Allan and Claire's wedding

It's very rare that I don't meet up with a couple before the wedding day; whether it's at the booking stage, or at the recce before the wedding, I usually always meet up with my couples at least once, even if it happens to be the day before the wedding! Reason? It's nice to put a name to the face, it's easier to spot the bride on the day but sometimes not the groom, and it's great to be able to get a feel for the wedding through a face-to-face chat.


But occasionally, circumstances arise and it just isnt possible to meet up before the wedding, today was only the 2nd occasion in 7 years that my first meeting with the bride and groom was on the wedding day itself!


Allan and Claire came up from the North West of England to be married at Arnot Towers and time just got away from us all, and we only met at the wedding for the first time! But this couple were just SO lovely and so relaxed about everything to do with their wedding, within being in their presence for just a couple of hours, I felt like I had known them for years!


Claire was stunning when getting ready in Helen's boudoir..

And once married, the newlyweds were greeted by a fantastic supply of natural confetti, while being piped out by Steven Dewar of Scotia Pipers.
I have worked with Steven before, his relaxed demeanour and excellent playing makes him a favourite with all the guests! And he is more than willing to allow the groom a shot of his pipes.....
We were SO lucky with the weather; the sun broke through the clouds for the ceremony, and once again for the couples session around the Gardens.

And the speeches were heartfelt and funny to boot! The proud Father of the Bride..

And is this young man not gonna break hearts when he gets older.....?! The Guest Book attendant, Jack also uses a mean camera!

The beautiful contemporary flowers were by Stucio and Waow in Dundee and the venue is one of my favourites. It is heart wrenching to hear that Arnot will not be taking wedding commissions over the next year or two; the atmosphere of a small, intimate wedding here is unsurpassed by any other venue in the area, and probably in Scotland as a whole. Helen is a wonderful host, treating all guests like old family friends and I will be saddened if I never shoot a wedding there again. The (hopefully temporary) closing of Arnot is a loss to the industry.