Monday 24 November 2008

Yerbury Workshop, Solsgirth House

It's about time I got a few words on here!

I'm just back home after spending the day with Trevor and Faye Yerbury and other great photographers for a fine art wedding workshop at Solsgirth House in Fife. We had three great models to work with and I'm feeling very inspired now! Here are some shots from the shoot.....

Cheers, Jay!










Sunday 23 November 2008

Carol-Ann & Craig - Highland Perthshire wedding photography

Yesterday we were in a beautiful part of Scotland - Fortingall Hotel, at the foot of Glen Lyon in Highland Perthshire - to photograph the wedding of Carol-Ann and Craig.

This area means a lot to this lovely couple and Carol-Ann had put in a special request to the weather gods for snow. And she wasn't to be dissapointed - the first flakes began to fall as we drove towards Aberfeldy!

The day began with photographs of Carol-Ann, her sister and chief bridesmaid Sandra and their mum, Pat having their hair and make-up done. Meanwhile, Craig was relaxing in his own way - out running in the hills!

With the groom having returned safely from his run, the excitement began to build as first the flowers and then the guests began to arrive. Then it was time for everyone to take their seats for the ceremony.

Carol-Ann looked breathtaking in her stunning Amanda Wakeley dress as she was escorted down the aisle by son, Malcolum to the emotive sound of a lone fiddle. The ceremony that followed was beautifully intimate, with a handfasting symbolising Carol-Ann and Craig's union.

After some celebratory champagne, the happy couple decided to brave the bitterly cold temperature by taking a quick walk outside. We were able to get some great shots as they strolled through the grounds of the nearby church, complete with its famous Yew Tree (which is said to be one of the oldest trees in Europe).

Then it was back inside to the warmth of the Ewe Bar, where poor Jay had to witness Scotland massacre Canada on the rugby pitch. Meanwhile, the guests were enjoying the wonderful food and hospitality that the Fortingall Hotel is renowned for.

After a wonderful meal, Carol-Ann and Craig opened the dancing. The kids were desperate to join in and a lively jig followed. Then it was back to the bar for the rugby fans (led by the bride and groom!), where Wales were taking on the All Blacks.

We had an absolutely wonderful day with Carol-Ann, Craig, their fantastic children and their lovely families, and wish them all the happiness in the world.

Hair & make-up by Metamorphis
Rings by Aurora
Dress by Amanda Wakeley
Flowers by Roseparks
Catering by Fortingall Hotel
Music by Fred the Fiddle

















Friday 21 November 2008

Amy & Graham - Edinburgh portrait photography

On Wednesday we headed to South Queensferry to meet Amy & Graham, a lovely couple who decided to celebrate their first anniversary with a photo shoot.
It was an incredibly windy day so we spent a fair bit of time dashing from one semi-sheltered spot to another. But the results were worth it...








Tuesday 18 November 2008

The Laidlaws - Edinburgh portrait photography

Yesterday we made the most of the November sun and autumn leaves during our shoot with the Laidlaw family.
We had such a great time on this shoot. Alastair, Karen, Alix and Kirsty were fantastic to work with and it was a pleasure to photograph such a close (not to mention gorgeous) family.
Here's a sneak preview of the photos...






Thursday 13 November 2008

Quote of the week

"When you find yourself beginning to feel a bond between yourself and the people you photograph, when you laugh and cry with their laughter and tears, you will know you are on the right track."

Weegee

Friday 7 November 2008

Rachel & Paul, Apex International - Edinburgh wedding photography

Today we were on home turf, photographing a wedding at the Apex International in Edinburgh's Grassmarket. We love working at this venue, its urban chic style really appeals to us. And the terrace has a great view of Edinburgh Castle which, no matter how many times you see it, is always a striking backdrop.

The day began with photos of the boys. Groom Paul and his team of best man and ushers looked fantastic in their tuxedos - there was a definite Bond feel to this part of the shoot! And fortunately, we had just finished using the hotel lobby when four busloads of All Blacks fans arrived.

The excitement, and emotion, began to build as everyone took their seats for the service. Many of the guests had travelled great distances to be at Rachel and Paul's wedding. And the youngest was just six days old - an absolutely adorable little baby.

Rachel looked beautiful as she waited with her proud dad, bridesmaids and flowergirls. Then the music began and it was time to make their way down the aisle.

A lovely service, with humorous readings, followed and Rachel and Paul exchanged vows and rings in front of their closest family and friends. Then it was onto the terrace for some photographs and champagne (a great combination!) before heading back down to the bar for the start of the celebrations.

We had great fun today and wish Rachel and Paul a lovely, sunny honeymoon and all the happiness in the world. We look forward to showing you your photos when you get back!

















Monday 3 November 2008

We can't believe it - we won!!!

We are floating on cloud nine today after winning a major award last night! We won the photography category at the VOWS (Voted Outstanding Wedding Supplier) Awards in Glasgow.

There were 7 photographers shortlisted - great photographers whose work we respect and admire - so it was absolutely amazing when our name was called out. And it's Jay's birthday today so it was an extra special present for him!

This is the first year that we have been shortlisted for the awards so to win was beyond our wildest expectations. And the part that makes it even better is that these awards are voted for by brides and grooms. So we'd like to say a huge thank you to everyone who voted for us. We really, really appreciate it!

We'd also like to thank the VOWS Awards team and all the staff at Scottish Wedding Directory for a fantastic night. The celebrations went on until the wee hours and it was lovely to have the opportunity to get glammed up and spend an evening with the best suppliers in the Scottish wedding industry.

We'd also like to congratulate all of the nominees and winners! We were particularly pleased to see Felicity from Learn 2 Wedding Dance pick up an award. She choreographed our first dance last year and managed to make Jay and I look like we knew what we were doing - very impressive!

To view the full list of winners and photos from last night click here



Thanks to Nick Frost for the photo!

Sunday 2 November 2008

Off to the VOWS Awards!

We're heading over to Glasgow today to check into our hotel and get glammed up for tonight's awards ceremony.

We've been really looking forward to tonight since the beginning of last month when we found out we had been selected as a finalist in the photography category. See previous post.

Jay is very happy to be able to wear his kilt again. He bought it for our wedding last May and, apart from Burns night, it has been hanging forlornly in his closet since, waiting for its opportunity to shine once more.

And, of course, I had to mark the occasion by purchasing some new shoes. I blame the Sex and the City movie entirely for this new obsession but they are the joint equal most beautiful pair of shoes I now own (along with my wedding heels!).

Once again we'd like to thank all of our 2007/08 brides and grooms who voted for us in this competition. We were so surprised and overjoyed when we heard we had made it to the finals. As regular readers know, we eat, sleep and breathe photography and are passionate about creating beautiful images from every wedding we shoot. It means so much that this has been recognised at a national level.