Sharon & Gordon's E-Session at Chatelherault

I headed to Chatelherault to meet up with sharon and Gordon for their e-session. It was a very, very windy day but we got some great shots before the rain really started to come down. Sharon and Gordon's big day is at Glenskirlie House in October 2014.

The Roxburghe Hotel Wedding - Sarah & Sam

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.

Fingask Castle Wedding - Tegan & Mark

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.

Dalhousie Wedding Photography - Wendy & Mark

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.

The Vu Wedding Photography - Kym & Michael

I know I say it a lot it seems but I have really been lucky to have been able to attend the weddings of very special people. Kym and Michael easily fall into that category. Just brilliant all the way through from the first meeting to the wedding itself. From the beginning of the day, I felt like a guest with a camera. Nothing was too much trouble at all and what a laugh we had on a very special day indeed. It was blowing a gale at The Vu on the day but that didn't stop everyone having a great time which hopefully shines through the photographs.

Lorne & Mark's Wedding at The Macdonald Marine Hotel - North Berwick

Weddings at The Macdonald Marine Hotel are always special and Lorne and Mark's was no different. A perfect day in one of the east of Scotland's premier venues. I met Lorne and the girls in her room while Jenni Muir was busy applying Lorne's makeup. I have worked with Jenni before and I think she's brilliant. I headed down to meet the Mark and the lads for some photos on the lawn before heading back up to Lorne's room to follow her down to the ceremony.

The wedding Ceremony was beautiful and expertly conducted by Ivan Middleton of the Humanist Society Scotland. After the ceremony we got all the family shots and then very bravely, Lorne and Mark followed me down to the beach for some romantic beach wedding photos. Well, that was the idea. Just as we got there a gale whipped up and before you knew it we were all struggling stay on our feet! It was hilarious but we still got a few good shots and agreed to head back out for a few minutes after the meal to wait for the hurricane to subside.

During the meal we were treated to spectacle that I don't really want to give away too much detail about as the whole point of it is that it's a big surprise. So for future brides to be, I'll say nothing, except.....I was actually astounded by what I witnessed. I can't give any higher praise. I never ever use the word astounded. So there you go.

Lorne and Mark are a special couple, they really are. They made me feel so welcome and a huge thanks to everyone involved and that has to include Jackie who had me in stitches all day!

Lesley & Elliot's Wedding in Carrickknowe and The Assembly Rooms in Edinburgh.

A Christmas Wedding!! A perfect day to celebrate the wedding of Lesley & Elliot at Carrickknowe Parish Church and The Assembly Rooms in Edinburgh. I met Lesley at her parents house for a few photographs before meeting Elliot at the church round the corner. I have shot a wedding there before, Fiona the Minister is brilliant and allowed me to sit near the front to get some great shots. Always a pleasure Fiona, thank you again for being so great.

As it gets dark very quickly in December we sped off into the city shortly after the ceremony to take photographs on Edinburgh's historic Royal Mile. It doesn't get much better than this for a backdrop (Ok I'm biased, I love Edinburgh).

The wedding reception was held at the stunning Assembly Rooms in George Street. The Grand Hall is incredible! Boasting huge chandeliers that tower over the guests as they sat for dinner. Really is beautiful. Finally it was time for the dances where evening guests had joined both Lesley & Elliot to celebrate this special day.

Gretna Green Wedding - Marianne & Jonathan

Hogmany 2013! 9am on pretty cold and damp day in Scotland. What's new huh? The driech day was brightened up by two people about to take their vows. Marianne & Jonathan's smiles brightened up the day like two rays of sunshine! What a great time both families had on this very special of days. The Old Blacksmith's Shop is famous the world over. Over the years thousands of couples have eloped to the south west of Scotland to tie the knot over the Blacksmith's Anvil. I arrived at around 8:15am to get some shots of Jonathan getting ready before meeting up with Marianne and she prepared to make the short walk across the road to the ceremony venue.

The ceremony itself was simple but with a air of romance that you just can't get anywhere else. This place is so unique. We then headed outside so I get get some shots of the family getting blown away by the wind. I did manage to get a few family photos in before everyone did their Mary Poppins impressions and floated off into the blue yonder.

Finally we headed back to the hotel for a few more shots before we said our goodbyes. Thank you both, so much, for inviting me along to be a part of this amazing morning in Gretna.

Alison & Peter's Glasgow University Wedding With Mar Hall Reception

Late November in Glasgow for a wedding. Once again I hit the jackpot. Not only isn't it raining but the sun is shining! I arrived at Mar Hall for shots of Alison and the girls getting ready in their room. There was loads going on with Make-up in one corner and the hair stylist working away in the other corner. I nipped downstairs to have another look around Mar Hall while the girls got into their dresses. When I got back upstairs, all the girls looked stunning. With it being a winter wedding Alison and the girls had her hand warmers. Affectionately known on the day as "Muffs." Did we have a laugh with that name...lol. Time to head to Glasgow University to meet Pete and get pictures of the happy groom with the boys. The sun was low in the sky which might have been a problem but it actually added to the look of some of the shots, giving a really high contrast look to the black and whites. I met up with the videographers, Alina and Stewart from White Balloon Films. They were brilliant all day and we worked perfectly together.

The university chapel is spectacular to say the least. What a place! I was asked kindly to remain at the back of the ceremony but was free to take shots from there. This was fine as I could get some nice wide shots showing off the interior in all it's glory.

We then headed to Mar Hall - Scottish Golf & Spa Resort. It was still sunny, with spectacular light for the stunning backdrop over the hills. After dinner, where I was very kindly asked to join with guests for a beautiful meal, Alison and Pete danced the night away with all their friends and family.

Finally: I just want to say a huge thank you for being so kind and generous. Being offered to sit with guests for dinner was very thoughtful and it was great to see you both again up in Dundee. The album is going to be awesome!

Balgeddie House Hotel Wedding Photography - Mari & Greg

Mari and Greg were married at Leven Parish Church before heading off to The Balgeddie House Hotel for the drinks reception and wedding breakfast. Balgeddie House has beautiful gardens to the rear of the property which are fantastic for group photos and bridal portraits. Mari & Greg had a fantastic wedding day, celebrated with all their friends and family. They are a great couple, so accommodating and warm. All day there were fantastic when it came to the photos. I try to stay in the background as much as possible and only stepping in for the posed photographs when needed. Nothing was ever too much trouble for Mari and Greg though. They even arranged for me to sit with the guests for dinner, a lovely touch.

A warm thank you to you both for everything guys.

Huntingtower Wedding Photography Laura & Scott

Huntington Tower is situated just outside Perth and has beautiful grounds, perfect for a big wedding. Laura and Scott's wedding was certainly big but what stays in my memory more than the number of guests is the sheer hilarity of the wedding.I was actually surprised I got any shake free shots from laughing so much. From the getting ready shots in the morning, the ceremony and the saga of the lost music to the party in the evening. It was just so much fun! Hopefully you'll see what I mean from the photos below but this was definitely the most fun I had all year. Brilliant!

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Leanne & Keith's St Cuthbert's and The Roxburghe Hotel Wedding

I was really looking forward to Leanne and Keith's wedding at The Roxburghe Hotel and St Cuthbert's. We had a great time at the e-session in Gleneagles, Leanne and Keith were both very natural in front of the camera so I knew before the big day, that we'd get some great shots. St Cuthbert's is a beautiful church right at the bottom of Lothian Road. From there it was a short walk to Princes Street Gardens for the family wedding photographs as well as the bride and groom portraits. The weather for late October was spectacular! Late afternoon sun stayed away long enough for the family group shots but made an appearance just in time for some great light during Leanne and Keith's portrait shots.

We then headed over to The Roxburghe where family and friends were joined by evening guests to dance the night away. Here is a selection of some of the shots from this special day.

Quayside Wedding, Musselburgh - Ashley & John

Musselburgh in November. Right by the coast. It should have been horizontal rain or maybe even snow but no... It was a gorgeous day. Ashley looked amazing in her stunning wedding dress and John looked very handsome in his striking, black and red style kilt outfit. After the ceremony at The Quayside, Ashley, John and I headed to the banks of the river Esk in the centre of Musselburgh for the bride and groom portraits. Then it was off to Lewisvale Park for some more shot's in the gorgeous late Autumn light.

After the speeches and the meal, it didn't take long for the party to get started and as you can see from the reception shots below, every one had a ball!

Theresa & Andy's Camusdarach Wedding With Glenfinnan Ceremony

Around an hour or so from Fort William is a beautiful corner of the West Coast of Scotland, Arisaig. The scenery on the drive alone was enough to keep my eyes from the road maybe a little longer than I should. It was spectacular! Once I reached Arisaig I headed down a little dirt track to the house that Theresa at arranged to have her hair and make-up done at. The "Blue House" is situated virtually on the railway track on a mountainside. The train passes literally a few feet from the front garden. Luckily, it's the "Harry Potter" train that slowly steams it's way past and is quite a sight. After taking photographs of Theresa getting ready, I headed the 20 minutes or so drive back down the road to, Glenfinnan. The church was being renovated and there was scaffolding all over it but this didn't really detract from the occasion. In fact, it kind of summed up the fun of the day as Andy and Theresa were just happy to go with the flow. No formal pictures here. To be honest, I loved that. No group list, no formal shots. Theresa and Andy would just go up to friends or family and put their arms around them for an impromptu photo. It was hilarious....especially Andy's big grin he had on all day.

The reception was to be held at the magnificent Camusdarch Beach. A purpose built marquee for weddings and it could not have been better. I was very kindly asked to join the guests for dinner. Delicious!

After the meal, everyone headed back to the beach for champagne, splashing about in the water and more fun photos. The sun then set on one of the most amazing backdrops, I've been lucky enough to witness...at one of the best weddings I've been lucky enough to attend.

Thanks guys, you truly are brilliant.

Loch Lomond & Luss Wedding Photography - Helen & Leigh

The bonnie bonnie banks of Loch Lomond. The song says it all really. Well, I took the high road to Loch Lomond and Luss to photograph Helen and Leigh's wedding. I had only met Helen and Leigh a couple of weeks beforehand as they live down Newcastle way but I always feel it's important to meet up beforehand, break the ice if you like. I headed down to Tynemouth on a beautiful late summer evening for the shoot. When the wedding day came, it was great to see them both again. They are a terrific couple and their family were brilliant. They very kindly even had a seat for me at one of the tables a s a guest. Very grateful guys. It was a perfect day and Luss is just so idilic. One of my favourite venues this year, without doubt.

Lesley & Elliot's E-Session at Corstorphne Hill - Edinburgh.

A chilly late Autumn morning in Edinburgh. The sun was shining as we headed up Corstorphine Hill, which looked amazing with all the orange and red leaves doing their best to cling on to their branches. Looking forward to Lesley and Elliot's wedding in December. A Christmas wedding! Here are a selection of the shots from the photoshoot.

Lisa & Murray's Wedding at The Roxburghe Hotel In Edinburgh

First time at The Roxburghe Hotel in Edinburgh this year. Not to be confused with The Roxburghe Hotel down near Kelso, the one with the golf course. The Crown Plaza Roxburghe has Edinburgh as it's perfect backdrop for a perfect wedding day. That's exactly what we got. Lisa and Murray are a brilliant couple, up for a bit of fun with photographs and I hope it comes through in the selection below. From laughing at me lying in Rose Street to get them in the background for the shot of the flowers to asking everyone in two pubs to gather in behind and give Lisa and Murray a big cheer for one of my fave shots of the day.

Thanks guys, you were both amazing!

Edinburgh Wedding Photographer - Susan & Dan

Spend a wonderful day with Susan & Dan in and around Edinburgh for their wedding. We got amazing weather, which to be fair, we've had all summer which has been amazing. Susan & Dan were married at London Road Parish Church but afterwards, rather than the traditional taking family photos, we headed to the church hall for a bit of a picnic. It was brilliant! There was bunting, cakes, sandwiches, fizzy drinks and of course lot's of wine. Everyone one had a brilliant time. Then it was off to The Rowantree in the Cowgate for some drinks with the guests. Susan and Dan were keen to wait for the right light for their portraits, wise couple. It paid off. I love the pictures we got that day. Perfect.

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Claire & Lindsey's Rufflets Hotel Wedding

Claire & Lindsey's wedding at Rufflets near St Andrews was easily one of my favourite weddings of the year. Claire and Lindsey are two of the nicest people you'd ever be privileged to meet. The girls got ready for the wedding in separate lodges before meeting minutes before the ceremony so they could take turns walking down the aisle. Little white lanterns lit their way as guest looked on. After the service we headed out for the group photographs and I have to say, everyone was just brilliant. We got the shots we needed in no time at all. This was great as it really looked like it was going to pour down with rain very soon.

Lindsey, Claire and I then wandered the spectacular gardens at Rufflets for photographs of the girls. You just can't go wrong with Claire and Lindsey and adding the grounds in to the mix my job was made easy. Just in the nick of time we finished the shots before the heavens opened.

It was then time for speeches and the party into the wee small hours. I genuinely can't thank you both enough for making me part of your very special and perfect wedding day.

Lisa & Chad's Wedding at 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.