Braemar Scottish Highland Elopement

It’s been a long time since my last post and anyone who knows me will be aware that I’m not very good at this kind of thing but I’ve worked on some great projects meantime and it’s about time I got some pictures online.

Lockdown wasn’t the disaster I thought it might be for wedding photography since it meant people who couldn’t wait to get hitched opted for plan B and elopements started happening. And I love elopements. When it’s just the couple and no guests to cater for, there’s no need to worry about the usual format and the day becomes unique and personal as well as a lot more interesting.

This is a wonderful elopement wedding to kick things off with, the marriage of Susan and Gary in Braemar in the Scottish Highlands.

The day started with our couple getting ready with their two children at The Fife Arms Hotel in Braemar, a fantastic tradition Scottish hotel with a hunting, fishing, shooting type feel that were able to provide us with our own Ghillie to help scout possible locations for our photography the day before.

The wedding ceremony took place outdoors by a waterfall on the Mar Lodge Estate with only our couple, their two children, celebrant and the estate manager. A little rain wasn’t a problem and added some atmosphere with typically Scottish weather to complete the experience. After an intimately personal ceremony it was back to Mar Lodge where they had created a beautiful setting for a homemade lunch by the fireplace in the library.

We had time for some family photos outside the lodge before we left the kids behind to capture some portraits in the stunning scenery around Braemar.

The final stop for me was a return to the Fife Arms where the couple had their first dance watched by family and friends on Skype where I left them to enjoy the rest of their day without the cameras looking on.

David & Tony’s Edinburgh engagement session photos from last summer are probably my favourite of the year. They make the best of Edinburgh’s romantic old town and Scotland’s dramatic landscape all in one shoot.

I love the story the photos tell with their mix of candid moments messing around, and intimate, unposed portraits.

Photographing a same sex couple, I think it’s more important than ever to avoid the standard poses. Keep it relaxed, fun, and allow it to be genuine.

David & Tony were great fun and warmed to the camera quickly, despite the initial nerves. I’m looking forward to photographing their wedding in May at Edinburgh’s grand Balmoral Hotel. You can see the hotel behind them in the final photographs on Calton Hill.

The portrait session started slowly with drinks at The Inn On The Mile. Always good to ease into things. We spent the next hour wandering the Edinburgh’s old town. The guys looked great in their outfits. Like a couple of gents from The Avengers.

Next we headed to Arthur’s Seat. We’re so lucky to have this Scottish scenery in the heart of the city. It’s like being in The Highlands, but with a backdrop of Edinburgh Castle. The drama of The Crags is hard to beat.

I love having Edinburgh on my doorstep. What better place to inspire beautiful photography?

If the wedding is half as good as the engagement photography, it’ll be a great day.