“I would rather share one lifetime with you, than face all the ages of this world alone.” 

[JRR TOLKIEN]

Unbeknownst to Marianne and Shelley, their worlds had been circling each other for many years … Marianne working security at Shelley’s end of year university dance … them both sharing several mutual friends. It was as though the universe had been nudging them towards each other. 

Marianne’s first glimpse of Shelley was a whole decade before they first met. Shelley was working behind the counter in HMV and Marianne was struck by Shelley’s individuality and coolness – her coordinated wristbands, belt and trainers – and her grumpy-grungey attitude. Being too shy at the time to actually say anything, Marianne spent the only money she had on a DVD that she didn’t even want just so she could talk to Shelley. 

At the time and by her own admission, Shelley was not really looking outward back then. She was “moody, finding herself” and she wasn’t really paying much attention to the world around her. The fact that she didn’t look up, didn’t even say goodbye as Marianne left the shop, didn’t matter. Marianne remembered Shelley … and almost a decade later, when they were both at a friend’s BBQ, she was brave enough to say hello.

Marianne and Shelley both say that their first conversation together was “unexpectedly lovely”. They instantly realised that they had so much in common and they felt a draw towards each other. Their first months of getting to know each other were, in their words, “warm and easy, and we felt like we’d known each other for years.”

Celebrating these two kind-hearted people in a ceremony that was authentic and true to who they are as individuals, and as a couple, was such beautiful fun.

Shelley and Marianne chose to make their Marriage vows to one another on Gairloch Beach, a place where they had shared many meaningful times and where Shelley proposed after months of carrying a ring around as she prepared to surprise Marianne at the perfect moment (check out their gorgeous proposal video).

We were lucky to have the beach almost entirely to ourselves as we walked together to a sheltered spot beneath the rocks – just the two brides, their friend who was their first witness and who was capturing the day in photos for them both, myself as celebrant, and a dear friend who was attending as their second witness.

Marianne and Shelley, it’s clear that you are soulmates. Your love for each other has been special from the outset. It is intense, and deep, and continues to grow everyday. Your relationship is strong because you are honest with each other, you share how you both feel, even if one of you is having an off day. You support each other constantly, taking time out to discuss things, no matter how trivial.

Maz, you are headstrong and can be quick to jump into things, whereas Shelley you are more practical and take time to mull things over. Shelley, you are quick and comedic, you enjoy winding Maz up. And Maz, by your own admission, you are slower and more naive, unwittingly hilarious.

You bounce off each other, and even though your personalities are very different, they combine to give you a unique pairing that is full of fun, laughter and – at points – perfect weirdness! 

Shelly and Maz, your love feels rare.  In your words, “we are 100% made for each other.” 

Marianne and Shelley listened to recordings shared by loved ones wishing them well for their future together. I shared words about how they found each other, how they support and complement each other, and their hopes and dreams for the future. It was at times poignant and loving, hilarious and heartfelt.

They shared personal words that they had written in secret for each other then gifted each other a ring as a symbol of their everlasting love.

Marianne, your laughter is the soundtrack to my life. Every single day you heal something you did not break. Throughout my life, some people have been chapters, but you are my entire story. Sometimes I think I might even need a spare heart to feel all the things I feel for you. 

Shelley, I am who I am because of you. You are every reason, every hope, and every dream I’ve ever had.

As the sun shone and the wind whipped seafoam ribbons across the sand, Marianne and Shelley made their Marriage vows to one another with a traditional Handfasting. Their tied their Eternity knot and sealed their vows with a kiss.

Following these declarations made before me, on this beautiful beach, Shelley and Marianne, it is my happy duty to pronounce you wife and wife!  

We brought the ceremony to a close with a toast by the water. Then Marianne and Shelley headed off on their just married adventures, exploring the coast they love so much.

A thousand blessings to you both, Marianne and Shelley. I have loved getting to know you both and it was such a privilege to be your celebrant. Thank you for trusting me with your ceremony. I look forward to catching up over a Hazy Jane and a walk when you are next in Gairloch!

Thank you to Lucy for bracing the elements as second witness, and thank you so much to Gary at Gary Bayne Photography for these sweet photos that perfectly convey the emotions of Shelley and Marianne’s wild and windswept Wester Ross wedding.