Wedding Photography

Cutting it fine

When I met Hazel and John for their wedding photography consultation it was less than a month to go and they still didn’t have their wedding venue confirmed! Through no fault of their own, I hasten to add. They had their heart set on Inchcolm Abbey on Inchcolm Island, one of Scotland’s best-kept secrets. But, renovations to its pier were taking longer than expected and it was going to be touch and go if it would be ready in time for their mid-May wedding. Historic Scotland was doing everything they could including reserving a plan B at the beautiful Aberdour Castle.

Finally with less than a week to go Hazel got the call that it would be ready. Their dream venue was a go!

Hazels and John met about 5 years ago at work John proposed to Hazel at her birthday meal, or so they told me…according to the registrar he proposed from the back of his works van! I think I’m going to stick to my version of events as it’s more romantic.

What could possibly go wrong now?

The day of their wedding the sun was in full force and all seemed to be going well until I arrived at Hawes Pier in South Queensferry to find it jam-packed full of fire engines. What the heck? Turned out to be nothing to worry about but a routine exercise for one of the big oil tankers. Phew! I think the bride had the same panic as me when she turned up and saw all the commotion.

Then the captain of the Maid of the Forth ferry that was taking us all the island advised that there had been a gas leak at the island in the early hours of the morning and staff had been frantically setting up Aberdour Castle just in case but luckily it was all fixed in time!

The ferry looked beautiful complete with white ribbons on the front and the bride was hidden away in the captain’s office before all the rest of the guests boarded.

And relax

Once the ferry got the all clear to start the 30-minute journey to Inchcolm island I could see the bride visibly relax. Finally, it was all coming together 🙂

Hazel looked stunning in an elegant fit and flare dress and with a hand-tied bouquet.

Sea Legs

Once my sea legs were working there were only so many pictures I could take of the guests before they got fed up with me so I set about getting creative with the rings and the ‘nautical’ version of ‘tying the knot’.

Then Incholm Island came into view and wow! Stunning in the May sunshine.

Family Affair

It was a very intimate ceremony held in the atmospheric Chapter House room. Hazel’s daughter Isla was her bridesmaid and they said their vows in front of close family and friends.

The natural light flooding into the room was a dream come true for any photographer 🙂

Show Stealer

Zac the couples young son had a very important role as Ring Security.

In his mini-me version of Dad John’s kilt, he looked totally adorable. His ring briefcase came in very handy for storing his toy cars in too, once he has dispensed with the rings!