Gillian & Martin - Macdonald Forest Hills Hotel, Aberfoyle

July 04, 2018  •  1 Comment

Happy Anniversary to these two! I've known Gillian for quite some time as we share family so I was honoured when she and her new fiancé approached me to photograph their wedding day.

It took place in the beautiful Macdonald Forest Hills Hotel, a venue located in the heart of Aberfoyle, just 40 minutes from Glasgow. I love visiting these places to photograph weddings – the scenery on the drive up always makes me feel right Scottish!

Scotland is beautiful. In my opinion its the most dynamic country on earth (And not just because you can get 4 season in one day). We have some of the most picturesque scenery on the planet, we have Lochs that have songs written about them, we have castles steeped in history peppered across this glorious landscape. We have wildlife such as Puffins, Otters, Seals and Deer... But we also have Midges.

For my English fans who might not be acquainted with Midges, keep it that way. The are the little, annoying, brother of the mosquito. A pound land version of a mosquito. Teeth with wings. The Highland Menace.

Gillian, Martin and their bridal party were absolute troopers putting up with these beasts as they reigned down an endless assault all day - The 14th picture down is a candid shot between formals where their onslaught became too much!

Midges aside, the ceremony was beautiful - The bridal party arrived in their cream VW Camper van with Gillian shortly behind in her white Merc complete with matching ribbons. The umbrellas came out and it was a short dash into the ceremony room to meet the patient Groom, his face was aglow when Gillian walked down the aisle with her Dad. I've done loads of weddings, but can honestly say Martins look of admiration and wonder as Gillian was placed by his side was one of my favourite. When you as a photographer feel butterflies for them you know it's gonny be a belter.

The ceremony was rounded off with some surprise singers and musicians just like "Love Actually"! AND DID YOU KNOW that the scene was actually inspired by the funeral of Jim Henson, creator of The Muppets, where Muppets attended and sang a song! Brilliant.
I'd actually been told about this surprise before the big day but due to being so caught up in the moment I completely forgot - It's not every wedding you're greeted by a trumpet player, though am considering making it part of my contract...

Another aspect I might add into my contract is the requirement for a balloon modeller - The one of this day was incredible! Making Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Muppets, and worryingly enough the most requested item - Weapons. To be fair, to see a crowd of grown adults and kids battling with Huge Axes and sword made out of balloons will never not be funny - He even made a Bow with firing arrows! Incredible stuff. Sadly there are no photos of this part due to my insurance not covering me.As the night went on as did the fun with some of the best speeches I've ever heard including a brilliant story about Martins Mum legitimately using a bowl to place over his head and cut his hair! I didn't think people actually done that but there you go.

Congratulations again, guys - It was an absolute pleasure to be part of it!


Comments

No comments posted.
Loading...
Subscribe
RSS
Archive
January February March April (1) May June July (1) August September October November (1) December (1)
January February (1) March April (1) May June July (2) August September October November December
January February March April May June July August September October November December
January February March April May June July August September October November December
January February March April May June July August September October November December
January February March April May June July August September October November December
January February March April May June July August September October November December