Jo and Brian always planned an elopement to Scotland, and as soon as we heard about their Victorian Steampunk inspired plans we were hooked. Jo chose an entirely bespoke gown, starting from scratch with a completely original design which always allows us to get a little bit creative.

We designed and created an off the shoulder gown in shades of Ivory and pale blue. Layer upon layer of multiple laces. We also got to work with the most amazing calf leather and created an underbust corset and cropped bolero and top hat.

In a normal world we try to develop the design, particularly to first fit fabric stage, quite quickly to make sure our vision is exactly what the bride imagines, but due to the pandemic Jo had to wait and put her faith in us. Something we are exceptionally appreciative of during those unsettling months.

Jo & Brian’s handfasting in the Scottish wilds is breathtaking and I can’t wait to share it with you. So I’ll let Jo describe it for you…

Brian and me knew one another at school; we were in the same form. Nearly 4 decades passed before he had the courage to ask me to go for a drink in June 2018. He had my engagement ring designed in Canada and Brian proposed on Easter Sunday in 2020 when we were out walking. Brian had arranged a picnic box and bottle of Champagne from Tipsy Cows to Celebrate his Divorce Absolute certificate arriving only days before. He popped the question when I was in yellow wellies and shorts with my hair blowing everywhere.

We eloped with a wedding package from Wee Weddings. We chose Scotland due to Brian’s heritage and because we are keen walkers. We wanted the backdrop to be a rugged coastline and the scenery and design of my ring led me to wanting Victorian/Steampunk design. I knew from the start that I wanted a bespoke dress with colour in it.

After looking at the website and the enthusiasm from the staff at Legend from their first reply to my email i knew Legend were extremely passionate about their love for designing bespoke dresses. When I went for my first consultation the experience of sitting with a Legend designer in a very relaxed setting and discussing ideas for my bespoke dress was phenomenal. Knowing it was purely my ideas and the professional creativeness from the designer that listened and dress a design that virtually looked on paper what was in my head. It really was a special moment to see my dream dress before my eyes. Being able to see masses of fabric and lace samples was amazing. I knew at that moment that Legend would create my perfect dress and I did not feel the need to look elsewhere. After reading their reviews, browsing their stunning dresses in their shop, their friendly supportive and professionalism gave me the confidence to go for something completely different.

Our day was exactly how we imagined it to be. The only think i regret was not erecting my beautiful Victorian umbrella that Legend customised for me to have had a photo taken with the complete outfit, but it did get used as a prop and looked cool in the photo’s.

We had a very funny moment when I asked for a specific photo shot of Brian pulling me up some rocks and unfortunately Brian slipped on the rocks and tumbled down them and landed on the rocks hurting his hip. He was more bothered about ruining his Vintage Suit Hire suit which we also got from Legend and had modified to fit our theme and sourced a stunning keepsake thistle buttonhole. We all giggled and were gutted that the videographer was not filming. At the time it was a classic ’You’ve been framed’ moment.

Do you have any advice for other couples?

If you want to be daring and different go for it. Our day was completely about us. There was no stress. Our surprise autumnal wedding elopement was a dreamy magical and very romantic experience, and both of us having bespoke outfits made us both feel ultra special. Your wedding day should be about what you want and not about pleasing others.

Legend are amazing at what they do and created the most unusual bespoke gown that I dreamed of wearing and it was absolutely perfect for the scenery and rocky beach setting.

Are there any businesses you particularly want to shout out as having done an amazing job

1. Wee Weddings for the complete stress free elopement package.

2. Weddings by Bart for his amazing video and for his energetic and fun approach making us feel very at ease.

3. Camera Hannah for our fabulour photo’s and for making our photo shoot feel natural and relaxed

4. Ian the Bagpiper, booked by Wee Weddings, was simply special to hear his pipe playing, and the special request we asked for of walking behind him listening to the outlander theme tune, Skye Boat Song, as we made our way across the beach to the chosen spot to do our traditional Handfast Vows at 11:30 am with the sunlight shining down on us.

5. House of Elliot boots, beautifully made, perfect fit boots that withstood walking through sea, striding over rocks, walking across sand and grass.

We cannot thank Legend enough for their creativeness, professional approach and dedication for my ourstanding bespoke dress and for the alterations they did to Brian’s suit to make sure he felt just as special as I did. And we both matched perfectly!

We honestly felt that we were doing a scene from a period drama. Our day way absolutely awesome and when we get to have a party in 2021 to celebrate our wedding with friends and family, how amazing that will be, and awesome that we get to wear our wedding attire again. There’s not many brides that get to do that! And because my dress was created and designed to have 3 looks by the removal of individual pieces it means I can wear the leather corset part with trousers, skirt or jeans for our anniversary year after year.