Our Elopement
20 March, 2024 | Isle of Skye, Scotland
Shann Chaudhry and Kristen Linck were married in an intimate ceremony on 20 March 2024 during the Spring Equinox in the Glen Varragil Forest on Isle of Skye in Scotland. It was a perfect spring day - uncommonly sunny and rain-free for Skye.
Becy Stabler of Belle Art Photography served as their guide around the island, beautifully capturing the day in photographs. The ceremony was officiated by Francesca Leigh, a celebrant with the Humanist Society Scotland.
The Ceremony
Glen Varragil Forest, Isle of Skye, Scotland
Our love story is written in the stars, destined to be sung by the bards for eternity.
The Tale of Beren and Lúthien
J. R. R. Tolkien
Highland Traditions
Handfasting
A Norse-Celtic tradition that originated with the highland clans in Scotland in the 12th century, it involves tying a couple’s hands together by cord or tartan cloth to symbolize the union of their lives and their families.
The expression “tying the knot” is a reference to handfasting.
Quaich
Part of another centuries-old tradition traced back as far as the ancient druids, a quaich is a small, shallow bowl with two handles on either side.
As part of the marriage ceremony, a couple shares the first drink of their union from the quaich, sealing their bond, and marking the blending of two families.
It is traditionally filled with whisky; we celebrated with champagne.
