This new collective specialising in elopements and micro weddings brings together independent, creative and eco-conscious wedding suppliers across Edinburgh and East Lothian. It announced its launch with a styled wedding photo shoot at The Mart in East Linton
If a small wedding that’s big on style sounds like your cup of tea, allow us to introduce you to The Elopement Society. Wedding photographer and Society founder Solen Collet curated this group of experienced and forward-thinking wedding suppliers with the aim of making it easy for couples to plan an intimate and unique celebration in the Edinburgh and East Lothian areas (or elope there from further afield).
“Now more than ever, we need to think about new and responsible ways of shopping – wedding celebrations shouldn’t be any different,” affirms Solen. “It’s an opportunity that allows us to work with our friends and neighbours, show faith in what they do, and to offer those looking to marry in the future something really fresh and exciting to look forward to.”
“The Elopement Society can provide friendly, relaxed and informative services and products, plus we can offer help with planning and managing your wedding – whatever you need to make your day a joyful one,” she adds.
We sure can feel the joy in the recent styled photo shoot that highlights the talents of some of the Society’s community. “We wanted to show that you can create something beautiful, bright and celebratory in a sustainable way with just local, independent businesses,” says Solen.
“There’s so much scope for smaller weddings, especially with a little smart budgeting. For example, decorative pieces sourced for the wedding could make lovely keepsakes thereafter, like the ceramic vases or the water beakers we included. Little touches like those are such a great way to personalise a space in a colourful and textural way that’s something different from bunting or balloons.”
“The whole process of designing this set up was collaborative; the florals were made to complement the textiles, glassware and ceramics. This approach meant a really creative and cohesive look emerged,” adds florist Jenny Bell Harman of Dunbar-based Studio Seapink.
“The aim for the flowers was to build a seasonal installation that felt like it grew there and to create a focal area, rather than attempt to decorate the whole space. As it was for a micro wedding, I felt it was important to create an inviting atmosphere and to make it feel intimate and cosy.
“The installation was created using branches foraged (with permission) from a nearby estate, while the table flowers – inspired by the colours of Emily Millichip’s table linen – were all locally grown and seasonal,” notes Jenny.
Collective The Elopement Society
Photography + styling Solen Photography
Flowers + styling Jenny Bell Harman, Studio Seapink
Venue The Mart, East Linton
Cake Litty’s Larder
Gin Lind & Lime Gin
Soft drinks Bon Accord Soft Drinks
Linens and cushions Emily Millichip
Ceramic tumblers Biscocho Ceramics
Ceramic lovecup/quaich Jay Frazer Ceramics
Plates, champagne glasses and napkins Time and Tide, North Berwick
