Traquair House | An Enchantingly Romantic Venue

---

I’ve loved visiting Traquair House over the years to photograph small weddings and elopements. As a nature-loving wedding photographer, I’m always searching for enchanting backdrops that don’t just look romantic but feel romantic. Traquair House is one of those rare places with genuinely magical spaces that are perfect for saying “I do” and exploring for photographs.

Here’s my guide to why Traquair House is such a wonderful choice for a Scottish micro wedding or elopement.

---

7 Reasons I Love Traquair

---

Traquair House is nestled in the heart of the Tweed Valley, just 15 minutes from the bustling market town of Peebles, one of the liveliest spots in the Scottish Borders. If your guests need extra accommodation, Peebles has plenty of options. But Traquair itself offers so much charm and comfort that you might not want to leave!

1. Incredible Photo Opportunities
   My photography style is all about the experience, and Traquair’s spaces are perfect for relaxed, genuine moments. Whether you’re wandering through the yew tree circle, enjoying a quiet moment by the river, or even sipping a pint in the Traquair Brewery, the photo opportunities are endless.

2. Timeless Romance
   With over 900 years of history, Traquair is packed with stories. Imagine walking in the footsteps of the Stuart family or picturing Mary Queen of Scots using the ancient crib that’s still kept within the house.

3. Enchanting Grounds
   If you love nature and a touch of whimsy, Traquair’s grounds are a dream come true. Wander through the Walled Garden, discover the moss-covered Victorian tea house, take a riverside stroll, or lose yourself in Scotland’s largest hedged maze.

4. The Private 17th-Century Wing
   Staying at Traquair is like stepping back in time. You’ll have your own private wing of the house, complete with two beautifully adorned bedrooms and a living room filled with period details that feel straight out of a romance novel.

5. Variety of Ceremony Spaces
   Traquair offers an array of stunning locations to tie the knot. You can exchange vows in the cosy drawing room, the historic library (a book lover’s haven!), or outdoors in Cupid’s Garden or beneath the ancient yew trees by the river. Every space is brimming with character and charm.

6. Plenty of Accommodation
   Between the house’s three bedrooms and additional space at nearby Howford House, Traquair can accommodate up to 24 people. Six of you can stay right in the house, soaking up its magical atmosphere.

7. Unique Experiences
   There’s nowhere quite like Traquair. From its historic brewery to the one-of-a-kind ceremony spaces, it’s a venue that feels truly special and unlike any other.

---

Want to capture the magic of Traquair with me?

---

---

What makes my packages perfect for a Traquair wedding?

---

From tiny elopements to intimate micro weddings, my photography packages are designed to fit around you. Whether you need just a couple of hours or a full day of coverage, I’ll help you make the most of your time at Traquair—rain or shine.

• Flexible Coverage
  Choose from 2-10 hours of photography with the option to extend if you’re having so much fun that you want more time to explore!

• Personal Planning Support
  I’ll work closely with you and the Traquair team to ensure your day runs seamlessly, allowing you to enjoy every moment without stress.

• Next-Day Previews
  I know how excited you’ll be to share your memories, so I’ll send you a selection of photos asap.

  Head over to my weddings info page for all the details!

---

Want to explore my wedding photography packages?

---

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

---

Traquair House Accommodation

---

Traquair can host up to 24 people between its three on-site bedrooms and nearby Howford House, which is just a three-minute drive (or a scenic half-hour walk) away. The private wing of the house is especially lovely, with views of the courtyard that make it feel like your own little world.

For guests needing additional options, Innerleithen and Peebles are nearby and offer fantastic accommodation like the Traquair Arms Hotel and Peebles Hydro.

And if you’re staying a while, why not explore the local area? Traquair is perfectly situated for adventures, whether that’s mountain biking at Glentress, horse riding at Kailzie Equestrian, or indulging in a chocolate-making experience at Cocoa Black. For something more relaxing, take a peaceful walk at Dawyck Botanical Gardens or along the abandoned railway tunnel—or, for the bold, enjoy a refreshing swim in the river near Neidpath Castle.

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

---

Let’s Chat About Your Wedding

---

If you’re planning your wedding at Traquair House, I’d love to hear all about your ideas. This is one of my favourite venues to work at, and I’d be thrilled to help you create stunning memories of your day.

Get in touch today, or visit my weddings info page to learn more about how I can help make your Traquair wedding unforgettable.

---

Traquair House Team

---

Gillian, Caroline and the rest of the team are fantastic, contact them at:-

Traquair House, Innerleithen, Peeblesshire, EH44 6PW

Doubletree North Queensferry | Autumn Wedding

DoubleTree North Queensferry is a brilliant spot for a big hotel wedding by the sea with its cracking views over the Firth of Forth and the Queensferry Crossing – which twinkles at night.

I live in North Queensferry, so I’m a bit biased about this location, but I also know the village inside out – from the iconic spots to the hidden gems that most visitors never find.

(I also love to shine the light on Fife as a wonderful wedding location, click the button below to explore my Fife weddings page)

That’s why I was thrilled when Katie and Zara chose DoubleTree North Queensferry for their wedding.

It gave me the chance to take them beyond the usual photo locations and create something unique and personal. There are so many spots to explore beyond the usual pier pictures.

For Katie & Zara, we went the extra mile and got access to the 18th-century sailor’s graveyard, normally locked to the public. It added a quirky, Halloween vibe to their day, and we had such a laugh exploring.

I first met Katie years ago when I photographed her mum Gaye’s wedding to Richard, so it felt extra special to now be capturing her wedding day. We had a lot of laughs during their pre-wedding shoot with their characterful dog, Lois, who’s also had his own doggy photoshoot, where we captured his cheeky character. Unfortunately, he was perhaps too cheeky to bring along to the wedding.

---

---

I love Katie and Zara’s outfits. Katie rocked a tailored burgundy suit, which added an extra autumnal pop of colour and perfectly complemented Zara’s sweetheart dress and red hair, which, in turn, perfectly complemented the red hues of the Forth Rail Bridge. I also love that they had matching hoodies to cosy up in later in the evening – a playful and personal touch that was so very them!

---

---

Their wedding, held the day before Halloween, had loads of fun, seasonal details but stayed true to their personalities—laid-back and full of life. I loved the dried flowers, which looked lovely with the blue bridesmaid dresses.

If you’re looking for a big hotel wedding venue, DoubleTree North Queensferry is a fantastic choice. With its amazing view to enjoy, it’s incredibly accessible too—just a 15-minute walk from the train station or a minute’s walk from the bus stop on the bridge. But what makes it even more special is the way the village offers countless opportunities for unique photos, whether you want to stick to the classics or find something a little different.

Katie and Zara’s day was filled with laughter, love, and a lot of fun—a perfect reflection of their relationship. It was such a privilege to be a part of it all and capture these memories for them. If you’re planning a wedding here, I’d love to show you all the best spots and help you create something truly unforgettable!

Gothic Wedding Magic in Edinburgh | Sarah and Lee’s Non-Traditional Day

---

Sarah and Lee's Gothic Wedding at Prestonfield House in Edinburgh was a celebration steeped in Halloween inspiration and personal touches. First meeting working in the food industry, they bonded over their shared love of food, music, tattoos, and a creative, alternative lifestyle. After nearly a decade together, Sarah decided to take the lead and proposed to Lee on a holiday in New York—an unexpected yet perfect reflection of their unique connection.

---

Interested in Wedding Photography?

---

From the beginning, they envisioned a wedding with gothic charm, delicious food, and a relaxed yet deeply meaningful atmosphere. They found their ideal setting at Prestonfield House, with its delicious food, rich history, dramatic interiors, and gothic style. For their intimate gathering, Prestonfield provided them with small beautiful spaces which perfectly blended elegance and moody autumnal vibes.

---

Looking for Inspiration?

---

Sarah walked down the aisle in a dress that beautifully balanced traditional elegance with personal flair. Though she initially planned to wear black, she fell in love with the first gown she tried on, a glittering tulle-layered design with a flattering deep v-neckline and the perfect back to showcase her “Corpse Bride” tattoo—a subtle but fitting tribute to their shared love of the gothic. Completing her look was a custom headdress by Hysteria Machine, and her hand-painted leather jacket added a distinct edge.

---

Love Edinburgh Locations?

---

Lee’s wore a custom waistcoat sourced from Whitby Goth Festival, adding a unique gothic touch that tied in with the day’s theme. In a break from tradition, Lee chose his daughter as his best woman, a meaningful choice that reflected their close bond and added a personal touch to the ceremony.

---

Planning a Unique Wedding?

---

The ceremony itself was really tailored to them by the fabulous Tim Maguire, it blended pagan traditions such as a handfasting, drinking mead, and jumping over a broom. They walked down the aisle together as equals, they chose a soundtrack of music from Cradle of Filth, Ghost, and Type O Negative, reflecting their love of alternative styles. And Sarah and her mum’s beloved dog, Olly the Springer Spaniel, carried the rings up the aisle to them which brought a sense of warmth and playfulness to their gothic ceremony.

The ceremony itself was really tailored to them by the fabulous Tim Maguire, it blended pagan traditions such as a handfasting, drinking mead, and jumping over a broom. They walked down the aisle together as equals, they chose a soundtrack of music from Cradle of Filth, Ghost, and Type O Negative, reflecting their love of alternative styles. And Sarah and her mum’s beloved dog, Olly the Springer Spaniel, carried the rings up the aisle to them which brought a sense of warmth and playfulness to their gothic ceremony.

---

What is a Gothic Wedding?

---

Sarah and Lee’s wedding at Prestonfield House was a beautiful example of a Gothic wedding. So, what exactly makes a wedding “Gothic”? For Sarah and Lee, it meant embracing the moody elegance of autumn and the dark interiors of Prestonfield House along with personalised elements like a dramatic black wedding cake, and a custom handfasting ceremony. With deep colours, gothic decor, pumpkins and even a black cat, the day felt like something from a dark fairy tale.

---

What to Wear for a Gothic Wedding

---

Sarah’s wedding look showcased Gothic style with her custom crown, Corpse Bride tattoo, and a unique, traditional dress with a modern twist. She originally planned to wear black but fell in love with a dress that allowed her to express her love for Gothic elements, without giving up the classic feel of a wedding gown.

For guests attending a Gothic wedding, choosing attire in deep, jewel tones or even black can harmonize with the theme without overshadowing the couple’s look.

---

Finding a Gothic Wedding Venue in Edinburgh

---

When searching for a Gothic wedding venue, it’s all about finding a space with rich history and atmosphere. Sarah and Lee chose Prestonfield House in Edinburgh because it offered exactly that. The historic venue provided the perfect backdrop, with its dark, elegant rooms, dark jewel fabrics, gold features, chandeliers and antique charm.

For other couples considering a Gothic venue, Edinburgh has several options—from castles to grand estates—that capture the essence of Gothic romance.

---

Final Touches: Personal Details & Unique Traditions

---

With a ceremony complete with drinking mead, a handfasting, and even their dog delivering the rings, Sarah and Lee’s wedding went beyond convention. Lee’s daughter stood as his best person, adding a modern family twist to the traditional roles. These details made their Gothic wedding feel as unique and authentic as the couple themselves.

The Super Team

Photography: Ali Jay Photography

Celebrant: Tim Maguire of Celebrate People

Bride’s dress: Sophia Tolli at Hoops a Daisy

Bride’s headdress: Hysteria Machine

Bride’s shoes: Kurt Geiger, Michael Kors

Bridesmaid dress: JJ’s House

Cake: Liggy’s Cakes

Florist: Liberty Blooms

Groom’s trousers: Moss Bros

Exploring The Scottish Wilderness

---

When the sun shines, we grab the chance for an adventure into the Scottish wilderness, to be refreshed by nature. We look for wildlife (my ultimate happy place), talking around the campfire, making up stories for the kids. In the morning we wake to geese flying up the loch and sometime have a little swim before we pack up & disappear without trace.

For years, I avoided bringing a camera on these trips, worried it might take me out of the moment. But after a seal hilariously photobombed a rare canoe selfie, I realised it was worth capturing the beauty of Scotland. So if you love Scotland & the wild, I’ve gathered together my favourite pictures & a few stories, enjoy!

---

Loch Sunart

---

Puffing Porpoise

---

As I retell this story, part of me wishes I’d had my camera, but I’m also glad I was fully in the moment. Back in 2012, while canoeing on Loch Sunnart, along the wild and ancient Ardnamurchan Peninsula, we heard four soft puffs, then a pause. Moments later, more puffs, and that’s when we realised we were canoeing alongside a little porpoise family. It was magical!

When we finally made it back to shore, we apologised to our friends for leaving them for so long and explained why. As it turned out, they didn’t mind—they’d been quietly watching an otter that had come up onto the shore right beside them.

---

Loch Baa

---

Boulders Ahoy!

---

Loch Baa is such a strange and captivating landscape, with giant boulders scattered everywhere. As we paddled along, I felt like I was on the Titanic, watching for massive boulders hidden just below the surface like icebergs. The loch lies on Rannoch Moor, a treeless expanse of bogland just below Glen Coe. But on the islands, we found trees growing around these massive boulders. The whole landscape is reminiscent of a Lord of The Rings type world.

---

Loch Ard

---

---

The River Forth

---

Sleeping Seals & Puffins

---

Have you ever seen a seal asleep in the sea? It lifts its nose into the air and just floats there, eyes shut. While kayaking off North Berwick, we paddled out to the little islands and found ourselves surrounded by tiny puffins and sleeping seals. The beauty of a kayak or canoe is in their stealthy silence, letting you feel so close to the water and the wildlife around you.

---

Loch Katrine

---

We Are Sailing

---

Loch Katrine was the first loch we ever explored, just us and our friends. We paddled up the loch and camped overnight. Knowing it would likely be windy the next day, we set off in the morning, paddling with the wind for a while. Then, we pulled up on the shore, tied our canoes together, rigged up a sail and a pirate flag, and sailed our way back. We waved to the visitors aboard the Sir Walter Scott Steamship as we passed by.

I hope you feel inspired to explore Scotland or take photos, if you’d like to know more about me and my wedding and family photography, spend some time and click about my site or just get in touch!

Ali.

Message Ali

15 Of The Best Photo Spots Edinburgh

---

Where are the best photo spots in Edinburgh for your city centre wedding?

This handy little photo location guide is here to help with photographs from real weddings and a handy little map of city centre highlights. They are all close to the city centre & perfect to easily explore on your wedding day

Please let me know if you have a favourite place that you think should be added.

• Table Of Contents

  City Centre Map

  1. St. Giles Cathedral

  2. Edinburgh City Chambers

  3. The Royal Mile

  4. The Edinburgh Festival

  5. Writer’s Museum

  6. Riddles Court

  7. John Knox’s House

  8. Edinburgh Castle

  9. Victoria Street

  10. The Vennel

  11. The Mound

  12. Prince’s Street Gardens

  13. Carlton Hill

  14. Holyrood Park

  15. St. Anthony’s Chapel

  Useful Links

View fullsize

Let’s start at the heart…

---

1. St. Giles Cathedral

---

St. Giles is literally in the heart of Edinburgh, the Heart of Midlothian is a mosaic on the ground outside St. Giles. Although this sounds like a romantic place to stand, beware, it is thought to be good luck to spit on it (apologies for spoiling the romance with a rather yucky start to this guide).

Let’s skip past that part… St. Giles is one of Edinburgh’s most iconic buildings with it’s crown top a prominent part of Edinburgh’s skyline. I love exploring the pretty steps & doorways and I use it as a screen to take you away from the Royal Mile crowds into some of the quieter spaces behind.

---

2. Edinburgh City Chambers

---

Edinburgh’s City Chambers is a fantastically placed Registry Office, placed right outside St. Giles the chambers building is beautiful with its courtyard and sheltered arches (which have sheltered many weddings from Scotland’s weather over the years).  

---

3. The Royal Mile

---

Talking about weather, around the city centre there are plenty more sheltered spots to explore around the royal mile, if the weather isn’t optimal. I have photographed in rain and fog around the city and it often just adds to the beauty.

When it rains the sandstone on the buildings darkens and the cobbled streets glisten and colours pop.

In the fog, everything looks old world-y and the diffuse light is beautifully flattering for portraits.

 The Royal Mile links Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace and has the majority of the best photo spots in Edinburgh, especially as there are many popular wedding venues on the mile or within walking distance.  

St. Giles and the Chambers are on the high street part of the mile which is the most photographed part but boogle down some of the Close’s and you’ll find hidden gem’s such as Advocate’s Close with it’s brilliant views of the Scott’s Monument or Riddles Court’s with is beautiful courtyard.

---

4. The Edinburgh Festival

---

In the festival Edinburgh fills up and the Royal Mile is packed with crowds, buskers & entertainers. The atmosphere is electric. Walking down the Royal Mile in a wedding dress will always get cheers of friendly congratulations but in the festival, you will be hidden amongst the many crazy outfits of the performers vying for your attention.

Jemma and Alasdair got married during the busiest week of the festival and loved getting amongst the crowds for their photos.

---

5. The Writer’s Museum

---

Continuing up the Royal Mile from the High Street you reach the Lawnmarket which leads up the final stretch to the castle.

Just off the Lawnmarket you find Lady Stair’s House. The 17th century Lady Stair’s House is home to the writer’s museum, I love exploring the peaceful courtyard and the cute lamposts.

---

6. Riddles Court

---

Riddles Court is one of my favourite Edinburgh buildings. I love the orange façade & pentice stair. I can imagine the king holding his banquet’s there in the 16th century. It’s tucked away off the lawn market. It’s so hidden, few tourist’s find it so it’s the perfect place for some quiet photos with some stunning unique architecture.

---

7. John Knox’s House

---

Further down the High Street, just before you enter the Cannongate part of the Royal Mile you get to John Knox’s House. Parts of the building date back to the 15th century building and it now houses the Scottish Storytelling Centre.

It’s a little off route and on a busy part of road on the Royal Mile but it is one the oldest buildings in Edinburgh and very picturesque.

---

8. Edinburgh Castle

---

The temptation is to go the castle for wedding photos but unfortunately if you have a wedding dress on, they won’t let you onto the castle esplanade (unless you are getting married there) but really the best spots are a wee walk away, venture to the Vennel or the Ross Fountain for the perfect castle pic.

---

9. Victoria Street

---

Victoria Street is famous as the inspiration for Diagon Alley in Harry Potter. This cute little street has some brilliant little shops and links the Royal Mile to the historic Grassmarket where you can get a brilliant view of Edinburgh Castle.

---

10. The Vennel

---

Just off the Grassmarket you can climb up the Vennel Steps and get one of the best views of Edinburgh Castle. If you’re really lucky you might get a congratulations from the author Ian Rankin who was passing by during Maria & Rhys’s wedding, we’re waiting to see if they appear as characters in a Rebus novel.

---

11. The Mound

---

If you walk down from the Lawnmarket you will get to the Mound and enter into Edinburgh’s New Town.

The architecture completely changes as you enter the straight streets and Georgian architecture of the New Town and see the statement pillars of the galleries.

You’ll be surrounded by the hustle and bustle of shoppers on Princes’ Street. From here you can also explore Prince’s Street gardens and get some great views of Edinburgh Castle.

---

12. Prince’s Street Gardens & Ross’s Fountain

---

Prince’s Street gardens run along the whole length of Prince’s Street and have some amazing views of the city & the castle. At the east end of the garden’s, you’ll find the Ross Fountain area which is a great place for a pic with Edinburgh Castle.

---

13. Carlton Hill

---

Carlton Hill is the best place in Edinburgh to get panoramic views across the city or to enjoy sunrise or sunset. It’s a bit further away from the Old Town so you will need transport to get to there. If you chose to walk, it’s about a 15 minute walk (with a some steep hills) from the High Street on the Royal Mile.

You can see from the River Forth to Arthur’s Seat to Edinburgh Castle. It’s an amazing place to go when the sun is low but it is a good hike to get up to it. Olivia and Tom got a car up the hill and enjoyed the golden evening light at the top of the hill.

---

14. Holyrood Park

---

At the bottom of the Royal Mile you’ll find Holyrood Palace which is the King’s home when he visits Edinburgh.

The palace is next to Holyrood Park, if you want a real adventure with an amazing view you can walk up Arthurs Seat and get some photographs at St. Anthony’s Chapel

---

15. St. Anthony’s Chapel

---

St. Anthony’s Chapel is a ruined chapel on the hillside with stunning views over the city.

It takes about 20mins to get up to it and it is rough ground so you need good footwear but it is stunning.

Shauna and Frazer went here to exchange their vows after their wedding in the City Chambers.

---

Taxi Adventure

---

Edinburgh is compact but if you have high heels on a vehicle to get your around is a plan.

You can hire an Edinburgh cab to take you around some of the sights. It’s also a cute vehicle to have in your photos.

---

Red Bus Tours

---

If you want your guest’s to enjoy the city while you have a more intimate adventure you can hire a Red Bus to take your guests around the city. Companies such as the Red Bus Bistro will do a tour with afternoon tea for your guests.

Are you planning an Edinburgh wedding?

If you’d like to chat about your plans, check availability or pricing, please get in touch :-)

---

Useful Links

---

The City Chambers

Riddles Court

Red Bus Bistro

The Red Bus

Wedding At The Den, Culross

---

Jessica and Dan’s wedding at The Den, Culross was a beautiful celebration of two people from different parts of the world coming together.

Dan is from Canada and travelled over just before the wedding. We met up the night before the wedding in the 17th century town of Culross for a few fun coupley photographs. The town’s cute streets and colourful palace are famous across the world thanks to Outlander.

---

Want to know more about my photography?

---

On the wedding day, we arrived at The Den which is a delightfully converted barn set amongst fields with views on the hills behind. Audrey, the owner has a brilliant eye for decor and I love how she has furnished the spaces in the Den’s multiple barns.

The sun was shining brightly as we headed in for the ceremony. Jessica and Dan’s friend conducted the ceremony for them which added a beautiful intimacy.

The speeches were proper tear jerkers, especially when Jessica’s proud granddad set everyone’s emotions going as he said how the wedding was bittersweet as the wedding would see her move to Canada and after living so close to her for so long he would miss her terribly.

After their meal, everyone cosied around the firepits with s’mores and then waved goodbye to Jessica and Dan as they walked through a wall of sparklers and then drove off into the sunset.

The Wedding Team

Caterers: Bespoke Caterers
Florist: Scottish Cut Flowers
Cake: Heather's cakes
Hair: Cheryl Doig
Makeup (Cruelty Free): Top Drawer Make up

Candlelit Ghillie Dhu Wedding

---

It’s lovely that two teachers who travel the world teaching and exploring so many place’s chose Edinburgh for their beautiful wedding. Liam is Scottish and Sarina is from Germany and they love the city.

The dramatic candlelit hall in the Ghillie Dhu looked beautifully romantic and the perfect place for their ceremony. The Ghillie Dhu has super thick curtains which they use to close off the ceremony space within the hall, it creates a moody gothic space which is just lit by the Ghillie Dhu’s ornate chandeliers and candlelit mantlepiece. It really focussed everyone’s attention on the aisle for Sarina to make a dramatic entrance.

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

The Ghilie Dhu has access to the private gardens in Rutland Square so the whole wedding party headed along for a drinks reception. The summer rain arrived in good Scottish style but their hardy guests happily stayed out in the gardens rather than returning to the cosy bar in the Ghilie Dhu, until it go very heavy and they conceded that heading inside would be a good idea.

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

---

Want to know more about my photography?

---

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

The Ghillie Dhu’s chef’s create wonderful Scottish cuisine with a modern twist which was the perfect Scottish experience for their many German guests. When the guests returned for their meal the venue felt completely transformed with the curtains pulled back, the light spilled in through the stained glass windows. When the sun got low in the sky and the rain stopped I popped out with Liam & Sarina to get some pictures in Princes’ Street Gardens and then they finished off the night by introducing their friends and family to the lively fun of a ceilidh.

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

The Wedding Team:

Venue: Ghillie Dhu

Caterer: Ghillie Dhu

Band: The Big Shoogle

Cake: Nice Times Bakery

Florist: Pretty Little Petals

Hair & Make-Up: Julie McGuire

Ceremony Officiant: Neil Johnston

Dress: opus61_brautmode

Stylist for bride and bridal party: Julie McGuire

Bride Preparations Venue: Waldorf Astoria Caledonian Edinburgh

Enchanting Megginch Castle Wedding

---

Megginch Castle may be a superb new elegant wedding venue but once upon a time, a long long time ago (well actually in the 90’s) the castle’s historic courtyard hosted movie stars, including Liam Neeson, for the filming of the 1995 movie Rob Roy.

The Wedding Ceremony

Nadia & Steven chose Megginch Castle for their wedding after COVID meant they re-evaluated their original plan to elope to Spain. They loved the beautiful courtyard and chose the light conservatory for their ceremony but they could have chose the chapel or the gardens.

---

Want to know more about my photography?

---

Places to Explore

The castle is a hidden gem, I love little adventures and Megginch had lots of great places to explore. The conservatory links the courtyard via the grand ballroom to the gardens with it’s 1000yr old yew trees, fun topiary, fountain and expansive lawns. There are also horses to go say hello to and a tiny chapel in the groups which can be used for religious ceremonies.   

Surprise, Surprise!

Nadia and Steven’s guests were entertained with croquet and the big surprise of the night was when the waiter fell over and then got up and started singing. Nadia had told us that it would be happening so we were waiting in anticipation for him to fall. As a guest ran to help the poor fallen waiter, he jumped up and started singing and caused a lot of hilarity. Everyone loved the impromptu performance, guests were standing on the chairs, dancing, swinging their napkins around their heads. Danielle and I ran around the room having far too much fun capturing it on camera to make sure the fun was bottled up for Nadia & Steven to look back on and laugh.

The Magical wedding Team

Venue – Megginch Castle

Event Management: Jan Deegan Next Step Events

Officiant – Margery Bambrick

Photographer – Ali Jay Photography

Videographer - Danielle Watt

Hair stylist – Hair Ups

Make-up artist – Christina Grace

Nadia’s outfit – Pronovias - San Patrick

Cake – Celebration Stations

---

Are you Planning a wedding at Megginch Castle?

Get in touch today, I’d love to be part of your amazing wedding team.

Enquire?

Megginch Castle Weddding

The Pawfect Wedding At Balmule House

---

I’ve got to get this in here, this is a heartwarming tail of the pawfect wedding, sorry, cheesetastic!

Andrew and Emma embarked on a heartfelt journey to tie the knot in the enchanting landscapes of Scotland, and they didn't do it alone—Koda, their beloved 5-month-old retriever puppy, played a significant role in their joyous celebration. Like Gavin and Stacey, they had met on holiday and then had a long distance relationship between Wales and Essex.  

Choosing the pretty Balmule House, set in the countryside just outside Dunfermline, as the backdrop for their intimate ceremony, Andrew and Emma opted for an elopement surrounded by their closest family members and their furry companion, Koda.

 Dressed in a fetching tartan bow tie, Koda was by Andrew's side, lending a paw in the preparations and eagerly observing the ceremony with genuine canine curiosity.

---

Want to know more about my photography?

---

But Koda's involvement didn't stop there. Thanks to Andrew's dedication to training, Koda had mastered a charming trick called 'middle,' where he skillfully maneuvered between Andrew's legs. This endearing trick became an unexpected highlight, adding a touch of whimsy and playfulness to their group photographs and is a definite training tip for anyone planning a wedding with their pup!

Koda proudly joined in the group photographs, effortlessly becoming a cherished member of the wedding party.

Puppies get tired and after all the excitement of the group photos, Koda crashed on the sofa during the drinks reception. We left Koda to nap and headed out for some golden wedding portraits around the lovely grounds at Balmule House. After a while, the groomsmen brought Koda out to join Andrew and Emma so they could enjoy some pictures with him. Koda's lively spirit added an extra layer of joy and warmth to moment.

"Dog-friendly" weddings are becoming more common, and for good reason. Our furry friends bring so much joy, love, and happiness into our lives, so why not include them in one of the most important days of our lives? Not only do they add an element of cuteness and fun, but they also serve as a reminder of the love that we have for our pets.

Here's to Andrew and Emma, their beautiful love story, and their pawfect wedding. May their marriage be filled with many more cherished moments with Koda by their side. And to all the pet lovers out there planning their own wedding, consider making it a dog-friendly affair. Trust me, it will be a day you'll never forget.

The PAwfect Team:

Venue: Franc and his wonderful team at Balmule House

Celebrant: John Tonner from Fuze Ceremonies

Modern Pipes: by Dean Saunders

---

Are you Planning a wedding at Balmule House?

Get in touch today, I’d love to be part of your amazing wedding team.

Dovecot Studios Wedding - Lynsey & Mike

---

Lynsey & Mike love colour and music, they wanted a vibrant fun venue which was a bit different. They settled on the beautiful Dovecot galleries, a contemporary art hub and tapestry studio, originally built as a grand Victorian swimming bath where Lynsey’s mum used to swim.

Nestled right in the heart of Edinburgh the Dovecot Studios an easy central location for their friends and family to get to and just round the corner they had Edinburgh’s Old College which was the perfect place to explore for some of their photographs.

The Dovecot is a beautifully light place for a wedding and despite their wedding being in July they were conscious of Scotland’s unpredictable weather.

They knew they would have a great space even if it rained, which it did, a lot!

---

Want to know more about my photography?

---

Despite the weather, Lynsey and Michael ventured out to explore Old College and just as we got back in, we heard the heaven’s open and the loud patter of rain hit the roof of the Dovecot’s grand atrium.

Smugly and snugly inside, we got to explore the colourful weavers floor, which is where the old swimming pool was.

The weavers floor is a working space full of looms where you can see the tapestries taking shape.

The floor is only cleared for a very limited number of larger weddings each year and we had to be conscious of the artist’s work as we explored with Caitlin from Dovecot as our guide.

Lynsey & Michael aren’t a serious couple who want to gaze into each others eyes all the time and be all serious so we just had some fun exploring to get some photos of them together.

We enjoyed the beautiful architecture of Old College and the Dovecot, I wanted to capture lots of fun and laughter and the colour of the yarns and looms.

They finished the day with a ceilidh and band and a full dancefloor of their favourite people.

The Artistic Team

Venue: Dovecot Studios, coordinated by Caitlin

Dress: Gwenne's, Edinburgh

Kilt: Groom’s Own

Officiant: Kathleen Hood

Floristy: Save The Date Collective

Hair & Make Up: The Beauty Works

Band: Hot Date

---

Are you Planning a wedding at Dovecot Studios?

Get in touch today, I’d love to be part of your amazing wedding team.

Romantic Getaway To Edinburgh

---

To celebrate their 10th wedding anniversary, Amy & Andrew booked a romantic getaway to Edinburgh and booked in for a photoshoot to help them make the most of their adventure.

Amy told me how her and Andrew love the historic architecture of Edinburgh so we planned a walk around Edinburgh to take in the Vennel with its outstanding view of Edinburgh Castle, the colourful shops on Victoria Street, the Royal Mile and we made a plan to finish with the vistas of Carlton Hill at sunset.

Enquire

Their visit was at the end of May. May is my favourite month in Scotland, we have super long days and it feels like the sunniest month, I’m not sure if it is but I have the most sunny memories from May adventures. It’s also a great time to visit Scotland as it is quieter and if you’re going to the Highlands, the midges haven’t taken over.

The evening shoot worked perfectly for Amy & Andrew, visiting for Ohio they were continuing onto London by sleeper that evening so after a lovely sunny evening walk they were ready to go and get their sleeper and have a relaxed journey to London.

“We absolutely LOVE these photos! Thank you for taking the time to create these memories for us to have forever.” 

Amy & Andrew

---

Get In Touch

---

St. Andrews Wedding

---

St. Andrews University’s most famous couple may be William and Kate but Georgia and Julian also met at the university and not being royals they could have a super fun wedding with all their mates. They had their ceremony at the exclusive St Salvator’s Chapel followed by a fun filled reception at the Old Course Hotel.

To get married at St. Salvators you have to be affiliated to the university so as alumni Georgia and Julian got to use the chapel and the adjacent quad area for their photos. 

---

Want to know more about my photography?

---

It’s a short distance to the Old Course Hotel which is one of my favourite venues with a brilliantly attentive team, stunning views, multiple beaches and a famous mini bridge to explore for photographs.  

They loved their time in St. Andrews so when it came to choosing where to get married, they wanted to bring everyone back to the town to celebrate. For many of their friends, who they’d met at University it was also a chance to have a bit of a reunion and The Old Course Hotel was the perfect setting for a very good party and bouncing ceilidh.

St. Andrews has many famous landmarks but the little cute stone Swilcan Bridge is possibly the most famous so Georgia and Julian wanted to head there for photographs, especially as they could also get their university halls and the hotel in the background. The hotel organised a car to take us along but you can easily walk there if you fancy a wander. Georgia and Julian got a lift along to the bridge and they chose the pretty hotel garden and the university quad for pictures but I would also highly recommend a trip along to the beach if you have the time!

---

Want to find out more about Fife weddings with my guide?

---

The Fantastic Team

Venue: The Old Course Hotel

Chapel: St. Salvator’s, St. Andrews University

Floristy: Stucio and Waow 

Dress: La Novia

Hair: Sophie Butler

Make Up: Vintage Beauty Box

Ceilidh Band: Skyrie

---

Are you Planning a wedding at the Old Course Hotel?

---

Barnbougle Castle - A Unique Castle Wedding By The Sea

---

Barnbougle Castle

Louisa & Jonny chose the uniqueness of Barnbougle Castle for their wedding.

It is a relatively new venue which takes on a limited number of weddings each year.

You get exclusive use of the castle and it’s grounds which are tucked away within the beautiful Dalmeny Estate which sits on the Forth Estuary, just outside Edinburgh.

view my prices

Castle With A View

There has been something on the Barnbougle site since the 13th century.

The current castle was reconstructed in the 19th century and refurbished very recently to become a new venue for Roseberry Venues.

It sits on a rocky terrace projecting it out slightly into the estuary.

Louisa and Jonny had a beautiful day for their wedding so chose to get married on the terrace.

The terrace wraps around the castle and has panoramic views over the river and the islands in the Forth.

Layout

The castle has such beautiful features including the grand stone spiral staircase which links the Scottish Library to the Banquetting Hall on the second floor and up to the third floor where there is a bedroom and access to the minstrel’s gallery above the hall.

The Scottish Library

If the weather is not so desirable you can hold your ceremony in the stunning Scottish Library on the bottom floor of the castle.

The library connects to the terraces and some smaller rooms which can be good if you need a quiet space.

Louisa and Jonny used this area for guests to enjoy drinks and to cut their cake.

Just along the corridor from the library there are some bookcases which hide the toilets and are a very fun feature.

Photography Prices

Banqueting Hall

On the second floor the banqueting hall with it’s stunning barrel vaulted ceiling has to be one of the most fantastic reception space’s I have seen.

I noticed guests enjoying the view from the windows which looked out over the Forth River.

During the reception I was able to creep up into the Minstrels gallery on the third floor which gave me a brilliant view of the whole hall and all the guests enjoying the speeches.

You could even do a speech from the gallery if you wanted something a little different.

Getting Ready

On the top floor of the castle they have a beautiful room where you can get ready if you wish to.

Unfortunately you can’t stay there over night but it would be a lovely fun place to get ready and watch your guests below enjoying the terrace and views.

Book Your Date

There are plenty hotels nearby such as Orocco Pier or Dakota. Louisa chose to get ready at her home.

Dakota is a beautiful hotel nearby with an excellent restaurant and cocktail bar but when I have photographed wedding prep there the bride has asked to use a lovely bar area near the entrance of the hotel for their hair and make up as the rooms are very very dark. This is always something worth thinking about as your hair and make up team will struggle in a dark environment.

Orocco Pier is located within the old village of South Queensferry and is a beautiful place to stay with fantastic staff, delicious food and great cocktails.

Linda Keys

I have a some favourite suppliers who I recommend to clients and Linda is fabulous, she’s a beautiful gentle kind celebrant who brings so much heart and feeling to her ceremonies.

She had built such a beautiful relationship with Louisa and Jonny and the ceremony was so personal to them. You can find her over at Agnostic Scotland.

Linda Keys Website

Private Beach

There is a private beach a very short distance from the castle. We went down at sunset.

It was a beautiful private place for Louisa and Jonny to explore together and a great place to get some beautiful photos with the castle and the estuary behind.

Location

Barnbougle sits just to the north of Edinburgh between Cramond and South Queensferry within the Dalmeny Estate which is a popular place for a nice walk.

barnbougle website

---

Are you planning a wedding at Barnbougle Castle?

Get in touch today, I’d love to be part of your amazing wedding team.

Ellie & Dom - Wedderlie House Wedding Photos

---

Living in the land of Oz, but with Ellie's family residing near the vibrant city of Edinburgh, Ellie and Dom were on a quest to find the perfect location that could bring their entire family together. Enter Wedderlie House, a place that not only offered ample on-site accommodation but also a plethora of exciting activities. And the cherry on top? It was just a stone's throw away from the lively streets of Edinburgh!

---

Want to know more about my photography?

---

With a squad of sport-loving friends that could rival a whole hockey team, Ellie and Dom's guests were in for a treat. From the thrilling tennis court battles to the laughter-filled games room adventures, there was no shortage of amusement. And to kick off the wedding festivities, the guys even embarked on an exhilarating clay pigeon shooting adventure.

I first crossed paths with Ellie and Dom at Ellie's twin sister's wedding back in 2019. It was an absolute delight to reunite with her wonderful family and collaborate with familiar faces once again. Trust me when I say, this dream team is one you'd definitely want by your side on your special day.

Wedderlie, being a new venue, introduced me to the dynamic team of Jamie, Kamile & Chantel. The highlight for me was the quirky and charming 'Un-Stable' bar, nestled within the old stable block. And let's not forget the mischievous peacocks, strutting around, competing to be the best-dressed guests with their majestic feathery ensembles. Talk about a true spectacle!

Blessed with sunny weather, the wedding day was simply stunning. As the evening approached, I sneaked Ellie and Dom away to explore the enchanting woodland, where they could bask in each other's company. The melodies of Luke Combs filled the air as they took a moment to contemplate their first dance. And to end the night on a high note, we all got caught up in the infectious energy of an epic ceilidh dance. I must admit, I couldn't resist joining in on the fun!

So, if you're looking to create unforgettable memories on your big day, Wedderlie House and its incredible team are ready to make your wedding dreams come true. Trust me, you won't be disappointed!

Enquire

Wedderlie House Wedding

Riddles Court Wedding - Duncan & Bex's Micro Wedding

---

Duncan & Bex had the sweetest micro wedding at Riddles Court surrounded by family. When I arrived, their house was full, with cats, dogs, kids & relatives. It was magically bustling and full of smiles :-)

When everyone was ready we all jumped in taxi’s and headed to Riddles Court.

It was my first time at Riddles Court but I’ve admired it for a while. I love the stunning 16th Century architecture and the colourful orange facade.

---

Want to know more about my photography?

---

History & Location

The Scottish Historic Buildings Trust Scottish (SHBT) finished renovating Riddles Court in 2017 and have preserved it’s heritage which dates back to King James VI. The building was used by important people close to the king. It even held a royal banquet in 1598. It’s has a pentice stair which leads from the first floor to the second, I love this quirky, beautiful feature. Duncan & Bex enjoyed exploring it for some photographs.

Riddles Court is just off the Lawnmarket, very close Edinburgh Castle. It’s a hidden hidden gem which you only discover when you walk up Riddles Close.

The Kids

Duncan & Bex love reportage photography and asked me to just capture the fun of the day. The kids were unknowingly entertaining everyone throughout the day so it was fun watching what they were going to do next and capturing all the little interactions between them and the other guests. From Bex’s son making face’s during the vows or asking his baby cousin for some shreddies or the girls dancing in the grand Geddes room. There was so much joy in watching them.

The Spaces

Duncan and Bex chose the smaller Seton room for their ceremony. With its ornate 17th century plasterwork and cosy window booths it is the perfect place to sign the register and then have a little snuggle whilst enjoying the magical views over Diagon Alley (or you could call it Victoria Street). Riddles Court has many spaces for events. The amazing painted ceiling & panelled walls of the grand Geddes Room got the flower girls in a spin, they danced around having a little ceilidh with each other. We didn’t explore the light airy library, but both the library and the Geddes room can seat 60 guests for your ceremony and 40 for a meal.

The Kings Chamber

Duncan and Bex weren’t staying overnight but you can hire the Kings Chamber if you’re feeling regal. The chamber is a special intimate space, once used for the king to hold a dinner party, it is now a beautiful apartment.

Riddles Court Website

The Royal Mile

Riddles Court is so close to the registry office at the Edinburgh City Chambers that Bex popped in to drop off their wedding certificate on her way to their wedding lunch.

I walked with Duncan and his family down the Royal Mile and loved capturing his nieces enjoying a shoulder carry. It was a beautiful moment to finish the day. 

If you love Old Town Edinburgh, hit the button below and have a look at Shra & Neil’s gorgeous wedding at the City Chambers, just down from Riddles Court.

City Chambers Wedding

The Wedding Team

Photography: Ali Jay Photography

Ceremony Officiant: Evelyn May Cowie

Dress: Nancy Mac

Suit: Grooms Own

Wedding Coordinator: Erin, Riddles Court

Venue: Riddles Court Weddings

Pratis Barns - Wedding Photography Guide

---

Hi, I’m Ali, as a professional wedding photographer, I’ve been lucky enough to photograph beautiful weddings at Pratis Barns since 2015.

My job isn’t just about taking photos—it’s about making sure you feel relaxed, enjoy every moment, and end up with photos that bring all the joy and emotion of your day flooding back.

---

7 Reasons to love a Pratis Barns Wedding?

---

Pratis Barns is nestled just outside Cupar in Fife, with breath-taking views over the Forth Estuary, it’s a rustic and romantic dream. It’s also wonderfully convenient—just 25 minutes from St. Andrews and an hour from Edinburgh.

Here are 7 reasons I think you may love a Pratis Barn wedding:-

1. So Much Space: With six barns spread across 30 acres, you’ve got endless room to create a day that’s completely yours.

2. All-Inclusive Convenience: Everything’s on site—guest accommodation, catering, and a “Wonder Room” packed with props for those personal DIY touches.

3. Romantic Ceremony Barn: The rustic charm of this barn, with its exposed beams and twinkling lights, reminds me of Ross & Emily’s candlelit wedding in F.R.I.E.N.D.S. It’s truly magical.

4. Perfect Flow: With separate barns for each part of your day, there’s no need to shuffle guests around while spaces are reset. Everything feels seamless and easy.

5. Incredible Backdrops: The barns, the fields, the views over the Forth—Pratis is packed with spots for gorgeous, natural photos.

6. Family Fun: Lawn games, secret hideaways, and so much space make it an amazing place for kids to run around and have a blast.

7. Something for Everyone: Whether your guests want to dance the night away in the party barn or relax by the firepits under the stars, they’ll have the best time.

---

Layout of Pratis Barns

---

No matter the weather or the time of year, there are endless places at Pratis for stunning photos.

I’ve created a map to help you visualise the space, I hope it helps with your planning, perhaps Pin It for later!

View fullsize

• The Ceremony Barn: Romantic and rustic with twinkly fairy lights, exposed beams and pretty stonework, it’s a perfect setting to say “I do” and the paved walkway outside is fantastic for fun confetti shots and links to ceremony barn to the other spaces.

• The Day Barn: Bright and airy, it’s a lovely spot for guests to relax and soak in the views across the Forth. During the evening party, it’s the ideal breakout area with cozy seating and fire pits just outside, perfect for laughter and drinks as the sun sets.

• The Party Barn: Linked to the day barn, the party barn is big and ready for meals, ceilidhs, first dances, and epic parties—it’s where the magic happens after dark.

• The Grounds: The walled garden, the fire pits or the driveway surrounded by fields. I love exploring the outside spaces around Pratis.

Ceremony Barn.

Ceremony Barn.

Day Barn.

Party Barn.

Party Barn.

Grounds.

---

Flexible, Tailored Photography Packages

---

Your wedding is as unique as you are, so I’ve designed my photography packages to fit around you. Whether you need just a couple of hours of coverage or a full day of storytelling, I’ve got you covered.

What makes my packages different?

• You Choose What You Need: Add just the hours you need with hourly rate pricing from 2-10 hours.

• Personal Planning: I’ll help you create a photography plan that suits your day perfectly.

• Next-Day Previews: Because I know you’ll be desperate to see those first photos right away.

• Little Extras: Like a free mini shoot with 8+ hours of coverage or 10% off albums when booked in advance.

For all the details, head over to my weddings info page.

---

Favourite Pratis Barns Memories

---

Every wedding at Pratis Barns has its own magic, and I’ve been lucky to capture some incredible moments:

• Claire & Ross stealing a quiet moment in their campervan to enjoy wedding treats.

• Mairi & Joe bringing along Mairi’s horse, Cuddles, for some unforgettable photos.

• Claire & Sam getting everyone on the dancefloor for a massive Strip the Willow ceilidh.

• Krissa & Gordon nailing an incredible jive that had their guests cheering.

• Lucy & Jack hugging after their first kiss

Every couple makes their day their own, and it’s such a joy to be part of it.

---

Pratis Barns Accommodation

---

Pratis Barns now offers Pratis House, a stunning farmhouse that’s been beautifully renovated. With space for 15 people, it’s perfect for getting ready in the morning or relaxing with your nearest and dearest.

There are also some brilliant options nearby, including:

• Montrave House: The closest accommodation to Pratis this characterful converted stable accommodation for 7 people, also includes 8 luxury wigwams with hot tubs. Although next door, both venues have long driveways so it’s a long walk.

• Dairsie Castle: A quirky 12th-century castle, full of character from it’s modern renovation, it sleeps 14 people and is just 16 minutes away.

• The Old Manor Hotel: A classic, cozy option just a 10-minute drive from Pratis.

Or, why not look for a holiday cottage in one of Fife’s picturesque East Neuk fishing villages?

---

Let’s Chat About Your Wedding!

---

If you’re planning your wedding at Pratis Barns, I’d love to hear all about your ideas. Pratis is one of my favorite places to work, and I’d love to help you create beautiful memories of your day. Get in touch or head over to my weddings info page to find out more about how I can help.

---

Low Light Wedding Photography

---

When you’re shooting in a dark space you could whack on an obtrusive flash and use it in every shot but I love the challenge of using the natural light at Pratis.

With the limited light, you have to plan the light in every shot to perfectly capture the atmosphere but the result is beautiful!

---

Get In Touch

---

---

Pratis Team

---

Nicola, Patrick & Louise are fantastic, contact them at:

Pratis Barns, Leven, Fife, KY8 5NX

---

Duntarvie Castle Wedding - Crazy Fun Wedding

---

Laura and John are fun & full of mischief. John is always cheekily winding Laura up and they are full of fun so their wedding had to reflect them and it had to allow them to bring along their cute pup, Wilson the spaniel.

Duntarvie Castle is a ruined castle and wedding venue near Winchburgh in West Lothian, a short distance from South Queensferry and few more miles from Edinburgh. Duntarvie was the perfect location to bring everyone together, with space for crazy bouncy castle antics, a casino extravaganza, firepits and of course Wilson.

Geoffrey Nicholsby, the current owner of Duntarvie has a famous kiltmaking business making alternative kilts which is a favourite with celebrities. They bought the castle over thirty years ago and have been working hard to restore it since. It’s been a slow job with a lot of conditions to meet and the event’s they hold at Duntarvie help fund the rebuild project.

The Castle Ruins

Going into a ruined castle on your wedding day added a little adventure to the day. Laura loved getting her photos taken, she whirled around singing ‘Gravity’ and channelling her inner Elphaba (from the musical Wicked).

Duntarvie Castle’s Event Space

It was a beautiful day but they chose to have their ceremony inside, just in case Wilson got excited by any passing pheasants. Duntarvie’s event space has some great touches which add a special feel to the space and make it so much nicer than a marquee. I love the wood flooring, the fabric canopy and the fairy lights. They all come together to add a cosy feel to the space.

DIY Wedding

A giant Loch Ness Monster bouncy assault course isn’t the normal activity in wedding attire but nearly everyone seemed to have a go. The DIY aspect of Duntarvie really appealed to Laura & John as they could make their wedding unique and bring in their own caterers so they could choose someone who would create a fantastic Coeliac friendly gluten free menu for Laura.

Pinata

I love it when couples break traditions! Opting for a cake table rather than a traditional single wedding cake meant they didn’t have a traditional cake cutting, instead they whacked a wedding cake pinata and released loads of sweets for their guests.

Chilled Day

With a pinata, a bouncy assault course, a casino and firepits everyone had a ball and loved just chilling out eating, drinking and even climbing trees. Tricia, from Duntarvie co-ordinated the day perfectly and Bespoke Catering did a fabulous job making sure everyone was well fed with amazing food.

Casino

The surprise casino was a really nice touch. They put out ‘Wilson Money’ on the wedding tables which lead to lots of conversions about why they had money with Wilson the dogs picture on. The casino was hugely popular. I love a good full wedding dancefloor but very often it’s empty as guests want to chat and socialise and this was the perfect option to add some great entertainment for the guests. They had a dancefloor as-well but a casino could be an alternative if you think your guests would prefer it. At the end of the night person with the most ‘Wilson Cash’ won a bottle of champagne.

Casino Hire

Guardswell Farm – Scottish Barn Wedding

---

Hannah & Rory chose Guardswell Farm for their wedding as they loved the country views and versatility of the space. It was the perfect place for them to get all their friends and family together for a massive wedding feast extravaganza.

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

Guardswell Farm Weddings

Guardswell Farm is set in the Angus hills, near the village of Kinnaird between Perth and Dundee and includes 150 acres of stunning countryside, four Nordic eco-cabins, a farmhouse, a farm cottage, and the main byre building. This award winning agritecture development retains the character of the old byre but has created a stunning modern event space.

The building comprises of a tall church like room called the Granary, which connects into the large open Cattle Court party space. Set away from the main party area, there is a cosy snug with sofas and a log burner. Massive doors perfectly link the Cattle Court onto the large lawn area via a covered outdoor area where there are firepits and a festoon lit woodland walk.

The accommodation at Guardswell was fantastic for Hannah and Rory who had a big bridal party team to accommodate and who wanted to just have an amazing time with all their friends eating amazing food.

Hannah’s team took over the farmhouse and the Rory’s the cottage. Their humanist ceremony, held in the Granary Room was full of personal touches with their friend’s beautiful singing filling vaulted church like room with beautiful sound.

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

Fun And Games

When I met Rory and Hannah they told me about all the games they had planned and their wedding didn’t disappoint. They had Hammerschlagen, giant jenga and Kubb. The Hammerschlagen was definitely the favourite and the block of wood was constantly surrounded with people laughing and whacking a hammer trying to hit a nail. I had a little try but I was not a natural Hammerschlagen player. If you fancy trying it yourself, read on for instructions on how to play.

how to play Hammerschlagen

Get a big log of wood, a hammer, nails, a good drink and a load of friends.

The object of Hammerschlagen is to be the first person to get you nail flush with the wood surface.

1. Assign a nail to each player.

2. The player must rest the end of the hammer on the log next to their nail and then they take turns to have a single swing at their nail.

3. The player can only use one hand and the hammer must be swung in one continuous motion.

4. If the player bends their nail and can’t hit it any further into the wood then they can use their turn to try to hit it from the side to attempt to straighten the nail.

View fullsize

View fullsize

The Food

Food was very important to Hannah and Rory’s plans, they chose mezze style platters for their guests to enjoy during the speeches and later they had an foodies dream grazing table with fruit, cheeses and delicious dessert options.

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

Bahookie

To add to the fun they had a bouncy castle and the fantastic Bahookie who got everyone on the dance floor having an amazing time as they mixed ceilidh music with chart classics like ‘Sweet Dreams Are Made Of This’

View fullsize

The Wedding Team

Photography: Ali Jay Photography

Band: Bahookie

Caterers: Bespoke Catering

Flowers: Wild Rose Flowers, Kilmacolm

Dress: Grace Loves Lace

Accessories: Britten Weddings

Wedding Venue: Guardswell Farm

View fullsize

---

Are you Planning a wedding at guardswell Farm?

---

Get in touch today, I’d love to be part of your amazing wedding team.

Stunning Indian Wedding - In Edinburgh's City Centre

---

Like two Carcassonne meeples, Shra & Neil’s Scottish Indian Wedding brought them together in a magical medieval city where they built something new, a new clan, the clan Senpatrick!

They mixed their Scottish and Indian cultures together with their love of gaming and ceilidh dancing to create a truly unique day. Shra merged her name ‘Sen’, Neil’s, ‘Fitzpatrick’ to create a new clan name they could share.

Wearing their gamer colours (Shra always plays red, Neil always plays green) they married in the City Chambers and then took their entire wedding party out for a curry and then back to the City Chambers for an epic ceilidh. For their first dance they did a Gay Gordons with everyone.

As super fun gamer geeks they had a cake fit for the King…of Tokyo. The cake made by the phenomenal Sweet Unique Cake Boutique is the most impressive cake I’ve ever seen, you had to look very closely to see that it wasn’t actually a stack of games.  

---

Want to know more about my photography?

---

It was important to Shra and Neil that the wedding was low waste so they didn’t have flowers and table arrangements and their favours were a cute meeple photo holder created by their fabulously talented friend Renae from the Yellow Door Studio.

Shra switched from her traditional red wedding sari in the evening and chose a floaty vintage white dress perfect for whirling around on the dance floor with her amazing group of friends who were all fantastic ceilidh dancers.

The Wedding Team

Venue – Edinburgh City Chambers

Officiant – Carol Swan

Photographer – Ali Jay Photography

Hair stylist – Natasha Dalziel

Make-up artist – Renu Singh

Shra’s outfit – Vintage wedding dress from Those Were The Days

Neil’s outfit – Kilt outfit from Kinloch Anderson

Cake – Sweet Unique Cake Boutique

Musicians – Mark Neal, Fruin Ceilidh Band (previously Heeliegoleerie ceilidh band)

Meeple Photo Holders: Yellow Door Studio

---

Are You Planning Your Own Amazing Wedding?

---

Get in touch today, I’d love to be part of your amazing wedding team.

Balmule House - Country House Wedding Venue Fife

---

Balmule House

Balmule House is a 500yr old mansion house which is now a country boutique hotel. It is tucked away in the beautiful countryside just 3 miles north of Dunfermline. It’s small size makes it perfect to book out for an exclusive wedding.

They offer an option to put a marquee in the garden for larger weddings (up to 500 guests) but having an intimate wedding in the house makes the most of the beautiful characterful spaces.

Wedding Photography Prices

Country House Wedding

The house sits up on a hill surrounded by 30 acres of woodland and looks down over the countryside.

It has pretty spaces outside including a lawn, a long tree lined driveway, a walled garden and woodshed.

These spaces were brilliant to explore for photos but the inside spaces are equally as beautiful which would make it a brilliant venue for an autumn or winter wedding.

Relaxed Venue

Matt & Hannah hired the entire house for their wedding and everyone seemed so relaxed and really enjoyed just having fun all day.

It’s beautifully renovated with lots of period features which make the space feel homely.

I imagine in the winter it is super cosy as each room has a nice fireplace.

Beautiful Light Rooms

Matt & Hannah used 3 spaces within the house for their wedding.

The main reception room can accommodate up to 40 people for a wedding ceremony.

The dining room also accommodates 40 guests for a meal and the space hosts larger number for the evening reception.

For larger weddings there is the marquee option which can take up to 500 guests.

Dining Room

The south facing dining room overlooks the walled garden to the west and the fields to the south.

The bay window is a beautiful feature and brings in lots lovely light which is great for your photographs.

Normally this space is furnished with lovely sofas but it is very versatile and the management just seamlessly change the spaces to suit the required function.

I used this space for a family shoot a few years back so if you’d like to see it as a cosy seated area, click the button below.

Boutique Hotel

The house has 8 bedrooms which all have their own unique character which was a really fun feature of the hotel.

Hannah had this massive bridal suite to get ready in which was a fabulous space and had a vast impressive bathroom to match.

Pretty Spaces

I love the staircase in the house, it was a great place to capture some pictures of Hannah on her way to the ceremony.

Well Looked After!

What makes a brilliant wedding venue? It’s not just the location, space and the pretty features of the venue but the management.

Franc, the owner, seems to sincerely want the couples who choose Balmule to have an amazing time which is my main aim to.

The exclusive use means the management are just looking after you on the day and bride and grooms love this.

I’ve heard great things about how well they are treated and how lovely an experience it was.

I have seen plenty couples stressed on their wedding day because they are not so well looked after and I truly believe being able to trust your suppliers is essential. I always want my couples to feel completely comfortable and trust that I know exactly what they want and Balmule seem to be the same.

Main Hall

When you first enter the house you enter via an arched entrance porch which is a lovely place to have a welcome sign for the wedding party.

You then enter an entrance hallway which leads into the main hall. The comfy seating in the hall was a great waiting area for guests who arrived early for the ceremony, it then became a good place for mingling during the drinks reception and then Matt & Hannah used the area for their cake cutting and then dancing.

I really loved how versatile the spaces all were.

Walled Garden

The walled garden is full of cute pathways lined by box hedging. It’s a lovely place to go for a walk and enjoy a bit of time together and get some photos taken.

It’s also a nice space for your guests to enjoy or for some family photos.

The main car park sits behind the walled garden so guests can walk through the garden when they arrive which is a nice welcoming approach.

Golden Light

Matt & Hannah were married in May when the evenings are long and we went out during the golden hour to explore the grounds and get some photos as the sun was going down.

Whatever the time of year it is nice to get out the hour before sunset to catch some of the golden light.

In the winter the daylight hours are so short but when it is sunny you get low light much of the day and it is beautiful for photos.

Planning a wedding in Dunfermline?

I live in North Queensferry which is perfectly located for weddings in Fife & Edinburgh and it’s only 10 minutes from Dunfermline (I also cover weddings further afield).

If you’d like to know more, check out my weddings page and get in touch, I’m happy to answer any questions and help you with your wedding.

Find out more:-

- Wedding Information (to find out more)

- Pricing Brochure (if you’d like to get an idea of cost)

- Edinburgh Wedding Blog (for more wedding inspiration)

Contact Ali

Read More?

I have some other guides for venues nearby, click the name if you’d like to read more:-

- Pratis Barns, Cupar

- The Old Course Hotel, St. Andrews

- Dunfermline Weddings & Photo Shoots

- South Queesferry Weddings