Emily & Jordan’s Mansfield Traquair Wedding
Emily and Jordan celebrated their wedding at the breathtaking Mansfield Traquair in Edinburgh last month. I’ve been lucky enough to shoot here before, but every time I step inside I’m reminded why Mansfield Traquair wedding photography is such a joy — the atmosphere, the light, and the sheer scale of the place make it unforgettable. Known as Edinburgh’s very own “Sistine Chapel,” Mansfield Traquair is a former church filled with vast vaulted ceilings, intricate murals by Phoebe Anna Traquair, and a sense of grandeur that makes it one of Scotland’s most iconic wedding venues.
Morning Prep in Dean Village – Bridal Photography in Edinburgh
We kicked the day off at bridal prep in Well Court, tucked away in the heart of Edinburgh’s historic Dean Village. It’s a picture-perfect location and created the perfect backdrop for Emily as she got ready with her bridesmaids and her mum by her side. One of the most emotional moments of the morning came when Emily’s dad saw her in her dress for the very first time — a powerful, emotional moment that’s always such a privilege to capture.
Mansfield Traquair Wedding Photography
From Dean Village we made our way to Mansfield Traquair, where guests were already arriving. Although I’ve photographed weddings here before, stepping inside never fails to impress me — the soaring ceilings and artwork make it one of the most stunning ceremony spaces in Scotland. Jordan and the groomsmen welcomed guests, giving me the chance to capture both candid moments and the atmosphere building inside.
The ceremony itself was beautiful. Emily’s long walk down the aisle with her dad was unforgettable, and Alan Ness conducted a heartfelt service that included a traditional Scottish handfasting and meaningful readings from family members.
Post-Ceremony Confetti & City Wedding Photos
After the vows, everyone spilled outside for a confetti throw — always one of my favourite moments to photograph. It’s such a brilliant way to involve all the guests and capture genuine laughter and joy.
Emily and Jordan then did something I absolutely love — they took a short walk to their local pub, Cask and Barrel, for a relaxed drink and some fun, informal photos. For city centre weddings like this, it adds such a personal touch and creates a set of images that feel completely unique to the couple.
Back at Mansfield Traquair, we made full use of the breathtaking interiors for bridal party portraits as well as some intimate shots of Emily and Jordan together. The scale and beauty of the space always add drama and elegance to couple photos, and it gave us a mix of timeless and natural frames.
Afterwards, I made sure to return them quickly to their guests so they could enjoy drinks and canapés. This gave me the perfect opportunity to focus on documentary-style photography, capturing candid moments of friends and family having fun — the kind of images that bring the story of the day to life.
Speeches First Dance and Ceilidh at Mansfield Traquair
The evening began with speeches full of laughter, heartfelt words, and a few emotional tears. Following the speeches came the cake cutting, and then Emily and Jordan’s first dance as a newly married couple.
The Jacobites Ceilidh Band then took over, filling the dancefloor with energy and traditional Scottish ceilidh dancing — the perfect way to finish such a joyful and unforgettable day in Edinburgh.
Getting married at Mansfield Traquair
If you’re still looking for your wedding photographer and you connect with the style you see here, I’d love to hear from you. My approach is all about letting your day flow naturally — capturing the real moments, the laughter, and all of your guests enjoying themselves. Alongside those candid shots, I’ll also create beautiful, natural portraits of you and your partner that feel genuine and timeless. Most importantly, I want you to enjoy your wedding day without interruptions — I’m simply there to document it as it unfolds.
Photographer — @johnjohnston_photography
Videographer — @leerichardsonfilms
Venue — @mansfieldtraquair
Celebrant — @alan_ness_celebrant
Cake — @katiescakesscotland
Florist — @fruitsaladflowers
Hair — @mhm_styling
Makeup — @sarahjanemacinnesmakeup
Groom’s Outfit — @kinlochanderson
Bride’s Outfit — @kavellecouture
Band — @thejacobitesceilidhband
