Lynsey and Martin chose the beautiful idyllic spot of Taychreggan on the shores of Loch Awe for their wedding. Lynsey is definitely the details queen, she had lovely little touches everywhere and we were really on our mettle to ensure nothing was missed in the photographs. Most ambitious of all was an old snapshot of each guest to identify their seating at the tables, this was a  big hit with the guests (that’s the bride & groom as children you can see in the photo below). A beautiful sunny day meant Lynsey & Martin were married outdoors with the sound of waves lapping on the shore. The fine weather also allowed us to go out again after dinner for a few extra photographs when the light was lovely and soft.

The mark of a professional wedding photographer is the ability to deliver strong images reliably in all circumstances. The circumstances of Amanda & Stuart’s November wedding were simply awful wet, windy weather. I had already planned to use one of the hotel bars for some romantic photos so the weather wasn’t really a factor, at least once we were inside! It helps to have the latest camera and specialised professional lenses which are designed for low light conditions – plus a beautiful couple very much in love!

Every venue presents unique opportunities for wedding photographers with a creative eye, and Mount Stuart has more than most due to the extravagance of the Gothic Revival architecture. I asked Caroline & Mike to take five minutes away from their wedding reception after I saw the potential of this hallway with it’s fantastic design and lighting. The result is a lovely wedding photograph that I feel reflects the romance of the couple and of the setting, and proves that great wedding photographs need not take all day to achieve.

We’ve never had a problem with uninvited guests at the weddings we’ve photographed, but we had an interesting exception when Laura and Michael were married at the Roman Camp Hotel, Callander. A small bat flew in and circled the room during the ceremony to the amusement of most guests, although some of the bridesmaids were a little concerned! Everything proceeded without interruption and it was decided that a bat at your wedding is a good luck sign. Again we were able to catch many natural moments, including when Laura and Michael stole a kiss while waiting to go in to dinner – in fact, only the last photo below is directed, everything else was captured naturally as it happened. I must also mention the band Corra who were absolutely fantastic – among the best I’ve heard, highly recommended.

Just the thing to bring a smile on these cold winter days – a classic outdoor summer wedding at what is surely one of the most romantic spots in Scotland, Dalmunzie Castle.

We love to document real moments and emotions rather than to direct and pose. This approach really paid off when Katie & Matt, who had decided not to put themselves in the spotlight with a traditional first dance, couldn’t resist a quick spin in the empty room while the band were tuning up. We were on hand to photograph this unplanned moment which truly captures the couple and their story. Priceless!

Debbie & Robert’s wedding was a low-key family and close friends affair in Glasgow. Debbie looked fabulous in her dress from Dolce & Gabbana, Robert managed to look pretty good too!  The City Inn by the river was a classic Glasgow setting for the delicious meal and for the reception. Robert called in a few favours from fellow musicians, so guests enjoyed dancing to three different bands.

For something a little bit different, we’ve produced a comic book page telling the story of the day in just six pictures -

Sarah & Oliver’s wedding at Mar Lodge was our first visit to this beautiful hunting lodge set in magnificent Scottish scenery near Braemar. We were impressed by how very helpful the staff were in making sure everything ran smoothly and to time. Among the many little special touches Sarah & Oliver had added to their day was a Wish Tree at the reception where guests can write a message or some marriage advice for the newlyweds; an intriguing alternative to a Guest Book.

Rhoda wins the award for calmest bride ever, staying extremely cheerful even though her wedding dress didn’t arrive until literally five minutes before she had to leave! In the interest of fairness I’ll also nominate Ross for an award – he wrote the Bridal March.

The Barony was the classic Glasgow setting for Leanne & Shaun’s wedding. Leanne wore the most amazing Ian Stuart dress – the words “fairy-tale princess” only begin to hint at describing it.  The Barony was the ideal setting to show off the dress – this former church is a spectacular wedding venue located in the oldest part of the city and close to Glasgow Cathedral.

Tracey & Stuart’s wedding was one big weekend house party, the setting Achnagairn House near Inverness. You rent the house and provide literally everything needed for the stay and the wedding – even the tea urn was brought in by the families. The ballroom was the setting for the wedding ceremony, and was beautifully transformed by Angela Stewart Flowers.  The evening bar was provided by Moray Forth Radio to raise cash4kids. Another innovation was the provision of a video diary room, complete with the Big Brother chair. Finishing the day in style, Tracey & Stuart provided a whole roast pig for their guests!

Andreea & Colin came from overseas to marry before family and close friends in the wonderful and wildly romantic setting of Lennoxlove House.  The house, recently refurbished, and the gardens are truly outstanding, a superb setting for a Scottish wedding.  The ceremony took place in Lennoxlove’s own chapel, located within the main house. The evening party was extremely spirited – everyone had such a good time that it seemed there must be twice as many guests as were actually there.

Nisreen and Ib planned the wedding with everything – and then added a bit more! The ceremony incorporated both Sudanese and Scottish traditions to reflect the backgrounds of the couple, and many family members were involved. Then African dancers entertained the guests, followed by belly dancers, followed by dinner, speeches, a candle-lit cake cutting in the gazebo, followed immediately by fireworks, a ceilidh and then a paper lantern release – wow!  Apologies if I missed anything, but my head is still reeling.  The entire event took place in the beautiful Clyde Valley surroundings of Cornhill House at Biggar.

**UPDATE** – Nisreen & Ib’s wedding featured in Real Life Weddings magazine – click to view

There was a lovely relaxed family atmosphere to the day when Jennifer & Leigh were married in the elegant surroundings of the Glendevon Room at Gleneagles Hotel. The tables for the wedding breakfast were decorated in a most vibrant colour that we feared might not be fully captured in the photographs – fortunately, we were wrong! A large proportion of the wedding party had travelled up from England, but they became enthusiastic Scottish dancers when the band struck up with some ceilidh music.