As an award-winning Scottish wedding photographer, I frequently get to capture wedding photography at Boclair House. Joanne and Barry chose the perfect venue for their winter wedding in Glasgow.
Boclair House is a Grade II listed Tudor Gothic Mansion situated in immaculate gardens and sitting at the foot of Boclair Hill. It’s a real favourite of mine as its luxury interiors with striking decor, stately exterior that include its distinct red sandstone and castellated tower and beautiful gardens offer me endless backdrops for creative portrait images. And with friendly and helpful staff and exclusive use, my couples and their guests really get to relax and explore this amazing venue.
On the day, I woke to a frosty, cold but clear day and headed to Boclair House early so I could capture those all-important morning of the wedding images. On arrival I saw that the frost on the ground made Boclair House look even more picture-perfect than usual.
I caught up with Joanne and her bridal party in one of Boclair House’s opulent suites. It was very spacious with room enough for her entire bridal party, hair stylist Smiths, make-up artist Sharon Cuthbert and me, the most unobtrusive wedding photographer in Glasgow, there to capture those all-important preparation images! Everybody was in great spirits, and in co- ordinated robes and were enjoying a bit of bubbly to get the celebrations started.
Experienced Boclair House wedding photographer
I then shot downstairs to catch up with Barry and his grooms party who were all looking very smart in traditional black tie from Forbes. Barry’s best man was his son who did a fantastic job of it. I got a few images of the men as they made their way up the Boclair House drive.
By now, Joanna was ready and looked amazing in her dress from Opus Couture bridal boutique. It had a sweetheart neckline and a plunging back and really suited her slender frame as it skimmed her body and kicked out at the bottom giving Joanne an amazing silhouette in all of my images. She teamed it with an elegant bouquet of white roses created by the clever team at Supernova who did all of the flowers and the décor on the day.
Joanne’s bridesmaid looked elegant in a soft pink satin dress and her sweet flower girl looked adorable in white. Both dresses were from Carolyn Baxter Boutique.
The wedding ceremony was held in Boclair House’s grand ballroom and Joanne was walked down the aisle by her brother to live musical accompaniment from harpist Sarah MacNeil. The ballroom had been dressed exquisitely with indoor trees, candles and fairy lights creating a truly magical setting perfect for a winter wedding. The team at Supernova really pulled off something special! There was also a candle lit for loved ones lost and remembered. It’s always lovely to see families finding ways to incorporate departed family and friends into the wedding in some way.
Documentary wedding photography in Scotland
As an experienced Glasgow wedding photographer, I get to capture lots of wedding ceremonies, and can confirm that there was a fantastic vibe about Joanne and Barry’s wedding. Maybe in was because we were in the run up to Christmas, or that the setting was so enchanting, but the joy and fizz of excitement was palpable which really showed through in the images I got.
After the ceremony, everybody headed outside for a group photograph on Boclair House’s majestic steps, before heading back into the warm for an elegant drinks’ reception. With guests happily catered for, I took my chance to whisk Joanne and Barry away for a few minutes for a romantic photoshoot around the grounds of Boclair House. With the frost giving it a winter wonderland vibe. This image of Joanne and Barry that I captured during the golden hour with the low dappled sunlight coming through the trees was one of my favourites of the day.
We then rejoined Joanne and Barry’s guests who were enjoying drinks in Boclair House’s opulent bar and being entertained by singing duo Ginny and the Tonic. And I took the chance to get some great images of Joanne and Barry’s guests who all looked fabulous. I love it went guests really make an effort. They were certainly a fine-looking bunch!
The wedding reception was held back in the ballroom and with guests seated first, Joanne and Barry were welcomed rapturously by everybody. Speeches took place before the food which is always a good idea and started with Joanne’s father, followed by Barry and then lastly Barry’s son / best man who despite being so young delivered an excellent speech. Barry must have been so proud of him.
Creative and Natural Scottish wedding photography
There followed a delicious wedding meal prepared by Boclair House’s talented team of in-house chefs and more musical entertainment from Ginny and the Tonic who’s original takes on well known songs had everybody singing along.
By now, the sun had set, and whilst guests happily milled about and chatted, I took Joanne and Barry outside for our last portrait images. I love taking creative portraits and fairy lit Boclair House gave me the most enchanting of backdrops. And the ones of I got of them around Boclair House all lit up for the evening were just magical.
Evening celebrations started with a first dance for Joanne and Barry on a LED lit dancefloor. Not that they were alone for long. Their guests were itching to join them and it wasn’t long before it was standing room only. I got stuck in there myself so that I could capture some fun dancefloor images. These guys were really up for a party and it was a joy to capture four generations on the same dancefloor.
A joyous and fun wedding that was a total celebration for Joanne and Barry. A masterclass in how to pull of the perfect Scottish winter wedding. Congratulations guys and thank you for allowing me to tell the story of your day. I loved it!
If, like Joanne and Barry, you’re getting married at Boclair House and are looking for an experienced Boclair House wedding photographer to capture your day with high quality storytelling images. Then feel free to get in touch. I’d love to hear about your wedding plans…
I’ll leave the last words to Joanne and Barry. Here’s what they had to say about working with me:
“OMG Craig, we love them!!! Thank you so much for helping make our day amazing!! We just love them!“