Sabrina and Craig’s wedding was unusually close for me – not only was it in Edinburgh (I am after all an Edinburgh Wedding Photographer – even though around 70% of my work so far this year has been over an hour away), but it was on the east side of Edinburgh around Leith, the top of Leith walk and the Bridges. All areas I know well from university and from where I live now.
Sabrina and Craig were unfortunately hit by the recent ash cloud problems as many of her family were coming across from Ireland. Luckily and due to some heroic travelling on the part of relatives only two people didn’t make it in the end.
This was a Gold Package wedding (see our packages for full details) so I first travelled to where Sabrina was getting ready. Due to the amount of family she had over they had rented a lovely flat in Leith. This was ideal as the rooms were bright and airy, just perfect for photography. I took images of the dress (which was a lovely number from just down the road from me – Pretty Woman in Leith), shoes and flowers. I absolutely love their choice of flowers. I love sunflowers. Probably second only to daffodils, which I am still waiting for someone to use as their wedding flowers. Unfortunately my wedding was too late in the year.
After the still life photos I took pictures of the bride getting into her dress assisted by the bridesmaid and then some pictures of her family.
It was then quickly off the the ceremony venue to get some pictures of the groom and best man as well as the rings and guests arrivals.
For this wedding the celebrant was a friend of the family from the Salvation Army. Luckily I was able to take as many photos as I wanted from wherever I wanted. Which was a nice change from the wedding in Dumfries.
St Paul’s and St George’s is a huge church that has recently been refurbished inside and is now very modern. Unfortunately the dreaded tram works were still going on in Edinburgh and were just outside the door. The good point of this was that the celebrant and I managed to convince the tram workers to make a tunnel with their spade’s up for the bride! I’m sure that it was quite unusual.
It was a lovely ceremony, the minister was fantastic and I particularly liked the unity candle ceremony. During this the mother’s of the bride and groom each light a separate candle which the bride and groom then use to light the central candle. They then blow out the parent’s candle and are left with a single burning candle. Lovely.
After the ceremony I took pictures of everyone together in the church.
It was then off to the botanics for some family group shots and images of the couple. On the way back out I spotted the most gorgeous tree in full blossom which I had to have some pictures of. Trees in blossom are just fabulous.
The reception was being held in the Carlton hotel on North Bridge – this hotel has the most fabulous enterance stairway. It is just wonderful and dominates the enterance hall. Many pictures were taken here.
The speaches were after the meal – which is getting less popular these days although it is the traditional way round. The most memorable points was the presentation of a See You Jimmy hat and the bride’s heartfelt and tearful thanks to everyone for making such efforts to get to the wedding.
Finally came the cutting the cake and the first dance. The cake was gorgeous and suited their colour palette perfectly. Particularly impressive as it was made by a friend.
