Emma and Gordon’s wedding at Lochgreen House Hotel brought together family and friends, including Gordon’s five groomsmen from Hong Kong and his two brothers as best men. With both of them getting ready at the hotel and the ceremony in the orangery, I was there to photograph the day from the morning preparations right through to the dancing.
There’s plenty I’ll remember from this one: the confetti outside, some lovely reactions during the speeches and a first dance that was well worth having the camera ready for. Here’s a look at their day.
Wedding preparations at Lochgreen House Hotel
Having Emma and Gordon getting ready in the same place meant I could spend time with them both before the ceremony. I caught up with Gordon and the guys, photographed a few of the details Emma had chosen, and followed the morning as everyone got ready. These photographs are a lovely way to begin the story, especially for the parts of the morning the couple spent apart.
A humanist ceremony in the orangery
Emma and Gordon were married in the orangery, with David Smith leading their humanist ceremony. They’d spoken warmly about David beforehand, and having someone you feel comfortable with is such an important part of planning a ceremony.
Gordon had his brothers beside him as best men, with Emma’s bridesmaids Cara and Lynne also part of the wedding party. I like to keep an eye on everyone during the ceremony, not just the couple. There are often little reactions among family and friends that are easily missed when you’re the ones getting married.
Confetti and congratulations
After the ceremony, everyone headed outside for confetti. There was certainly no shortage of it! From there, it was time for congratulations and a catch-up with their guests. I always enjoy this part of a wedding: there’s plenty happening around the couple as well as right in front of them.
Family and wedding party photographs
We made time for photographs with family and the wedding party too. I like to keep these straightforward, getting the people who matter together without making it feel like the whole afternoon is being spent lining up for pictures.
Wedding portraits at Lochgreen House Hotel
Emma and Gordon and I took a wander through the grounds for some portraits, before making use of the hotel’s wood-panelled hall as well. It gave us a nice mix of photographs without having to leave Lochgreen. A little time away together is often all you need; there’s no need to turn it into a long photo shoot.
The wedding reception
Before everyone settled in, I photographed the reception room all set for the meal. So much thought goes into these details, and it’s lovely to have a record of how it looked before the celebrations got properly underway. Then it was back to the people, as family and friends gathered around the tables.
Speeches
The speeches brought a few tears, including from Gordon himself. This is one of my favourite parts of the day to photograph, and I’m watching the reactions around the room as much as the person speaking. Couples can’t take all of that in at the time, so it’s lovely to give them those moments to look back on afterwards.
Another wander through the grounds
Later, we nipped back outside for a few more photographs around the grounds and beside the wedding car, which happens to be Gordons own pride and joy. I often prefer splitting portraits into a couple of shorter outings like this. It gives us another chance for photographs together without keeping the couple away from their guests for too long.
Cake cutting, a first dance and the evening party
Emma and Gordon cut their cake before taking to the floor for their first dance. They’d had help preparing from Natalie at Cadmans Dance Centre, and Gordon even lifted Emma into the air. Then their guests joined them, giving me plenty to photograph as the party got going. We also made time for a final couple of portraits outside beneath the lit trees—a lovely way to finish their wedding story.
Planning your wedding at Lochgreen House Hotel?
If you’re looking for Lochgreen House Hotel wedding photography and like the feel of Emma and Gordon’s photographs, get in touch and tell me about your plans. I’d love to hear what you’ve got in mind.
The team
Wedding planner: Kari at Lochgreen
Humanist celebrant: David Smith
Stationery: @siennamaiinvites
Florist: @samantha_kennedy_florist
Makeup: @samanthaconnormakeupartist
Cake: @bobabakesglasgow
Hair: @cherrycherryhair_byloredana
Bridal shop: @annepriscillabridal
Bridal designer: @alanhannahbridal
Bridal outfits: @evalendel
Band / DJ: @thebigpapas
First-dance instruction: Natalie at Cadmans Dance Centre
