Brig o’ Doon – Nicole & Ryan

As a busy Ayrshire wedding photographer, I am lucky enough to work at some amazing locations and this is certainly the case when I return to capture wedding photography at Brig o’ Doon. As venues go, it’s a real favourite with us Scottish wedding photographers.

I first met Nicole and Ryan when I captured their pre wedding photoshoot at Glencoe, so it was great to catch with them again a few weeks later for their spring wedding. Brig o’ Doon House Hotel is situated in an area of outstanding natural beauty on the banks of the River Doon and is the exact setting of Robert Burns’ most famous poem ‘Tam o’Shanter’.

On the day, I got there early so I could capture some morning of the wedding images. Nicole and her bridal party were getting ready at the newly refurbished Kirkgate House at Brig o’ Doon. The atmosphere was great and I got some really lovely images.

Amongst the guests was Nicole’s Greek grandmother who is 92 years old and came over from Greece to attend the wedding. In honour of her and tradition there were lots of Greek traditions in the wedding which made up some of my favourite parts of the day.

Luxury wedding photography

Nicole looked amazing in a strapless dress with beautiful lace and pearl detailing and a ballgown skirt that gave Nicole a real fairytale look. Nicole bought the dress at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo Bridal Boutique. Her hair was elegantly styled by hair stylist Ruth Stathis and her make-up was immaculate thanks to make-up artist Make-up by Victoria.

Her four bridesmaids looked elegant in strapless rose gold dresses. The bouquets of cream, white and pale pink flowers with green foliage had a real vintage elegance and were the creation of Mhairi Me Flowers, who did all the flowers on the day.

I also caught up Ryan and his grooms party who were getting ready at nearby Cloincard Castle (no less). The guys were in great spirits and looking very smart in traditional Scottish attire with kilts from MacGregor and MacDuff. The grooms party included Nicole and Ryan’s dog who performed his duties perfectly and was looked after by a dog chaperone from Woof Woof Weddings.

The wedding ceremony was held in the main room. A stunning room with an oak beamed ceiling and ceiling to floor windows that throw tons of light into the space. The wedding party made a dramatic entrance down the feature staircase, with Nicole on her father’s arm.

Nicole and Ryan said their vows on a raised area in front of the most beautiful period bay windows. The ceremony included a lovely reading and the traditional Greek wedding crown ritual.

After the ceremony there was a fun rice (not confetti) throwing moment outside and I took my chance to get some great group images. As guests then enjoyed a drinks reception, I quickly whisked Nicole and Ryan away for a mini photoshoot around the stunning grounds of Brig o’ Doon and got some simply stunning images.

Glasgow wedding photographer

We then re-joined everybody who were still enjoying drinks and mingling in the hotel bar lounge. For the wedding breakfast, guests were seated first so that Nicole and Ryan could receive a rapturous welcome, which they did with whoops, cheers and napkins being waved over guest’s heads. The atmosphere was electric and perfect for my style of candid wedding photography.

Speeches were before food which is always a good idea and were delivered by Ryan, by Nicole’s father and by the best man. They all went down really well.

After the wedding breakfast, I whisked Nicole and Ryan outside again for a few portrait images whilst the sun was setting over this beautiful landscape. I got some gorgeous images, here take a look!

Evening celebrations started with the cutting of an elegant white three-tiered wedding cake followed by a first dance and it wasn’t long before the dancefloor was full. Another fun Greek tradition that Nicole and Ryan took part in was having money pinned to the bride and groom. This was followed by some Greek dancing which was so much fun and the perfect match for my style of documentary wedding photography.

Edinburgh wedding photographer

The Scottish contingency was not to be outdone, and came in with a performance by tradition Scottish band Sticks n Kicks whose piping and drumming brought the ceilidh to Brig o’ Doon. And then DJ Stephen J Elliott ensured the dancefloor remained full for the rest of the night!

I loved capturing Nicole and Ryan’s summer wedding at Brig o’ Doon. A wonderful blend of cultures in a truly stunning location that really brought the fun!

I will leave the last words to Nicole and Ryan, here’s what they had to say about me.

The images are stunning. Thank you so much for everything in the lead up to our wedding and on the day. Can’t believe how quickly the turnaround is and how many images there are too. Thanks again for everything!

If, like Nicole and Ryan, you’re having your wedding at Brig o’ Doon and are looking for an experienced Brig o’ Doon wedding photographer to capture your day with beautiful storytelling images then feel free to get in touch.