The stylish wedding of Lisa and Lewis at House for an Art Lover in Glasgow
We had the most beautiful weather for this lovely couple’s day in one of my very favourite venues.
Lisa and her bridesmaids took advantage of the upstairs conference rooms in the house for getting ready. This is such a great idea as there is loads of space and you just walk down the stairs when it is time to get hitched!
The couple had the ceremony in the music room and then outside for pictures. We utilised the walled garden for a variety of pictures as it is stunning in the summer months.
It was lovely that the guests could take advantage of the balcony during the drinks reception as it was such a lovely day.
After the cake cutting it was time for the speeches. Lewis’s speech was hilarious and I got some great shots of the guest in stitches. I love capturing these moments.
I took Lisa and Lewis out for a few more pictures with the house in the background. I really enjoy early evening shots like this.
Eventually downstairs for the party and the dancing!
Other lovely suppliers-
Venue – House for an Art Lover
Celebrant – Derek the humanist
Dress – Aimee Bridal Couture
Flowers – Mud weddings
Make up – Jen C Make up
Hair – Nicola McMillan hair
DJ – Marty the DJ
Kilts – Kilts 4U
Cake – Liggyscakes
The beautiful Autum wedding of Kathrine and Sam at The Dalmeny Park Hotel, in Barrhead just outside of Glasgow.
It was one of those rare, warm October days and the light was just a gift. Autum is one of my favourite times of year for weddings as you have the incredable warm colours of nature to use, which I adore.
Have a look at this wonderful couples stunning wedding day.
Other lovely suppliers-
Venue – Dalmeny Park House hotel
Hair – Hair By Natatlie Bridal
Make up – Kym Nalacome Make up
Flowers – Irenes Flowers
Decor – Purple Willow Weddings
Band – Sneaky Treacle
Dress – Gwenne Weddings
Kilts – Taylor Made Kilts
What’s that saying – Never work with children or animals? Well I strongly disagree.
I have always thought that if you put a child or animal in an unnatural location then this cliché may have truth. That is why my philosophy for family photography is to allow the children to be where they feel comfortable. That is normally in their home, their favourite park or wherever they like spending time.
So when I was asked to photograph brothers Frank and Ray I took them to the beach. This wonderful family live very close to Portobello beach and this is where they love spending time and it was perfect for pictures.
Start of the shoot
When I first meet the children I am photographing I always try and start at their house, therefore I am in their domain and they feel comfortable.
The brothers were playing on the trampoline when I arrived so I just watched for a while then said I am going to take some pictures was that ok. This way the boys got used to me and just continued playing. I very rarely tell children what to do at my shoots as I just want them to play and basically ignore me!
I loved how they just messed about for a while and then they got Boris the dog involved.Then we headed down to the beach with Boris and a ball. I let the boys play for a while and then asked them to run toward me and walk up together the beach. This really was the extent of my direction to Frank and Ray.
After a while Mum Jill suggested that we go for ice cream which also made for great shots.
If you’d like to check out more of my family photography click here.
Final Photos
To finish off we went back to the house where the brothers went upstairs to play. Of all the pictures I think the ones in the bedroom were my favourite. Ray jumping off the window sill onto his bed while Frank tried to shoot him with a Nerf gun, classic!
You never forget the fun you had as a kid jumping on your bed (as your mum told you not to!). I was glad i could capture these moments forever for such a wonderful family.
Create permanent memories with you family. Contact me to book now.
Elopements and small weddings have become so popular, as word spreads about how magical and unique they can be.
I get so many requests for small and intimate weddings and I absolutely love them. It is such a privilege to photograph any couple’s wedding day but when you are one of 4 (including the couple) it feels extra special.
A popular place for elopements in Scotland is the west coast Highlands. I often thought – where could you have a small secluded ceremony close to a big city like Edinburgh? A location where you can have an intimate and interesting ceremony but with the convenience of being near a major city.
It was when I was chatting to my lovely friend Kathryn Ross, who is a fantastic celebrant, that she suggested a couple of locations – Seacliff beach and North Berwick Law.
Seacliff beach lies 4 miles east of North Berwick and 41 miles from Edinburgh. It is a hidden gem of a place with beautiful views of Bass Rock and Tantallon Castle.
North Berwick Law (in North Berwick) is for the slightly more adventurous as it involves a 20 minute climb to the top, so good walking shoes required! The views at the top are stunning with some beautiful rugged landscape all the way up. A replica of whale’s jawbones tops the summit, replacing sets of jawbones that were located here for 250 years. (You’ll sport them at the end of this article).
The Photos
Here are some pictures of Gail and Murray and Dougal the dog at Seacliff beach. Kathryn had married Gail and Murray the year before and they were thrilled to get some new pictures taken in such a special location.
Kathyrn and I offer a joint package of your personalised ceremony and one and a half hours of photography for £1000.
I can also add on extra coverage of getting ready and further photography after the ceremony at an extra cost.
Click here for more information- Enquire
The beautiful floral arrangements were by – Lottie Longman
Let me introduce my friend Kathryn who is wonderful celebrant that I have worked with for many years-
Celebrating Love in East Lothian: A Decade of Humanist Weddings
Hello! My name is Kathryn Ross and I am a Humanist Celebrant based in stunning East Lothian. For the past ten years, I’ve had the absolute privilege of conducting weddings for couples seeking a heartfelt, personal, and meaningful ceremony. Whether it’s barefoot on the sands of Seacliff Beach or with windswept views from the summit of North Berwick Law, each wedding is as unique and unforgettable as the love stories I get to celebrate.
A Decade of Love Stories
Over the past decade I’ve conducted more than 800 weddings. Big or small, fancy or laid-back, they all hold a special place in my heart. Each ceremony reminds me of what makes being a Humanist Celebrant so rewarding: the opportunity to craft ceremonies that reflect the values, personalities, and love stories of each couple I meet.
East Lothian: The Perfect Backdrop
If you’ve ever visited East Lothian, you’ll understand why I feel so lucky to work here. We are blessed with some of Scotland’s most beautiful scenery, from golden beaches and dramatic cliffs to rolling countryside and quaint villages. It’s a haven for couples who want their wedding to feel grounded in nature and full of charm.
One of my favourite spots is Seacliff Beach, where the sound of the waves and the salty sea air create a magical setting for a ceremony. I’ve conducted weddings here where guests have kicked off their shoes, kids built sandcastles nearby, and even a curious seagull or two tried to join the festivities. There’s something so freeing and joyful about a beach wedding.
Then there’s North Berwick Law, a location for couples with a bit of an adventurous streak. Standing at the top of this iconic hill, with panoramic views of the Firth of Forth and the islands beyond, you feel like you’re on top of the world—quite literally. Of course, it’s always a good idea to have a spare pair of shoes and a windproof hairstyle if you’re planning a ceremony up there!
Small Weddings, Big Love
While I’ve officiated at grand ceremonies in posh hotel with hundreds of guests, my heart truly belongs to the small, intimate weddings. There’s something incredibly special about a ceremony where everyone knows each other, where you can hear the laughter, the sniffles, and the collective sighs of joy as vows are exchanged.
With fewer formalities and more room for personal touches, these smaller gatherings allow couples to truly focus on what matters most: each other and their loved ones.
I absolutely love conducting elopement weddings—it’s just the couple, the photographers, and the stunning East Lothian backdrop. There’s something so magical about the intimacy of these ceremonies. With no distractions, it’s all about the two of you and the promises you’re making to each other. Elopements are wonderfully stripped back and personal, allowing your love to take centre stage (though the breath-taking locations sometimes try to steal the show!). Whether it’s a quiet beach or a windswept hilltop, elopements always feel like pure, unfiltered romance.
Crafting the Perfect Ceremony
As a Humanist Celebrant, my goal is to create a ceremony that feels 100% “you.” Humanist weddings are all about personalisation—there’s no set script, no rules about what you can or can’t include. It’s my job to get to know you as a couple, learn about your journey together, and weave your story into a ceremony that’s as individual as your fingerprints.
We’ll spend time chatting about your relationship—how you met, what you love most about each other, and what your hopes are for the future. I’ll also ask about the little things: your favourite shared memories, inside jokes, and maybe even the quirks that drive each other mad (because, let’s face it, those are part of love too!).
From there, I’ll write a bespoke ceremony that captures your personalities, values, and sense of humour. Want to include a handfasting or exchange a drink from a quaich? Prefer to keep things simple and let your vows do the talking? That’s beautiful too.
And if you’re worried about nerves on the big day, don’t be. Part of my job is to keep things relaxed and stress-free. I’ve had grooms forget their vows (don’t worry, I always carry a spare copy), brides laugh uncontrollably during the ring exchange (laughter is good luck, I’m sure of it), and one very determined toddler wander into the middle of the ceremony to hand me a stick. Whatever happens, I’ll roll with it—and I promise you’ll look back on the day with nothing but fond memories.
A Light-Hearted Approach
Weddings are joyous occasions, and I firmly believe that laughter belongs in every ceremony. Whether it’s a playful anecdote about how you met or a cheeky nod to your shared love of bad puns, I’ll help you strike the perfect balance between heartfelt and light-hearted.
I’ve told stories about couples meeting at karaoke nights, bonding over a mutual love of obscure 80s bands, and even one couple who fell in love after a heated debate about the best way to make a cup of tea. (For the record, milk first or milk last, doesn’t matter as long as there’s love in the cup!)
Of course, the humour never overshadows the deeper emotions of the day. Weddings are about love in all its forms—passionate, tender, enduring, and even a bit messy at times. I aim to create ceremonies that honour that complexity while leaving everyone smiling.
Looking Ahead
After a decade of weddings, I still enjoy every ceremony I conduct. Each couple brings something new and inspiring to the table, and every love story reminds me of the beauty and resilience of the human spirit.
As I look to the future, I’m excited to continue helping couples create magical moments in East Lothian and beyond. Whether it’s a windswept cliffside, a cosy garden, or even your living room, I’ll be there to celebrate your love story with warmth, sincerity, and just the right amount of humour.
So, if you’re planning a wedding and want a ceremony that’s uniquely yours, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. I’d be honoured to be part of your special day—and I promise not to let the seagulls steal the show.
Working with Gail
Working with Gail at weddings is an absolute joy! We met 10 years ago when I was just starting out as a celebrant, and we’ve worked together many times ever since. Gail is not only incredibly talented—capturing those magical, fleeting moments with ease—but also a delight to be around. Her calm, friendly nature puts everyone at ease (even the most camera-shy!), and she has an uncanny ability to make every wedding feel extra special. Watching her work is like seeing a magician in action, and I always know the couple are in safe hands. Weddings with Gail are truly a dream team effort!
Some legal information about getting married in Scotland – INFO
A few images of North Berwick Law-
Some links on great local places near Seacliff and North Berwick law-
The beautiful wedding of Chan and Ashley at House for an Art Lover in Glasgow.
This wonderful couple travelled all the way from San Francisco to Glasgow for their wedding because of their love for the city and Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s architecture.
It was such a thrill be able to capture their special day. I think it was a testament to how loved this couple are that so many family and friends travelled from California to be with them at their wedding,
The whole day was filled with joy and laughter and Ashley even played a beautiful piece of music on the piano in the appropriately named music room, much to the guests delight.
At the end of the weekend I felt like I had made two new friends in Chan and Ashley, which I will be forever grateful for.
Thanks guys. G x
I love reportage style of photography for weddings.
What is reportage you may ask?
Reportage = A technique of documentary film or photo journalism that tells a story entirely through pictures
I was a national press photographer for years and this is where I learned the skill of telling a story though images. Nothing beats it!
Not every element of a wedding can be photographed this way though. There are some aspects of the day that require setting up and structure which is absolutely fine.
The sections of a day that I shoot in a candid way are the morning prep ,ceremony, speeches and dancing. Drinks receptions are also great for reportage but you must allow plenty of time for this in your day as this is the section where most of your couple and family pictures are done.
Here is a very small selection of recent reportage images that I have taken at my weddings. I hope they make you smile or even cry!
The beautiful intimate wedding of Hayleigh and Stephen at the Glasgow Registry Office in Montrose Street.
Not all of my weddings are full days. Some couples prefer just 3 hours coverage to catch the important bits of the day and that is what Hayeleigh and Stephen wanted.
It is a perfect location for small weddings and you have the rich Georgian architecture in the surrounding area for your backdrop.
After the ceremony we did some shots around Montrose Street then headed to the Drake in the West End for the meal with family and friends.
Such a lovely day!
The incredable wedding of Sophie and Keith at House for an Art lover.
This venue is really one of my favourites for so many reasons. I love the architecture and the stunning grounds, it just ticks all the boxes!
I sdored Sophie’s dress from Needle and thread and she had a short version for the evening, great idea!
Other lovely suppliers-
Flowers – Ollie and Ivy
Hair – Pin Up hair Glasgow
Violinist – Capella string quartet
Band – The Jiggers
St Andrews is one of my favourite places in Scotland so I was thrilled to be asked to photograph Victoria and Sam’s wedding at Kincaple farm.
The couple live down South but wanted to be married in St Andrew’s as that was where Victoria grew up.
The day started at Victoria’s parents house and the ceremony was to be at St Leonard’s Church, just 5 minutes away.
After the ceremony Victoria and Sam headed to the West sands for some pictures then onto Kincaple farm.
Victoria had provided all the decoration at the venue and it was stunning. I adore barn weddings and you can see why.
The wedding was such a family affair with Sam’s two children and their own son taking centre stage on the day.
I really hope to be back in St Andrew’s soon and I would love to visit Kincaple farm again, anytime!
I have been a professional photographer since 1995, after studying at the Glasgow College of Building and Printing (now City of Glasgow College). I began working at a press agency In Edinburgh which lead to me becoming their senior photographer. I was then asked to join a Photo agency in Glasgow working for a number of publications. This experience led me to start my own business – Gail Photography. I believe that photography is capturing moments in time that will last a lifetime.