Sara & Graham

This was a unique occasion. Sara and Graham's plans for their wedding were most definitely constructed around their own thoughts and wishes for the day. From my own perspective it was going to involve a lot of on-the-hoof photography so I took the challenge on with only minimal kit and comfortable shoes.

We started at Sara & Graham's flat in Edinburgh where final touches were applied and we first saw Sara's gorgeous dress.

Hazel the Make-Up artist applied some silver dust to the glittering star of the day.

Off down the stairs - Sara had cunningly made a good choice of dress that was easy to get about in.

A last minute visit to the hairdresser's to wind proof the veil...

...followed by a quick trip to the bank. Even brides need cash!

Some interesting pictures around the old town of Edinburgh on the way up to Calton Hill for a few Happy Couple portraits. Very unusual as this was before the wedding ceremony but anything goes today.

The sun was shining when we arrived at the registry office but we were way too early. So we all went across the road for a coffee and a chat. It was raining when we emerged but it didn't dampen the mood and allowed Sara to employ her special umbrella to good effect.

The cermony was the most moving I have attended. Sara and Graham had written their own extra expressions of love which they read to one another and there wasn't a dry eye in the house.

Back in the sunshine for the walk to the reception venue. Lots of fun en route and grand views as we crossed Edinburgh's North Bridge.

This was a small, intimate wedding with Sara and Graham's closest friends and family in attendance. All weddings are individually tailored to the bride and grooms' taste but this wedding took individuality to the extreme with great results.

Congratulations Sara and Graham and Thanks for making me feel like one of your guests throughout the day.

If you wish to leave Sara and Graham a message via my blog, please use the comments option below.

Andy

Natasha & Owen

Natasha and Owen were married at their own parish church of St Peter's in Edinburgh. There was a lovely atmosphere as their families gathered and friends arrived from Manchester, Liverpool, Bradford and Edinburgh.

The hymns were well chosen and belted out by the congregation. A beautiful church like St Peter's deserves a choir in good voice and it was very impressive to hear.

Natasha smiled her way through the ceremony that was personal and heartfelt.

Natasha smiled her way throughout the whole day now I think about it...

We had a few minutes in the church gardens before the thunder came overhead and we retreated inside for some photos and refreshments.

Helen was a great help to Natasha tying up the train - "it seemed easier in the shop" sums it up! It was worth the effort as it made walking a bit easier for Natasha and the embroidery looked lovely once it was tied up in place.

It's the details that count. Even the details not normally seen!

Quite the cutest and most individualistic bridal shoes I've seen.

The Royal Scot's Club was a very opulent venue and we grabbed a few pictures in the couple's beautiful room.

The stage was set for the rest of the wedding evening when I left and I'm pretty sure that a good time was had by all.

Congratulations to Natasha and Owen. I hope you like these few pictures and I'll post more on my website as soon as I can.

If you know Natasha and Owen please feel free to leave them a message using the comments button below.

Andy

A week in Lewis

We went to Lewis in the Outer Hebrides as I have wanted to return since I was there when I was 3! I knew I had family roots on my Mum's side and had a thought that I might look up the family history if it was too wet to do anything else.

In fact, after a couple of hours in the genealogy centre, I found my grandfather's cousin and was able to visit the family's house and the site of the croft (now part of Stornoway airport). I met such lovely people who were so accommodating and friendly that it was quite an emotional journey. Click Here to find these and some more photos from the trip set to a piece of music I wrote for the occasion.

Dailbeag bay, one on many beautiful spots on the West coast

One phrase I will never forget from the trip. "the sky is darker than the land"

Siabost bay (Shawbost)

Trooper loved the beaches - Trooper loves all beaches

Sunset over Siabost crofting community where we were staying

The stones at Calanais early one morning. A very impressive ancient monument.

Inside the walls of the broch at Carlabhagh (Carloway)

The colours in the sea are very special around the strands at Harris.

Life moves at its own pace on the island.

This painting belonged to my Grandfather's cousin's wife Isabella and was painted by her brother. It represents her grandmother's Blackhouse. The islanders lived in such houses until the 20th century, as late as the 1970s in some cases and maintained a subsistence lifestyle crofting and fishing. Isabella could remember visiting her Grandmother's house and was a great story-teller. We could have stayed for hours.

Gearrannan is a village of reconstructed blackhouses.

The lighthouse at An Rubha on the East of the island.

Changeable weather looking towards Berneray and North Uist from Harris.

Fiona & David

Fiona and David were married at The Hub near the top of The Royal Mile in Edinburgh. This is an arts centre converted from a beautiful gothic church. The outside is as it was, the inside has been boldly decorated and is stunning.

Fiona and David were surrounded by their closest friends and families and it made for a very relaxed and friendly day.

David, Colin and Graham looking good considering some only got finished dressing a few minutes previously!

Gillian and her Mum await the bride

Fiona arrives in the middle of a shower - it's an all indoor venue so let it rain!

A few last minute touches...

The ceremony was on the balcony above the superbly decorated main hall.

So, we did get to outside briefly onto the roof terrace. There are some shots of the Edinburgh skyline coming soon but I liked the simple wall - a bit of sunshine when the weather's dull.

Just before the meal, a quiet moment for the happy couple.

The speeches were great. Fiona was certainly kept entertained by the proceedings.

Congratulations Fiaona and David and thanks to you both and all your guests for making my day so enjoyable.

If you know Fiona and David and want to leave a message for them via my blog, please use the "COMMENTS" button below.

Andy