Winter Magic: Yvonne & Mark’s Festive Wedding at Carlowrie Castle

There is something truly atmospheric about a winter wedding in Scotland, especially when the venue is as iconic as Carlowrie Castle. Yvonne and Mark’s big day was a masterclass in festive elegance, trading the year-round heat of their home in Dubai for the crisp, romantic chill of a Scottish December.

The day began with a beautiful, heartfelt ceremony at Priory Parish Church. While the weather outside was cool, the atmosphere inside was radiating warmth. It was the perfect setting for Yvonne and Mark to exchange their vows before heading off to their castle reception.

Yvonne was breathtaking in her Susanna Rachel Bridal gown—a silhouette that perfectly matched the grand architecture of the castle. Not to be outdone, Mark brought a touch of their Dubai lifestyle to the Highlands, looking sharp in a bespoke tuxedo by Suited & Booted, Dubai.

The atmosphere at Carlowrie is always top-tier, but the entertainment really pushed it over the edge. Ginny & The Tonic kept the Piano Room buzzing during the drinks reception, and once the sun went down, The Rox took over. The dance floor was never empty—exactly what you want for a festive celebration!

The Dream Team

Planning a wedding at Carlowrie Castle? Check out the incredible vendors who brought Yvonne and Mark’s vision to life:

• Venue: Carlowrie Castle

• Ceremony Officiant: Reverend Dr. Iain MacRobert (Priory Parish Church)

• Makeup Artist: Darcy Duncan

• Hair Stylist: Anna Chiesa Bridal

• Florist: Ribbons & Rose

• Wedding Dress: Susanna Rachel Bridal, Dubai

• Groom’s Outfit: Suited & Booted, Dubai

• Entertainment: Ginny & The Tonic (Day) & The Rox via Coast Entertainments (Evening)

• Piper: The Pickled Piper

• Ceremony Music: Stravair Duo

• Stationery: 2Flux Stationery Studio

• Event Illustrator/Content: What Hannah Does

• Fireworks: 21CC Group

Robyn & Alex's Wedding - Sorn Castle

Welcome to 2022! It’s been four years since my last blog post so I thought it was about time I started again and what better way than with Robyn & Alex’s wonderful wedding at Sorn Castle.

It was a typical January day in Scotland but at least it was dry, for now. No wind around which is always a bonus. I headed up to see Robyn as bridal preparations were well underway. Why is it always the highest room in the tallest tower, I wondered to myself, quoting from everyone’s favourite green ogre. Reminding myself that maybe it was time to hit the gym again and make these stair climbs a little easier. I’m only joking of course.

I met Alex for the first time before the boys got ready and arranged to meet downstairs later for some shots with there guys while the Alex and the bridesmaids were finishing preparations.

The ceremony was lovey and conducted by Sandy Geddes who really does a fantastic job as the wedding celebrant. His voice booms out across the room but in a kind and jovial manor. He really is one of the best in the business.

Afterwards it was outside for some family shots, bride and groom shots and all the candid moments where nobody, hopefully, realises I’ve snapped that moment of laughter shared with a friend.

Yellowcraigs Engagement Shoot

Adele & Scott

It was great to catch up with Adele & Scott down at Yellowcraigs on Sunday. It was a beautiful afternoon in East Lothian and the light was perfect for some nice engagement photos.

Adele & Scott were great together and really shone in front of the camera. Here's to and awesome Hogmanay wedding!

Archerfield Wedding Photography

Ellie & Paul

Also at Haddington and Dirleton Castle

Ellie & Paul's wedding in East Lothian has to be up there as one of my all time favourite weddings. Never mind of just 2016! A beautiful church, castle grounds booked for bridal party photos and then down to stunning Archerfield for the reception and I haven't even mentioned Ellie and Paul yet. They were both just terrific and with wonderful families flying in from all over the world, including the USA and even Livingston!

I arrived at the Boathouse for bridal preparations and met Geoff from "Watch The Birdie" Videography for the first time. I knew within seconds we'd get along as he is such a nice guy. Can't believe we've never crossed paths before.

Then it was up to the lodges to meet Paul and his family for a few shots before heading off to St Mary's Church in Haddington. The ceremony was good fun and immediately afterwards the bridal party headed to Dirleton Castle for some photographs before meeting up with wedding guests back at Archerfield's Waterfront.

After the speeches we nipped out to the rock by the sea for some lovely sunset photos and finished the day in style with a jam packed dance floor. 

Massive thank you to the Lorenzens and the O'Day's....... Oh what a Day!!

Hill Of Tarvit Wedding Photography

Emma & Thomas

Emma & Thomas' wedding took place at St Agathas Church in Methil with the reception a the stunning Hill Of Tarvit. It was a beautiful day as I set off and headed over the Forth Road Bridge to the Kingdom of Fife.

Bridal preparations were at Hill Of Tarvit in the little cottages just a hundred yards or so from the main house. Thomas was getting ready in the next cottage so Emma was making sure he didn't get a glimpse of his bride in the window as he headed off to the church.

It was great to see Stuart again who was conducting the ceremony. I saw him at Tania & Dale's wedding the week before as well as at Theresa and Andy's wedding up in Glenfinnan. It really is a small world. 

As guests arrived at the reception they were greeted with drinks and canopies and it was a great day for chatting and meeting guests outside. I grabbed a few candid shots of the fun before starting the group shots and shots of Emma & Thomas. Colin from Cam-Media was capturing the day on video and joined us for the bride and groom shots. Always great to work with Colin, a true professional.

After dinner (which we were kindly treated to) it was time for a few more shots in the nice evening light then first dance and party. 

Ghillie Dhu Wedding | Edinburgh Wedding Photographer

Cheri & Craig's Wedding At The Ghillie Dhu

Cheri & Craig's wedding at The Ghillie Dhu in Edinburgh was a truly international occasion. Guests from Cheri's home in Canada met with Craig's family from Scotland at one of Edinburgh's best wedding venues.

I met up with the girls at The Carlton Highland for bridal preparations, the head down to the Ghillie Dhu to meet Craig and the boys as they greeted family and friends arriving for the wedding. 

The Ghillie Dhu is simply stunning with the Auditorium one of the best ceremony rooms I've seen. The atmosphere is just perfect with low lighting from the over head chandeliers. Cheri looked stunning as she made her way down the aisle to meet Craig. After the ceremony the immediate family headed to Princes Street Gardens for some family shots. Then before and after dinner we had Edinburgh on our doorstep for some fantastic shots of Cheri and Craig featuring Edinburgh as a back drop. perfect to relive back home in Canada.

The Waterside Engagement Photography - Christine & Stephen

I headed off to the west coast on Friday to meet up with Christine & Stephen for their Engagement Shoot. It was great to finally meet up with the happy couple at The Waterside to  chat over ideas and plans for the wedding over nice hot cup of coffee. It was actually pretty chilly outside!

Not long now to the autumnal wedding day at the stunning, Enterkine House.

Calton Hill Engagement Shoot - Paula & Paul

Calton Hill, one of those places that if you asked people from Edinburgh if they'd been up there, a large percentage would say no. The views are stunning though!

Paula and Paul slipped into the photos really quickly. They said they were a little nervous to start with but it didn't show at all. Both so natural in front of the camera. We had a wander around Calton Hill, climbing the monument first then heading round to get some shot with Arthurs Seat as a backdrop. Finally it was down to street level for a few, less windswept shots.

Rufflets Wedding - Cara & Neale

The perfect Scottish summer wedding at one of the countries premier venues. Cara & Neale's wedding day at Rufflets, near St Andrews was extra special on so many levels.

When I arrived at Rufflets the girls were getting ready upstairs with hair and make-up in full swing. It was a such a relaxed, fun atmosphere and looking out from the balcony, the sun was shining and I knew then, it was going to be a beautiful day.

Neale & the boys arrived in plenty of time so we got a few shots before the got themselves ready to greet all the wedding guests. The celebrant, Iain Whitelaw was actually Cara's father. I've worked with Iain several times before and it really was a privilege to be there capturing his daughter and future son-in-law's wedding day.

The sun was shining so it was Rufflets' first outdoor ceremony of the year and it was simply fantastic! Beautiful chair coverings, flowers and little hears hanging from the trees nearby were just a few of the lovely touches.

After the wedding ceremony it was a drinks reception in the sun where the happy couple had time to mingle and chat with family and friends. Once the group shots and bridals were all done it was speeches and dinner.

Finally it was time for the first dance and there party! The dance floor was full from the 2nd dance and was still packed when I left. What an amazing day!

Venue: Rufflets | Wedding Decor: Zenith Events | Band: Soul Inferno | Dress Boutique: Pan Pan Bridal | Dress Designer: Love Marley | Florist: Jill Pryde | Makeup Artist: Kerry Scanlon | Hairstylist: Amber Brownless | Kilts: Kirk Wynd Highland House | Wedding Celebrant: Iain Whitelaw | Videography: Alba Video (Tom Alba) | Wedding Cake: Caked By Anna Wilson | Wedding Stationery: Kenny Smith (Cribs Graphics)

Kirsty & Blair's Engagement Session - Crichton Castle

It was a typical Scottish summer morning on Sunday past when I met up with Kirsty & Blair for their engagement session at Crichton Castle. You can hear a pin drop when you're up there as there's virtually nothing from the 21st century up there. You can almost transport yourself back in time.

It was a great session with Kirsty and Blair. The wedding is at The Vu in September and it's going to be awesome!

Natasha & Donald's Engagement Shoot At Yellowcraigs

It's been a long time since I've done a photo shoot in the pouring rain but I have to say, I'd love to do more. Natasha & Donald were really up for getting out there in the rain at Yellowcraigs.

We started in the woods as when we first arrived it was torrential! Bouncing off the pavement kind of rain so my plan was to start with some shots in the woodland and hope that the heavy stuff would be off by the time we hit the beach. I love it when a plan comes together!

South Queensferry E-Session - Emma & Thomas

I met up with Emma and Thomas down at Hawes Pier, South Queensferry for their engagement shoot. It was such a gorgeous day for a stroll along the town, chatting about wedding plans and taking a few photos as we went.

The big day is next month in Leven and the Hill Of Tarvit in Cupar.

Balbirnie House Wedding - Laura & Fraser

Laura & Fraser's Balbirnie House wedding was simply magical. The venue was stunning as usual but even more so with the recently decorated bridal suites. It was these luxurious surroundings where I met with Laura and the girls for the bridal prep.

Fraser and the boys were only one floor up so it was great to be able to get some shots of the guys getting ready for the big day. Or maybe that should be... trying to tie their cravats. Thank you YouTube!

Laura's father escorted the beautiful bride down to the Orangery for the ceremony which was wonderfully presided over by Sandy Geddes. After the confetti and family photographs we wandered around the grounds at Balbirnie for some nice shots with Laura & Fraser before dinner. Colin Moxey was doing a grand job capturing all the moments of the day on video and it was great to work with him.

Then all that was left was to party!! What a fantastic wedding at Balbirnie House. Congratulations to Laura and Fraser!

Laura & Fraser's Suppliers:

Venue: Balbirnie House

Videography: Colin Moxey

Band: T-Junction

Dress Boutique: Dollar Bridal Studio

Dress Designer: Ronald Joyce

Hairstylist: Louise Linton

Makeup Artist: Jenna Trowell

Kilts: Kilt Hire Co

Planner: Sarah Rees

Wedding Cake: Jannetta's Gelateria

Celebrant: Sandy Geddes

Roslin Glen E-Session - Hazel & Stewart

I met up with Hazel and Stewart and Rosslyn Chapel which was made even more famous by "The DaVinci Code". Zoe the labrador came along with us for some photos too. She's lovely and at 13 years old was keeping up superbly.

We chatted about the plans for the wedding day at Cornhill Castle as we walked through the countryside grabbing a few shots here and there. Hazel was a total natural as was Stewart once we got going. Great couple and a gorgeous summer wedding to look forward too!

Gullane E-Session - Emma & Shane

A blustery photoshoot down at Gullane with Emma & Shane. Gullane is such a lovely beach for photographs as it has everything. Those dunes, white sands and the crescent shape which looks awesome in the background.

Emma & Shane were up for pretty much anything and they had a ball. It really shines through in the photos just how much they mean to each other. It was a joy to see and photograph. The big day is next month in Melrose!

Vogrie Engagement Shoot - Louise & Campbell

I met up with Louise and Campbell at Vogrie Country Park for their engagement session on a chilly but nice early spring day. It's alway since to see the early nerves melt away as the session goes on and by the end, I think they forgot I was there in some of the shots. 

Roll on July at the Norton House Hotel!

Falkland Engagement Shoot - Catriona & Daniel

It was off to the very picturesque village of Falkland for Catriona & Daniel's engagement session on Sunday. It's a lovely place and most recently gained some attention as a filming location in the hit Amazon Prime show "Outlander".

It was a gorgeous morning for a stroll around the woods with little Alfie the dog, running after his tennis ball. Catriona and Daniel were both so much fun and relaxed into the session from the very beginning. 

The big day is this June at The Macdonald Forrest Hills Hotel and I reckon it's going to be a cracker!

Vogrie Country Park Engagement Shoot - Tania & Dale

It was a stunning early Spring day at Vogrie Country Park for Tania and Dale's engagement shoot. Vogrie is fast becoming the most popular location for the e-sessions. No wonder though, it's beautiful there.

Tania and Dale (and the dogs) were great. We wandered around the park on what was a very busy Sunday morning due the rare sunshine but Tania and Dale didn't seem to notice. The big day is in June at the spectacular Melville Castle.

Amy & Kyle's E-Session In Perth

I met up with Amy and Kyle at Rodney Gardens in Perth last Sunday for their Engagement Shoot. It was great to catch up with Amy & Kyle before the wedding and as they live all the way up in Aberdeenshire, we chose Perth as a great location halfway between us. 

They were both great and we got some great shots. With Amy & Kyle and Aswanley for a venue, this is going to be an awesome wedding!