Lauren and James’s wedding was going to be my 7th wedding that I have shot at Boclair House and I couldn’t wait!
I am always a bit nostalgic about this building as when I started shooting weddings (many years ago) couples used to request photographs on the grounds. Back then it was a council building but it was so beautiful it made a great backdrop.
Of course now it is a fantastic wedding venue, it must have always been on the cards!
I started the day at the couples house where Lauren, her mum and sister were getting ready. Not to forget Lauren and James’s beautiful girls who were their flower girls.
We then all went to the venue where everyone was getting into their dresses. I thought this was a great idea and saved any dresses getting crushed. There the champagne started to flow and the fun continued.
James and his groomsmen arrived dressed very smartly in their kilts. I loved the tartan – although it was blue it had warm tones in the weave which made it perfect for a winter wedding.
It was then time for Lauren to put her dress on. Wow, it was stunning! We did some pictures in the room and on the mezzanine level before heading downstairs with her dad.
The ceremony was beautiful, full of emotion. My absolute favourite picture however was the couple’s girls hugging each other while their mum and dad “tied the knot”. I captured the shot from behind them and it was emotional! Such a great thing to say you witnessed your mum and dad’s wedding.
After the legal documents were signed the couple headed up the aisle to a glass of champagne then everyone went outside for a group shot.
It doesn’t show in the pictures but it was a freezing, windy day. Lauren, James and the bridal party (especially the girls, sorry guys you were wearing wool jackets) did so well not to look too cold. They were like true professionals!
I then did some pictures with Lauren and James and some of my favourites are with the bandstand in the background. I loved the black and white picture of them cuddled together. We then headed upstairs for pictures by the stained glass windows and the mezzanine level. I always get a picture there as there is a beautiful shard of light that comes down from a skylight, perfect for moody shots.
After this I just focused on some fun candid pictures of the guests until it was time for dinner and speeches.
Just before the dinner we sneaked out for 10 minutes to get some shots of Lauren and James in the bandstand. This is best done when there is a little ambient light on the structure/building and you have a hint of a sky. I used off camera flash to light Lauren and James in the bandstand and with Boclair in the background.
After the speeches and meal Lauren and James went to the covered area of the exterior of the building as their girls were desperate to use their bubble guns that they brought, loved this!
Time for cake and dancing. The first part of the evening was ceilidh dances (which I love to photograph) and then the DJ supplied by the hotel.
What a party, so much fun all night.
I loved this wedding so much. It was a joy and pleasure to capture from beginning to end. G x
