I am delighted to share the stunning Wedding of Nan and Steven at the fabulous
Blair Castle at the start of June.
The Wedding was captured by the lovely
Stuart Craig who I have had the absolute pleasure to work with on two occasions.
Stuart is a wedding photographer based in Edinburgh, Scotland and covers weddings and civil partnerships throughout the country.
Stuart says of the day "The rain had already started by the time I found the bridal cottage at
Blair Castle.
A chap on the door found no reply, and I soon discovered that Nan and her bridesmaids were still at the hairdressers."
"A few minutes later they appeared and invited me in, before laying out all their various bits and pieces on the table.
A natural skylight lit up the room so I quickly got the camera unpacked, looking forward to the day ahead. I wondered if Nan would go ahead with the outdoor ceremony that she so dearly wanted."
"The girls were in good form, but as the rain came pouring down, the dilemma facing Nan on whether to hold the ceremony outdoors began to dominate proceedings.
We all chipped in with out own thoughts, but it was a tough call and Nan was to make it several times during the course of the morning on the end of a mobile phone.
She finally decided on an indoor ceremony, and with that made her way into the dress.
I darted through the various rooms grabbing what I could, before inviting Nan over to the brightly lit hallway for a portrait."
"I left the girls in their cabin to meet up with the boys on the picturesque driveway leading up to Blair Castle. We waited patiently for Steven who was busy taking care of the last minute arrangements, and I soon discovered that he had cleared the way for an outdoor ceremony at the last minute."
"The leafy driveway presented an irresistible chance to switch to my favourite lens and track the boys walking towards the camera for a classic ‘reservoir dogs’ shot.
The fast telephoto lens blurred the backdrop wonderfully and drew attention to their colourful kilts."
"The logistics of an outdoor ceremony in the rain made time fly, so I discussed the plan with the minister before turning my attention on a natural archway which would provide the cover I needed to keep the camera dry.
As luck would have it, it offered the perfect angle to remain unobtrusive."
"Umbrellas packed into the kirk as the moment for Nan’s arrival drew closer, leaving just enough time to arrange for a willing helper to hold my brolly during walkabouts.
As the bridesmaids walked down the aisle, the string quartet burst into life and the show began in earnest."
"The ceremony was peppered with a mixture of formality and lighter moments, enjoyed by a captive audience who peered out from their brollies to get a good view.
As the happy couple exchanged rings, I made a move into the middle of the aisle and gave my helper (Stuart) the nod to come forward.
Despite the rain, it all seemed to go like clockwork and Nan and Steven were pronounced husband and wife in the stunning surroundings of the kirk.
They kissed to seal the deal before turning to face the crowd and walk back down the aisle together."
"As everyone filtered out of the kirk, Nan and Steven joined me to for some portraits in the grounds.
I left them sitting under cover as I got my gear together and took a quick walk around to pick my spots. They must have enjoyed the breather, as they looked completely relaxed by the time I started shooting.
The cobbled walls and foliage provided the perfect backdrop to use the soft light offered by such an overcast sky, and proved a welcome opportunity to see them enjoying themselves in the lush looking gardens."
"Back in the main castle, we arranged for some family photographs in the ballroom before attempting a mass group shot from the balcony above.
With the speeches about to start, I had to be quick to brand the ballroom which was set up for their meal. They were soon underway are were typically entertaining, helped in no small part by both best men producing memorable speeches."
"I picked of the smiles and laughter from a distance before heading off to explore the rooms in the castle with a signature shot in mind.
Nan threw her bouquet into the crowd after the first dance, gracefully caught by a lucky young girl who never looked like she was going to let it go."
"As for the signature shot, I never did find that room. But I did stumble across a staircase which seemed a lovely way to sum up this wonderful day.
It was romantic, moody and full of vibrant colour. I look forward to seeing how they top this when they join me in Venice."
Adore the blending of culture and complete elegance of this wedding, and the magnificent outside ceremony not thwarted by the seasons.
Fabulous imagery from Stuart and emotion oozing from each frame.
Really looking forward to the amazing follow up to this beautiful day.
Stuart is escorting the couple to Venice on Monday for a fantastic Trash the Dress shoot.
To Contact Stuart Craig Photography
Phone: 0131 552 9003 or 07917 400 710
