1500 Photography

This was our first wedding at Loch Lomond Youth Hostel, but not our first wedding with Kim and David.

We had previously worked together at Elspeth and Toms wedding at Cameron House a couple of years ago (Kim was one of the bridesmaids and Dave a dutiful guest). We started Davids day with my first foray into sports photography……. Rather ‘adventurously’ David has organised a full scale 11 a side football match for all the male guests coming to the wedding. I don’t mind telling you I winced at every 50/50 tackle although it should be noted that everyone came through the match unscathed.

Then it was onto Cameron House where Kim and the girls were putting together their finishing touches.

Unfortunately the rain on the day did not let up once. So heavy was the rain that you couldnt see Loch Lomond from the Youth Hostel. However we were lucky that both the interior of Cameron House and The Youth Hostel lend themselves rather nicely to photography, so we were not short of oppertunities for great shots.

Kim and Dave also had some of the best table decorations I have ever seen – homemade album covers. They looked absolutely fantastic. A wedding in a Youth Hostel is a brilliantly novel idea. The thought of the guests all sleeping in bunk beds and making their own breakfast in the morning certainly gets the imagination going….

Then, after the wedding, we set our own new record. Within the space of 7 days the album was made up, checked, changed twice, and printed ready for the couple to take away. This is not usual service but a special case as Kim and David live down south and are emigrating early in 2012.

A fantastic couple who take with them to Uganda our love and very best wishes.

Loch Lomond Youth Hostel Wedding by 1500 Photography

Tags: Cameron House Wedding Photography, Loch Lomond Weddings, Loch Lomond Youth Hostel

This was my first visit to New Lanark for a wedding and what a lovely venue it provided to be for Ruth and Mark.

As you would expect we met with the couple at New Lanark a few weeks before the wedding to get a ‘feel’ for the place and see what options we had for the photography. I must admit I was delighted with the stunning rooftop garden and views of the Clyde thundering (it had been raining) past us.

Ruths dress was amazing and Mark scrubbed up not too badly in a kilt. After the ceremony where Ruths father and one of the ushers gave a brilliant speech (almost like a double act) we ventured out onto the roof top area.

One small touch the couple had arranged was that all their tables were named after Formula 1 teams, so the top table was McLaren but you could have pulled up a chair at Red Bull or Ferrari if you wanted. I thought this was a cracking idea.

This was such a nice wedding with such a lovely couple. It always makes your job so much easier and much more fun when the people involved are interested and helpful. A great day !!

New Lanark Wedding by 1500 Photography

Tags: clyde valley wedding, New Lanark Wedding, weddings new lanark

I dont need to say anything when you get a testimonial like this -

“We were extremely impressed with 1500 Photography and would highly recommend them as wedding photographers.  The professional and personal way in which the photographer managed the whole process was superb from the initial consultation through to the production of the final dvd and cd.  We  greatly appreciated the photographer visiting the venue and area beforehand to scope out the best ’shots’ in the event that the weather was changeable and the photos arrived within a couple of weeks   The quality and style of the photographs are better than we could have ever anticipated.” Joanne & Stuart

I think all I need to add is that is was a shocker of a day with the rain omnipresent. Thank goodness we had packed the massive beach towel for Joanne to stand on to protect her dress. I love these shots, such a brilliant couple. Thank you Joanne and Stuart

Aberfoyle Forest Hills Wedding by 1500 Photography

Tags: aberfoyle wedding, forest hills wedding, wedding photography at forest hills

WHERE WAS IT & WHY ? : Knockderry Country House Hotel
After 10 years together, we decided that we would finally ‘tie the knot’. As soon as we visited Knockderry on a blistering hot April day, we fell in love with it. Sitting on the banks of Loch Long with beautiful views, the hotel absolutely oozes character.  We knew whatever the weather we would have a perfect day.

THEME OR STYLE: It had to be purple! We really wanted a relaxed day where everyone enjoyed themselves.

BRIDE’S DRESS : Athena by Sophia Tolli. A simple Grecian inspired dress with a little bit of sparkle- perfect!!

JEWELLERY/ACCESSORIES: A Monet diamanté bracelet and a diamanté hair comb.

HAIR & MAKEUP: Hair was a difficult decision for me as we don’t live in the area. I was really pleased with my choice. My bridesmaid and I, as well as four other close family members all had our hair done at the same time. The staff in the salon were so friendly and professional. They listened carefully to our requests and made it a relaxing, calming experience. My driving on the way to and from the salon,  however, was not!!

THE FLOWERS: Beautiful Hand tied bouquet consisting of Supernova Thistles, Purple Agapanthus, Purple Lysyanthius, Erigium Thistles and Greenery.The table flowers were fish bowls with hand tied arrangements in the bridal theme coming out of the bowl with submersible lights.

THE CAKE: Cup cakes with a top tier of cake. I chose cream coloured frosting topped with 3 shades of purple frangipani flowers and edible glitter. The top tier had  flowers cascading down onto the tier below.
The children had their own cup cakes. The boys had bright blue cookie monster cupcakes and the girls,  pink sparkly butterfly cakes.

A MEMORABLE MOMENT: It is difficult to pin point one moment. We had such a happy, celebratory day. We were so happy as were all our guests. It was a day full of smiles and laughter.

FAVOURITE PICTURE?: Now that is a question! We love so many of them!! They really did capture the day, the scenery and the characters! We love the photos that tell the story of the ceremony, of us down on the beach, at the entrance of the hotel, the family photos where we were laughing hysterically and of course the sequence of shots that catch our son’s cheeky character. We were so happy with all the photos!

We are delighted to hear that Kirsty a beautiful blustery day on the banks of Loch Long with a lovely family. Thank you.

Knockderry Wedding Photography by 1500 Photography

Tags: knockderry house, wedding at knockderry, weddings photographs knockderry house

There is a saying in Loch Lomond – if you cant see the Ben (Lomond) its raining, if you can see the Ben….. its about to rain.

This pretty much sums up our day with Clare and Ian. Clare got ready at one of the lodges at Cameron House before making her way to Luss Church. As usual the service passed off like clockwork at Luss but as we came out of the church, the heavens opened !

So brollies and Plan B where put into action. We still got some beautiful ‘moody’ shots by the loch side before we made our way up to Boturich Castle for the reception. Once there, the rain receded, the clouds parted and we were treated to that special view of Loch Lomond you only get from Boturich.

It was a fitting way for the day to run. Ian and Clare stay in Australia so meeting up beforehand was a mad dash, as was the wedding day. I think these guys only got a chance to relax when the wheels left the tarmac and the left the UK for their honeymoon.

Boturich Castle Wedding by 1500 Photography

Tags: boturich, boturich castle wedding, loch lomond wedding, weddings at loch lomond

Again, this week we turn the blog over to the bride to fill you in on her big day. Take it away Lisa…..

WHERE WAS IT & WHY ? : We got married in St Marnoch’s Church in Fowlis which is a small, 16th century building with private gardens… the perfect location for our wedding ceremony. Our cousin, Rev Greg Macdonald conducted the ceremony which added an extra special touch to our day and my friend, Ruth did a super job of piping me into the church.

When looking and deciding on our venue – We considered many types; including a converted barn, castle, and country house but we both agreed that Piperdam, Dundee was perfect for us! The big wooden effect, reception room is a great size and the dance floor was perfect for all the ceilidh dancing to the music from our band,  Torridon.   Our first dance, which was beautifully sang by our close friend, Sinead Cunningham, is a moment we will treasure forever. Piperdam’s relaxed setting gave us the opportunity to bring our families and friends together, before and after the wedding day, staying in the on-site lodges.

THEME OR STYLE: Blue was the main theme for our day – with the bridesmaids and accesories this colour – nothing to do with a particular football team.. ahem! (not Stranraer Football Club).

BRIDE’S DRESS : Bought from Bridal Studios, Glasgow.  I went shopping for this dress with my mum, sister and niece. I must have tried on over 30 dresses.  However, the last dress that I tried on was from the Veromia collection, it is an a-line with side flare which is laced up the back. I wasn’t 100% sure that I had chose the right dress – but at my final fitting – I was delighted at how it looked- no need for any adjustments – I knew I had picked the right dress – I do love my dress – but it’s now safely packed away for our future little Afrins who may want to wear it at their special day!

JEWELLERY/ACCESSORIES: The jewellery was bought from Debenhams – the collection was from Jon Richard – simple, inexpensive, yet timeless!  I bought my tiara from Frasers Bridal Studio, Glasgow – I didn’t want it to be too big or glitzy as my dress had a lot of ‘bling’ detail on it!

HAIR & MAKEUP: I wanted to do my own make-up, but the girls of the Bobbi Brown counter in Glasgow were excellent, offering me many useful tips and hints, especially Emma. However, on the day, my ‘beauty expert’ friend Lindsey, (www.blush-beauty.me.uk) was on hand to help out!  Hair was done by Emma Kettles, Dundee – Emma was excellent – very professional and what a great job she done!

GROOMS DUTIES? Iain Andrew was brilliant getting lots of things organised throughout the planning process, right up to the wedding day…checking all the final touches were in place and that everything was just right!  Despite the distracting tactic from Andrew (cousin/piper), Craig (best man) and Fat Sams, the night before the wedding, Iain Andrew did an excellent job of the speech!  I’m a lucky lady

THE FLOWERS: Flowers by Rosebud, Dundee – hand tied ivory rose bouquet with small diamantees – they were beautiful and they smelled gorgeous!

THE CAKE: Marks and Spencers!

INVITATIONS & STATIONERY: Kullakita Cards (www.kullakitacards.co.uk) made our invitations – this was Iain Andrew’s choice after we spotted Emma’s work at George Square Wedding Fayre event.  The banner was made by a friend of the family from Stornoway! We made the rest of the stationery ourselves – our creative skills came in handy here and patience, especially for the name place cards which took…forever…but it was totally worth all the effort as they looked fantastic on the tables!

A MEMORABLE MOMENT: When we walked back down the aisle after we were offically husband and wife!  What a great feeling!  We were buzzing with excitment!

FAVOURITE PICTURE?: We love so many of the photos – it would be too difficult to choose… probably any of the ones taken at the church!

Well we argree with Lisa, the shots at the church are lovely – this is our favourite shot from the day as Lisa has a chuckle to herself -

Tags: piperdam weddings, scottish wedding photography, St Marnoch's Church, St Marnoch's Church Fowlis, wedding photography scotland, weddings at piper dam

And we stay with the Cameron House Wedding theme for Fraser and Fionas wedding.

Again we were a wee bit unlucky with the weather at Loch Lomond on the day but thanks to Fiona’s enthusiasm to get great pictures we were out and about and under a brolly!!

Guest of honour on the day was Fiona and Fraser son Ben who was absolutely brilliantly behaved on the day. This was another intimate wedding day with only a select number of friends and family in attendance. With the wedding taking place in the morning room and the drinks reception in the library I really think Cameron House is the perfect location for this kind of wedding.

Once again showing that whatever the weather Loch Lomond is the place to get married !

Cameron House wedding photography by 1500 Photography

Tags: Cameron House Wedding Photography, Loch Lomond Weddings, Weddings at Cameron House

Our next wedding at Cameron House was for Christina and John, who came all the way from Longbeach California to be married by the shores of Loch Lomond. This was a trip back ‘home’ for John who has family here and originally hails from Bishopbriggs. So John already knew about the vagaries of the Scottish weather, Christina’s family however…… my goodness did it ‘chuck it down’ for them.

With the ‘big party’ planned for back in the States the ceremony itself was lovely and intimate but with the Rev Ian Miller officiating and special guests appearing via web cam it certainly wasn’t dull !!

As is typical the day before the wedding was lovely and the day after the wedding was lovely, but the day of the wedding……. you could barely see the other side of the Loch!! John and Christina just took it in their stride though and fortunately Cameron House looks great indoors so with most of the photography taking place inside we all at least stayed dry and got terrific shots.

Such a nice day and such a nice couple. Cheers Christina and John !

Cameron House Wedding Photography by 1500 Photography

Tags: Cameron House Wedding Photography, Loch Lomond Weddings, Weddings at Cameron House, weddings at loch lomond

Back over to a Knockderry House Wedding on the shores of Loch Long and the Clyde.

A lovely intimate day with Carol, Campbell and their children. It was so nice that all the kids had major roles on the day – from the best man,ushers and bridesmaids to readings at the ceremony and with Knockderry providing that exclusive feel to the day, this really was a ‘family affair’. It also meant a day of great fun and intense emotion.

This was also the first time we had been in the newly refurbished bridal suit at Knockderry and what a great job they have done – commanding views, tastefully decorated and very much in keeping with the style of the house. Hats off to Karlyn Evans at re-decorate on a tremendous job well done. After the ceremony we nipped across the road and down the beach for some lovely dramatic scenery looking out over the Loch. Terrific day!!

Knoderry House Wedding by 1500 Photography

Tags: beach wedding pictures, knockderry house, loch long wedding, wedding at knockderry

My first Boturich Castle wedding. Stunning day, Stunning wedding, amazing couple.

Boasting probably the best views possible of Loch Lomond this venue is a real ‘hidden gem’ which I am lucky enough to have almost on my doorstep. Lynsey and John had come up from Yorkshire with most of Lynseys family coming from Sweden for the wedding.  I am so pleased that Scotland turned on  the style for them.

As you can probably tell it was a blistering hot day but the heat, drinks and outdoor feel to this wedding made the whole day such a relaxed affair it was hard not to be jealous of the guests!!

Due to the unique conditions of the day we knew we were going to get an awesome sunset. What we didnt bank on was the awesome dancing display put on by John and best man Scott to the tune of ‘Cotton Eye Joe’ ….. I can honestly say I have never seen anything like it before – they were amazing !!

And so was the sunset……This goes down as our favourite picture from the day.

Boturich Castle wedding on Loch Lomond by 1500 Photography

Tags: boturich, boturich castle wedding, loch lomon, wedding on loch lomond