Romance is absolutely golden here on the blog this morning, as we bring you the beautiful gypsy elopement wedding of Sally and Christian. This free-spirited couple chose the Roulette Retreat for their intimate meadow wedding on the pretty borders of bonny Scotland. The venue is home to many roulette caravans, most of which are hand-painted with intricately carved woodwork and traditional folk detailing. The roulettes are thought to symbolise freedom, magic and romance….we couldn’t think of a better spot for these guys to elope to!
Christian and I didn’t want a conventional wedding. We wanted a wedding that reflected us. The setting at Roulotte Retreat was perfect!
The pair only shared their day with a registrar and Siobhan from Siobhan Amy Photography. They wed lakeside in the wildflower meadow in a gypsy folk-style ceremony with personalised vows and a Scottish tartan hand fasting ceremony. After the all important ‘Mr and Mrs’ moment, the couple enjoyed basking in the mid-summer sun until early evening with champers and Victoria sponge cake! After the elopement, they threw a big festival-style shindig with their family and friends….
Our post wedding celebration was inspired by the feel-good atmosphere of festivals. One of Christian’s friends surprised us with a GLASTONBURY inspired multi-coloured BELLFEST sign. There were no wedding formalities other than an impromptu speech or two.
Sally and Christian show us how a truly romantic elopement is really done, and prove that no matter what, you must follow your heart and focus on what really matters; marry the love of your life wherever, whenever and however you want to.
Here’s gorgeous bride Sally to tell you more….
Scottish Border Elopement with Festival After Party
Our Wedding ceremony was held at Roulette Retreat in Melrose, on the Scottish Borders in June 2018. It was just the two of us at our ‘non-secret’ elopement. Afterwards in August, we hosted a big festival-themed party in the field at Christian’s Dad’s house in Adlington, Cheshire.
We were looking for somewhere a bit different to get married. With it being just the two of us, we realised we could be as imaginative as we wanted. We also wanted somewhere that was quiet, intimate and close to nature. The laws in Scotland are slightly different with regards to where a wedding ceremony can take place, and offers far more flexibility, so we started our search in Scotland. We found Roulette Retreat online by chance, and it looked just perfect.
Beautifully Carved ‘Gypsy Lady’ Roulette, Al Fresco Dining and Eco Hot Tub
We had a double tipi at the post wedding celebration, provided by Apache Events. At the post wedding celebration in August, quite a few of our guests brought their tents along to the field and created a little campsite, complete with a bonfire.
Our accommodation for our wedding ceremony weekend was a beautiful wooden Roulotte called Gitana. Her walls were carved with wild strawberries, hidden fairies, butterflies and leaping hares. Gitana is Spanish for a Bohemian Gypsy Lady, which was perfect for the laid back and magical wedding that we wanted. Next to the Roulotte we had space for al-fresco dining and an eco hot-tub – so relaxing for pre and post wedding evenings!
Stunning High Street Boho Wedding Dress
As the wedding was outdoors, I wanted something understated, comfortable and slightly unconventional. I didn’t have a specific vision in my head and was open to options. I spent the day shopping with my mum in high street stores rather than wedding dress shops. The dress I chose was from Coast and cost £140! The material was perfectly fluid in a rich champagne colour. The minute I put it on I knew it was the one. It was a silky, off the shoulder, bohemian dream. So comfortable to wear – I’d live in it if I could!
I left my hair fairly natural, tidying it up a bit myself with a few curls. I had a flower crown made by Chloe Robinson Designs using delicate Nigella and Waxflower from our local florist at Altrincham Market.
My shoes were from Head Over Heels by Dune (around £35). As we were going to be outside in a meadow, I really needed a pair of flat shoes. The pair I found were the perfect coloured sandal to match the dress and full of gems. I love them and I’ve worn them so much since.
Braces and Bright Socks!
Christian wore a simple pair of chinos, a plain white shirt and a pair of red braces all from ASOS. Just before we stepped out to get married, he popped on a pair of very bright multi-coloured socks before I had chance to stop him.…they actually looked fabulous in the pictures!
Personal Ceremony by the Lake with Fields of Wild Flowers
We were lucky enough to have the most wonderful Registrar, Jane Norman. Jane helped to create a wedding ceremony that was completely personal to the two of us.
The ceremony was held next to the lake in the middle of the meadow, in between thousands of wild flowers. The ceremony began with Jane reading messages from our parents; a perfect way of allowing them to be part of our special day from a distance. We said our vows to one another and ended the ceremony with a traditional Scottish Toast.
Rural Folk Hand Fasting Ceremony with Scottish Tartan Knot
We also held a hand-fasting ceremony, (given our surroundings it seemed fitting to keep up with rural folkloric tradition!). We had been to Melrose town earlier that day to choose our tartan for our knot, which was gifted to us by the lady at the fabric shop when she realised what it was going to be used for.
Roses, Waxflowers and Eucalyptus
Chloe Robinson Designs are in Altrincham Market, and my mum and I spend most Saturdays walking past admiring Chloe’s stall, so when Christian and I decided to get married I knew exactly where I wanted my flowers from. The team helped us to create the most beautiful bouquet of nude coloured Roses, Waxflower, pale blue Nigella and Eucalyptus.
Victoria Sponge, Chutney and Champers
Following our wedding ceremony, we enjoyed a small picnic of Victoria sponge cake, our favourite cheeses and chutney, and a bottle of champagne, beautifully presented by Avril (our host at Roulotte Retreat).
The Perfect Photographer
Our photographer Siobhan Amy Photography was amazing. I’d found Siobhan via Instagram and fell in love with her pictures. Siobhan captured our day perfectly, and was such a pleasure to work with. Neither Christian nor I are very natural in front of the camera, but Siobhan made us feel completely at ease. We had so much fun taking the pictures with her and I think you can see that in the moments she captured.
Converted Horse Box Bar at the After Party
For the post-wedding party we hired the most beautiful bar to serve our guests delicious cocktails. It was a hand-painted converted horsebox called Wild Things Heart Sings – they were amazing!
Favourite Moment
Sitting outside our beautiful Roulotte in the late mid-summer sun following the ceremony. We were surrounded by nature with cake and champagne, just the two of us.
Any Advice?
Plan your day as you want it, not how you think you should or shouldn’t. Don’t be restricted by traditions that don’t fit with what you want; think outside the box.
An elopement wedding isn’t for everyone, but if you are considering it, I cannot recommend it enough. Our ceremony was one of the most emotional experiences I’ve ever had. We were away from everyone and we were able to truly connect to each other through the vows we were promising to each other. The weekend was about the two of us; we relaxed from the moment we stepped into the meadow. As for the important family members, they were all fully supportive of our decision.
One important word of advice for those planning to elope – invest in a good photographer. Our friends and family are able to relive our day with us through the moments that Siobhan captured.
The Line Up
Photographer: Siobhan Amy Photography; Venue: Roulette Retreat; Post-Elopement Party Tipi: Apache Events; Bride’s Dress: Coast; Bride’s Shoes: Dune; Bridesmaids Dresses: ASOS; Florist: Chloe Robinson Designs; Cake: M&S; Post-Elopement Party Bar: Wild Things Heart Sings
