Wet, Wild and full of Warm Smiles - A Ghillie Dhu Wedding

Wet, Wild and full of Warm Smiles – A Ghillie Dhu Wedding – Images by Stuart Craig

December 13, 2012 Real Wedding Features

Today I have great pleasure in sharing the lovely Scottish Wedding Day of Brian and Jenna at Ghillie Dhu captured by the fabulous Stuart Craig.

Stuart is a wedding photographer based in Edinburgh, Scotland and covers weddings and civil partnerships throughout the country.

Stuart shares a little glimpse into Jenna and Brian’s specal day,

“I first met Jenna at a Ghillie Dhu wedding in 2010, when Gary and Gillian tied the knot in this spectacular venue.”

“Jenna had since developed her own ideas for photographs, beginning with bridal preps in a nearby flat and ending with a walkabout in the Royal Mile. Well, that was plan A.”

“Agent Claire and myself parked up the Bridemobile and were promptly blown down the street, straight past the flat which had some horizontal balloons flying in the wind outside.”

“With heavy rain forecast, we were already contemplating plan B.”

“Jenna looked ultra relaxed, with little sign of any pre-wedding nerves. The spacious lower ground floor flat was a hive of activity as the hair and make-up started being applied.”

“Two little flowers girls competed well with the power ballads pumping out of an iPhone. I was sensing some fun as the girls jumped into the bath for a clean shot with champagne glasses.”

“The rain had already started as I took a short stroll across to Ghillie Dhu to meet Brian. He was faring less well, and hoping that some fresh air would help his nerves.”

“The boys promptly returned indoors, joining the growing number of guests who were gathering in the dimly lit bar.”

“When everyone moved upstairs to take their seats, I hovered outside to wait for Jenna to appear in the cobbled street. A small crowd gathered as mum arrived first, followed by the 2 flower girls who literally ran all the way.”

“By the time Jenna and her dad came into focus, I was perfectly placed behind the piper to frame her arrival before dashing upstairs ahead of the bridal party. It was showtime.”

“With everyone looking suitably nervous, the ceremony began with an introduction and some amusing readings. Time seemed to speed up as the happy couple turned to face each other, sprinting through their vows perfectly before exchanging rings.”

“They kissed to a huge round of applause and listened to some live music after signing the register. By the time Jenna and Brian walked back down the aisle, they were grinning from ear to ear.”

“I left them to mingle and went to check on the weather. Plan B might require a plan C.”

“The rain held off long enough to do some family photographs at the front steps, before we huddled together to agree the plan. A mass group shot of everyone was the only casualty as Jenna and Brian opted for a few creative shots indoors which they tackled with impressive skill. They required little instruction throughout and seemed to instinctively know what to do.”

“Jenna was showing good judgement and was clearly still game for going outdoors armed with brollies. We headed into Princes Street in the lashing rain.”

“Agent Claire tried to keep me (and the cameras!) dry as the wind drove the rain in from all directions. It is only when the going gets tough that the tough gets going.”

“After a much faffing about with lenses and camera bodies, I snatched my favourite portrait lens and invited the newly weds against a wall. They gazed into each others eyes, smiling and laughing in the rain, no doubt slightly shocked at no longer being under a brolly. To my amazement, they turned it on and courted the camera with confidence.”

“A walk through the leafy cemetery grounds felt strangely rock ‘n roll and must have looked quite a sight to the onlookers above on Lothian Road. Agent Claire stuck to me like glue, still battling with the brollies.”

“We headed back up to Princes Street and came face to face with two grinning strangers at the traffic lights. They were far more appropriately dressed than us it seemed, and were quick to get in the shot before offering their congratulations. The moment summed up their day really well. It was wet, wild and full of warm smiles.”