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

Location Shoot - Iconic Glasgow

Anybody who wants to really cherish their wedding dress will opt for a professional shoot at their chosen location after the wedding day when they can really relax and let their hair down. This photo from Stephen and Sharon's location shoot with Glasgow spread out in the background is nothing but fabulous. They have some magic photographs taken in a stress free environment with no time constraints and fun was had by all. It was a beautiful crisp autumn day and the only drawback that we had to contend with was the cold, which was easily remedied with some hot coffee and chocolate snacks!

Sharon & Stephens Video Highlights

It is just so beautiful when a day is all about a couple and the things that matter to them. Sharon and Stephen met at a concert and that became a part of their personal theme on their special day while the other very important element was family. Both of these elements shine throught in their short highlight video here.


Sharon & Stephen at Dalmeny Park Hotel from Sandra Keddie on Vimeo.

Red Hot Chilli Pipers - Wedding entertainment with a difference!

Its not often I get a Saturday off, but I wasnt working yesterday and decided to go and make a family day out to see the Christmas light switch on in Paisley. What a fantastic event, and the entertainment was really great. Lots of people were there to see Olly Murs but for me the best bit apart from the lights and fireworks was the Red Hot Chilli Pipers. I have seen these guys a couple of times and they are such good fun. And I remembered I had footage of them at a brilliant wedding at Glenskirlie Castle last year. Hope you enjoy this clip, and if you do, watch the next clip which is a "battle of the drums" with a world champion snare drummer. Just wonderful!


Red Hot Chilli Pipers at Jenny & Martins Glenskirlie Wedding from Sandra Keddie on Vimeo.

Colin & Candice - St Mirrens & The Lodge on the Loch

I felt honoured to be a part of Colin & Candices small and intimate wedding with their immediate family. A lovely ceremony at St Mirins with a few family photos there and then we went on to The Lodge on the Loch.

As usual, the weather was threatening to rain all day, but it finally broke when we arrived at the Lodge & so we had to give the beach photographs a miss.

However, the rainy weather can add to the atmosphere & in its own way can provide some very beautiful backdrops to a stunning couple. I especially liked this one of Colin & Candice in the rain.

Lisa and Barry's photoshoot - St James Renfrew

I think that Lisa and Barrys short video of their photoshoot reflects their day perfectly. Lisa was such a vibrant and happy bride next to her handsome groom.

After the photoshoot at St James in Renfrew, they all went on to a fabulous evening at the Glynhill Hotel.

Barry and Lisa, I hope that you enjoy this short video to share with your friends.

Lisa & Barry - Photoshoot St James Renfrew from Sandra Keddie on Vimeo.

Claire & Jamie, Gleddoch House Hotel

Claire & Jamies wedding started off dry in Houston but as we drove toward Gleddoch House Hotel, the heavens opened and the rain came down! We got some images indoors re-arranging some of the hotel furniture to do so. Lucky for us, Gleddoch House hotel event staff are forever helpful in times like these and understand what needs to be done to make a day like this successful, whatever the circumstances.

As soon as we had a break in the rain, our wedding party braved the outdoors and we ended up having an absolutely fabulous time on the front lawn of Gleddoch House Hotel. This video should give you a small taster of Claire and Jamies wonderful wedding day

Claire & Jamie - Gleddoch House Hotel from Sandra Keddie on Vimeo.

Hilary & David - Gleddoch House Hotel

Hilary and David had a wonderful wedding and reception at Gleddoch House Hotel in Langbank as you can see by their short video highlight of their day here below.

I love the Gleddoch House Hotel for its views across the Clyde, its friendly atmosphere and the versatility of the surroundings and Hilary and David enjoyed every bit of what the Hotel had to give on their special day.

Hilary & David at Gleddoch House Hotel from Sandra Keddie on Special Day Memories.

Elaine, the General Manager and Elaine, the Event Manager, make a great team and between them they ensure that the day runs like smoothly and to schedule. Hilary, David and their friends and family, really had a lot of fun on the day and by the time that we left them, they were dancing the night away with their fabulous Ceilidh band.

Alison and David, St. Margarets, Johnstone, Saturday 9 October

As I think I have mentioned a few times in this blog, the weather in Scotland is changeable, unpredictable and sometimes horrible (although sometimes wonderful, remember June this year?). Saying all that I have not had one wedding this season when I have not been able to get the couple outside for some naturally lit shots. I offer Wet Weather Insurance (if we can't get enough shots on your wedding day, we shoot it again). No claims this year! Maybe I am just lucky, maybe the couples say enough prayers, who knows.

Natural light is best, every photographer who knows what they are doing will tell you that. We dont like bright sunlight - hard contrasts and squinting eyes, but there are ways round that. As long as it is dry and not blowing a gale, we will be going outside! But I do like contingency plans, and have a venue that photographs well is always something to think about when you choose a venue. St Margaret's in Johnstone is lovely - the colours and light inside work really well, the chapel gardens have lots of variety. As a venue - wet or dry - it is perfect.

Alison and David had a beautiful Mass. Alison and Joanne, her bridesmaid, looking lovely while David, Chris and his groomsmen looked suitably handsome. David and Alison are obviously so in love and look great together. As always, thank you for the privilege of allowing me to share your day and help capture what I hope are some very special memories.

I hope you enjoy these preview images.

Sandy - Special Day Memories

Danielle and Allan's Evening Reception

Oran Mor is  certainly a beautiful and different venue, whether you choose to have your complete Wedding there or just your Evening Reception, which is what Allan and Danielle did. They got married on a beach in Mauritius and then came back home to sunny Glasgow for their evening reception and to celebrate with family and friends. Danielle got to wear her wedding dress twice and she looked stunningly beautiful in it.

The old sandstone spire stretching up into the late afternoon sky is glorious and such a contrast to the bright colours of the high vaulted ceilings inside. The gallery inside makes a stunning studio and the choice of backdrops both inside and out are endless. This venue will always be an exciting and interesting challenge for me.

Sharon and Stephen, Dalmeny Park Hotel, Sunday 12 September

The choice of venue and style of ceremony is a very personal thing to a couple on their wedding day. Since the Marriage (Scotland) Act became law in 2002 you may get married at any approved place. The General Register Office for Scotland holds the list of approved places and it includes yachts, wilderness lodges and castles. A bit more accessible for us is Dalmeny Park Hotel, which we have said before is just a fantastic venue. But we will say it again, because it is.

Sharon and Stephen chose a humanist celebration, complete with a handfast, personalised vows and beautiful readings from members of their families. Then there was a champagne reception and canapes. We had a fantastic break in the weather and while the lawns were a bit soft it stayed dry and we got some truly lovely photographs of Sharon, Stephen and their bridal party. Smiles were still in place when we handed over to Charlie for the line up and the first drops of rain only started to fall after the guests were seated for the meal.

It was a very beautiful day, as I hope you can see from these images.

Sandy - Special Day Memories

Lisa & Barry, St James' Church, Renfrew, 4 September 2010

It goes without saying that timing is really quite important on a wedding day. Everyone knows the bride is allowed to be late, but the event manager at the Hotel still wants the happy couple at a certain time for the reception line. So the poor photographer sometimes gets squeezed for time, and the pressure increases. So it is just wonderful when you have a venue that has enough variety to take photographs without having to lose time travelling to another place or relocating. St James' in Renfrew has a really great garden with good range of light and backgrounds, allowing lots of different photographs to be taken in quite a small space.

Lisa got to the church right on time, the sun shone (again, what luck this year so far!) and everyone had a great time with the photographs. Barry relaxed and made a handsome groom to Lisa's beautiful bride. Then on to the Glynnhill and right on time for Harry and his team. Hope you like the preview photographs.

Sandy - Special Day Memories

Kristen & Jay - Mar Hall Renfrewshire

Midweek weddings are a real pleasure for me, they give me a break from my usual weekday/weekend routine and I  know that these weddings always provide something special and different. Kristen & Jay's small family wedding was no exception - Kristen was absolutely stunning in her gorgeous antique dress and Jay was very smart in his morning suit, always a nice change from a kilt in the West of Scotland! We were privileged to be part of this very intimate family wedding and we tried our best to add to the atmosphere of the day without intruding.

Mar Hall was beautiful and Anna Healey was most professional as an event manager, very pleasant and welcoming while making sure her staff delivered an excellent standard of service. Mar Hall is absolutely beautiful, a wonderful venue with superb views over the Clyde and the Kilpatrick Hills. A building thats just full of character, it can be easy to forget that you are there to photograph the happy couple! Kristen, Jay, you looked wonderful and very happy. I hope you enjoy these photographs as a taster of what is to come.

Sandy - Special Day Memories

Pauline and Grant, Western House Hotel, Ayr, 14 August

Grants sister, Caryn, married Brian at a beautiful ceremony at Dundonald Castle in Ayrshire last year, and we were very privilged to be asked to photograph their day for them. Grant was planning to marry Pauline this year and we were delighted when Pauline asked us to photograph her wedding as well. For us, to get business from customers who have seen Special Day Memories in action means that the bride and groom choose us not only for the results that we get, but for what we do on the day. We take being part of someones wedding day very seriously always remembering that we are there by invitation, and should make the day better, ensuring that the way we conduct ourselves adds to the day making the photography a fun and enjoyable process. It was an absolute pleasure to photograph Pauline and Grant on Saturday 14 August, they are a fantastic couple and it was great to be able to say hello to guests that we already knew.

Pauline and Grant chose a great place to get married, Western House Hotel has won many awards, and rightly so, it is a fantastic wedding venue, and absolutely beautiful to photograph. The staff are very professional and understanding, thank you Darren and team! The sun was shining and the day was warm and dry, more like Durban than Ayr at this time of the year!!(It's winter in Durban right now!) Everyone had a fantastic day, and the images are just stunning - Pauline was just such a beautiful bride, Grant was very handsome and Malcolm was a star - I hope you will all be very, very happy. Please enjoy 2 of your images as sample of what is to come.

Sandy - Special Day Memories

Joanne and Iain, Rothesay, April 2010

Slideshow presentations are a lovely way of remembering - and sharing - the highlights of a wedding day. I think they are a fantastic way to use wedding images, very versatile and with modern mobile technology it allows people to take their pictures with them anywhere.

Joanne had to go overseas almost immediately after her wedding, but will be home again soon. I know that she loves her photographs and can hardly wait to see her finished album. I really like this presentation, it shows off a wonderful part of Scotland - Rothesay, on the Isle of Bute - and also shows a really great wedding day, full of lots of love and joy. Congratulations again.

Sandy - Special Day Memories

Paisley and Renfrewshire Wedding Fair

Thank you to all the people who came and spoke to me yesterday at the Wedding Fair at the Town Hall in Paisley. It was my first fair and I was a bit nervous. I met other Paisley based suppliers and spoke to lots of brides to be. And many of you said some really nice things about my photographs - thank you so much. I have quite a few appointments in my diary with brides who want to discuss more about what we can offer, both photography and video. I think next year is going to be even busier than this one - phew!

Sandy - Special Day Memories

Clare & Sean's Wedding Day Highlights!

The music that a couple chooses for their video is an important part of our editing process. Its the music that determines the style of the edit and will subsequently change the feel of the video from fun to serious, romantic to exciting. When you decide to have a video for your wedding day, think about the music and supply this well in advance so that your video editor can get an idea of your style and edit with this in mind.

 I think that this music that Clare and Sean chose for their wedding DVD is fabulous in depicting their day just as it was; some serious moments intermingled with lots of laughs, fun and happiness!

Clare & Sean - Wedding Highlights from Sandra Keddie on Vimeo.

Sarah & Graeme - Wedding Video Taster

If you have had a combined photography and videography service from us you will know that your wedding continues to be a highlight for months after your special event.

First your images are published onto your own password protected gallery and you get to enjoy your images for the first time. Then its time to choose your album prints and your album is designed and sent to print. All this can take anything from 3 weeks and longer especially if you are undecided about your image choices or if you have ordered albums which have a long lead time. But finally, your album arrives and its time to be excited all over again!

By this time, your DVD should be nearly ready and so we may give you a taster on our blog - like this one for Sarah and Graeme  - that you can share with friends and family in anticipation of the final product and to enjoy some of your special day memory.

When your DVD arrives, it is time for more laughs, enjoyment and sometimes even happy tears.
Sarah and Graeme; enjoy this taster of what is soon to come.



Sarah & Graeme - Our wedding day from Sandra Keddie on Vimeo.

Let your album and DVD remind you of your happy day for years to come!

Claire and Jamie, Houston and Gleddoch House Hotel, 24 July

Gleddoch House Hotel is a lovely wedding venue, whether you have your ceremony or just your reception there. If the weather is kind the views are wonderful; the grounds make for great images and if the rain comes in (which has happened a few times this month!) there are wet weather options. Always think about that when you book a venue. Ask the event coordinator to show you where photographers take the photoshoot, and ask about what happens when it rains. In the end every venue can be shot indoors, with flash if necessary, but the light outdoors has a better quality and your photographs will have more variety if there is some outdoor space. Claire and Jamie got some great fun photographs despite their mixed weather.

As always Elaine and the staff were first class and very understanding. Thank you so much, and thanks to Claire and Jamie who really worked with us to make the most of their photography session; even sneaking away for 10 minutes after the meal to get some great Bride and Groom photographs, something which I always recommend, if we are still shooting into the evening.

Sandy - Special Day Memories

Hilary and David, Gleddoch House Hotel, 17th July

Hilary and David had a lovely day at Gleddoch House Hotel, they looked great together and they had a lot of fun having their photographs taken. Photographs on a wedding day should not be a chore - it should be a part of the day but not take over. Getting the balance right is very important. Some couples want high fashion, some want lots of family shots and special artistic images others just want a record of their day. When the weather stays dry, you have a good venue, the time for photographs and a willing couple, all this is possible. 

Thanks to Hilary and David for giving us their time and participation during their photoshoot which enabled us to capture some fabulous photos, also a special thanks to Elaine at Gleddoch House Hotel who kept in touch with us every step of the way.

Sandy - Special Day Memories

New photography presentation on website homepage

This is the new presentation of images that is now on the homepage of my website. It is so difficult to know which images to put in these presentations, but I think these 6 weddings are lovely and give a good impression of some of my work. More can be seen elsewhere on the website, but to fully appreciate photographs I still think you need to hold an album in your hands. Come and see me at the Wedding Fair on the 15th August at Paisley Town Hall, or call me to make an appointment. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sandy - Special Day Memories

Lynn & Graham, Old Parish Church Renfrew, 10 July

It sometimes rains in the west of Scotland. Seriously, it does!

Brides love bright sunshine and clear blue skies. They don't like rain. I can understand that, it is a special day, their special day, and everything should be perfect. But sometimes, even after all that planning and preparation the one thing we can't control lets everyone down.

Most photographers I know would take a dry, overcast day - it makes it so much easier to control the light and make people (especially the bride) look as good as possible. So if it rains, what do you do? That depends on just how heavy the rain is, I think. Outside light is definitely the most flattering. Even all photographs indoors isn't a disaster, although  that is dependant on what equipment you have, what space and features of interest there is in the venue, how big your formal  groups are. I try to control what I can. I always bring a mobile studio outfit with me, so if we need to work indoors we can light favourably.

There is only so much rain you can work in, more for the people being photographed than the photographer (I have an assistant with an umbrella!). But if it is only a light drizzle then out come the umbrellas for everybody! And thats what we had to do for Lynn and Graham. It wasn't so persistent that we couldn't go outside at all, and we got some really nice photographs. So, even if you wake up on your special day and see some clouds and rain, dont despair. Smile, and I promise we will get some great photographs - although one or two might have an umbrella in them!

Sandy - Special Day Memories

Vimeo (Video) Presentation

Vimeo is a great way of presenting videos - and now there is a way to collect the all in one place, perfect for blogs and websites. Don't forget that as part of a package I can edit photographs or video into a variety of different format, so you can watch at home, online, embed on a Facebook page, email to friends. You choose!

Sandy - Special Day Memories

Clare and Sean, Saturday 3rd July.

It is always so exciting when a couple come up with a venue that I have never worked at before. Yes, couples are right to shop around and get a photographer that they are comfortable with, and for some that means finding a photographer that has worked at their venue before. But that doesnt mean that if you have never worked there before you cant shoot a wedding there.

If you are a professional photographer you should be able to see that great shot, and sometimes looking at something for the first time means a fresh approach and some really great ideas. I always take the time to go to a new venue, meet the event manager, understand the potential of the location and get an opportunity to plan some shots. It makes the wedding day go so much smoother, and still leaves space for some captured moments - those reportage images that if done well everyone loves.

I think the combination of 2 contrasting photographic venues should always be considered if time permits. I like to take couples to Barshaw Park in Paisley, which has a beautiful, secluded walled garden. I also like Kelvingrove Park and the Botanical Gardens in Glasgow.

Claire and Sean had two new photography venues for me: after a ceremony at St Bartholemew's in Coatbridge we went to Viewpark Gardens and Celtic Football Club! The gardens were beautiful, Claire was stunning and the images are just wonderful. Then the football ground. It is the first time I have shot in a stadium - and it worked! The boys certainly enjoyed themselves in the stands and (nearly) on the pitch. It certainly makes for some very different album images. Sean and Claire looked fantastic together, and that really shows in the images. Really a pleasure to work with, and as always I am very grateful to be allowed to be a part of your special day.

Sandy - Special Day Memories

Tracy and Michael, at Dalmeny Park

Video and photography can work very well together on a wedding day. I really think that the package that we produce when we create both for a couple is very complimentary. While I am happy to work with other professionals, I do think that our best work has been when we have produced both. It means that there is an opportunity to "stage" some things in a manner that suits the media best, and we can very carefully capture all angles. Sometimes it is lovely to see all the fuss and bother, the giggles and silly moments just before we captured that absolute stunning, romantic image that now hangs in pride of place. After all, who doesnt watch the outtakes at the end of the movie? Anyway, here is a small video which gives a taste of the photoshoot for Tracy and Michael. As always, thank you to the couple, who were brilliant on the day, a delight to work with.

Sandy - Special Day Memories

Tracy & Michael at Dalmeny Park Hotel from Sandra Keddie on Vimeo.

Paul and Gemma at Glasgow University Chapel

Much as I love working in Paisley, especially at the Abbey and the Cathedral, it has to be said that there are some beautiful places nearby. The architecture of Glasgow is world famous, and justifiably so. Glasgow University Chapel is a truly stunning wedding venue, and a delight to photograph or video. In April this year it was my very real pleasure to capture special memories for two lovely people, Paul and Gemma. After the Chapel they then held their reception at Oran Mor, another fantastic building with great food and atmosphere. I could write more, but the video says it all.

Paul & Gemma from Sandra Keddie

Sandy - Special Day Memories

A Special Day Memory - Wedding Video

I am very pleased to be a part of a special feature of the Autumn/Winter edition of The Scottish Wedding Directory. I was asked to give a tip, along with a number of other videographers and mine was one that was published. My tip (Sandy of "A Special Day Memory"*) was; To tell your videographer what you want. "If you have a singer, or doves being released, or really want to video that confetti photograph that you saw, make sure that your videographer knows about it in advance"(this advice applies to photographers as well). I always try to capture what my brides (and grooms!) want on their wedding day, either through photographs or on video. The two media are very complimentary and work well together, especially if there is a bit of a plan. This doesnt have to be rigid or regimented but it does help if your videographer/photographer knows about the fireworks before they start to go off! Please enjoy my video showreel .

Sandy - Special Day Memories

* Its a long story, but basically there was once a really great video company (mine) called "A Special Day Memory". A little while later there was a lovely photography company (also mine) called "Special Moments". These two cute little companies are now very happy working together as "Special Day Memories", but we still have advertising and marketing stuff out there which is carrying our old details. We are yet to getting around to changing this as we are so very busy making beautiful films and photographs for happy couples on their very special days.

Aileen & Michael's Hand Fast Ceremony

Weddings are about the two people being married, and the commitment they feel to each other. Some people are very traditional and wish to be married in a church, chapel, abbey or cathedral, some wish a simple civil ceremony followed by a great celebration with all their family and friends, and sometimes some people want to express themselves with a feeling of heritage, or of something long thought lost. Hand fast ceremonies are ancient, and feature in Scots history from earliest remembered times.

At Special Day Memories we provide both video and photographic packages. All weddings can produce wonderful photographs, and video has its own place capturing the wit of the speeches and the romance of the first dance. Either provides a lasting record of a wedding day and I would never say that someone should have photography, video, or both. Sometimes, however, something can only be described as a video moment. Jock's hand fast ceremony is a video moment. Please watch and enjoy, I am sure you will agree that this ceremony for Aileen and Michael is something special.

Check out Jock at http://www.heraldevents.co.uk/weddings.php

Sandy - Special Day Memories

Hi Sandy, just a wee email to say thanks again...

Another Album...Another Happy Client!

Being a photographer can be quite a hard business. I don't want any sympathy or anything, because I wouldnt swap it for all the world, I love it, but I just want to share some of the pain, the anxiety. First there is the whole business of marketing to attract customers, then there is creating a package of products that the customer likes. Not forgetting the bit about being quite a good photographer, and working on those skills to get fresh ideas. Then there is the wedding day - no pressure there, hey?

And after the wedding there is that moment when you review the images and you see that some of them are not too shabby. Then you show the customer, online, and they seem to like them but they are still small and on a screen. After the customer picks the images, the album design. I love designing albums, probably my favourite bit of the whole process. But, just like painting or any other creative art, what I think is fabulous might not appeal to my customer. Thats okay, I just take one for the team and redesign until I make my customer happier.

Then we go to print. And then, we wait!

Right now Graphistudio, the beautiful Italian album that I offer, is taking about 6 weeks to print and deliver. So, by the time the album arrives, I am so nervous. I review for print and build quality, and then when I'm happy I look at the images properly. Did the design translate onto a page? Is it wow? Did I capture the emotions of a special day?

And then the very worst bit; presenting the album to a customer. This is lip biting, nails stuck into palms terror. Ok maybe that's a bit of exageration, but I do so want you to be happy. Actually, no, I want more than just happy, I want you to be over the moon. I want to give you memories of a special day that will last and last, so that you can look back in years to come and remember how you felt that day.

Some people smile, some cry, some laugh and point and tell a story, some people are more private and just say a quiet thank you and go on their way. The feeling I get from making someone else happy is fabulous. Later, sometimes, I get a little thank you card or an email, and that is just the cherry on the top for me. This is what I got today from Stephanie, who was married to Robert at Burnhouse Manor, earlier this year:-

"Hi Sandy, Just a wee email to say thanks again. We are so happy with our album and prints and can't wait to show them to our friends and family! Steph x"

Steph, you have made my day! And then this is just the best job in the world and for a moment I have no stress or hassle or pressure, and I can't wait for my next wedding... :-)

Sandy - Special Day Memories

Sarah and Graeme, St Mirin Cathedral and the Gailes Hotel, Saturday 29 May

I love the cathedral! I am so lucky to work in a town that has venues like St Mirin Cathedral and Paisley Abbey. What more could a wedding photographer want? Well, how about a wedding reception venue like the Gailes Hotel, only a short drive away? This venue has it all - a rooftop terrace, views towards Arran, a well heated conservatory and the Talisker Lounge with a lovely open fire (both very important in the west of Scotland!). The Lagavulin Suite was beautiful, a great example of how a wedding breakfast should look. The staff - thank you Karen - were very professional and were a real help to the photography team.

Anyway, enough of that: Sarah and Graeme, despite the drizzle, were stars! Sarah was the princess that every bride should be; maid of honour, bridesmaids and Taylor the flowergirl were just lovely; and Graham and his groomsmen were very handsome in matching highland dress. A first sort of the images tells me that we have some photographs that I am very pleased with. I am sure Sarah and Graeme will be as well.

Sandy - Special Day Memories

Nicola and Kevin at St Aidan's, Saturday 15 May

St Aidan's in Johnstone is a truly stunning piece of architecture. The light is fantastic and it has an aisle that any bride would love to walk up. Then we have another beautiful, clear May day and you have most of the ingredients for a great wedding shoot. Just add 14 men in matching kilts, 2 lovely bridesmaids and a bride in a gorgeous embrodered gown. And if that wasnt enough we went to a country estate near Houston where the landscape was unspoilt and wonderful to be in. Nicola was beautiful, and Kevin was really up for photographs (as the one below with his best man and ushers shows!) Nicola and Kevin, thank you. It was a lovely day to be part of. Please enjoy these pictures, lots more soon.

Sandy - Special Day Memories

Aileen and Michael's wedding at Kincaid House Hotel, Milton of Campsie

Friday 14th of May, and the sun shone! Wedding photographers can be fussy about the weather. We like sunshine, if we can find shade, because contrasts look harsh in photographs, or makes people squint! But we prefer sunshine to rain because natural light makes everybody look better. No rain and lots of sunshine, with enough shade and a great day for all. Aileen and Michael looked wonderful at Kincaid House, which is just outside Milton of Campsie and is a great venue, with a fantastic conservatory and beautiful grounds.

Aileen and Michael had a civil ceremony made really personal by writing their own vows, and then had a handfasting ceremony by Jock Ferguson, which was just so perfect for a Scots wedding. Check out Jock at http://www.heraldevents.co.uk/weddings.php. It is always great to work with someone who understands photography and video, and Jock was a total professional.

Michael and Aileen also worked really hard, and that has paid off with some stunning photographs. Thank you, it was a real pleasure. Here is a sneek preview with lots more to come.

Sandy - Special Day Memories

Award winning wedding photographer!

Anybody who knows me will tell you that I never brag. And, as if to prove that, gaining my latest award from the Society of Wedding and Portrait Professionals (SWPP) has reminded me that I never published the news to my blog about the last award I received. So this is an opportunity to share both of these award winning photographs.

Michelle was simply stunning for her wedding last year in Kirkintilloch, and the weather blessed her reception at the beautiful Lochgreen Hotel. Working as a wedding photographer in Paisley, I love getting the chance to work in Paisley Abbey, it is one of my favourite venues - the light is fantastic and it has a marvellous atmosphere - and that really shows in this photograph from Tracy and Kevin's wedding. I hope you like them. As always, thanks to my wonderful couples for allowing me the privilege of sharing their special day and helping to capture some memories.

Sandy - Special Day Memories