A Vow Renewal in the Storm: Franziska & Anika’s Stoer Story

From our very first conversations, the dream was clear. Franziska and Anika were celebrating the 10th anniversary of their civil partnership, and they envisioned marking it with a handfasting ceremony on the wild, beautiful coast of the Stoer peninsula. This place, with its rugged charm and iconic lighthouse, ticked all the boxes for the coastal ceremony they had longed for. They travelled all the way from Germany with their two beloved dogs, giving themselves a few days to settle into the area and relax before the big day—something I always recommend.

But the weather in the Highlands has a mind of its own, and in the days leading up to their ceremony, it was truly stormy. We held out hope that it might calm down, but as we arrived at the lighthouse car park, it was clear that the wind wasn’t just breezy; it was a powerful, relentless force. Our original, scenic spot was simply not an option.

This is where the true spirit of an elopement shines. Instead of disappointment, Franziska and Anika met the challenge with a wonderful, can-do attitude. We found a safe, sheltered space at the back of the lighthouse. It may not have been the most picturesque spot on the peninsula, but in that moment, it was our safe harbour, and safety had to come first.

Despite the wind whipping around us and doing its absolute best to give us all a dramatic, windswept look, we created a sacred space. The ceremony began by calling in the elements and the spirit animals of the Highlands—the eagle for new beginnings, the deer for passion, the dolphin for intuition, and the otter for a safe foundation. This act of creating a protective circle felt less like a symbol and more like a necessity, a grounding ritual that felt even more powerful amidst the wild weather. We spoke of their story, which began on a football pitch and grew into a partnership that beautifully balances their different personalities, a relationship captured perfectly by a line from a song they love: "Mal bist du leise, mal bist du laut, mal bist du bunt und dann wieder grau." (Sometimes you are quiet, sometimes you are loud, sometimes you are colourful, and then grey again)

"It was an unforgettable moment. Maybe because of the stormy weather!"

Franziska & Anika

Photos: regenweibchen

With the wind as their witness, they bound their hands in a traditional handfasting. It was powerful to hear their personal, heartfelt vows spoken clearly and firmly against the elements, a testament to their deep connection. We had to move through the ceremony with a comfortable yet efficient pace, and I was so impressed by how everyone handled the wild weather with such grace and good humour.

Once the ceremony was complete, they made the wise decision not to linger in such an exposed location. With their photographer, Karo, who was wonderfully flexible, they regrouped for photos a little further up the coast where it was more sheltered, a final smart adaptation on a day that required many.

Their day was a powerful reminder that a celebration isn't about perfect conditions; it's about the love and resilience you bring to whatever the day holds. Thank you, Franziska and Anika, for your incredible spirit, for embracing the wildness of the Highlands with such joy, and for letting me be a part of a day that was so beautifully and unforgettably real.