Grange Manor Hotel – Katrina and Alan’s Wedding
It’s funny how it goes with wedding photography! Having never photographed a wedding at the Grange Manor Hotel in my career before, I have captured three weddings there this year!
Size Matters!
When I first met Katrina and Alan they weren’t really sure that they wanted a photographer at their wedding at all. They’d originally wanted a small affair but, as these things so often do, once they started planning it became a much bigger affair! We sat down for a quick chat and before we knew it we’d been blethering for over an hour! Once we started putting the world to rights over reality TV I knew they were a JB Moments Photography couple and vice versa.
Friends First
Katrina and Alan started out as friends. Their daughters were also friends and so Katrina and Alan found themselves spending more and more time in each other’s company. By 2017 they both realised they had feelings for each other and became a couple.
Alan only proposed in May this year! Katrina thought they were going out for a meal with their respective children but Alan whisked her off for a walk first along to one of their favourite spots. He then laid out a picnic blanket and proposed. He even wrote down everything he wanted to say so he didn’t forget any of it in the moment. Then they went back to the restaurant and met the kids who’d all been in on Alan’s plan. What followed was, I suspect, a very celebratory lunch!
Deciding not to hang around they decided to plan the wedding in 6 months and get married in October.
Whetting the Whistle
Alan was joined by his brother as his best man, his dad, and his son at the bar for some pre-ceremony refreshments. Katrina and Alan had sourced as much as they could locally for the wedding including the kilt hire from Taylor Made in Stenhousemuir.
Girls! Girls! Girls!
Meanwhile over in the Bride Tribe room, it was all systems go. Both mums, the chief bridesmaid (Katrina’s best friend), all four of their daughters, and two very cute flower girls (who were also Alan’s nieces)! The make-up artist and hairdresser were doing a sterling job.
How cute are these flower girls?
Go Time
The guests were seated, the humanist primed and the piper’s lungs were ready. What I love about the Grange is you can capture the whole bridal party when they gather at reception before they walk down the aisle.
And what a beautiful party. Katrina was absolutely glowing in her Bridal Boutique Dress and flowers from Irene’s.
A Proper Family Affair
Katrina’s mum gave her away and you could tell it was an emotional moment for them both.
One of Alan’s and one of Katrina’s daughters read a poem together during the ceremony. Love and best wishes swirled around the room for my couple as they shared their own written vows with each other.
A huge cheer erupted when they became Mr and Mrs Smith.
As well as sweet touches like the reading and their own vows, my couple also had certificates for the flower girls to sign so they felt like VIPs on the day.
I’d never seen this before and thought it was a lovely touch.
Autumn Weather
As we live in Scotland I bring my wedding umbrellas with me to every wedding I shoot. I really thought I was going to need them on this day as it had been raining on and off all morning.
But as the ceremony finished and we all headed outside for the group photos the sun was shining.
So much so, that I got the most amazing sun flare in camera (spoiler alert, I usually add ones like this in post-production). This was 100% natural shining down on all the wedding guests.
I wanted a picture with Alan and Katrina and all five of their children. I asked the girls to pop their legs and show off the tremendous splits in their bridesmaid’s dresses. Not wanting to be left out Derren also wanted in on the leg showing action!
Fall Formals
The Autumn weather had also meant the trees and foliage around the hotel grounds were treating us to some gorgeous colour displays. Katrina was an absolute trooper with her dress and shoes walking over soggy paths and muddy grass to where I wanted the pictures taken.
I hope she agrees it was worth it.
I also managed to continue my run of ‘grooms holding bouquets’ with Alan looking delightful with the flowers. Wonder if I could publish a Grooms holding bouquets book one day…
Despite not wanting a formal photographer originally and claiming they hated getting their pictures taken – these two were perfect models. They were so happy and relaxed. Clearly in love and totally enjoying their day. Also very happy to kiss on demand when I asked them for it (which I did, a lot)! I absolutely love this picture of them just enjoying themselves.
Kiss for Cake
Before it was time for me to leave, we wanted some pictures by the scrummy-looking cake.
Yes, I made them kiss again. It’s a tough gig being a wedding couple!
As I was packing up my gear I could hear the piper playing requests in the bar to raucous applause. It was going to be a very good night with this crowd. These families know how to party.
Congratulations again Mr and Mrs Smith.
