A daredevil couple have literally taken the plunge by marrying on a Perthshire bungee jump platform then plummeting 40 metres on the same bungee cord.
Groom Ross Basham and bride Hannah Phillips tied the knot in a humanist service on Highland Fling Bungee’s site at Garry Bridge near Killiecrankie.
The newly-weds then celebrated their union with a 130ft tandem bungee jump – followed immediately by the humanist celebrant, Claire Digance, who officiated over the ceremony.
The first wedding of its kind to be conducted in Scotland, the vows were legally witnessed by the company’s jump crew, kitted out in traditional highland dress.
The idea came from 27-year-old Hannah, a primary school teacher, who jumped wearing a wedding dress that had been muddied from a tug of war game at a celebration in England, held for family and friends the weekend before.
Ross and Hannah, who both live in England, decided not to tell the 150 guests that they were heading north to Scotland for their unique ceremony, but the big day pictures have since been a hit on social media.
The unorthodox idea was fitting as the pair had jumped – singly- from the world’s highest bridge bungee jump at Bloukrans, South Africa, just days after meeting near Cape Town five years ago.
“I wanted a wedding that was legal but also fun and I didn’t want just to do the registry office type of thing,” said Hannah. “Highland Fling Bungee were the only company I could find in Britain who would do it and we had always wanted to go to Scotland, so we just decided to go for it.
“I was so excited before the jump, not sure if it was because I was marrying Ross or because of the bungee! I think it was both. I was only nervous in case my underwear was on show!”
“We didn’t tell any of our friends or family that we were going to do this but they haven’t been surprised. We think there will be some smiles as well as eye-rolling when they find out.”
Ross, 33, a fashion model, jumped in wedding attire of smart jeans, shirt, waistcoat and bow tie.
He proposed to Hannah last year at the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.
“When Hannah suggested a bungee wedding, I thought it was a wicked idea. There can’t be many weddings where the Celebrant takes the plunge as well!
“We had the family celebration, which was truly wonderful and the best day of our lives, but we wanted to do the legal side on our own and we wanted something fun, somewhere scenic and picturesque.
“It was absolutely fantastic and really special for both of us.”
Murray Trail, managing director of Highland Fling Bungee, who was also kitted out in a kilt, wished the couple the very best for their life together.
He said: “We’ve had someone jump in a wedding dress the day after their wedding but we’ve never had an actual full wedding on the platform. It was a great occasion and Ross and Hannah are an amazing couple. We wish them every happiness on their journey together.”
The newly-weds now intend to honeymoon in their camper van, traveling throughout Europe before venturing further afield.