Angela & James' Pre-Wedding Shoot at Calton Hill, Edinburgh.

I reckon I am very lucky to be from the beautiful City of Edinburgh. The Athens of the north as it is also known. Both Athens and Edinburgh were built between 7 hills and hence the nickname.I met Angela & James on a gorgeous lare Autumn afternoon on Calton Hill. The views of the city from up there are simply breathtaking. If you are coming to Edinburgh for a weekend or a holiday, you must take a trip up there. it's only 5 mins from the city centre.

Angela & James laughed their way through the shoot which makes my job so easy. Really natural and fun shots, which I love.

Emma & Jason's Wedding At Eskmills, Musselburgh.

Emma & Jason's wedding day at Eskmills was fun, laid back and it really shows in the photographs. All the family and friends were really patient when it came to the group photos and as I had a list (as usual) it flew by in no time at all, meaning they could all get back to the bar asap.  

Eskmills is a very popular wedding venue in East Lothian. Sometimes referred to as "The Birdcage" which is in fact the restaurant in the courtyard. Emma and Jason's wedding is the third I have done there now and I hope to do more in the future. The shots below are a small selection of the shots from the wedding.

Jill & Colin's Pre-Wedding Shoot At Dalkeith Country Park.

Jill & Colin are getting married next year in Edinburgh but we chose Dalkeith Country Park as it really has everything you could want for a photoshoot. It's huge! It also has big open spaces, shaded areas, old trees and in the summer it's nice to head to the old lake. As it's Autumn (or Fall for all you Americans out there) I wanted to try and get some of the leaves and their beautiful colours into some of the shots. Looking forward to the wedding at The Holyrood Hotel next year. It's right on the doorstep of Arthurs Seat and is one of my favourite spots for wedding photos. Spectacular views across Edinburgh. Pure heaven!

Karen & Mark's Wedding At Dundas Castle

I had the pleasure of photographing Charlie and Ash's wedding almost 2 years ago now. Lucky for me, K aren and Mark were guests at that wedding and asked me to photograph their wedding at the stunning, Dundas Castle.

Karen & Mark were so laid back and relaxed it was great for me to be able to get some really informal, chilled photographs as well as some great shots in and around the castle. One of my favourite weddings of the year as Karen and Mark had arranged for me to join them for the meal and they sat me next to Charlie and Ash. It was great catching up with them again as they have become good friends to me. Congrats on the baby too guys!

Here are some of the highlights from this wonderful wedding:

Why Stop At The First Dance

Clients will often ask me if the full day coverage includes the first dance. Definitly but that's not all. I like to try and get some of the party too. The party is when all your friends and family let their hair down a bit and start to be themselves. Might be something to do with all that champagne flowing mixed in with the sheer happiness of the occasion. I never understand why the majority of photographers tend to shoot the first dance then pack up for the day. The above was taken at Jacqueline and Karim's wedding at Barony Castle near Peebles. After the first dances, everyone hit the dance floor and the place was jumping. I would have hated to have missed it. Love photographing the party, you can get some brilliant fun photographs that make a brilliant end to your album. A huge thank you to Jacqueline, Karim and all friends and family for being so amazing.

Jackie & Gordon's Pre-Wedding Shoot At The Botanics

I've known Jackie for a few years now as she used to look after my son, Blair. he is autistic and very challenging but Jackie had a way with him that seemed to calm him. he always looked forward to his afternoons out with Jackie. So when Jackie asked me if i would photograph her wedding at my old school of all places, I was delighted. Here are some of the shots from the engagement shoot.

Yvonne & Jeff's Wedding at Craigielaw Golf Club, East Lothian.

I loved every minute photographing Yvonne and Jeff's wedding day. They are such a great couple and their wedding day was brilliant fun for everyone involved  As I hope you can see from the photographs, everyone had a big grin on their face pretty much all the time. John at Craigielaw puts on a great day for your wedding too. Craigielaw caters for weddings quite a bit and definitely should be considered for an East Lothian wedding venue. It's the 2nd wedding I have shot there and I've been hugely impressed with John and the venue on both occasions.

Sinead and Harvard's Mansfield Traquair Wedding

Mansfield Traquair in Edinburgh was recently restored to it's original glory by a team led by Fiona Allardyce of Historic Scotland’s Conservation Centre. What a fantastic job they did. I have shot two weddings there this year and it really is a magnificent venue for a wedding. Definitely one for the shortlist. Sinead, Harvard and friends from all over the world descended on mansfield Traquair for their wedding in July. The four corners of the globe were very well represented. Harvard's parents coming all the way from Malaysia, some family coming in fro Oz and Sinead's family heading in from Ireland.

A huge thank you to everyone on the day. You were all brilliant all the day and thank you for allowing me to be a part of such a special day. Below is a small selection of the photographs from the wedding.

Jodie & Paul's Wedding at 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!

Ellie & Harry's Pre-Wedding Shoot with Iona

I headed down to the beautiful village of Howgate to meet up with Ellie and Harry again. Their home backs onto the beautiful Midlothian countryside, the perfect spot some nice late evening photographs. We couldn't set off with out getting some sots of Iona first though. She is the cutest little bundle I have seen in a very long time. I think my dog, Baxter wondered where I'd been when I got back. He was very sniffy around my jeans. It was great to see you guys again, looking forward to the big day!

Below is a selection from the shoot.

Gabrielle and James Marine Hotel Wedding

St Mary's Cathedral in the East End of Edinburgh is simply stunning. A traditional Cathedral with all the character and ambience you'll ever need for your ceremony. It was my first time inside and it really impressed. Gabriella and James then headed down to the Marine Hotel, North Berwick for the reception. It has the perfect grounds for your traditional family shots but then you can head down to the beach for some fun Bride and Groom portraits. It's only a 5 minute walk but if you are getting married at The Marine Hotel, it's well worth the short walk. It almost looks like some far away beach paradise! Ahem, weather dependant of course.

Kristen & Duncan's Pre-Wedding Shoot in Edinburgh

August in Edinburgh. The Edinburgh International Festival, The Fringe in full swing and the sun shining on the Old Town. I met Kristen and Duncan at Deacon Brodies (A favourite meeting place for me) but of course, I forgot the festival was on so getting parked anywhere near there was going to be impossible. I quick call and they headed off down the mound where I could pick them up and park nearer Bristo Square. Phew! We started in George Square where Kristen studies at Edinburgh University so it was great to get some shots around the University buildings. We then headed to Meadow Lane where there are lock up with brilliant, bold graffiti which makes a cool backdrop. Kristen and Duncan were all dressed up so I thought the graffiti backdrops would contrast with their smart clothes.

We had a great time messing around with Duncan's hat at various locations. It was a great evening and a huge thank you to you both.

Barony Castle Wedding Photography - Jacqueline & Karim

Jacqueline & Karim were married on the 5th of August at Barony Castle in the Scottish Borders. At the start of the day the weather wasn't looking good, in fact the rain was pounding the pavements. Jacqueline was getting ready at her parents house in Penicuik when the rain started. Thankfully by the time the wedding ceremony had ended, the rain had gone and we actually got some sunshine. A very rare thing in Scotland in 2012. Then it was off to Barony Castle for the reception. Barony Castle is one of those places that as a wedding photographer you feel you can't go wrong.With it's sheltered lawn to the rear, perfect for group shots to the lovely woodland walk around the Castle, it really is beautiful. One of my favourite venues in the country.

Barony Castle Wedding Photography

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Alison & Jon's Wedding at 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.

Corina & Kevin's Barony Castle Wedding

I've probably said this before but Barony Castle is one of my favourite places for a wedding. It's just gorgeous. The grounds are perfect for some brilliant photographs. There's loads of room for guests to mingle, relax and grab a drink. I photographed, Corina's brothers wedding last year so it was great to be asked back again. When I met up with both familes again it felt like it was only the week before I photographed Kevin's wedding at Gleneagles. Another brilliant day. Corina looked stunning in her dress and kevin looked very dapper in his morning suit. No kilt for Kevin as he's from Newcastle. hence the nickname, Geordie.

Thanks Corina and Geordie for making me part of your big day.

Carlyn & Ben's Wedding Photography At The Hub

Carlyn & Ben chose The Hub in Edinburgh for their wedding. It's on of Edinburgh's best known landmarks with it's towering steeple that pierces Edinburgh's stunning skyline. I loved shooting Carlyn and Ben's wedding. I have to be honest, there is something about Edinburgh's old town that makes for great photographs. Of course, Carlyn look s absolutely stunning in her dress but not forgetting Ben of course. He was very handsome in his morning suit. They both looked fantastic and with my home town as a backdrop, I knew it was going to be perfect.

Kim & Simon's Wedding at Mansfield Traquair in Edinburgh

Kim and Simon were married in April this year at the fantastic, Mansfield Traquair. This stunning venue was refurbished back in 2003 and looks spectacular inside and out. One of my favourite venues in Edinburgh. Kim and Simin were superb all day and loved having their photographs taken. Nothing was too much trouble and it really shows in the pictures. Brilliant couple, Superb day, perfect wedding!

Siobhan & Michael's Wedding at The Corn Exchange in Edinburgh

Only two weeks after Zoe & David's wedding a The Corn Exchange, I was back again and the weather was even worse! Thankfully, the Corn Exchange has some great interior locations to get some really great shots. Siobhan and Michael danced the night away with all their friends and family in the main hall. Great crowd too. As soon as the first record came on, there was no stopping them. Thanks guys for a brilliant day!

Nicola & Philip's Wedding At 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.

Zoe & David's Wedding at the Corn Exchange in Edinburgh

I seem to be starting every blog post with a weather update. I'm sorry but when it seems to rain every weekend this year all I think about is some nice sunshine. Thankfully, Zoe and David didn't even think about the weather. they were too busy having a great time. The Corn Exchange does a brilliant job making your day so special. Amy and Erica are always on hand to make sure everything goes to plan. The main room always looks stunning when I photograph weddings there. Highly recommended. Here are some of my favourite shots from Zoe and David's wedding.