Castle Weddings

Dalhousie Castle Wedding - Cliona & Stuart

March 08, 2016 in Dalhousie Castle

Awesome Wedding At Dalhousie Castle

Cliona and Stuart came all the way from Australia for their wedding at Dalhousie Castle. With guests coming in from Ireland as well as all over the UK this was one big international wedding right here in the heart of Scotland.

I arrived for bridal preparations with hair and make-up in full swing while my good friend Colin from Cam-Media Videography was busy filming shots of the shoes and other details. The girls were having a great time being pampered as the ceremony time fast approached.

I found Stuart in the Library Bar adding the finishing touches to his speech as the other guests started to gather in the bar. It was time for the ceremony and time to head off to the church in Rosewell.

Cliona looked stunning in vintage style dress and birdcage fascinator. Her father walked her down the Aisle at St Matthews Church in Rosewell. After the ceremony we all headed back to Dalhousie Castle for drinks and photographs. It's such a beautiful place for any wedding photographer to work in. Spectacular views as well as nice period details inside. Easy to see why this is one of my favourite venues.

After dinner the sun was setting and the light was terrific. I knew we had to get out there and Colin had found a gap in the fence to the cornfield next to the castle. What a way to finish the perfect wedding day. Fantastic couple at sunset in a Scottish Castle. Doesn't get any better!

Murthly Castle Wedding Photography - Jennifer & James

December 09, 2014 in Murthly Castle

This was a very special wedding. Jennifer & James had arranged the perfect wedding at probably the best venue I have ever shot at. Murthly castle is just out of this world! The drive to the castle once you turn in from the main road must be around a half a mile at least but then you turn the corner to see this stunning house set in a beautiful walled garden. That's not all though. Beyond the house itself is a pine-tree lined drive to Murthly's own private church. Everywhere you looked there was a photograph just begging to be taken.

The girls were getting ready in the room when James and his family were arriving. Getting the button holes pinned to the lapels properly is never an easy task but thankfully Mum was a dab hand and had the boys all kitted out in no time at all. The guests arrived and made their way down the drive leading to the church to meet James and have a peek inside the beautifully decorated church interior. The Jennifer's brother Daniel arrived and was very keen to show the piper his skills and really looked the part with his very own Glengarry.

Peter knocked on Jennifer's door to escort her to the church and give her away to James. It was an emotional when Peter saw his beautiful daughter in her wedding dress and I don't think there was a dry eye in that room for those few seconds. Yours truly included.

After the ceremony the guests enjoyed drinks and canopies back at the castle then on the lawns and then nipped back to the castle then back out the lawns.... Ok, let me explain. It was like someone had a rain button and was pressing it every time we set foot outside. It didn't matter of course as with such a gorgeous venue we could photograph the families in the drawing room. Luckily, after the meal the rain was gone and it turned into a beautiful evening so we grabbed a few duplicate shots of the family photos we did inside then went for a wander around the stunning gardens with Jennifer and James.

A very special day indeed on so many levels. Jennifer & James... I can't thank you enough for inviting me to your wedding. It was very emotional and we know why but it is a day I'll never forget and am so glad I was a part of. Looking forward to seeing you and your family soon after the new year for a catch up.

All the very best

Derek

Murthly Castle Wedding Photography

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Check out these suppliers who all helped make this wedding so special. All highly recommended by Jennifer & James.

Wedding Dress: Gwenne Wedding Services

Piper: Ian Sinclair - 07743 099880

Kilt Hire: Perth City Kilts

Flowers: Coach House Flowers

Cake: Greens Deli

Wine: Majestic Wines in calais Money saving tip for other couples: it was £3 less a bottle so the 5-day trip to France with friends paid for itself several times over

Catering: Gourlay Catering

Visit Derek Christie Photography's profile on Pinterest.

Glenskirlie Castle Wedding Photography - Sharon & Gordon

December 04, 2014

Sharon & Gordon's wedding at Glenskirlie took place on a beautiful autumn day in October. Glenskirlie house It's a lovely venue set right next to the castle with a lovely sheltered garden in the back, perfect for family photos. I met up with Gordon at the venue as he greeted guests as they arrived at Glenskirlie. Sharon arrived in a Rolls Royce with her dad and looked incredible as she posed for a couple of pics with the bridal party and the hotel entrance. The ceremony was a lovely, relaxed and laid back with a few laughs along the way. The day seemed to be flying by as we headed to the garden for family photos before heading to the castle for the bride and groom photos. Glenskirlie, awesome wedding venue with an equally awesome couple.

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Brig O'Doon Wedding Photography - Sophie & Jared

October 15, 2014 in Brig O'Doon House Hotel

I was honoured to be asked to photograph Sophie & Jared's wedding after a recommendation by Cheryl & Paul, whose wedding I photographed back in 2010. 2014 has been one of the best Summers ever in Scotland and the big yellow fellow was shining down on us with not a cloud in the sky. The wedding took place in a marquee in the grounds of Dunure Castle. A spectacular backdrop!

Sophie and jared are big Sci-Fi fans and It took me all my powers of composure not to burst out laughing with the rest of the guests when the, Empire Strikes Back theme blasted through the speakers when Sophie made her entrance. It was that kind of day. Big smiles all round, especially me.

After the ceremony we did some group shots in and around Dunure Castle before heading back to the mini bus that was waiting to take the guests to Brig O' Doon. Well, that was the plan anyway. There were two buses booked and waiting while the ceremony went on. One for the main group of guests and one to wait while the families had photos taken. They both took the guests and left us stranded, with no phone signal and a 10 mile away reception to get too. Not to be outdone, I crammed er... 5 (might have been more) into my car and the the owners of the site helped out with another couple of cars to pack us all in and get us to the reception venue.

We made it!

The reception was a fantastic too. The clouds rolled over for great light and I thought this day just couldn't get any better. Then it did just that. The party was awesome. Everyone packed the dance-floor as DJ Stephen Graham played some awesome tunes and mixes to keep the party going.

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Barony Castle Wedding Photography - Jude & Gavin

June 20, 2014 in Barony Castle

I was back to Barony Castle for Jude and Gavin's Wedding Photography. One of the best wedding venues in the country no question. The morning however, started in Penicuik. Bridal Prep was all done at Jude's parents house as the wedding ceremony was taking place at The Sacred Heart RC Church in Penicuik. It was a lovely ceremony and there ws evena few laughs along the way as Gavin struggled to get the ring on Jude's finger. Priceless.

After the confetti and the congratulations outside the church everyone headed down to Barony Castle in Eddleston. It's a beautiful white Castle set against the hillside with sprawling grounds front and rear. The front lawn is huge but the back lawn is more intimate and perfect for a summer weather reception. I clambered out of the window onto the flat room for the group shot of everyone then it was time for the family shots.

We then headed around the magnificent grounds grabbing a shot here and there. Jude and Gavin were brilliant, laughing and smiling as we walked along. The importance of the E-Session really shone through as there were no nerves, just fun.

Finally it was in for speeches, dinner and dancing to end another perfect wedding at one of Scotland's best wedding venues. Huge thank you to Jude, gavin as well as all the guests as they were all fantastic!

Barony Castle Wedding Photography

Barony Castle weddings

The Roxburghe Hotel Wedding - Sarah & Sam

March 30, 2014 in Roxburghe Hotel Weddings

Now and then I get asked to cover a wedding at fairly short notice but these are usually small, intimate weddings mid-week at a registry office maybe. Sarah and Sam had planned on their father taking the wedding pictures but decided at the last minute that the he really needed to be there to enjoy himself, (he is the Father of the Bride after all) and the pressure of it not going well would have been epic! What can I say about The Roxburghe Hotel near Kelso? I have photographed a few weddings there now and every one has been just fantastic. Lot's to do with the brilliant couples I get to work with but this venue has it all. They also offer clay pigeon shooting as a warm up for the boys before the wedding while the girls get ready in the morning.

I was only there to photograph from arrival at the church to the reception back at The Roxburghe but everything ran so smoothly from the the race to the Mertoun Parish Church, the race back to the Roxburghe (The beat me!) and the group photos. Fantastic family and a genuinely lovely bride and groom.

I'm so glad they asked me to photograph what is one of my fave weddings of the last year. Thank you both so much for having me along to your brilliant wedding. It was a blast from start to finish.

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Fingask Castle Wedding - Tegan & Mark

March 21, 2014 in Fingask Castle

I had never photographed a wedding at Fingask Castle in Perthshire before Tegan and Mark's Wedding. Early March in Perth could easily mean either knee deep in snow or horizontal rain but thankfully, it was actually kind of warm and it stayed dry all day too! Tegan was getting ready with the bridesmaids down in one of the cottages next to the Castle. It was all hair and make-up at this stage but the plan was to head into Fingask to slip on the dress. It's a beautiful venue. The interior is gorgeous and you really do feel like you are in a stately family home. You are! Everyone was so welcoming and efficient. It was rapidly heading towards the top of my favourite wedding venues.

I got some shots of Mark arriving with his father then headed back up to the bridal suite to photograph Tegan and the girls as they sipped champagne and laughed as the minutes ticked down to "I Do".

The ceremony was lovely as Gary Smith, Humanist Celebrant, was looking after the vows and ceremony. After the ceremony, I got all the guests organised with the confetti for the big exit of Tegan & Mark. It couldn't have gone any better!

After bride and groom photos, we had the speeches and the wedding breakfast in the marquee. Finally after the cutting of the cake and the first dances, all the guests partied the night away.

Fingask Castle...... I salute you. Amazing venue!

Tegan and Mark.... Thank you for making me a part of your very special day.

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Dalhousie Wedding Photography - Wendy & Mark

March 21, 2014 in Dalhousie Castle

Weddings at Dalhousie Castle, one of central Scotland's premier wedding venues, you really can't go wrong. Recently under new management but still putting on beautifully intimate weddings. There's something about Dalhousie Castle I can't put my finger on it but it always feels like a nice cosy family wedding. It doesn't cater for huge numbers but it makes up for it by providing a very personal intimate wedding in spectacular surroundings. Wendy and Mark travelled up from England with their friends and family. We had a great laugh while the girls were getting ready and sipping on the brandy to calm the nerves. Then I headed down to meet Mark and the Best Man at the falconry centre where they were practicing for the Owl to deliver the rings during the ceremony.

Wendy looked beautiful as she was escorted to the chapel to take Mark's hand. Marion Jackson always provides a really personal Humanist ceremony and I've been lucky enough to have attended lot's of her weddings.

Unfortunately the wind was approaching veil take off speed so we did most of the shots indoors. Wendy and Mark wanted a more reportage style (my Fave) of their day so they could look back and remember it as it happened. That they will.

Thank you both very much for letting me spend your wedding day with you.

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Lisa & Chad's Wedding at Dalhousie Castle

September 21, 2013 in Dalhousie Castle

Lisa and Chad flew all the way from The United States for their wedding at Dalhousie Castle this Autumn. Lisa's sister and her partner also hopped over the pond to witness the special day. A bride a groom and two guests....well, three guests including myself. That's how Lisa and Chad made me feel. It was really a pleasure to be part of their special day. Carmen, Lisa's sister, is hilarious too. Kept me chuckling all afternoon. I was kindly asked in for a wee dram after the photos and we ended up chatting for a good hour about back home and their travel plans while in the UK. Carmen even had a go at taking some photographs with my camera so apologies for the last couple of photos on the blog, I was doing my best Freemans catalogue poses.

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Toni & Martin's Wedding at Dalhousie Castle

September 18, 2013 in Dalhousie Castle

Dalhousie Castle weddings are great. Not only is it one of Scotland's premier wedding venues, it's only 10 minutes from the studio. As always at Dalhousie, the staff were tremendous with Graham and his team looking after, Toni, Martin and the guests. Toni and Martin are from West Sussex and came up to Dalhousie for their e-session too. We did also visit, Crichton Castle which is a ruin but equally stunning. One of my favourite places for an e-shoot, as long as it's not too windy at Crichton. That's another story though.

What can I say about Dalhousie that hasn't already been said. One of my favourite venues, amazing team and when you pair that with a brilliant couple like Toni and Martin and I really couldn't go wrong. The families were great too. Toni's brother is Head Chef at The Horseshoe in Eddleston and I have dined their a couple of times this year. His food is exceptional! I would highly recommend a visit if you are in the area checking out the castle. It's only around 20 minutes from Dalhousie but easily one of the best restaurants in The Borders. All this talk of The Horseshoe is making me hungry, looks like I might need to pay Alastair another visit!

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Inchcolm Abbey Wedding Photography Bernada & Matt

August 21, 2013 in Inchcolm Abbey Weddings

This was a first trip on The Maid Of The Forth for me. The destination for the wedding was Inchcolm Abbey, which is around a half hour by boat in the middle of the Firth of Forth. Bernada and Matt had travelled a long way to celebrate their wedding in Scotland....A very long way! They hail from the West Coast of Canada but they have ancient family ties with Scotland so decided this was the place to get married. Friends and family from all over the globe decended by Hawes Pier which is shadowed by the Forth Bridge. The perfect backdrop for some dramatic wedding photographs. This was easily one of the most emotional ceremonies I have had the pleasure to photograph. You could really see what today really meant. It was a genuine honour to be there.

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Toni & Martin's E-Session at Crichton Castle

February 26, 2013 in Dalhousie Castle

When I want to get away from it all, I head to Crichton Castle with the dogs. It's such a peacefull location with a rugged beauty that few places nearby can match. Toni and Martin are getting married only a few miles from Crichton. Their venue is the stunning Dalhousie Castle. One of my very favourite venues as everywhere you go, whether inside or out, is simply beautiful. There are so many fantastic shots to be had at Dalhousie.

Here are a few shots from the E-Session.

Jodie & Paul's Wedding at Dalhousie Castle

August 14, 2012 in Dalhousie Castle

Here is a little sneak peek at Jodie and Paul's wedding photographs. This is just a taster but I'll be posting a larger selection in the next few days. Watch this space guys!

Alison & Jon's Wedding at Dirleton Castle

August 04, 2012 in Dirleton Castle

I had a great time shooting Alison and Jon's wedding at Dirleton castle. It's such a magical location for a wedding. I guess we are lucky here in Scotland to have so many cool places to get married. The weather for once was playing ball and not dumping huge amounts of H2o on us. Makes a very pleasant change. It was actually a glorious sunny August afternoon as Alison and Jon tied the knot at the castle. After the ceremony the happy couple and guests headed to Mavis Hall in Midlothian for the reception where they tucked into a hog roast!! First time I've seen one and let me tell you.... the smells! Wow! The guests loved the food with several, including me, going up for seconds.

Thank you both very much for letting me be part of your special day.

Nicola & Philip's Wedding At Dalhousie Castle

July 01, 2012 in Dalhousie Castle

Dalhousie Castle is easily one of my favourite venues. It's just a stunning place period. Gorgeous grounds, with that castle as a backdrop...you just can't go wrong. Nicola and Philip ties the knot in the chapel on the lower ground floor. Philip is in the Navy and his friends and colleagues had the full regalia on for the wedding.