Brig o’ Doon wedding photographyLauren & Zen

The laughs started early

There’s always plenty happening on a wedding morning, and this one was no different. Make-up, kilts, the last wee adjustments to the dress, and that lovely moment when your family see you ready to go.

Lauren looked incredible in Suzanne Neville. Rachael Hunter and Celine Robertson were on make-up, with Lisa Ryan and Kim Gilmour on hair. Zen and the boys were looking the part in Slater Menswear.

I had John Johnston alongside me as second photographer, so we could capture both sides of the morning. From the big hugs at home to the boys having a laugh outside the Brig, it was a cracking start.

All their favourite people in one room

The ballroom at Brig o’ Doon is some place to get married. Up on the stage, with those tall windows behind you and your nearest and dearest right there in front of you. What a setting.

Craig Aikman led a lovely ceremony for Lauren and Zen. There were smiles all around the room, a few emotional faces, and plenty of wee reactions for us to catch. I love watching the guests as much as the couple at this point.

The flowers from Flowerson and styling by JAM Events looked beautiful in the room. Then it was back up the aisle as husband and wife, with everyone cheering them on.

Out into the sunshine

After the ceremony, everyone could settle into the celebrations. Drinks, catching up with family and friends, and lots of proper laughs. These are the moments I’m always looking for.

Capella String Quartet and pianist Fraser Cooper were part of the music team for the day. A brilliant line-up, with plenty more still to come later on.

Sunshine on the Brig o’ Doon bridge

The bridge and gardens are a huge part of what makes Brig o’ Doon wedding photography so special. When the sun catches the stonework, it’s just unbelievable. We made the most of it with a wee wander over the cobbles and down through the grounds.

Lauren and Zen were brilliant together. A few quiet photographs, a lot of laughing, and Lauren deciding to give Zen a lift beside the river. You can’t plan all the best bits!

I love the variety here: the view from the bridge, the gardens with the hotel behind them, and those little pockets of light by the River Doon. There’s so much to work with in one place.

The speeches and the start of the party

The room was already in great form when Lauren and Zen came in for dinner. Napkins in the air, everyone cheering, and the two of them absolutely loving it.

Then came the speeches. Big laughs around the tables, lovely family reactions, and plenty of moments that made me glad we had two cameras on the go. This was such a warm, welcoming crowd to spend a day with.

Nobody needed much encouragement

Lauren had arranged a saxophone surprise for Zen, and Saxingh soon had everyone right in amongst it. Napkins swinging, hands up and people singing along together. The party was well and truly underway.

This is why I love photographing the whole day. The beautiful portraits matter, of course, but so does your family having the time of their lives. Looking through these photographs brings that atmosphere straight back.

A wee pause by the bar

I always love getting a couple of photographs on that black-and-white chequered floor at night. The bar, the darker corners and those lovely tiles give us something completely different from the gardens.

Lauren and Zen slipped away for a few more pictures before we were back into the celebrations. We even had a sparkler moment outside. A lovely little change of pace, with plenty of evening still ahead.

What a night at the Brig

With FYRA on the music, this crowd had a fabulous party. The ballroom looked incredible at night, and the dance floor gave us everything: big smiles, dresses spinning and friends piling in together.

It was a pleasure working with LPR Wedding Films and Unveiled Moments to capture the day. Right through to Lauren being lifted up by the crowd, there was always something happening.