Broxmouth Courtyard Wedding Photography | Jess & Leon

Those couples looking for Broxmouth Courtyard wedding photography inspiration should check out Jess & Leon’s early Autumn wedding as they celebrated in style with their friends and family.

Nestled close to the iconic coastline of East Lothian (a place very close to my heart), is Broxmouth Courtyard, an elegant stately home for exclusive use of wedding parties with on-site accommodation for up to 34. This beautiful wedding venue is set within 150 acres of woodland countryside, close to world famous golf courses and even boasts its very own loch.

When Jess & Leon first got in touch we arranged a video call to say hello and discuss their plans, we discovered some very close similarities to Leon’s dad and myself! Both Phil, both photographers, both star wars fans and sauce connoisseurs and the icing on the cake, both married to Emmas! So yes, during the first chat we did have a few laughs. I was so happy they decided to hire me, such lovely humans and I was blessed the feelings were mutual.

Broxmouth Courtyard - A perfectly laid out wedding venue

I always like to arrive a little earlier than my start time to do a little recce of a new wedding venue and I was struck at how perfect the layout of Broxmouth Courtyard is. The guest accommodation is a short walk from the ceremony/reception areas and everything falls neatly around the most beautifully cobbled courtyard and garden area. Bev, the duty manager was my first point of contact and she and her team were so warm, friendly and accommodating throughout the entire wedding, a real credit to the overall experience.

I met with Jess and the girls in her bridal suite and was able to switch between photographing the bridal prep, and the guys playing pool and having a cheeky wee dram, all within a minutes walk. Do be sure to check out Jess’s dad’s first look, a reaction I don’t think even her mum was expecting. Luckily, as a photographer I’m able to hide my own tears by holding a camera to my eye! The ceremony itself took place in what’s known as the Stables Gallery, a lovey spacious and airy room with stone walls and herringbone floors, bursting with natural light. David, their humanist celebrant delivered a lovely service and from there we had confetti, family photographs and lots of hugs, smiles and good banter.

The Courtyard Dining Room - Fine dining and dancing

The Courtyard Dining room, formally the estate’s old cart shed is yet another space bursting with natural light and has been tastefully restored to be the ideal fine dining and party location. Speeches came courtesy of Jess & Leon’s dads, Leon and his best man. They were delivered brilliantly with humour, compassion and lots of emotion. After their meal we all headed outside into the courtyard where guests played games, tested their knowledge of Jess & Leon with a quiz and generally squeezed out the last of the daylight. As darkness fell we were back indoors for the cake cut, first dance and Ceilidh party.

The evening reception was to be expected when you’ve got an amazing Ceilidh band playing all the classics. The photographs hopefully give you a sense of how hard these fine humans were partying! Jess & Leon, thank you for having me along, it was an honour to spend the day with you both, along with your incredible friends and family.

Looking for Broxmouth Courtyard wedding photography of your own? Check your date.

Glenapp Castle Wedding Photography | Victoria & Sholto

Glenapp Castle Wedding Photography

Those looking for Glenapp Castle wedding photography, feel free to jump right in! Kick off your shoes and pour yourselves a drink. Make yourselves comfortable and see how Victoria & Sholto's Christmas wedding unfolded.

Members of the Relais & Chateaux group for over 20 years, Glenapp Castle is one of 480 of the world's best hotels. Their reputation for offering the finest food and accommodation, makes Glenapp Castle very sought after indeed. If you want to ensure the best possible wedding experience for you and your guests then this would be it.

The best wedding venue in Scotland?

Set within 110 acres of gardens and private estate, Glenapp Castle truly is a hidden gem. I've had the pleasure of photographing several Scottish castle weddings and Glenapp Castle is possibly the best wedding venue in Scotland.

My approach as a Glenapp Castle wedding photographer?

Before we discuss how I approach Glenapp Castle wedding photography it's worth mentioning how these guys pulled off a miracle. Victoria & Sholto planned and executed a wedding in six months. This involved family and friends travelling from Italy, Spain and London. Not only that, but figuring out the logistics, working with multiple covid regulations and then the travel itself. All in all a major accomplishment wouldn't you agree?

My photography style is natural and candid. It's best described as documentary wedding photography. Some people refer to this as reportage wedding photography but they're the same thing. My aim is to capture real moments without the need or desire to pose or direct people. I try to seek out storytelling photographs using the best available light and composition. I would describe myself as a creative documentary wedding photographer.

That's not to say I don't photograph family formals or couple portraits. I absolutely do, and I set some time aside to do this quickly and efficiently, so as not to eat into your day. What I tend to find with couple portraits is that I can do them in minutes rather than hours like some photographers. That's not a criticism of other photographers, since some couples want this type of staged photography and that's absolutely fine. 

Glenapp Castle wedding photography with Victoria & Sholto

Victoria & Sholto had exclusive use of the castle. During Friday and Saturday morning their guests arrived and checked in. The weather was wet and overcast and it was clear that the sun wouldn't appear throughout the day. The castle however, was the making of a fairytale wedding. The Christmas tree, all the festive decorations and warm tranquil lighting just added to the ambience.

A luxurious five star wedding experience

I shared my time in the morning between photographing both Victoria and Sholto. The ceremony itself took place in the Azalea Glasshouse, an 18th century glasshouse with a botanical feel. This was similar to one at the Balmoral Estate and owned by the Queen.

Throughout the day I couldn't help but notice how attentive the staff were. They really went out of their way to deliver on their promise of a luxurious five star wedding experience.

The wedding breakfast was served in the main castle. A table stretched from one end of the room to the other, a real display fit for royalty. Once the dinner service ended, guests enjoyed a few drinks at the bar whilst the staff prepared the room for the evening entertainment.

A wedding reception at Glenapp Castle

The Jacobites - A Ceilidh band provided the evening entertainment. If you're looking for a wedding band I highly recommend them. The Italian guests could only look on in amazement and eventually they joined in. The guests more familiar with this Scottish tradition were giving it everything!

I hope my images tell the story better than my words! If you're looking for Glenapp Castle wedding photography, or simply looking to find a creative documentary wedding photographer then get in touch.

Norton House Wedding Photography | Megan & John

When Megan and John hired me for their Norton House wedding photography, who knew what utter chaos lay ahead. Like many before and after them, their big day was delayed due to Covid 19, throwing months and even years of planning into turmoil.

Roll on September 2021 and finally, their dream wedding came to fruition, and what a day it was. Personally, this was my first time covering Norton House wedding photography and hopefully having experienced the day there it wasn't my last. 

Edinburgh wedding venue Norton House Hotel & Spa

The house is officially known as Norton House Hotel & Spa and was built in 1840. Driving past the original stone gate entrance you're greeted with a lovely tree lined drive. This pleasant slow drive takes you up to the main house and gardens. The house continues to look like a private residence. It is elegant and characterful, and has got better with age. Located on the outskirts of Edinburgh, it's literally minutes from the cities airport, main roads and train network. 

Gavin and his staff were so welcoming and attentive. They clearly delivered the most amazing service to Megan, John and their guests. 

I'd previously photographed Megan's cousin Emma's wedding at Dalhousie Castle. They wanted a documentary wedding photographer and so it was a great honour when they hired me. It's always nice to arrive at a wedding and be met with familiar faces, and always an honour that these families continue to hire me like they do, these recommendations really are at the heart of my business. Enough rambling from me now. As ever, over to the images that sing their song a lot better than I can put into words.

Are you looking for a documentary wedding photographer for your own wedding?  Below you'll get a good flavour of how I photograph weddings. My style is natural and candid and I prefer this over posed and set up photographs. Luckily for me all the couples who hire me feel the same. So, if you want good photography without the fuss or feeling like you're on a photoshoot feel free to reach out to me. Why not get in touch?

Drumtochty Castle Wedding Photography | Hayley & Brett

If you're looking for Drumtochty Castle Wedding Photography then Hayley & Brett's wedding story might be a good place to start.

Hayley and Brett's enquiry came by way of recommendation. When  a couple whose wedding I photographed in 2012, still continue to recommend me, it makes me feel extremely proud indeed. A special thank you to Byron and Louise, again!

This was my very first wedding at Drumtochty Castle, a beautiful venue tucked away in it's very own glen. I arrived the day before and met with Hayley and Nikki, the manager. Nikki kindly gave me a tour to familiarise myself with the layout in preparation for the next day.

I stayed a short drive from the castle in a place called Edzell. The whole area is very pretty, and on quiet country roads, the drive to the castle on the morning of their wedding was a real pleasure. The weather was surprisingly mild at around 8 degrees and not too windy. I'd take conditions like that in December all day long.

A little on how I approach Drumtochty Castle Wedding Photography

In all honesty, I approach a new venue in much the same way as I approach one I've worked at several times before. The venue really is secondary to the crowd, so being able to capture Hayley & Brett share precious time with their loved ones is my primary aim.

I spent an hour or so with Hayley and her bridesmaids as they got ready. Brett and the guys came downstairs around noon and eagerly lined up whilst Nikki pinned on their buttonholes. The guests all arrived and Hayley's father escorted her downstairs to be married. The ceremony was beautiful, as was the day in general.

We did some outdoor photographs for family, including Skye, Hayley and Brett's very beautiful husky dog.I always enjoy a fine Scottish wedding, and I always get a warm friendly crowd to spend the day with. The whisky was in full flow, warming the cockles in time for the Ceilidh.

The evening party was epic, I simply adore being in the thick of "The Gay Gordons" as I find it the only way to photograph a sense of the moment.

I tell this to all my couples, I think I just enjoy dancing..

Congratulations to Hayley and Brett! I wish you a Merry Christmas and a truly fantastic year. For anyone looking for Drumtochty Castle Wedding Photography, or anywhere else within the UK then feel free to get in touch.    

Boturich Castle Wedding | Kate & James

I felt incredibly honoured to be asked to photograph Kate & James's Boturich Castle wedding on the banks of Loch Lomond. I've photographed a long line of siblings, cousins and friends of the family.  I arrive at these stunning venues and feel like one of the family.

It's great to see friends whom I've photographed in the last few years and all with their young families. I'm a lucky guy and can't stress how thankful I am to be a part of your journeys. Long may this special relationship continue.

A little about this stunning Scottish wedding venue

A Boturich Castle wedding is known as one of the best wedding venues in Scotland. When I arrived the day before to familiarise myself with the surroundings I quickly realised why. It was also a nice surprise to be greeted by a Geordie who happened to live and work there.

The castle sits loud and proud only a stone's throw away from the banks of the iconic Loch Lomond. It's a place of outstanding natural beauty and surrounded by mountains. Standing on the lawn you have the Highlands to your north west and the Trossachs to your north east.

A little on how I shoot a Boturich Castle Wedding

Being a documentary wedding photographer I shoot most of the day in an unposed and real time manner. With the exception of a handful of family formal photographs and a few portraits, I capture the day as it unfolds.

Choosing a documentary wedding photographer ensures you get to spend maximum time with your friends and family rather than fussing about photography. On the morning of their wedding I met with Kate and her bridesmaids inside the castle to capture the preparations. There was a little scare with an accident on the main road into the castle when a coach containing most of the wedding guests was diverted. Luckily, this resulted in only a minor delay.

Thankfully everyone arrived safely and in one piece and that included James, our groom. Kate and her bridesmaids looked stunning and James scrubbed well too! He enjoyed a wee swig from a hip flask with his groomsmen and that made for a lovely sequence of photographs. Thanks for having me along to your Boturich Castle Wedding. It was such a memorable day and I look forward to catching up with you guys again.

Are you looking for a Boturich Castle Wedding photographer? If you're planning your own wedding anywhere within the UK then feel free to get in touch. 

Springkell House Wedding Photos | Faye & Euan

It was through a mutual friend of ours that Faye got in touch to invite me to take her Springkell House wedding photos. This was a mini adventure which took me cross country and north into Scotland and a stunning new first time venue for me. The most beautiful Springkell House is located just a few miles from a small village named Ecclefechan (not to be said fast whilst under the influence of alcohol). A very warm welcome awaits from James, the owner of this 300 year old house and the rest of his staff.My first meeting with Faye (apart from Skype!) was on the day of her wedding, a scenario that's becoming all the more regular in my work mainly due to the distance between me and my couples.  Spirits were high and I got to work and with a venue such as Springkell with it's Georgian features of tall ceilings and huge windows, I had an abundance of lovely light to work with. Euan is currently seeing out his basic training in the RAF, so naturally the boys in blue were there to share the day with him, along with quite a few kilts too.

Springkell House wedding photos

From the preparations in the morning we made the 4 mile journey by car to their church ceremony. Although being instructed to stay at the back and in the balcony during their ceremony, I was kindly allowed a quick opportunity to capture Faye and her father walking the aisle, and of course a nervous Euan awaiting his beautiful bride to be.They arrived back at Springkell House for their wedding breakfast, during which time I played scalextrics, yes you heard that right! I am only 42 you know.. The speeches followed and in true Scottish tradition the evening celebrations that followed were epic. Faye and Euan, the love you both share for each other I found endearing. I want to thank you for inviting me to capture Springkell House wedding photos, kudos to both of you for finding such a stunning venue. I wish you both all the very best.For those looking for their own Springkell House wedding photography then why not get in touch?

Dirleton Castle Wedding Photography - Becky & Roy

We'd like you to do our Dirleton Castle Wedding Photography and by the way, we'll be heading down to the coast afterwards and we'd like you to capture some of our wedding photos at Yellowcraigs beach. "It was an easy decision for me, a no brainer.  I'd decided not to stay the night before despite the 2 hour drive north on the morning of the wedding. Having lived in East Lothian some years ago the thought of cruising up that coastline early morning en route to photographing a castle/beach wedding was just too good to miss.

Becky and Roy are one of the most laid back couples I've had the pleasure to work alongside. The wedding itself was one of the most intimate I've captured, only 23 guests, mainly family and very close friends. What made it even more special was that Becky's mum conducted the ceremony, so as if getting married in a 400 year old fortress wasn't romantic enough, her mum being the one to marry her was a memory she'll never forget.

Dirleton Castle wedding photos are pretty unique!

After what was a truly beautiful ceremony, true to their word they organised two mini buses to ferry everyone down to Yellowcraigs beach. If you're wondering why the show of hands in the castle ramparts, I believe that was for the sake of gathering numbers for who was game for the beach! After an hour on the beach the same two mini buses that had collected everyone, failed to return!

If I can be trusted to shoot their Dirleton Castle Wedding Photography then I can be trusted to drop off a few guests. So with my white estate car, I made several trips back and forth until all the guests were safely back. I simply love weddings like this, they organised the day the way they wanted things to run, and at their own speed.

Instead of the traditional first dance and band/DJ, they opted for a few drinks and a game of "Truth." I hope you enjoy their little wedding story as much as I enjoyed capturing it.. For those on the search for their very own Dirleton Castle wedding photography or any other venue and you like what you see then why not get in touch?

Kirknewton House Stables Wedding Photography | Sara & Marcus

Sara & Marcus's Kirknewton House Stables wedding photography was possibly the hottest I'm ever likely to photograph there! Sara and Marcus, their friends and family flew in from New Zealand for what turned out to be a pretty epic day. They got in touch with me last year and asked me to photograph their Kirknewton House Stables wedding.

Since I'd photographed Sara's cousin's wedding a few years previous I felt blessed to be invited north again. To be able to spend another fun packed wedding with their family meant the world to me. I stayed  close to Peebles in the Scottish Borders. That way, I was reasonably close for the drive north the next morning. The morning drive took approximately 40 minutes and through beautiful Scottish countryside, I headed towards the Dalmahoy Hotel & Country Club. 

Sara and most of the wedding party chose to stay here the night before as this was where her bridal preparations would take place. I can't ever recall the weather being so warm in Scotland. The temperature read thirty degrees in the car. The weather forecast reported 28 degrees. Based on these figures I settled on twenty nine degrees for the purpose of my story! By 11am my shirt was sticking to me it was so hot!

I'd previously met Sara & Marcus to photograph their eshoot on Blyth Beach in Northumberland. Through this and the times I'd met them previous it was obvious that we made a great team.

The atmosphere at a Kirknewton House Stables wedding is incredibly relaxed.

On the day, it felt like being with old friends. The atmosphere was incredibly laid back, but was executed down to every last detail without a hitch. Rain almost threatened play right before the outdoor ceremony, but Sara was determined to proceed outdoors, and her judgement call was spot on.

From a wedding photographer's point of view, I can only describe the day as a visual feast amongst friends. Are you a couple looking for Kirknewton House Stables photography of your own? Whether you're planning your wedding here or anywhere else within the UK feel free to reach out to me. If you like my photography style and think I may be a good fit then I'd love to hear from you.

If you're looking for a documentary Edinburgh wedding photographer for your Kirknewton House Stables wedding photography or anywhere else throughout Scotland and the UK then why not get in touch to find out if I’m available.