“Hold me. Like you did by the lake on Naboo, so long ago, when there was nothing but our love.”
Last Wedding of the Year
Well, my wedding season finished with a bang this year. I have known Fiona for years through my commercial photography with her team at the University of Stirling. Imagine how honoured I was when she asked me if I could photograph her wedding? (in case you can’t imagine, very!).
A Pair of Mugs
Back in 2018, Fiona wandered into the staff kitchen at Stirling University with her Star Wars mug, ready to make a cuppa and get back to work. She bumped into Nic, who happened to be temping at the University, making a brew with…a Star Wars mug. “Nice mug”, said Fiona and that was that!
Despite her woeful attempt at a chat up line, Fiona was smitten and it would seem Nic was the same as shortly after she agreed to go on a first date with Fi. Fast forward to July 2023 and Fi proposed to Nic, whilst they were casually chilling out on the sofa. She had thought about a grand gesture earlier in the week on their anniversary but Nic had been ill. So with the help of Cal their huge floofy loveable lump of a dog in a heart bandanna, Fi said “how about it?” and Nic said yes!
Away to the Races
The Western House Hotel next to Ayr Racecourse in Nic’s home town was the beautiful venue for the wedding. At the very end of November, it was a cold but bright, blustery day and the tasteful Christmas decorations added extra glitz and glamour to the proceedings.
Bridal Sweet!
The bridal suite had been recently redecorated complete with an amazing slipper bath (more on that later), so it was perfect for capturing my brides once they were ready. There was some careful navigating going on by the hotel’s wedding team to ensure they didn’t see each other before the ceremony.
Considering neither bride had seen each others dresses they complimented each other very well. They both looked absolutely stunning. I was so used to seeing Fiona dressed in trousers and shirts at work that it took my breath away to see her in a wedding dress and heels!
The Ceremony
Fiona was walked down the aisle by her best human Marie and then Nicola was walked down the aisle with her best man Conny.
The ceremony was equal parts moving and funny with fabulous readings from Marie and Conny
And then they were Mrs and Mrs!
Limber up those Smiles
I always meet my couples before the wedding for a consultation. This helps me to understand the timings of the day and make sure I capture any specific people/images the couple want. Usually, the formal group pictures include the couple’s families and the odd friend groups. It is a testament to how many close friends this pair have when the group photo requests ran to over twenty!
Fair play to Fi and Nic they kept those beautiful smiles going throughout them all. I also can’t express just how grateful I was to Conny and Marie for rounding up all the various groups for me. Luckily they both still looked glorious when it finally came to their turn.
It was also a good creative workout for me to try and make the pictures all a bit different.
Formal (Not Really)
Despite all that smiling for group pictures, when I finally got my brides outside for some bridal portraits, they still couldn’t stop smiling and laughing.
The hotel has some lovely spots for photos but at the time of year we were chasing the light a little and the temperature was dropping. Fi had a lovely shawl and Nic a cute furry jacket to keep them warm.
And I managed to combat the low light by using my bridal umbrella as a big light reflector over the top of them.
Fight!
Knowing that these two were avid Star Wars fans, it felt right to get them to pretend they were having a lightsaber battle outside the hotel. I knew I could add the sabres in post, and I have to say they might be my favourite images.
Star Wars Fans You Say?
I mean if you ever needed proof that Fi and Nic loved all things from a galaxy far far away check out their amazing cake.
What I was more surprised at was Fi’s admission during the speeches that she’d invited Snoop Dog to the wedding the night before via a tweet!
Happy Ever Afters
In what felt like mere moments after I had arrived at the hotel, it was time for the first dance. But not before Fi and Nic had changed out of their heels into their Cons and Crocs, respectively. Ready for a night of serious dancing. Not before I got a picture of them both in that glorious bath I mentioned earlier!
As I got back in my car to drive back up the road to Auchterarder I reflected on what a gloriously riotous and fun day it had been, how wonderful it is when two people find love and did Snoop turn up after I’d left?!
2025 you have a lot to live up to. Thanks again to all my 2024 couples xXx
