To kick off my 2024 wedding season, I had the pleasure of visiting Lochside House Hotel for the wedding of Julie & Alan. It was a cold but beautiful January day! I arrived in the morning for prep and a scout of the grounds.

The couple were getting ready separately in the lodges onsite. This was my first visit to the lodges and WOW! So much space and beautiful light, it really makes a difference to your prep photos. There was so much room for me to hide around corners, get different angles and snap away (in the least creepy way possible!).

Julie’s son, Ryan having a ball sliding down the stairs!

Lustre Bridal (Sharon Cuthbert) doing her thing!

When there was a gap in Julie’s hair and make up, I quickly nipped over to the hotel to get some detailed photos of the room. It’s not an essential but if I can, I always like to try and get a picture of the room without anyone in it!

Back to the lodges for more prep photos! I try not to spend ages and ages on the details (as much as I love it!) as I don’t want to miss documenting the real moments. You’ll see me running about like a headless chicken for most of your day but especially in the morning when there’s a lot happening! I absolutely love the build up.

I then quickly nipped over to the boys to capture the last of their prep! It was a tight, dark room but I love these photos. Especially the ones of Alan helping his son, Lewis with his kilt! You can really see the resemblance between the two of them.

Back over to the girls now for the last of their prep! The build up to the ceremony is just the best. I love the emotions and all the buzz!

Lindsay from Don’t Stress The Dress LTD is your magical fairy godmother on a wedding morning! Helping to steam all the dresses and get you dressed, it really is an invaluable service. Especially if you have a big bridal/groomsmen party!

The most wholesome first look moments! What a privilege it is to do this job. Now it’s ceremony time!

At the end of the ceremony, the couple and their kids all took part in a sand ceremony. It’s a symbolic way of uniting the families together into one big, beautiful blended family! A nice touch and it’s a good way to get the kids involved.

Alan used to be in the army so they walked down the aisle with his groomsmen holding up a sword tunnel! I’d never seen this before but I loved it!

This is the only set up photo that Julie & Alan wanted all day, the two of them and their kids! What a beautiful family, eh? It really gave me the freedom to be fully present and document their day, which is what I love to do! Natural, relaxed moments are always my favourite but I do love that we got this. Definitely one for the wall!

Couples photos time! Again, Julie & Alan weren't overly fussed on spending a long time on this part of the day. I love how they just laughed and laughed the whole time we were outside! What a beautiful, fun couple.

Back inside now for some pictures of the room before the speeches and meal!

After the speeches and meal, Julie and Alan surprised their guests with singing waiters and a saxophonist! Haven’t seen a room so lively in a long time. I love how it got everyone fired up for the evening reception!

What an amazing day!! Julie and Alan, thank you from the bottom of my heart for having me. It really means the world. I still pinch myself that I get to do this as a job! I’m so lucky and so grateful to all of you who book. I hope you enjoyed this blog and I can’t wait to share more soon!