Prestonfield House & The Ghillie Dhu – Melanie & Paul’s Wedding

Prestonfield House & The Ghillie Dhu – Melanie & Paul’s Wedding

Prestonfield House & The Ghillie Dhu – Melanie & Paul’s Wedding

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Wedding Photography

I wasn’t prepared for the reaction when we walked into the Ghillie Dhu. We just looked at each other and said what do we do now!

The groom Paul admitted to me during a quick chat at the reception. That for me summed up Melanie and Paul as a couple. Gorgeously humble. When I met them before the wedding for their pre-wedding consultation it was all about getting pictures of the venue and their respective boys (Mel has two sons Tom and Harry.  Paul has one son Aiden who has given them a grandson Oscar with his partner Rebecca). Not about pictures of them.

They had put a lot of thought into their wedding so it would be just perfect for them. An intimate ceremony and meal with their immediate family and closest friends followed by a big party in the evening to celebrate with everyone they cared about.

A Most Beautiful Day for a Wedding

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The sun shone brightly and Prestonfield House looked her absolute best. The gardens were manicured to perfection and the attentive staff were as smart as ever.

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The Groom arrived with the guests and if he was nervous it wasn’t showing.

Wedding photographer in Edinburgh - JB Moments Photography

One of the pictures Melanie had specifically asked for was all the boys walking towards Prestonfield House in their kilts. Even little Oscar at just one and a half co-operated!

Wedding photographer in Edinburgh - JB Moments Photography

Melanie arrived with her close friend and bridesmaid almost bang on time in a white London Taxi.

Wedding photographer in Edinburgh - JB Moments Photography

She looked absolutely stunning in an elegant fit and flare dress from Kavelle and timeless bouquet from the florists, Snapdragon who also supplied the buttonholes and the most amazing centrepiece for the private dining table in the hotel.

A Ceremony filled with love

I am a sucker for the groom’s first look at his bride and Paul didn’t let me down. He literally looked as if his breath had been taken away as Melanie walked towards him.

Wedding photographer in Edinburgh - JB Moments Photography

What I found really sweet was how excited Mel’s youngest was. He couldn’t wait to see his mum in her wedding dress and he got up to study Paul and Mel’s faces as they said their vows and become husband and wife.

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I’m just making sure you’re doing it right!

Short but Sweet

Melanie and Paul had been very clear with me that they wanted plenty of time alone to enjoy their time with their guests. They didn’t want to be spending hours taking pictures. I totally get that and one of the things I pride myself on is client satisfaction. It is their day – not an excuse to build my portfolio!

Wedding photographer in Edinburgh - JB Moments Photography
What a handsome group.

We still had a bit of fun though. Mel insisted on showing Paul and me her fabulous sparkly heels and hot pink pedicure so I knew I had to capture that.

Wedding photographer in Edinburgh - JB Moments Photography

Then I left them to enjoy their bubbles in the sunshine before heading to their opulent private dining room for a sumptuous feast.

Wedding photographer in Edinburgh - JB Moments Photography

Part Two

The happy couple were holding their reception in the Ghillie Dhu in the centre of Edinburgh. The auditorium with its vaulted ceilings is the perfect setting to party the night away.

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Let them eat Cake

I have to give a special mention to the cake or rather cakes.

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How gorgeous do they look?

Guests were greeted as they started arriving with Prosecco or Peroni and before too long the bride and groom were en route.

They were greeted by a standing ovation of cheering, clapping and whistling.

If I could just have your attention, please

Soon it was time for the speeches. Paul got a bit emotional as he talked about his and Mel’s journey and their families becoming one.

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But it was the Best Man Davey that outdid himself. Paul and Davey knew each other before they were born as their mums were firm friends and their families are totally intertwined. The only difference they seemed to have was football and whilst Davey is a Rangers fan he undertook a great sacrifice to prove to Paul how much his friendship meant…

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He wanted me to destroy these pictures but unfortunately for him, they are part of the wedding gallery!

Party on

The formalities over the ceilidh band kicked into action and for the next couple of hours, the dance floor was full of happy people swirling and turning.

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And after a short pause in the proceedings for everyone to refuel with a carvery after all that energetic dancing, it was up to the DJ to make sure he filled the dancefloor as much as the band did. But not before the bride and groom had their first dance.

Wedding photographer in Edinburgh - JB Moments Photography

As I left the party was really getting going as people prepared to dance into the wee small hours.

A truly beautiful day for a truly beautiful couple. Congratulations to the new Mr and Mrs Hoenigmann.