A year in wedding photos - Top 30 getting ready shots

We're kicking off our look back at 2008 with our favourite getting ready shots.

Ceilidh band recommendation - A Whisky Kiss

We are always happy to recommend wedding suppliers who we feel deliver excellent service. Last night we saw ceilidh band A Whisky Kiss perform and they were absolutely fantastic.

We went with friends to the 'Ceilidh in a Club' - a charity night held at Luna (formerly Ego) in Edinburgh. The music was excellent and the band were fantastic when it came to encouraging everyone to get involved.

The band have a fiddler who has toured with Kanye West & Smokey Robinson, a drummer who has played on tour with Lou Reed & INXS, and the piper recently toured supporting Runrig.

We had such a great time dancing (and laughing when we discovered that we have completely forgotten how to waltz) that our camera didn't make it out of Jay's sporran - the sign of a very good night!

All proceeds will be donated to children's cancer charity CLIC Sargent. To find out more about their work click here

Winter wonderland

It's hard to believe that we only had to travel 60 miles north-west from Edinburgh to find lots of lovely snow. Of course, the recent drop in temperature left Jay feeling completely justified in dragging me out of bed at ridiculous o'clock this morning. But then again I'm glad he did.
Here are a few of our favourites...

Gillian & Simon - Melville Castle

Our first wedding of the year took place today at Melville Castle, outside Edinburgh. This was our first time back at the castle since it was bought by Aurora Hotels in December, and the new management already seem to be doing a fantastic job.

The day began with Jay joining the girls as they finished getting ready. Bride, Gill was incredibly relaxed - she and her bridesmaids and mum were enjoying some pink champagne as I left to join the boys.

While the girls had spent the morning at the hairdressers, Si's two brothers and best men, John & Paul, had to bring the salon to him. Then it was time for Si to put the finishing touches to his outfit, a set of cufflinks given to him as a wedding gift by Gill.

Meanwhile, the guests were arriving, including two of Gill & Si's friends who had travelled all the way from Japan to be with them on their special day.

With the sun pouring in through the windows, the ballroom looked wonderful. And Gill looked absolutely stunning as she was escorted down the aisle by her proud dad, John.

After a lovely ceremony and some celebratory champagne, we headed outside while the sun was still (just!) shining. Gill did incredibly well, braving the cold wind, which seemed determined to take her veil with it.

Then it was back inside to the warmth, where we spent some time exploring the castle with Gill and Si, and getting fantastic shots of the two of them.

After the cake had been cut, it was time to head upstairs, where some very funny speeches were wrapped up by best men John & Paul.

Gill & Si, thank you for inviting us to share in your special day. We hope you have a wonderful honeymoon and wish you all the happiness in the world.

Venue - Melville Castle
Dress - Pretty Woman
Flowers - Flowers by Lindsey