Kim, Ben, their families and closest friends came all the way from the USA to marry in the magnificent setting of Dalmunzie Castle in Glenshee.  We love Dalmunzie because it has the feel of a remote Highland fastness though only two hours from Glasgow or Edinburgh, and the food and customer service are world class.  The wedding ceremony was held in the tiny, romantic Glenshee Parish Church, and we had an unexpected bonus - as Kim & Ben came down the aisle, the minister rang the church bell to celebrate the marriage. It doesn’t get any more romantic than that!

Weddings are always joyous affairs, but there seemed to be an extra dose of family joy when Jane & Chris were married at Ballathie House in Perthshire. The atmosphere was of a weekend house party, the setting and food fantastic. The four young bridesmaids were not only beautiful, they were also extremely well behaved - most of the time! 

The music that is often a part of wedding ceremonies held in Glasgow University Chapel is always superb, and the two sopranos singing at Jiayi and Sumitha’s ceremony maintained the exceptionally high standard. Closest family and friends flew in from all parts of the world to help make the wedding an extra special affair. “Reflections” became a theme in the photographs, starting when I saw Jiayi’s father reflected in the window of her bridal car when she arrived at the University.  Mar Hall was the setting for the celebrations; the Clyde Suite is a lovely room for an intimate wedding breakfast.

Sara & Rudi’s wedding had all the glamour you would expect at the luxurious Gleneagles Hotel - the bridal suite is not only set over two levels, it even has a rooftop terrace!  The richly decorated Ballroom was the setting for the moving ceremony, and guests were able to enjoy their champagne and canapés in the beautiful grounds afterwards.  During a trip to the lake for photographs we were caught in a sudden and extensive hailstorm and were forced to take refuge under the trees. Gleneagles staff were on the ball and quickly came to our rescue carrying multiple umbrellas, but not before I had managed to take photographic advantage of the situation!

Kate & John’s wedding was a real family affair, with everyone pitching in to make the day really special and super-friendly. Kate & John travelled from the USA and rented a large house in the beautiful Perthshire countryside (who knew you could do that? - there’s a whole website of choices) and invited family and close friends to stay. Kate’s mum did an amazing job with the flowers, another relation drove Kate to the ceremony in his beautiful Jaguar, and everywhere folks pitched in sorting, fixing, arranging. There was a wonderful community feel about the whole day, reflecting the warmth and friendliness of Kate & John themselves. The ceremony was held at Huntingtower Castle, then everyone returned to the house where roaring log fires, strong Scotch whisky and a wonderful dinner awaited.

Another week, another castle…..this time it was beautiful Birkhill Castle, set in wonderful grounds a rural location overlooking the River Tay.  Manuela & Oliver were married at Wormit Church where the minister, Rev. Jim Connolly, was once a wedding photographer - so no pressure then!  The day proceeded perfectly, and we got some lovely images as the bride & groom walked through the magical walled garden and into the surrounding forest - I think Manuela set a new record for cross-country walking in heels!

Another international wedding this week as Shuko and Jibu were married at Cardross Parish Church - Shuko’s parents, family and friends had come all the way from Japan. The father’s speeches were among the many highlights of the day, with Shuko’s dad delivering his in English to great applause, and Jibu’s dad making a moving and funny speech in praise of his son. The reception was held at Cameron House, and the beautiful cars were provided by Waterside Weddings.

To stunning Wedderburn Castle for the wedding of Joanna & Jamie this weekend. The ceremony was held in the idyllic little Bonkyl Kirk, well worth the short drive for such a special setting. After some very emotional and touching speeches the guests feasted on dishes made from local ingredients and produced by the castle’s resident chef, and partied late into the night to the sounds of a truly excellent Jazz/Swing band, Powder Jazz.

 I was on the other side of the lens at the wedding of my niece Cheryl to John Paul. Photographic duties were handled by Janet and our good friend Amanda Cruise, and they worked very, very hard while I was busy catching up with family and generally enjoying the day. Of course I couldn’t truly just relax, so I made a little video as a change of pace!

The beautiful chapel which is part of Shieldhill Castle was the setting for Christina & Allan’s wedding ceremony. The weather didn’t dampen the the celebrations one little bit - what could be more romantic than the newlyweds taking a carriage ride together in the rain after the ceremony? I loved the look of the cake with tiers in the shape of a heart, and I’m told it tasted as good as it looked!