Wedding Photographer of the Year!
Wow! I’m so happy to announce I’ve won “Wedding Photographer of the Year” in the Luxury Travel Guide’s wedding awards!
“The judges were impressed with your personal nature, high-quality portfolio, consistency of your reviews and overall attentiveness. They feel you have a great connection with your clients, and the passion for what you do really comes across”
Thanks to my amazing team here at First Light and to all my wonderful clients, past and present, who make it all possible.
It’s moments like this that make all the hard work worth it.
Having a wee toast to celebrate tonight, then it’s back to the busy busy busy editing – with a huge smile on my face!
Edinburgh Wedding Venues- The Signet Library
Not all Edinburgh wedding venues are created equal.
Not all wedding venues offer jaw dropping rooms, a fascinating history, a super-central setting and skilful, knowledgeable staff.
Prepare to be impressed by one of Edinburgh’s finest wedding venues, The Signet Library
The Signet Library is situated in the very heart of Edinburgh’s historic Old Town, and with next door neighbour St Giles Cathedral, provides some truly fantastic locations for taking wedding photographs. St Giles Cathedral, lit to dramatic effect at night, can be particularly stunning location for us to capture our couples.
The Signet Library building itself is is considered a classical masterpiece, the architecture and interiors really making it one of Edinburgh’s most elegant wedding venues.
The Signet Library has numerous rooms available for weddings both large and small. The Lower Library is an elegant setting for a wedding ceremony, civil, religious or humanist ceremonies can all be accommodated at the venue. The maximum number of guests seated for a ceremony is 150. The Lower Library can also be used for a drinks and canapés reception for guests or for a tea and coffee service and cutting of the cake after the wedding breakfast.
Flowers and table decorations by Edinburgh based Planet Flowers.
Wedding menus at The Signet Library are created and provided by leading event caterer Heritage Portfolio.
One of my favourite things about photographing weddings in the Signet Library is being able to capture couples on the incredible grand staircase, which takes you to the Upper Library. The Upper Library can accommodate 50 to 220 guests for any type of reception, from a wedding breakfast to evening reception, and it has the most incredible vaulted ceilings. There is also an in-house PA system and wooden dance floor, making this part of the Library perfect for those wedding speeches and, of course, dancing the night away with your family and friends!
After the sun has set we love to take couples outside for more photographs, the location of the Signet Library and its neighbour St. Giles Cathedral, providing a truly dramatic Edinburgh backdrop.
If you love the sound of getting married at this elegant library in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, The Signet Library will be hosting an open evening on Friday 18th October between 6-8pm , so it’s the perfect chance to take a look around.
Signet Library Summer Wedding – Alison and John
We are delighted to share this truly joyful and elegant wedding with you on the blog. Alison and John wed at The Signet Library, in Edinburgh’s historic Old Town, surrounded by family and friends.
When Alison and John told me about their wedding and the plans for the day, one thing came through clearly. They wanted “A celebration of our day with the people we are close to.’
So our approach to the day became very much about capturing their friends, the little moments, the hugs and the fun of it all.
Alison started her day in the Balmoral Hotel – which undoubtedly boasts some of the most spectacular views of Edinburgh.
And a silver sixpence in her shoe”
Alison’s beautiful hand tied bouquet of roses, peonies and cornflowers was created by the lovely team at Planet Flowers.
Alison and John’s ceremony and wedding reception both took place at the Signet Library.
The personalised wedding cake was created by the supremely talented team at Fife-based bakers and cake designers A Cherry on Top.
Thank you so much Alison and John for sharing your day with us, it was a joy to capture. We wish you the very best for your future together and I hope our paths cross again.
Alison and John’s wedding suppliers included:
- Venue: The Signet Library
- Wedding preparation venue: The Balmoral Hotel
- Florist: Planet Flowers
- Brides shoes: Charlotte Mills
- Catering: Heritage Portfolio
- Cake: A Cherry on Top
- Magician: Michael Neto
- Band: Jiggers
- Photography: First Light Photography
The best wedding fairs in Edinburgh, Autumn 2019
We are spoilt for choice in Edinburgh when it comes to beautiful wedding venues.
Here is a little heads-up on wedding fairs taking place this autumn in some of our favourite wedding venues. Head along to see these beautiful venues for yourself (you may even be lucky enough to see us there!)
The George, Sunday 15th September 12-5pm
Having recently become an InterContinental hotel, The George in George Street has undergone extensive renovations to boost the luxury experience for guests.
Their wedding fair will see the King’s Hall set up for a wedding ceremony and a bunch of their recommended suppliers on hand to show you their work and answer any questions you might have.
We’re delighted to have become a Recommended Suppliers and will be there imparting wedding wisdom and chocolates to anyone who stops to say hello.
Liggy’s Cakes will be one of the wedding suppliers at The George
Dundas Castle, Friday 27th September 5-8pm
Imagine having your own Scottish castle for the day!
Dundas Castle are inviting you to take a tour of the magnificent castle, winner of the 2018 ‘Scottish Wedding Venue of the Year’ VOWS Award. Located just outside Edinburgh, the exclusive-use venue has multiple options for ceremonies and celebrations.
This is a fantastic opportunity for you, your partner, family and bridal party to see the Castle beautifully set up for a wedding. The amazing Dundas team will be on hand to show you around. Unfortunately we can’t be there on the day (but we have left a little offer in their goody bags). Book your appointment here
Have a look at one of our Dundas Castle weddings here
The stunning Dundas Castle exterior and grounds are perfect for photographs 
The Dundas Castle pavilion, which can accommodate up to 200 guests
Hopetoun House, 6th October, 12-4pm
We love Hopetoun for its beautiful (and pleasingly symmetric) exterior, sprawling grounds and incredible rooms. So many good options for photos, both inside and outside.
The Luxury Scottish Wedding Show is a chance for you to see the beautiful Hopetoun House and meet lots of wonderful wedding suppliers. We won’t be at the fair, but will be at Hopetoun a couple of weeks after the wedding fair for our next beautiful wedding there.
Mansfield Traquair, Friday 11th October
Known as “Edinburgh’s Sistine Chapel”, Mansfield Traquair is undoubtedly one of the most impressing venues you’ll ever see! We love it for its incredible vaulted ceilings, the murals adorning every wall and the blankets of fairy lights draped in the altar.
Have a look at one of our recent Mansfield Traquair weddings here
Signet Library, Friday 18th October 2019, 6-8pm
Last, but certainly not least, is the jaw-dropping Signet Library. So many couples we speak to say they walked in and just knew this was the venue for them. And it’s clear to see why. Consisting of an upper and lower library, the Signet Library can accommodate up to 220 guests and can host your wedding ceremony as well as the drinks reception and wedding breakfast.
Come along as listen to us extoll the virtues of this gorgeous venue, have a glass of fizz, sample some cake, listen to some music and prepare to fall in love all over again.
Have a look at one of our recent Signet Library weddings here
Winton Castle Wedding – Katie and Chris
What do you do when your wedding car runs out of petrol on the way to your wedding reception? Read on to see what happened at Katie and Chris’s gorgeous Winton Castle Wedding (and why they were featured in the news!)
The sign of a good wedding isn’t one free of challenges, it’s how any challenges are dealt with! Katie and Chris’s day was perfectly planned, perfectly executed and showed just how chilled they were when things didn’t quite go to plan…
Every church should have a pub within walking distance for the pre-wedding nerve-settling fun-kick-offing pint!
On the way from the church to Winton Castle, Katie and Chris’ wedding car ran out of petrol! Thank goodness for Lothians & Scottish Borders Police Division, who happened to be driving behind the wedding car and safely delivered them to Winton Castle!
We were waiting at the front gates of Winton Castle where we were planning to take photos of Katie and Chris – Imagine our surprise when a police van rolled up and the newlyweds stepped out!
After sharing their story on Facebook, I spent the day taking calls and emails from six papers, two radio stations and two news agencies. Seems everyone loves a happy ending 🙂
Thank you so much Katie and Chris for choosing us to capture your wonderful day, we wish you much happiness for your future together.
May your petrol tank always be half full…
Katie and Chris’s wedding suppliers included:
- Venue: Winton Castle
- Church: Colinton Parish Church
- Florist: Wild
- Photography: First Light Photography
- Videographer: Grand Gesture
- Hair: JD Hair
- Make up: All about Eve
- Stationery: 2Flux
- Band: Callanish
Edinburgh Castle Surprise Proposal – Carly and Ian
Problem: You live in the US and want to propose to your girlfriend at Edinburgh Castle while on holiday in Scotland, but you know your girlfriend would want both families present to witness the proposal. Your family are with you, but your girlfriend’s family are in the US…
Solution: Fly them over and give your girlfriend the surprise of her life!
Earlier this month I had the honour to be involved in a truly joyful and moving wedding proposal at Edinburgh Castle – with a twist!
Here’s the full, wonderful story as told by Ian himself:
“Carly and I have been together for 2 1/2 years now and I knew it was time to take our relationship to the next stage of our lives. While on our summer trip from Italy to Scotland I wanted this to be “The Trip”. When we discussed being engaged we wanted both families to be there to witness this special moment. After I knew that Carly was the one I wanted to spend the rest of my life with, I went to talk to her family while Carly was at work. My plan all along was for this to happen in Hawaii a couple months later with no family there as no one could make that trip. Soon after telling her family I wanted to marry Carly, they purchased tickets to fly to Edinburgh to surprise her. “
“With a short amount of time to plan, I reserved the Minstrels Gallery in Edinburgh Castle and let her family know the plan. August 4, 2019 is a day I will never forget. Not only because I couldn’t eat the morning of, from all the nerves settling in but because I was going to propose to the person I want to spend the rest of my life with.
Her family was waiting for her there as we walked up the spiral staircase and once they all made eye contact. Boom. Tears were an understatement, it was an outpouring of so much joy with a hint of confusion (she had no clue about her family). After everyone said hello and hugged one another, I told Carly how much I love her and how this wasn’t going to happen unless all family was included. I got down on one knee and the rest is history.”
“Throughout this planning I wanted to capture the moment which led me to Ditte. After having her capture this moment and seeing the quality of the pictures, I was blown away. I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect day with the perfect group of people. If you’re considering Ditte to be your photographer, just do it! The pics are amazing but her personality and skill set are even better.”
Ian and Carly thank you so much for your kind words and choosing me to capture such a special moment for you and your family. I wish you a joyful future together and I can’t wait to see photos from your wedding!
The GoBook Portrait Album
I’d like to introduce you to our most popular portrait album. We call it the The GoBook Portrait Album, and it’s a really clever 2-in-1 product, combining a stunning album with a box that allows the album to be displayed like a framed photograph.
The Portrait Album has proven very popular for family photo shoots, creating a beautiful physical keepsake of a moment in time.
We are also finding that more and more parents of brides and grooms choose these, if they are keen to make a unique album just for them, featuring their story of the wedding, mainly showing their friends or family, and feel they don’t need something as luxurious as our Storybooks or Mounted albums.
The album either comes with a laminated photographic paper cover, or a leatherette cover in a wide range of colours. It comes in a display box with a transparent lid, which means you can safely leave it out with little hands around, or put in on a shelf for the cover to act as a framed photograph.
The books are either 8×12 inches (or 10×10 inch square) or 14×10 inches (12×12 inch square)
Photography Award: Highly Commended, National MPA awards
So pleased to have won a “Highly Commended” award in the national Master Photographer Association awards with this portrait of Candida from her beautiful Signet Library wedding.
The image was captured in the lower ground apartment where she was getting ready. A skylight provided the light in the living room area, so I used this to illuminate Candida’s face. She loved the back of her dress and her veil, so I asked her to turn her back to me, to show these off.
Candida’s beautiful dress came from Anna Sully, her bespoke veil was from from The Secret Dress House and the beautiful Lily of the Valley bouquet was created by Planet Flowers.
Loretto School Summer Wedding Photography – Eila and Tom
Eila and Tom first set eyes on each other across the aisle in the chapel at The Loretto School, in Musselburgh, East Lothian. Tom, who is from Australia, was spending a year at Loretto before returning back home.
“He sent me a winky face text on my siemens C45 electronic telephone and I went weak at the knees. Sadly he had to leave but promised we’d see each other one day.”
Jump forward a decade-and-a-bit to a beautiful day in July, Eila and Tom’s friends and family were able to watch them say “I do” to each other in that very school chapel.
Celebrations followed in the grounds of the school, with lots of lots of laughter as the Scots showed the Aussies how to ceilidh and the Aussies showed the Scots how to drink (as if they didn’t already know…)
I’m pretty sure the story of Eila and Tom’s cross-continental school romance has one of the nicest “…and they lived happily ever after” endings imaginable.
We wish you both a lifetime of happiness, love and intercontinental travel together.
Elia and Tom’s wedding suppliers included:
- Venue – The Loretto School
- Caterer: Hickory
- Videographer: Sole Productions
- Hair/ Makeup: MadeUp Team
- Flowers: Annie Douglas
- Band: House of Lairds
- Stationery: Eila Moffat
- Marquee: Greenfield Marquees
Senior Graduation Photography | Edinburgh
Leavers’ Portraits, Senior Portraits, High School Prom Photography, South Queensferry and Edinburgh
When we have children we tend to capture them incessantly as babies and toddlers, but then, somehow, we stop. Once the milk teeth start falling out, the portraits stop (other than the obligatory school photos and the selfies, of course).
I’m so glad that we are starting to see more and more requests for what the Americans call Senior Portraits (or Leavers’ Portraits as they are known here, photo sessions done when young people graduate from high school). When those well-photographed babies are suddenly all grown up, about to fly the nest, the senior portraits are there as a “book end”, to mark the end of their childhood, and the beginning of a big, new chapter. Isn’t that what photography does so well, mark beginnings of new chapters?
I tend to do Senior Portrait sessions on the eve of high school graduation parties, when hair and make-up has been done and the suit or dress been chosen. Sessions last either 20 minutes (Quick Session) or one hour (Full Session).
Senior portrait sessions can either be done in your house/ garden, or we can choose a location nearby.
Whether parents and siblings are allowed in on the act is completely up to you!
If you would like to find out more about EdinburghProm Photography in our Senior Photography packages, please drop us an email