A look inside Lauren and Martin's Scottish fairytale wedding.
March saw my first wedding shoot of the year. Lauren and Martin's Dundas Castle fairytale wedding was a dream come true, and a pleasure to be a part of!
Wedding location - Dundas Castle
It was my first time getting the opportunity to photograph at the incredible Dundas Castle, just outside of Edinburgh. The castle is magnificent - it looks like it's straight from the pages of a fairytale. The castle has a lot of history too, with parts of the building dating back to 15 th century, which makes it a treat to take photographs in. My favourite location was the pool room. As soon as I walked in, I knew I had to get a shot of the men in there, and in the evening Daniela and I returned with Lauren and Martin to take some moody, romantic shots!
I was incredibly impressed by the staff at Dundas Castle, too. The wedding coordinator was incredibly helpful and ready to accommodate any needs across the whole day!
The bride
Lauren looked simply stunning. Her dress was gorgeous - it was a stunning design by Stewart Pravin and supplied by Rachel Scott Bridal Couture. The details really make this dress - there were delicate details on the shoulder and a belt to match. However, I have to say my favourite part of her wedding look were her matching nails and shoes. Both were in a bright red, which is something I've personally never seen before! It made sure her wedding look definitely stood out when compared to other brides I've worked with.
Armands proved to be a fantastic choice for our wedding photographer. He worked extremely hard for the whole of our wedding day and his enthusiastic and fun nature made us feel completely at ease. His able assistant Daniela was also great fun. Armands was well organised and had the day of photos under control from the outset - it meant we could just relax and of course smile on cue. The pre-wedding shoot was a fantastic bonus and is a great way for couples to understand Armands' way of working.
Importantly our family and friends loved Armands' energy and we can't wait to see the final photos!
Armands is great value and more importantly great fun!
Martin & Lauren
Wedding 11 March 2017
Bridal getting ready part at the Dundas Castle
Grooms morning preparations.
Dundas Castle wedding ceremony.
After the ceremony, the happy couple were given a special padlock to lock onto one of the castle gates. This was to celebrate 600 years of Dundas Castle, and added a really special touch to the day.
Wedding ceremony was conducted by amazing Humanist - Duncan Robertson. I have photographed many of his ceremonies and he always makes it extra special, expressive and fun.
Dundas Castle Wedding Photos with the couple.
Weather was calm and a bit misty. We did a test run of wedding photography a few months prior to the wedding. Those of you who don't know how I work, I always do a test run with a couple. We go to the venue and discuss all the details on where we will go, what we will do and couples love it. They learn what to do and what to avoid on the day. We discuss timeline and other small details. Every time there is something we need to adjust or couples haven't thought of yet.
Wedding photos on the roof terrace
I loved this part. Pretty narrow staircase to get up there, but what a view. Beautiful. Probably not the best for super windy days, but the castle has pretty good grounds where to get more photos.
Photography around Dundas castle grounds.
Floral arch in photos was made by one and only Planet Flowers guys. If you need to make an impact with florals, these guys are one of the best in Midlothian.
Few formal group photos moments.
Speeches and the marquee set up.
During the speeches, Martin's best man put on the perfect show for all of the guests. Not only did he share his best stories, but we also got to hear his vocal prowess, too. He had everyone laughing, and lucky Martin was amused!
The wedding day was made all the more special because it was also Lauren's birthday. As a result, there was more than enough cake to go around - always a plus!
Wedding evening. Let's dance.
Evening portraits with couple.
I tend to stay longer than a typical wedding photographer. I normally stay till 10 pm. This gives me the opportunity to create a little bit different kind of wedding couple portraits. Depending on locations, the season I decide what we could do. I love the pool room at the venue and wanted the couple to have a bit more like moody noir portraits. So after a few dances, they wanted fresh air and we headed there.
The day was rounded off perfectly. Each guest was given sparklers, so of course, we all got up and went outside - not realising there was going to be a full, stunning firework display in the grounds of the castle! It was a truly magical end to a magical day - and I hope this is reflected in Lauren and Martin's photographs!
Wedding vendors on the day.
As always day was filled with lots of pretty details and the service provided was amazing. Personally I loved red shoes and nail polish touch. Hair and makeup girls did amazing natural look make up. Planet flowers as always did a fantastic job and for the first time, I saw their fancy Modern Calligraphy. Wow, it is done in house. Looks very pretty.
All that delicious cake display delivered by Mimi's Bakehouse.
Shoes- Christian Louboutin
Make up - Jenni Muir
Hair - Jennifer Crawford wedding hair stylist
Nails - Montgomery Beauty Boutique
Kilts - kingdom kilts Kirkcaldy
Bridesmaid dresses - Pretty woman Edinburgh
Flowers - Planet Flowers
Cakes - Mimi's Bakehouse
Cairn string quartet
Corra Band
Fireworks- 21CC
Check the wedding information page
Would you like to find out if I'm available for your wedding date or more information my services, packages? Please check the wedding information page. Don't forget to look into the portfolio too.
