedding planning and exchanged vows on November 14th, 2020. This iconic destination, famous for its romantic history, provided the perfect backdrop for their special day. The couple added a personal touch to their elopement with stylish outfits and fun smoke bombs, making it an extraordinary experience. Although they have rescheduled their original wedding date for 2022, we’re thrilled to celebrate their union today, captured beautifully by Sawyer & Sawyer Photography.
Gretna Green Elopement
The Proposal
As we wrapped up our time in Krakow, Poland on September 8th, 2019, Sam had been carrying the engagement ring with him for the entire week, eagerly awaiting the ideal moment to pop the question. The suspense finally came to a head as we were about to check out of our apartment and begin our journey back home, where he decided to take the leap and ask me to be his forever partner.
The Vision
As we looked forward to a relaxed celebration, we chose Hallgarth Manor in Pittington for its picturesque gardens and outdoor spaces. Our plans originally included a BBQ instead of a formal dinner, accompanied by an acoustic singer’s soothing melodies throughout the day. However, due to the national lockdown, we were forced to reschedule our wedding to April 2021. The restrictions imposed on weddings from September 2020 to March 2021, allowing only 15 guests, led us to postpone our event at Hallgarth once more, this time until May 2022, for a reception that would allow us to finally celebrate with loved ones. In the meantime, we decided to take the plunge and have an intimate elopement on November 14, 2020. Gretna Green kindly accommodated our request for a Saturday date with just six weeks’ notice.
The Venue
In the UK, there are several historic blacksmiths’ shops and manors that continue to fascinate tourists. Two such notable locations are The Old Blacksmiths in Gretna Green and Hallgarth Manor in Pittington. Both these destinations offer a glimpse into the past, showcasing traditional craftsmanship and architecture. For anyone interested in history, culture, or simply looking for a unique experience, a visit to either of these places is sure to be an unforgettable one.
The Ceremony & Music
As the ceremony unfolded, Graeme Murray from Gretna Green Baptist Church expertly guided the proceedings. A few days prior, he had reached out to review the details with us before our travel to Gretna Green. What’s more, I discovered that Graeme used to teach my colleague at a secondary school in Sunderland – a remarkable coincidence! Little did we know that this small world connection would play a significant role in the ceremony.As I walked into Flowers by Effie, the acoustic rendition of Sweet Female Attitude – Flowers began to fill the air. This song holds a special place in our hearts as it always reminds Sam of me. During our first year together, when I was living in Liverpool and Sam would visit me on weekends, this song became a staple. One night, while driving into the city for dinner, Flowers played on the radio, and I belted out every lyric word-for-word. Since then, whenever the song comes on, Sam sends me a heartfelt voice note – a sweet gesture that has become an integral part of our relationship.In a poignant moment, we signed our wedding schedule to the tune of Kygo’s Firestone. Just shy of a year into our relationship, I was still living away from Sam, and one morning, he sent me a YouTube link to this song. He revealed that it would be played at our wedding, marking a special connection between us. Fast forward five years, and here we were, bringing this meaningful moment full circle as we exchanged our vows.
Your Outfits
As Sam got ready for the big day, he chose his suit from Suit Culture in Shildon. We had been eyeing their stylish ensembles on social media and were drawn to the unique designs. Opting to buy rather than hire, we found that buying offered a wider range of options and allowed us to add our personal touch. Hiring, on the other hand, seemed pricey and traditional, with not much flexibility in terms of style.For my part, I had been searching for the perfect dress from Bexbrides in Herworth, Darlington. I met Bex at a wedding fair soon after getting engaged and fell in love with her quirky store and eclectic collection. Unlike many bridal shops that catered more to traditional tastes, Bex’s designs offered a fresh take on wedding dresses. As a curvy bride, I found it refreshing not to be pigeonholed into ‘plus size’ styles with capped shoulders and corset backs.Bex made the process of finding my dress a breeze, offering expert advice and creative ideas for customising the design. She pulled out various options, from overskirts to capes, and we worked together to create a look that was both unique and perfect for me. The final result was even more stunning than I had imagined on the hanger. We added a vintage belt to accentuate my waist and some subtle detail to the cape’s shoulders, making it truly one-of-a-kind.
Your Photographer & Filmmaker
It was at a wedding fair held at Hallgarth Manor that I had the pleasure of first encountering Ray Sawyer’s work. His photographs exuded creativity and a sense of joy, making me an instant fan. Initially, we booked Ray for our original wedding date, but when circumstances forced us to reschedule, he wasn’t available. When we eventually decided to elope, I reached out to him again to inquire if he’d be willing to join us at Gretna Green and capture the intimate nature of our ceremony.
The Styling & Decor
For our summer wedding, I had initially requested sunflowers from Roses ‘r’ Red, a local florist. However, when we had to make last-minute adjustments, I opted for an autumnal bouquet instead. I specified that I wanted the arrangement to feature an abundance of greenery, berries, and autumnal hues. I was thoroughly impressed with the final product and received numerous compliments from our guests on the day. To complete my look, I wore a matching headpiece that elegantly slid into place above my veil.
The Honeymoon
With travel restrictions still in place, we’re taking a cautious approach and haven’t made any bookings yet. However, Sam has already secured the first fortnight of the summer break, which gives us something to look forward to. Perhaps by the time his holidays arrive, we’ll have a destination in mind and be able to make some travel arrangements.
Memorable Moments
As I stood at the altar on my wedding day, it’s safe to say that wearing a face mask wasn’t something I had envisioned. The world has changed dramatically since then, and who would have thought that the constraints of lockdowns would lead couples like us to revive an old tradition – ‘running away’ to Gretna Green for a hasty marriage ceremony.
Advice For Other Couples
The joy of an intimate celebration lies in catering to the couple’s unique desires, rather than trying to please everyone else. Sam and Vanessa’s decision to keep their special day just between themselves was a deliberate choice that allowed them to cherish every moment with each other. As they exchanged vows at The Old Blacksmiths, surrounded by the picturesque settings of Gretna Green & Hallgarth Manor, it was clear that this was a celebration meant for two. The floral arrangements, courtesy of Roses R Red in Horden, added a touch of elegance to the proceedings, while the stylish outfits worn by Sam and Vanessa, courtesy of Suit Culture and Bex Brides, respectively, left a lasting impression. The ceremony, officiated by GMu Ministries’ Graeme Murray, was a heartfelt expression of love and commitment between the couple. In fact, their story was so memorable that it even caught the attention of The Telegraph, who interviewed them about their big day.