AN ENCHANTED WEDDING (in the Scottish Highlands)

On By Annika PerryIn Writing 
AN ENCHANTED WEDDING (in the Scottish Highlands)

A Lone Bagpiper calls us
Its unique tones 
drifting across the loch
Clambering up the majestic mountain 
Skittering over the manicured lawn.

Gently herded by the music
the wedding guests gulp down
remnants of welcoming champagne,
late-comers gaze longingly 
at the table of filled flutes.

A winding path leads us
down to the loch
onto the lawn.
Nail thin stilettos 
pierce the grass
jammed into the turf.

Traversing a wooden bridge
the rope railings swing
merrily to the steps 
of the hundred people.

Ahead looms a steep woodland path,
the sunlight playing
chase with the shadows
of the conifers.

The Piper urges
us upwards and onwards,
decorative hats
bob up and down
enjoying their rare outing.

Below, stragglers pause 
on the bridge
for photos.

Quiet conversations burst  around me, 
friendships in their infancy.
The tender chit-chat of
‘How wonderfully unusual.’
‘Aren’t they lucky with the weather?’
‘Is it much further, do you think?’

To the last question, it isn't! 

From the soft gloom
the guests step forth,
pausing in awe.

We have entered 
The Land of the Fey!

In the bewitching sunny glade
an officiant dressed in a white robe
stands behind the wildflower-decked table 
patiently waiting for the hoard to settle.

A fiddler stands to her left
the light lilting music
bidding us to our slightly sloping seats,
Bride’s guests to the left, groom’s to the right.

A packet of crushed 
wildflower petals for confetti 
rest on each chair.

Enchantment swirls 
around us all,
hushed whispers of
wonder in this 
haven of natural mystique. 

The guests at this
Inspired church of nature
stand as one.

The most spiritual of ceremonies
Begins.

Holding the hand 
of her chief bridesmaid’s mother
a sprite of a flower girl leads the way.
Not a dry eye
as the father walks his daughter
up towards the front.

In the full traditional Scottish garb
the groom takes the hands
of his soon-to-be wife.

A touch of the Celtic lores 
weaves its magical
influence over the ceremony.

Two tartan bands
are bound across 
the couple’s joined hands.
Literally tying the knot!

In the ancient custom of 
Love, friendship, trust and honesty
A quaich is passed between the two.

The two-handled silver cup
filled with symbolic 
whisky and honey.
They drink, 
their union becoming 
more profound.

Two readings, both from the world 
of literature, resound across the 
gathering, across the trees,
the loch.

‘The Perfect Moment is now.’

It is! All our hearts are full.
The legal marriage vows are exchanged
sealed with a bountiful kiss.

It’s time for celebrations 
in honour of the 
newly married couple
To start with abundance!

©Annika Perry, August 2024

Below is one of the beautiful and inspiring readings from ‘The Thief of Time’ by Terry Pratchett:

‘Wen considered the nature of time and understood that the universe is, instant by instant, re-created anew. Therefore, he understood, there is, in truth, no Past, only a memory of the Past. Blink your eyes, and the world you see next did not exist when you closed them. Therefore, he said, the only appropriate state of the mind is surprise. The only appropriate state of the heart is joy. The sky you see now, you have never seen before. The perfect moment is now. Be glad of it.’

Join me for a quick look at the magical walk to the ceremonial glade.

The Lone Bagpiper leading us down the hill to the loch & lawn
And across the wooden bridge!

Below are photos of some of the local stunning scenery, as well as the rabbits in the Beatrix Potter Garden and image of a quaiche.

For the rest of August I will be in Sweden and as many of you know the holiday homes there, in the midst of the forest, are not connected to wifi. Although I look forward to answering comments on this post via my hotspot connection I will otherwise be taking an extended blogging break until September. Wishing you all a wonderful, peaceful, and healthy August! 

148 thoughts on “AN ENCHANTED WEDDING (in the Scottish Highlands)”

  1. You beautifully captured the day in your poem, Annika. What a great idea! And how very cool that they led you down with bagpipes. I thought they only did that in the movies. Thank goodness the weather cooperated. It looks like it was a spectacular day. I hope you enjoyed your summer and time away in Sweden. ❤️

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    1. Tanya, thank you so much and it is wonderful that you enjoyed the poem about this very special day! Bagpipes are very much an integral part of any festivity or major event in Scotland – I recall the Burn’s Night Dinner while I was a student at St. Andrews of University – the haggis brought forth with pipers in the lead! I know, the weather was unusually fine, even warm! They did have a back-up plan of a barn to use if it was raining but this just wouldn’t have been the same. We had a lovely time in Sweden, thank you, relaxing and rejuvenating in equally measure. Hope you have had a good summer and are having a positive start to the Autumn, my friend! xx ❤️

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  3. What an idyllic setting for a wedding! Your poem does a good job of portraying the day as very,, very special. All the best to the newlyweds for a long and happy marriage! I hope you enjoyed your time in Sweden.

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    1. Thank you so much, Liz and your lovely comment means a lot. I so wanted to capture and share moments of the magical day! The setting was extraordinary and unlike any other venue I’ve been to before! A long way to travel for many guests (including ourselves) but incredibly special. Indeed, it was a wonderful in Sweden, my spirit still there I think! 😀Slowly landing back …

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  4. What a beautiful place for a wedding, Annika! Thanks for sharing your pictures and videos, and, of course your poem. I like the idea of using crushed flower petals for confetti. So much better than rice!

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    1. Barbara, idyllic doesn’t even come close to describing the magical location! I had no idea what to expect and as you can tell found it all magical and swept away by the wonder of the day. I’m so glad you enjoyed all the elements of the post – the poem too! I tried to keep it short but just so much I wanted to capture and share here. The crushed wildflower confetti was inspired and must admit to taking a small packet home with me for a keepsake. 😀

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  5. A beautiful poem to describe a beautiful occasion, Annika. It was as if you took us along with you and we walked step by step there with you, and then witnessed a wonderful celebration of love. All very magical. Certainly enchanting as you aptly described it. ‘The Perfect Moment is now.’ Such a great line and part of the wedding. The moment right now is always where we are meant to be, a moment where we can all choose to love. I really enjoyed the videos and photos. What lovely weather for the wedding. I hope you are having/had a good time in Sweden. Wishing you well, Annika 😊❤

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    1. Mabel, a joy that you could ‘join’ in at this magical wedding. 😀 I am delighted that you felt as you were walking in step with me, transported to this amazing day! The reading from Terry Pratchett’s book was inspired and formed the ethos of the day for the couple as well as for each and everyone’s life! Yes! I wholeheartedly agree, we are in the right moment right now, let’s make it a perfect one! Oh, they were SO lucky with the weather; very atypical for Scotland, both sunny and warm! I did ask about contingency plans – there was an old converted barn but it just wouldn’t have been the same. Thank you for your lovely and thoughtful comment, Mabel and always a joy to chat away here.

      Yes, I’m having a wonderful holiday in Sweden, still here for a few more days – it is always so rejuvenating and serene. Hope you are having a wonderful August, my friend and look forward to catching up with your blog soon. Take care. Xx ❤️

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      1. And it was a delight reading your comment, Annika. Right moment, a perfect one. I love how you said it. Fairy tales and happy endings do happen. Enjoy your holiday and the rest of Summer. Wishing you well 😊❤

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  7. Thank you for allowing us a peek into this special occasion – I so enjoyed hearing the bagpipes and being transported into this magical setting.

    Have a fabulous time in Sweden!

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    1. Ju-Lyn, thank you for reading along and taking a peek into this unique and magical wedding – one I just couldn’t wait to share here! The bagpipes were so evocative and the start of the wonderful day! Hope you’re having a good August and hasn’t it gone by quickly?! 😀

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    1. Awww … absolutely- ‘in a setting created for love.! Beautifully written, Pam and so true! An aura of love, light and hope surrounded us all that day – such a blessing indeed! Hugs, my friend! Xx 💕

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    1. Robbie, this is the first outside wedding I’ve ever attended and as you can tell, magical. Like you, weddings always have me reminiscing about my own – wherever they take place a wonderful occasion marking the beginning of the wonder of a new life together! Glad my post brought your own wedding to mind. Hope you’re having a lovely August. Hugs xx

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    1. Jennie,I’m smiling at your lovely comment and I’m so happy you enjoyed it. I totally agree, bagpipes are such emotive instruments and I love how every Scottish occasion will feature them. Thank you, I’m having a wonderful break and hope you’re having a great August. I guess school has already started for you and look forward to reading your inspiring posts soon! Xx

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    1. Ally, this was a dream of a wedding with such a mystical location, rooted in traditional, culture and lore! Plus the blessing of a sunny warm day in Scotland – nigh a miracle! 😊 So glad you enjoyed my poem. Wishing you a wonderful rest of August, my friend! Xx hugs 💕

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    1. Cheryl, bless you for your beautiful comment!It means so much to me and the day was so amazing and magical I just wanted to capture it the best way I could here! Hoping you are having a lovely August! Xx

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    1. Kamal, your words mean a lot to me and I am so happy you enjoyed the poem. Fairytale is just the word to capture the magic of this wedding – I haven’t experienced anything like it before! As for the nature, wow! I knew the landscape would be amazing but it was breathtaking. I’m hoping to return to the area to explore one day.

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  17. Oh, this was a magical experience, Annika, reading your fabulous poem and feeling like I was right there in the midst of the magic and celebration. Your photos and videos are gorgeous, too. How exciting for all! Thanks for sharing with us, and enjoy your break in Sweden. 💞🌷

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    1. Lauren, I thought I spotted you there! 😀 ❤️ Thank you so much for your terrific comment and I am so glad you were transported by my poem and photos! It was a magical mystical occasion and lovely to share here. My break here is as wonderful as ever, even as Autumn has arrived. Wishing you a lovely rest of the summer and catch up soon! Xx 💕

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    1. Carol, thank yo so much for your lovely comment – I am touched by the thought of my poem as a gift. ❤️ Serenity was one of the key emotions of the day and glad my photos captured this. I’m having a wonderful holiday and once again it feels like it has flown by and soon home. Hoping you are having a lovely summer and all is well. Hugs xx 💕

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    1. Thank you so much, Luisa – that means so much to me! It was such a magical day and one I wanted to share here. I am having a wonderful time in Sweden although as usual it has flown by all too fast! Hope you’re having a lovely August, Luisa. Xx

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    1. Bernadette, you have me smiling away with your sweet comment! We were all so lucky to be there and hope you felt you were a little too through my post here! It was one of those absolute perfect days and one to treasure. Xx

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  21. Impressive blog post Annika. This was a long poem and I find it very detailed. Great description of the Wedding and great examples especially with the pictures, they look very beautiful💯✨🔥🔥

    Take care my friend

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    1. Thank you so much, Mthobisi! 🙏 It did indeed become a long poem and I was worried maybe overlong for a blog post but there wasn’t any way I could condense it! 😀 So glad you enjoyed it and all the other elements of the post. Oh, it was such an idyllic location with breathtaking beauty. A joy to share here. Hope you’re having a good month.

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      1. Well, I am not sure about the great month but I am trying to hang in there, life is not easy you know. Have a great week ahead and a great start to the month of September(August is almost over so Yes😂)

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  22. Your poem captures an enchanting wedding ceremony, Annika. What I enjoyed about it is the way it weaves traditional elements with a touch of mystique, creating a scene that’s heartfelt and magical. The imagery of the “enchanted church of nature” and the “sprite of a flower girl” leading the way evokes a sense of timeless beauty and profound connection. By including Celtic lores and the symbolic act of drinking from the quaich it adds depth and cultural richness while the joyous culmination in the vows and kiss brings a sense of fulfillment and celebration. Your poem celebrates love and unity in a setting that feels both sacred and deeply personal. Congratulations 🎊 And A Happy Marriage to the young couple.

    Have an incredible Swedish holiday.

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    1. Wow! Patricia, thank you so much for your amazing comment! 🙏 😊 It is fantastic how you have reached into the heart of the magical day and I so wanted to capture all the powerful various elements both in my descriptions and also words! It was a profound day and I felt as if something shifted within me. I LOVE how you write about the timeless beauty and ‘depth and cultural richness while the joyous culmination in the vows and kiss brings a sense of fulfillment and celebration’. Just so! The enchanted and wondrous day will stay with me, feeling both joy for them but also hope for the world with such positive young spirits so grounded in nature, traditions and folk lore. It was as if we were all in a magical orb of positivity, light and hope!

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  23. Stunning. photos and videos. Marriage so sacred. This is so beautiful. They will encounter stormy weather but may they always remember this glorious day when they “tied the knot” I love all the symbolism here. Adore it really. +++

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    1. Selma, the symbolism was intense and you could hear the ‘lightbulb’ moment sweeping across the guests as they literally ‘tied the knot’. It was an incredible start on their journey of a life of marriage- the couple seem so grounded, sensible yet with great sense of humour. Their aura of love was powerful and tangible. Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment and it means a lot to know that my post touched you deeply. Hugs xx

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    1. Sally, thank you so much and lovely to see you here! 🙏 The magical day well and truly inspired my muse. I’m still here in Sweden for a few days and feel blessed indeed – always rejuvenating, enjoyable and nature absolutely breathtaking! Hope you’re keeping well and having a lovely August. Hugs xx 💕

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    1. Esther,I am having a wonderful and rejuvenating time – thank you so much! I quickly looked at your blog and sorry to read about the illnesses in your family – wishing everyone well soon and remember to take care of yourself as well! Xx

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      1. So good to hear, Annika!!
        Yes, my kid has been sick with pneumonia but is on the mend now. Never have we experienced him being this sick. We’re all learning to take it easy and just go with the flow and to take care of our health.

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    1. Bless! Esther, thank you so much for your beautiful comment and I love how you picked up on all the five senses coming into play in my poem! I hadn’t realised but so true. The confetti was inspired – I must admit to saving a packet! 😊

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    1. Thomas, it was an amazing day! They were so lucky with the beautiful warm sunny weather – not at all typical for Scotland and the surroundings were truly magical! Bagpipes have such an emotive sound and feature strongly at all Scottish events – they seem to be an instrument one either hates or loves – I’m in the latter group! 😊 Hope you’re having a wonderful August.

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      1. That seems so enchanting and powerful. I can imagine it. I have to admit that I am not much into bagpipes but it is an impressive sound for special occasions. It sounds like a truly wonderful and different experience. Yes we are having a great August and I hope you do too.

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    1. Audrey, it was a day like none other and one that will stay with everyone a long time, I’m sure! The sense of mystique was incredible. Hope you’re having a great August too – I can’t believe how fast summer has flown by!

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    1. Wow! Debby, I love your description of the poem as a ‘storybook trail’ – it has me beaming away and thank you for your wonderful comment! I’m having a wonderful break here; my soul filling up with the beauty around me! Xx ❤️

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  30. Oh Annika, this is absolutely beautiful. Thank you for taking us along with you, such a magical location for a wedding and the start of a life long union. You transported me through the words of your beautiful poem, your images and videos. I love the verses you included too.

    Yes, the only true moment is now. May we all live it mindfully and in a state of love. And enchantment. Enjoy your blogging break my friend. xx💚🙏🏻

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    1. Awww … Miriam, thank you so much! 🙏 It means so much that my poem transported you here, brought you along on this magical start of the couple’s new life together. I know well how you understand the wonder of nature, of living in the now and yes, mindfully. The verses were profound and so well chosen; the other one was by J R Tolkien. It was a day that will stay with me on so many levels.

      Hope you’re having a good August, my friend, with lots of new adventures. My time in Sweden is soon up but I feel blessed with my chance to be here for such an extended time. Hugs xx 💕

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      1. How very special and such wonderful memories that I’m sure you’ll always cherish. Enjoy the rest of what’s left in August Annika, as I am here too in our tropical Ho,stay. Big hugs to you xx

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    1. Donna, thank you so much! 🙏 I so wanted to capture the mystical wondrous nature of the wedding and its surroundings! Having a lovely and enriching time in Sweden. Hope you’re having a wonderful August. Xx

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  33. Such peace and tranquility. It’s a shame bagpipes in the States are only heard at funerals, it seems. Have a lovely time in Sweden! I would love to be submerged in nature for an extended period of time.

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    1. Betsy, that’s sad on such an evocative and beautiful instrument to only be heard at funerals. In Scotland they are very often for festive occasions such as this. I remember a piper at the head of the ceremonial bringing in of the haggis at Burns Night (although as a vegetarian I never partook in that food!) However, bagpipes are also played at funerals as well. Thank you for your holiday wishes and I am extremely lucky to be ‘submerged in nature’ for such a long time – it really is a reset for one’s soul and body! Wishing you a lovely rest of the summer. Is it soon back to school time? Here in the U.K. it is in September but think you might be earlier in the States. Hugs xx

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    1. So true, Laura … and I’m lucky to have two precious countries to call home! It will be great to be in the beauty of the nature there and also seeing everyone. Another big family celebration as well, this time in Sweden. More outings for the glad rags! 😀 Wishing you a wonderful August. Hugs xx ❤️

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  35. What a day to remember for all concerned. The lucky, happy couple! May they always be so. Wonderful poem, Annika. We were happy to answer the pipers call. Have a fabulous Swedish summer 🤗🩷

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    1. Bless you, Jo and so happy you heeded the Pipers call and came along! 😀 It was such a precious day; they were indeed very happy and I can’t see why they won’t be into the future. Both very grounded young people yet with a great sense of humour, close family and warm friendships! So glad you liked the poem … so many emotions I wanted to convey and share here. Thank you for your holiday wishes. I am so looking forward to the trip and for once the suitcase isn’t bulging!! 😀 Happy August in Portugal, Jo! Hugs xx 💕

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    1. Awww … thank you for your beautiful comment! We travel to Sweden every year and it is so beautiful and tranquil too – some places feeling equally enchanting and bewitching! Hope you’re having a wonderful summer!

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    1. Darlene, there seems to be a love / hate reaction to bagpipes and like you, I’m the former! They are so evocative and set the tone from the arrival, playing by the entrance. I’m off tomorrow and so looking forward to it!

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  41. Thanks for the magical wedding poem and the music. Oh my. I felt like I was there. How beautiful. Wishing the new marriage years of loving devotion.

    And have a wonderful break, Annika. No wifi is the best way to holiday. ❤

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    1. Diana, thank you so much! 🙏 I was hoping to transport the reader here, sharing the wonder and awe. The location was stunning and ceremony wonderfully unusual and moving – felt as if I’d travelled back some centuries!

      I agree with the no wifi during holiday breaks but surprisingly many can’t even imagine this! Hope you’ve had / are having a wonderful, creative and rejuvenating break yourself, Diana! Xx 💕

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    1. Thank you so much, Clive and perfect days like this are precious indeed! Thank you, I will indeed, very much looking forward to it (once landed in Sweden and off Ryanair flight!)

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    1. Thank you so much, Luisa! The day just demanded to be put into verse! Thank you also for the holiday wishes, I’m at that butterflies in my tummy stage now! Wishing you a wonderful August. Xx ❤️

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  45. Unknown's avatar Anonymous

    Beautiful poem and loved it. Had been to Scotland with family May end and it was much fun. Enjoyed the greenery and weather in particular, as it was too hot back home. Nice photos and videos too.

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    1. That’s, great, thank you so much! 🙏 It lovely you’ve had a chance to explore and experience the beautiful landscape of Scotland as well. As you say the temperatures are cooler than England most of the time and on the day of the wedding so very lucky with sunshine and warmth!

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    1. Lynette, you are right – it was incredibly special. Obviously in such a stunning location and magical ceremony but also the chance to catch up with so many people – and yes, made a couple of new friends too! Thank you for the lovely holiday wishes and may you have a great August!

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  49. Annika, this wedding sounds like a fairytale 😍 I’m totally swept up in the magic of the Scottish Highlands – the bagpipes, the loch, the wildflowers… it’s all so dreamy! And that ceremony? Absolutely gorgeous 🧿
    Wishing the happy couple a lifetime of love and happiness, and you a fantastic break in Sweden 🙌

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    1. Ritish, wow! I love how you’re swept up by my poem and post – I so wanted to convey and share the wonder of the day! It was one of those times when I kept thinking it can’t get better than this, and then it did all the time! I was amazed by the location alone, then the walk to the ceremony made it symbolic stepping into a different time and place. Oh, dreamy is just the word for the day, so idyllic and the unusual ceremony was perfect! Oh, now I’m gushing – as you can tell the day is still very much with me! 😀 Thank you so much for your lovely comment, wishes to the couple and for my holiday!

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    1. Pat, it was such a magical day and one that will stay with me a long time! Glad to have brought it alive here. Thank you, I will and just packing today and then an early start tomorrow! Wishing you a lovely August, Pat! Xx

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