Denise & Gavin - Moorpark House

Its always a pleasure to be invited back to photograph brides from the same family, not only to be able to see friendly faces, but also it is a great compliment to me and one which I take quite seriously.  While Denise and Gavin chose to get married at Moorpark House in a warm winter festive atmosphere, Denise's sister and bridesmaid, Lynn was married to Graham on a very wet summers' day in 2010. Two  quite different days, especially from a photography perspective, the dark winter days give photographers quite a challenge, but not one that I don't enjoy rising to, especially with an adventurous bride & groom like Denise & Gavin! 

Denise & Gavin were fabulous, relaxed from the start and full of fun. They really pushed the boundaries, going outside for late evening photos despite the wet and freezing conditions. This 10 minute venture gave us the opportunity to capture some really magical images reflecting the atmosphere of their special day. 

Denise looked beautiful and, like her sister, had a wonderful  playful way about her. The two girls were great together while getting ready, joking and laughing just like you imagine sisters should be, and so it was no surprise to us when we captured this portrait of Denise, showing just a hint of her wonderful mischievousness.

We have to give a special thanks to Jackie & Graham from Moorpark House who went out of their way to help us and to make sure that we could do our job swiftly and easily - thank you!

What a lovely wedding day to end our year! Denise and Gavin, I hope that you enjoyed your wedding day and these taster images.

Sandy
www.sandrakeddiephotography.co.uk
www.specialdaymemories.co.uk
Find us on facebook at www.facebook.com/specialdaymemories

Emma & Gordon -The Caledonian, Edinburgh

Emma and Gordon had a wonderful celebration at The Caledonian in Edinburgh and we just loved being part of their special day. This grand old hotel is luxurious inside and the distinguished oak panelled ceremony room was no exception, with its distinguished feel it was just perfect to show off the beautiful rich colours of the bridal party. Emma looked stunning in her soft flowing wedding gown, and together with Gordon they made a gorgeous couple, blending into the magnificent Victorian surroundings with ease.  

As expected on a wintry December day, we spent a lot of time photographing indoors, but this former Railway Hotel nestles in the shadow of the historic Edinburgh Castle and so we felt it was absolutely necessary to brave the wet and cold to get this magical photograph of the Castle lighting up the skyline behind the couple. Well worth the 5 minute session outside.

Emma and Gordon, I hope that you enjoyed the rest of your evening in these wonderful surroundings and in the mean time also, these taster images.

Sandy
www.sandrakeddiephotography.co.uk
www.specialdaymemories.co.uk

Donna & Steven - Moorpark House Hotel

Donna and Steven got married on a very cold and wet day but this was definitely not going to dampen the spirits of this lovely couple. After a last minute whirlwind of hair, make-up and bridesmaids getting ready, Donna finally had her dress on and we were struck by how beautiful she looked, just like a princess! I left her in the capable hands of her bridesmaids and Bob from Ivory Choice Bridal Cars Ltd who transported her in proper Beauford style, getting her to the church relaxed and on time. 

Steven who was already waiting at the church, looked very smart in his full highland dress and with his boys in matching attire, they definitely looked the part..

At Moorpark House Hotel, we managed to get a few photos outside but the weather did force us to be a little more inventive and to use the wonderful stained glass windows and mirrors inside this wonderful cozy old house. 

Donna and Steven, I hope that you enjoy these few taster images while you wait for the rest.

Sandy x

www.specialdaymemories.co.uk

www.sandrakeddiephotography.co.uk

Sheena and Dennis, Dalmeny Park Hotel

We had a lovely time at Dennis and Sheena's wedding at Dalmeny Park Country House Hotel. The reds, yellows and greens of the autumn ivy covering the wall of the Dalmeny Park hotel were a wonderful contrast to the purple of the bridesmaids and the day felt bright and colourful.  

Its lovely when you get to know the families and guests from previous weddings and this was one of those weddings. Dennis's son Jon got married to Karen  in 2011 and we were delighted when Dennis and Sheena decided to book us for their wedding day too. How lovely it was to see all the familiar faces again! 

Sheena looked very elegant in her classic wedding gown and together, her and Dennis made a very handsome couple. Although the weather was dry, it was bitterly cold and Sheena did extremely well to get many of her photographs outside where we could take advantage of the autumn colours, but eventually, we had to go inside to keep warm! So we finished with the bridal party on the staircase inside the hotel.

The last I saw of Sheena, she was playing a tune on the Pipers pipes!! What a pity I had already put my camera away! 

Dennis and Sheena, I hope that you enjoyed the rest of your wonderful day. Here are 2 taster images for you to enjoy while you wait for the rest of your images. 

Sandy

www.specialdaymemories.co.uk

www.sandrakeddiephotography.co.uk

Emma & Gordon - PreWedding Shoot

We had a lovely day out (albeit a bit wet!!) with Emma, Gordon and Sabre in Edinburgh last weekend. Emma and Gordon  are getting married in December and opted to include a pre-wedding shoot in their package. The pre-wedding shoot is a great opportunity to get to know your photographer and also to try out some relaxed poses in front of the camera.

We took the opportunity to include Sabre in these photographs as he will unfortunately have to stay at home on the wedding day. He was very relaxed during the whole shoot, although I think he did wonder why his walk had to involve such a lot of sitting!

Calton Hill has beautiful views out across the Firth of Forth on one side, and on the other, Arthurs Seat and the the city of Edinburgh. The Acropolis, imposing against the sky, was just begging to be photographed and so Emma and Gordon, being the good sports that they are, climbed up to the base for us, not only giving us the opportunity for some great photographs, but also for the crowds of tourists walking by. It was very funny when we looked across to see a row of about 20 tourists all photographing Emma and Gordon on the Acropolis - they were famous!

Emma & Gordon, we look forward to shooting your wedding in December, I hope that you enjoy these images. Don't forget to visit my facebook site at www.facebook.com/specialdaymemories where you will find some more later today. 

Lynsey and Brian, Malmaison Glasgow

The Malmaison Glasgow is a beautiful boutique hotel, perfect for the small intimate wedding and it suited Lynsey and Brians very personal wedding for close family and a few friends. But, just because this venue suits a smaller wedding please do not confuse this with plain, the Malmaison Glasgow is anything but!. It is most definitely grand, with masses of light, period features, nooks and crannies that spoil an artistic  photographer, and a mezzanine honeymoon suite that is to die for. It was also at one time, the home of Napoleon. Combine all of this with a handsome couple and the gardens at Blytheswood Square and you have the perfect photoshoot and venue.

Both Bride and Groom were a wee bit nervous to start, but soon relaxed once the formalities were over and they were prepared to give a lot of time and effort to their photographs. I think this has really paid off, Lynsey was absolutely stunning, and in my very humble opinion these photographs show just how beautiful she was on her wedding day and of course Brian, you were handsome, as well!

A big thank you for the help from Sharon the event manager, and all the staff at the Malmaison who supported us on the day. A great day out at a fantastic wedding venue in Glasgow - the Malmaison!

Lynsey and Brian, I hope that you enjoy these few taster images while you wait for the rest.

Sandy
www.sandrakeddiephotography.co.uk
www.specialdaymemories.co.uk

Joanne and Kevin, St Mirins Cathedral

St Mirins Cathedral has been undergoing a renovation and so it was lovely to be back recently to photograph Joanne and Kevin's wedding. After renovation, the Cathedral is bright and refreshing inside, with everything newly polished and fresh coats of paint on the ceiling, so easy to photograph in. 

Joanne looked stunning with her full length veil, finished with a gorgeous embroidered edge for that  flattering classical look. The 3 bridesmaids and 2 flower girls were lovely finishing touches to a very handsome bridal party.  Kevin and Joanne certainly looked very happy together, clearly in love and so comfortable in each others company, it was a pleasure to take their photographs.

From St Mirins, we went back to another old favourite, the Watermill Hotel in Paisley for more photos and to hand the couple over to Marion who was, as usual, warm and helpful.

Joanne and Kevin, I hope you enjoy these images, while you wait for the rest.

Sandy

www.specialdaymemories.co.uk

www.sandrakeddiephotography.co.uk

Linda & Peter - Pollok House

The flowers were in full bloom and the mood was romantic, the harpist was playing their tune, and the sweet smell of love was in the air! Linda and Peter were getting married.

Linda looked like a princess in her wedding gown as she stepped out of her carriage; the beautiful vintage Rolls Royce from Waterside Weddings. She made her way up the stairs and floated gracefully through the corridors of the Grand House toward Peter, her Knight in Shining Armour who was waiting with his guests in the library. 

A fairytale come true indeed! Linda had put a massive amount of effort into her day and it had paid off. 

While their guests enjoyed a tour of the house and relaxed over champagne and canapes, Peter and Linda made the most of their photoshoot and when we lost the couple for a few moments we heard Peter calling; "Linda, Linda where for art thou Linda?" and Linda's reply "Why at the top of the Juliet steps, waiting for you Peter!". Such a lucky Romeo!

Peter and Linda, it was a pleasure to work with you! I hope that you like these few taster images while you wait for the rest.

Sandra

www.sandrakeddiephotography.co.uk

Nicola & Peter - Park Circus & The Bowfield Hotel

Nicola and Peter shared a very intimate wedding ceremony with their family in the beautiful Park Circus Wedding Rooms on a lovely warm and dry day. 

Being the only wedding taking place at Park Circus that day, we were able to relax and take our time both with the ceremony and also with photographs afterwards.This building is so beautiful inside that I always think its a shame to have to rush through! Peter and Nikki took time out on the balcony for some photos and then later in the conservatory where we got this gorgeous family group photo. 

We took advantage of the lovely warm day and took a relaxed walk through the park for more photos before driving on to the Bowfield Hotel where Nicola and Peter finished off their celebrations.

Peter and Nikki, we were privileged to share some of your special day with you. I hope that you enjoy these few taster images while you wait for the rest.

Sandy.
www.specialdaymemories.co.uk
www.sandrakeddiephotography.co.uk

Kirsty & Craig, Rutherglen Town Hall

Kirsty and Craig were married in the Rutherglen Town Hall on a very wet and windy day. This beautiful building  in the busy High street of Rutherglen, was originally constructed in 1862 and after refurbishment pre 2005, it now offers a blend of the old and new by combining the Grand Hall and the Mezzanine Conservatory Bar to create the perfect wedding venue, once you step inside the building, the atmosphere is calm and relaxing and you forget about the bustle outside. The town hall is very sympathetically built and features the beautiful stonework of the 19th centruty building inside the warm and light conservatory, which features a calm sea grean colour to the floor, stairs and bar area. A lovely environment to photograph in. 

The Grand Hall is  very grand indeed, with huge stained glass windows to the back and side of the hall, and a stage at the other end allows the hall to be used well into the evenings dancing and festivities.

Kirsty arrived late, but smiling from ear to ear - nothing was going to spoil her special day! She looked beautiful and her smile just got bigger as she walked down the aisle to her man. Kirsty and Craig, you were wonderful and we thoroughly enjoyed being part of your day. 

Once again, a big Thank You to the best man Gary, without whom we could not have caught up on the days schedule. Craig went out of his way to help to get people together for the group photographs, a great support to us and Craig and his new wife.

Kirsty and Craig, I hope that you had a great evening and enjoy these 2 taster images while you wait for the rest. 

Sandy xx
www.specialdaymemories.co.uk
www.sandrakeddiephotography.co.uk

Laura & Robert - The Glynhill Hotel

Laura and Robert celebrated their wedding day with family and friends at the Glynhill Hotel and although the weather turned wet and rainy, they did not let this spoil their special day.

Abbey, Laura's daughter, looked beautiful in her bridesmaids dress and wee Robbie looked ever so smart too. I particularly liked this photo of Abbey and Laura together on the day and also this serious photojournalistic moment during the ceremony where wee Robbie took his mental note of the proceedings too. 

  

A wedding day is not only a celebration of 2 people coming together, but it is also an opportunity to create those wonderful memories of friends, family and all those who are dear to us, and for Laura it was just that. As well as photos of her, Robert and her 2 children, she was also looking for photos with her friends and family. So a special thanks to those family members who were so helpful in getting the right people together when we needed them, enabling us to get through the shot list in time for Harry and his team at the Glynhill to serve a scrumptous meal. 

Congratulations Laura and Robert, you looked wonderful together, I hope that you enjoy these taster images while you wait for the rest of them.

Sandy

www.sandrakeddiephotography.co.uk

www.specialdaymemories.co.uk

Margo & Anthony - Kincaid House Hotel

Margo and Anthony celebrated their wedding at the Kincaid House Hotel on the 18th of August 2012.  Margo looked stunning in her wedding gown that fell gently onto the floor in small soft train. Anthony was so proud to have her by his side and they looked just wonderful together. 

Margo's two bridesmaids, her daughter and her niece, looked beautiful too, in their black dresses softened with cream sashes.

Their celebration was blessed with a warm and sunny day and so the guests relaxed outside in the gardens of the Kincaid House Hotel while we went about our business of taking photographs. Amy, the Event Manager was, as usual, very helpful and well organised, such a pleasure to deal with. 

We are spoilt for choice for photograph locations at this versatile venue and so it is always difficult to know which images to publish, but I hope you like the 3 images I have chosen here as a taster of their day. 

Margo and Anthony, I hope that you enjoy these few images while you wait for the rest. 

Sandy
www.sandrakeddiephotography.co.uk
www.specialdaymemories.co.uk

Katie & Allan

What a lovely happy day for Allan and Katie who celebrated their ceremony with close family and special friends.The sun shone and love was definitely in the air. It is clear that Allan and Katie were made for each other, the love and happiness that they shared was obvious and every moment they could, they would share a tender moment, a laugh or just a knowing smile.

When we left them at the Giffnok Ivy where they were booked in for their meal, we skipped away with a lovely warm feeling in our hearts

We captured this photo of Euan signing the bridal party register at the end of the cermony, a role he took very seriously! 

Allan and Katie, we have so many beautiful images, thank you for  being so relaxed with each other and making our job a pleasure on the day. Here are 2 taster images for you to enjoy while you wait for the rest.

Sandy
www.specialdaymemories.co.uk

www.sandrakeddiephotography.co.uk

Laura and Alan at the Watermill

Laura and Alan chose to get married on a gorgeous bright summers day at the Watermill Hotel and were blessed with a beautiful blue sky which really helped set off the red brick of the mill in the background. The Clarks Anchor Mills in Paisley is justifiably an iconic building. A thread mill dating from the early 19th century it lay derelict and unused for many years. Thankfully it in now renovated and converted like may of the surrounding mill buildings in the area. These fantastic historic buildings now provide spaces for people to live and work in, and provide stunning architectural backdrops for photographers.

Laura and Alan were a lovely couple who really enjoyed their day and they were happy to take advantage of the lovely sunshine and spend time outside for their photographs. It was a pleasure to be a part of it and as always, the Watermill Hotel were excellent hosts with Sue moving things on swiftly and efficiently when we were done. 

Alan an Laura I hope you enjoy these 2 taster images, while you wait for the rest. 

Sandy

www.specialdaymemories.co.uk

www.sandrakeddiephotography.co.uk

Donna & Steven Pre Wedding Shoot

I always love a pre-Wedding or engagement shoot. It allows us to get to know the Bride and Groom better and helps them to get to know us. We take time to talk to them about how to pose naturally and comfortably and how to have fun while being photographed.

Our trip out with Donna and Steven on Sunday to Luss was an hour of relaxation and fun for all of us. Donna and Steven are a great couple and we thoroughly enjoyed their company and walkabout through Luss. Loch Lomond makes for a beautiful backdrop even with the clouds rolling in over the higher peaks, and besides the Loch itself, there are so many interesting places to photograph in and around the village, as long as you accept that the village is a popular tourist destination and that anything that happens in the village, including a photoshoot, is of much interest to all the passing tourists. Donna and Steven only had eyes for each other and so the tourists really didn't matter at all. 

Donna and Steven, we look forward to shooting your wedding in October. I hope that you enjoy these few taster images while you wait for the rest and don't forget to visit my facebook site at www.facebook.com/specialdaymemories where you will find some more later today. 

Sandy

www.specialdaymemories.co.uk

www.sandrakeddiephotography.co.uk

Judith & Stuart, 21 July 2012, Dalmeny Park Country House Hotel

We had a lovely day celebrating Judith and Stuarts wedding day at Dalmeny Park Country House Hotel on one of our few dry warm summers days that this year has given us. Everybody relaxed outside with their drinks and although it was difficult to keep people together for the group photographs, it made for a very relaxed and sociable occasion.

Stuart looked striking in a unique green jacket and kilt to match, and Judith looked beautiful in an A-line dress covered in a soft lace and finished with silk flower on the side of her waist. Judiths bridesmaids were lovely in long black dresses and the flower girls and page boy finished off the handsome bridal party. 

We photographed Judiths sisters wedding 2 years ago and so it was lovely to see so many familiar faces again and to see the wee ones growing up. It really is an honour to be referred and recommended and I am so pleased that Judith also asked me to photograph her wedding too. 

As usual, Bill and Charlie, the Dalmeny Park Hotel event managers were absolutely wonderful and very supportive, keeping me in the loop at all times. At this point, I would also like to mention the Classic Scottish Wedding Car company who were extremely helpful on the day too, its a pleasure to work with suppliers in the industry who go out of their way to assist each other in making everything on the wedding day run smoothly. 

Judith and Stuart, I hope that you have had a wonderful honeymoon and that you enjoy these 2 taster images  while you wait for your final images to go online. 

Sandy

www.sandrakeddiephotography.co.uk

www.specialdaymemories.co.uk

and yet again, the hotel's service and support were outstanding.

Kimberly & David - 29 on the Square

Kimberly got ready in a lovely relaxed atmosphere in a spacious suite in the Millenium Hotel in Glasgow, before travelling through to her ceremony at Giffnock South Parish Church. Once the ceremony was completed her and David travelled back to the city centre to finish off their celebrations in 29 on the Square.

Merchant City and its surrounding area is a wonderful setting for a city wedding. The couple walked through the square to cheers and whistles from the public who were all taking advantage of the good weather and enjoying the street cafe scene on this saturday afternoon. 29 on the Square is fabulous on the inside and the evening began with the speeches and a buffet before Kimberley and David made their way outside for a fabulous photoshoot in the merchant city at night. 

Kimberly and Davids day was filmed with a main camera and operator taking responsibility for the main events of the day while an additional operator was capturing events from a hand held "fly on the wall" perspective, making for a very interesting final edited dvd. Here are 2 short videos from their day; the first is a peek into their evening photoshoot and the second is a highlights video from their wonderful day.

EveningPhotoshoot from Sandra Keddie (Special Day Memories) on Vimeo.

KimDavid Highlights from Sandra Keddie (Special Day Memories) on Vimeo.


Congratulations Kimberly and David.

Deborah & David, Coates Memorial and The Lynnhurst

6 years of photographing weddings in Paisley and finally I got to photograph a wedding in the Thomas Coates Memorial Church. What a simply beautiful building. There can be few 19th century buildings more stimulating and exciting, or more worthy of sensitive restoration than Thomas Coats Memorial Church. The attention to detail throughout the building is astonishing and the quality of craftsmanship astounding. The "cathedral" was first opened in 1894. A revival of Gothic architecture on the grandest scale, the building, designed by Hippolyte Blanc, can seat a thousand people. 

Deborah and David had a very wet wedding day; one of the worst days in the wettest 3 months recorded in the UK since 1923! We got very few photographs outside, even our huge umbrellas were tested to the limit as the rain came in sideways! But photographs still went ahead and we made the most of every indoor opportunity and outdoor shelter. We were forced to get a bit more creative but with Deborah and David, this was easy, they were keen to participate and eager to get good images on their wedding day. This enabled us the opportunity to create some wonderful images, like this one of Deborah in the doorway of the church. 

Deborah looked stunning, and her and David made a gorgeous couple. Lets not also forget the five bridesmaids who were sensational in electric  blue, with contrasting gerbera posies and the best man and ushers who also scrubbed up really well.!! Everyone was wonderful on the day, managing to smile and laugh despite the wet and nobody allowed the  dampness to take the shine out of the day. Thank you everyone!!

Deborah and David, I hope you enjoy these images. More coming soon!!

Sandy

www.specialdaymemories.co.uk

www.sandrakeddiephotography.co.uk

Emma and Peter – St James’, Renfrew, and the Moorpark House

There are some people who, despite everything, can’t stop smiling. One of those people is Emma, and despite a broken big toe she wore those shoes and had a fantastic wedding day!! 

It was a return to some more old favourites for me, going back to St James in Renfrew and then on to the Moorpark. The Moorpark is a great wedding venue, the management have made such an effort to make the venue photogenic, and are understanding of the needs of wedding photography. Signs prompting people to park in the rear car park ensures a great venue backdrop to your wedding photographs; thank you Moorpark House!!

Emma and Peter had a fantastic day, the weather was with them and they have some beautiful photographs. Photographs were an important part of their day; they were prepared to set time aside for a photoshoot and to participate, and the results show that. A truly lovely couple, it was such a pleasure to work with you, and I hope the toe gets better while you are off in Dubai and the Maldives. Enjoy these taster images while you wait for the rest.

Sandy

www.specialdaymemories.co.uk

www.sandrakeddiephotography.co.uk

Loch Lomond Weddings

As regular readers of this blog will know, I love Loch Lomond and the surrounding area, and I really love working at the many wonderful wedding venues that the National Park has to offer. The scenery is just stunning, a really amazing sense of atmosphere, a real sense of Scottishness, if you know what I mean. Which is why I have chosen to team up with Your Wedding at Loch Lomond, a lovely website with a great list of suppliers for all beautiful brides who want that stunning loch side view. They can be found at the link below.

Sandy

Kyle & Andrew, 1 June 2012

What a lovely sunny day for Kyle and Andrew when they were married in the St James Church in Paisley. 

Kyles flower girl was full of smiles and excitement on the day and gave me this wonderful opportunity for a photograph which I just couldn't resist from showing you here.

Kyle looked absolutely stunning in her dress, with her hair falling loosely around her shoulders. Her purple bridesmaid and accent colours were beautiful indoors and outside in the sunshine. 

Together Kyle and Andrew made a very handsome couple and while Andrew was not looking forward to being photographed on his wedding day he managed to relax long enough for us to get some truly wonderful photographs of them both. Thank you Andrew.

Kyle and Andrew finished their day in the Iconic Paisley Town Hall where the decorations and atmosphere in the reception room was enough to take our breath away. 

Sandy

www.specialdaymemories.co.uk

www.sandrakeddiephotography.co.uk

Scott and Katherine, Park Circus

Scott and Katherine had a lovely wedding ceremony at the Park Circus Wedding Rooms in Glasgow. It was lovely to see Scott's face lght up when Katherine walked into the ceremony room and the depth of emotion and feelings between these two people were obvious to everyone there, especially when they read their own vows which they wrote for each other. 

Park Circus is beautiful and always lends itself to stunning images inside, on the balcony, on the landing and in the conservatory. It is also within walking distance of Kelvingrove Park where we took some lovely family photos and also some great relaxed photographs of Scott and Katherine too. 

The couple finished their celebrations in a beautifully decorated private venue room at the Marriott hotel, only a 5 minute drive away. 

Scott and Katherine, please enjoy these taster images while you wait for the rest. 

Sandy

www.specialdaymemories.co.uk

www.sandrakeddiephotography.co.uk