While many of my weddings are nestled in the familiar landscapes of the North-West Highlands, I am always happy to travel when couples feel I am the right fit for their day. So, when Jitka and Aidan invited me to the beautiful East Lothian coast, to the sweeping expanse of Ravensheugh Sands, I knew it would be a special journey. Jitka had been following my work on Instagram for a while, so there was already a wonderful sense of connection and understanding before we even began planning – the best possible start for a celebrant-couple relationship.

After a couple of months of working together, mostly through easy-going WhatsApp chats, the day arrived. Our first in-person meeting was right there in the car park, where along with Lina, the photographer, we all meandered down the path to the beach through a beautiful woodland. That shared walk, with no rush or agenda, is always a perfect way to build an extra layer of connection before a ceremony begins.

My husband and I decided to elope on one of our local beaches and we couldn´t have picked a lovelier celebrant to conduct our wedding. Monika made our little ceremony into a beautiful moment we'll forever remember. She weaved the story of our relationship in the ceremony, which made it so personal!

We knew nothing about what a ceremony can be like, but she guided us in everything, gave choices and examples (wedding rituals, vows…) which made deciding what we wanted much easier. We could use whatever means to contact her (my husband prefers email, while I find Whatsapp voice messages the easiest) and Monika was always very quick to respond. And she was happy to travel across Scotland to marry us! Jitka & Aidan

Jitka and Aidan had invited one of Jitka’s friends from Austria, Johanka, to be their witness, and she lovingly kept their little daughter entertained while we found our spot. The couple had visited the beach many times before and had an idea of where they wanted to be, but it’s always right to take a moment on the day itself to get a sense of everything – the low tide, the wide sky, the soft light. We soon settled on a place close to the water’s edge, with the iconic silhouette of Bass Rock visible in the distance.

What unfolded was a ceremony that perfectly mirrored their relationship: intimate, heartfelt, and deeply rooted in who they are. We recounted their journey from a shy meeting in a salsa class to the strong, supportive partnership they have built, navigating life’s adventures from flat renovations and lockdowns to the pure joy of becoming parents. Theirs is a love story that doesn’t need a big stage; its strength is in its quiet, steady rhythm.

Photos of the beach & ceremony: Lina Hayes Photography

Photos of the woodland: Monika Strell/Stewart Yates

Their promises were sealed with two powerful, personal rituals. The first was a handfasting, using a beautiful macramé cord that Jitka had braided herself, thoughtfully weaving in Aidan’s grandmother’s wedding ring – a touching symbol connecting past, present, and future. The second was the sharing of the quaich. And in a gesture that felt incredibly profound, the cup was filled not with whisky, but with a plum brandy that Jitka’s late father had made. It was a beautiful, silent way of bringing his memory and blessing into the circle.

As I was heading back through the lovely woodland I was thinking that it was one of those days that stays with you. The atmosphere was so calm and relaxed, and the way Jitka and Aidan listened so attentively to the words and to each other was a true privilege to witness. It was an amazing day on the ‘other’ coast, one that I will always cherish, and I truly hope we stay in touch. Thank you, Jitka and Aidan, for sharing your beautifully honest and love-filled day with me.