Joanne & Kevin - St Mirins Cathedral & Crowne Plaza

Joanne & Kevin chose the festive season to be married and what a wonderful happy occasion it was.

On the days running up to their wedding day we had temperatures of -15degrees and snow falling heavily on the ground. The snow looked lovely and the frosty trees were beautiful, but while we were all dressed up in woolly hats and scarves, we wondered with both excitement and trepidation what weather we would have on Joanne and Kevins big day!

Before we knew it, the day had arrived and the weather forecast was for rain! Fortunately for Joanne, it remained dry for her arrival to the church and we even got a group photo outside of the church and some stunning photos later that evening on Bells Bridge overlooking the Clyde.

The reception at the Crowne Plaza was indeed a grand affair and the couple were greeted with a red carpet and pink champagne and their very own Master of Ceremonies, Aiden Livingston. Aiden was extremely well organised and a perfect gentleman - he ensured that everything ran as smooth as clockwork on the night. 

Wet, dark and cold days always make for difficult photographic settings, but we made the most of the opportunities that we had and Joanne and Kevin were absolute stars - enjoying every moment of their day - I hope you like the few taster images that I have put online for you.

Model shoot at the new Ballroom, the Watermill Hotel, Paisley

I am so pleased to be involved with this project at the Watermill Hotel in Paisley. The team are fabulous to work with, and the space is just so good to photograph in. Not only is the Watermill such a piece of history and tradition in its own right, but it is almost next door to iconic buildings like the Anchor Mill and, of course, Paisley Abbey. But the great thing is that the new addition, the Ballroom, is so modern, so full of light, such a stunning piece of architecture, yet it doesn't clash with its surroundings. I love it, and I know that there are going to be a lot of very happy couples getting married or holding their reception there.

The way the Watermill Hotel Ballroom has been constructed means that the light floods in. We shot these images on the 19th of December, 2 days before the shortest day, and at one stage there was a blizzard outside, yet the light is still fabulous. I was very fortunate to have Laura and John to model for me - thanks guys you did a great job! Laura looked stunning in her gown supplied by Elaine of  Wedding Wise in Barrhead. Elaine has a great selection of Wedding Gowns and Bridesmaids dresses and is well worth a look if you are out shopping for your wedding day.

The Watermill Ballroom is a modern contemporary space in a historic setting, I look forward to doing lots more work here. I hope you like the images, I think they really reflect the characer of the Ballroom.

Sandy - Special Day Memories

Fantastic new wedding venue for Paisley - the Ballroom at the Watermill Hotel

I am very excited by a new venue for Paisley, and a new direction for Special Day Memories - the Ballroom at the Watermill Hotel. On a cold, cold Thursday evening we attended and photographed the opening event, when local councilor and Paisley Provost Celia Lawson opened the new function suite.  The Provost paid tribute to the Watermill’s Managing Director Michael Lavizani, saying that his commitment to Paisley and the local people was an encouragement to all.

Michael, his wife Sylvia, Michelle, Sue and all the team have obviously worked so hard and I am delighted to be a part of this, working with them to prepare promotional materials to make sure that this impressive space gets the attention it deserves. Cetainly nothing could be faulted with guests greeted in grand style by a piper and fire jugglers before enjoying the perfect hospitality of Michael and Sylvia.

Branded as The Ballroom, the contemporary structure extends the existing premises to feature a spacious 1,500 square foot banqueting suite with bar that will hold up to 150 guests for an array of occasions, specifically weddings and corporate events. The interior design mirrors the outward balance of modern elegance with Scottish tradition by combining ornate chandeliers with white walls, dark wood floors and natural lighting.

Close to the Abbey, the Ballroom will be a fantastic reception venue for Paisley weddings. It is also smart, chic and surrounded by history. With fantastic light and a great kitchen - the buffet was superb - this will be a very popular venue very soon.

I am so looking forward to shooting at this venue, and to being a part of the wedding fair in February. For photographs of the evening, please click here.

Sandy - Special Day Memories