Planning a wedding can at times, require a bit of a vision. You need to invest into that vision, you need faith in it to work and you need great planning skills. It also helps though, if you’ve got an army of really good friends to help you out. Mel and Drew had a plan for an amazing Scottish beach wedding in Fife.

Mel and Drew accessed their beach wedding via a garden gate on the banks of the River Tay in Fife. The house they bought together overlooks the Tay, framed neatly by the Tay bridge and Dundee on the opposite shore. Their home has become a precious labour of love for them as they’ve worked together renovating it. Mel and Drew have put their heart and souls into it, brick by brick. With the house a part of their relationship, it was natural to include it as part of their day.

Pre-wedding plans

I went to visit them for their engagement session at their home. This gave me the chance to explore with them what they love about it so much. The weather forecast for heavy non-stop rain, I was nervous whether they’d be able to pull it off. It seemed, that the weather gods had also been roped in to deliver a favour. We had beautiful sunshine for the entire duration of the ceremony and photographs. This was exactly what they needed for a beach wedding in Scotland.

The plan comes true!

When I arrived, the tide was in, and the beach was a two-metre strip of pebbles and stones. It was hard to imagine what it would be like with Mel and Drew by the water’s edge, and guests along the beach. Perhaps I should have brought some waders for this beach wedding? However, they’d timed it all perfectly. As the morning passed, the tide began to recede backwards, to reveal the red bricks they’d laid out previously to mark out the areas for their guests to stand. A couple of friends waded into the water, to dig out a hole for the wedding arch to stand. Other friends and neighbours decorated the lanes around their home with bunting, chairs and posters. There was seating and bean bag chairs for people to relax and unwind, and tables laid out with drinks.

Scottish Beach Wedding in Fife

Despite the occasional moment of a threat of a cloud, Mel and Drew had sunshine throughout their ceremony and drinks reception. Afterwards the guests were taken by boat, chartered from David Anderson Marine to the Boat Brae, further along the coastline in Newport-on-Tay for the meal and reception.

We managed to squeeze every moment out of the sunshine, as the rain only started after we’d concluded all the key photos we wanted on the beach, before following the guests to the wedding meal.

If you can measure a man and a woman by their friends, then the affection that Mel and Drew’s wedding guests held for them was astounding. This wasn’t your usual polite, internet researched speeches. Guests stood up to talk about their friendship with the couple, and each word delivered from the heart. They each gave a rounder picture of the people they loved and knew so well.

After dinner, we headed up to Berry’s Den – or to use it’s Sunday name, the Tayfield Estate. We took an entourage of guests who fancied an evening walk post-meal, to stretch legs and make the most of the late evening light. Although the sun hadn’t returned, it still felt fairly magical wandering around the trees and gardens in the evening. And then, it was time for dancing. And my oh my, did they dance!

As with all weddings, the key to a great beach wedding in Scotland or any successful outdoor wedding is to plan ahead and think of things you might need. I’ve prepared some tips if you’re after some ideas to help make it a success!

Suppliers

Celebrant: Leigh Bradley, Humanist
Reception venue: Boat Brae
River boats: David Anderson Marine

If you’re planning a Scottish beach wedding or a Fife wedding and need a photographer – give me a shout! I love unique weddings like this and would love to chat more with you about your plans.

You can find out more about my alternative wedding photography approach. To arrange a chat and find out my availability get in touch. Can’t wait to hear from you!