Family Photography

“A smile is happiness you’ll find right under your nose.” – Tom Wilson

It took a family visiting from Canada to introduce me to Plane Castle or Cock-a-bendy castle as the locals call it. A beautifully restored castle literally 5 minutes drive from my house/studio.

A Wedding?

When I got there the laundry guy was just leaving and asked me if I was there for the wedding? A bit confused I dragged my camera case over the cobbled stones and met Shaun who had contacted me to arrange the shoot. Then all became clear! Shaun and his new wife Jamiela had eloped in May. Rather than have a big wedding back home, Shaun who is a huge history buff decided to use the cash to holiday in various castles in Scotland with Jamiela and his teenage daughter Alorah. An excellent idea I thought (especially as they booked me for some family photos!) and Jamiela got to wear her pretty dress for a second time. Genius!

As an aside you can have all manner of weddings at this venue in the buildings and the beautiful grounds.

In the Garden

Set amongst 3 acres the castle has been lovingly restored with a pond and many statues and features. I am told there is even a peacock but he didn’t appear whilst I was there.

We certainly had some fun exploring parts of it.

Off to the Tower

The Hecks were staying in the Medieval Tower part of the castle and as Shaun looked very dapper in his kilt I felt it was only right to take an obligatory knee up, fireside shot!

Then it was time for me to leave the Hecks holiday residence and trundle home. As I left they were planning what castle to visit next before heading back to Canada. I think Stirling Castle was winning. I, meanwhile am delighted to have discovered a castle that has literally been under my nose this whole time.