Monday, 28 May 2012

Donna & James, 12 May 2012, Luss

I am sure you have heard the song that goes "on the bonnie, bonnie banks of Loch Lomond". One of the most stunning features of Paisley and Glasgow, apart from all the history, culture and architecture of those places is the access to the most amazing scenery, relatively close by. 30 minutes sees you in the some of the best countryside in Scotland, and some of the most spectacular has to be the national park area around Loch Lomond, with the imposing feature of Ben Lomond in the background. As a wedding venue a couple are spoiled for choice in this area, with a broad range of choice from the very picturesque Duck Bay Marina to the grand setting of Cameron House Hotel.

Donna and James chose the Lodge on Loch Lomond, in the picturesque village of Luss. This village is a photographers dream - if the weather holds fair!! As I have said before, think about your venue and imagine a wet weather day: is there somewhere to take photographs, where will your guests mingle, is there any intimate little corner to escape to? Because if the weather clags in, sometimes nobody is stepping outside...least of all a girl in a lacy white dress and veil!!

Fortunately it was definitely Donna and James's lucky day, their beautiful sunny wedding day in Luss was a pleasant surprise between 2 wild, wet and stormy days.  After their ceremony they were able to walk along the beach with their bridal party led by the pipes and drums of - wait for it, Drums and Roses!! (as seen on Britains got Talent). The bridal party looked so smart with the boys in grey and black and the girls in a stunning peppermint green, all set off by the stunning backdrop of the Ben and loch.

Photographs on the beach, on the pier, looking out onto Ben Lomond, on the wee wooden bridge, we managed to do a huge amount in the time available. Donna, James, please enjoy these taster images, with lots more to come.




Thursday, 24 May 2012

David and Xu, Pollok House, 27 April 2012

David and Xu chose a lovely, mostly dry, day for their wedding at Pollok House which was a small family affair with a few close friends. Although their theme was traditionally Scottish, there was no mistaking Xu's chinese influence in the decorations tastefully placed in both the ceremony and in the dining room  

Xu arrived in style in her Rolls Royce which looked fabulous parked out in front of the grand old house, where we spent a lovely afternoon taking both formal and fun photographs. However, we didn't forget how beautiful the inside of the house can be, and so when we felt a brief spatter of rain, we went into the house to take yet more photographs. What a variety this grand old mansion offers for photography!


David and Xu, you both looked fabulous on your wedding day. I hope you enjoy these taster images while you wait for the rest. 

Sandy



Wednesday, 16 May 2012

Kerrie and Craig, 22 April 2012

This has been my busiest April ever. And what beautiful weddings I have had. Dalmeny Park House Hotel, where Kerrie and Craig were married, still remains one of my favourite venues. The blossoms are only just coming out on the trees now, but the grounds are stunning already, and there is a great deal of variety. Dalmeny Park also has some very good wet weather alternatives, always worth thinking about when choosing a wedding venue in Scotland.

Although Kerrie's brothers were not part of the official bridal party, they were also dressed in the kilt of the day and so when Kerrie and Craig asked for this family photograph to be taken, walking across the lawn, I thought it was a great idea! Definitely one for a frame in the family home. 

Kerrie and Craigs' wee boy was also a very special part of their day and was included in most of the group photographs but even managed to work his way into our hearts by taking part in some private Bride and Groom photographs too.




I don't normally present as many as 4 photos on a blog entry, but I couldn't leave out this beautiful portrait of Kerrie, who looked absolutely stunning in her wedding gown and this one of Craig, who looked the part in full highland rig.

Kerrie and Craig, I hope that you enjoy these taster images.

www.sandrakeddiephotography.co.uk / www.specialdaymemories.co.uk

Tuesday, 24 April 2012

Natasha and Joseph, Watermill Hotel, 20 April 2012

What a wonderful happy day for Natasha and Joseph, who were married in St Mathews Church in Paisley and then they had their reception at the nearby Watermill Hotel.

Although the weather was forecast for rain, we had plenty of time for a fabulous photoshoot, soaking up the architecture of Paisley and making best use of Natasha's favourite cherry blossom trees, which are in full bloom near the Town Hall.

Natasha relaxed after her ceremony and we really made the most of the time before their meal at the Watermill taking some wonderful photographs.

Marion the event manager was well organised and greeted us with her usual smile. The Ballroom was, as always, lovely and bright, and was decorated in turquoise and white to match the bridal party.

Natasha and Joseph, I hope you enjoy these taster mages and you can look forward to the rest when you get back from your honeymoon.

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

Laura and Craig, 14 April 2012

Snow in April...why should I be surprised?

Laura looked beautiful and even the snow shower half way through our photoshoot couldn't take the smile off Laura's face. Laura's six gorgeous bridesmaids were stunning in beautiful purple gowns which perfectly complimented the cerise of the gerbera posies.

It's not usual that I publish a "getting ready" image, but this is a fantastic image of the girls taking 2 minutes in the house before finally leaving for the church. Thank you girls for making the effort, you were all fantastic!!  I hope you enjoy this image as much as I do.

Laura and Craig's son Josh, who looked very smart in a kilt and obviously very proud to be there with his Dad,  Craig, were waiting at the church with their ushers and best man.

After the ceremony, time was very limited, so we took most of our photos in the church grounds, using the beautiful church frontage as a backdrop. The evening reception was held at the Eagle Lodge which has a very grand hall with floor to ceiling windows on one side, looking out onto what was a gorgeous evening sunset.

 Laura and Craig, I hope that you had wonderful evening.
Congratulations to you both!

Sandy


Friday, 20 April 2012

Ian and Sookyoung, Pollok House, 11 April 2012

Ian and Sookyoung both work in Korea but hope to return to Scotland to live and so although they were officially married in Korea, they chose to also have a small ceremony in Scotland to celebrate with their family here. And what better place to celebrate than Pollok House?

This grand old country mansion built in 1752 and then gifted to the National Trust in 1966, lends itself just perfectly to such a special event.

My commitment on their special day was to produce some beautiful photos of their day and a short ceremony video for them to take back to Korea on the 19th of April. Phew! A bit of a deadline rush, but I did it, and the couple, are extremely happy with the results.

A special thanks to Carole Ann for her patience and support when our photograph session ran over following a very delayed start to the ceremony and mixed weather during the afternoon.
I will be publishing a short highlights video of their day soon and in the mean time here are a few images for you to enjoy.

For more information on Pollok House weddings, contact 0844 493 2202 or pollokhospitality@nts.org.uk

Sandy




Monday, 16 April 2012

Emma & Andy 31 March 2012

Emma and Andy were married at the end of March in St Margarets Church in Johnstone and they finished off at the popular Dalmeny Park Country House Hotel. They were one of the few lucky couples to catch the unusual warm spell of weather that settled over Scotland for 2 weeks in the early spring!


This image on the right, taken by my second shooter while Andy and Emma took a moment to relax before going into their reception venue, is one of those images that truly catches the moment. A second shooter is a vital part of anyones wedding day photography, catching those candid, relaxed moments while the main photographer can go about their work of getting those main photographs that should never be missed on a special day where family and friends get together.

Emma and Andy, Enjoy these 2 taster images, the rest will be with you soon.

Sandy