Nicole and Neil married at the fabulous Falside Mill, an exclusive use venue in Kingsbarns near St Andrews. Festooned with fairylights indoors, and a Tuktuk style drinks station in the courtyard, this place is truly gorgeous - and so close to the beach, you can really have it all in a single day!
From the whirlwind of last-minute makeup touch-ups to the hilarious moments with your bridal party and touching 'first looks', morning preparations are very special to reminisce on. Your journey to the aisle is an adventure, and having a second shooter can mean both sets of preparations are captured simultaneously. Nicole and Neil chose to upgrade their photography coverage to include this option, so I was accompanied for the day by my good friend and business partner Janine, who stayed with Neil and his groomsmen while I was with the girls in their accommodation. Hairdresser and makeup artist Natasha Dardas was working her magic to get the girls looking perfect!
I loved the rustic styling for Nicole and Neil's ceremony, with a focus on soft fabric draping, and cream and blue flowers around the arch centrepiece. Their celebrant told the story of their relationship so far, and how they welcomed daughter Maisie together to complete their family. As well as exchanging rings and a first kiss, Nicole and Neil shared their 'secret handshake' before they walked down the aisle, which guests absolutely loved! My approach to capturing the marriage ceremony is always to be as discreet as possible - I make sure I get the best angles without obscuring your guests' views or being distracting. Straight after the ceremony, the guests welcomed the newylweds with a confetti shower outside. Tissue paper confetti works really well as it flutters slowly down to the ground, perfect for photographs and fully biodegradable too!
As well as capturing key family portraits and group shots with friends, my approach is all about the candid, genuine moments—the belly laughs, the stolen glances, and the happy tears. The grounds at Falside Mill gave guests plenty of different areas to enjoy and we had loads of options for varied backdrops for pictures, both indoors and outside.
Nicole and Neil hired an authentic VW campervan to drive them down to the nearby Kingsbarns beach - a beautiful location for relaxed pictures together, and a chance for some special moments alone amidst the whirlwind of the day. It really does pass so quickly!
The main room was beautifully decorated for dinner, with touches of blue, cream and green in their colour scheme reflected throughout. The speeches before dinner were heartfelt and entertaining - even Maisie, their baby daughter, wanted a shot on the microphone! After dinner they had hired a Woodfired Pizza van to provide more tasty food later on.
As soon as I saw the gorgeous golden sunlight after dinner, I knew Nicole and Neil would want the chance to pop back outside for 10 minutes and this meadow beside the barn was really beautiful. I love evening portraits in the soft light, with that warm glow!
Now onto the evening party! My camera is ready for the crazy dance moves, tear-jerking speeches, and all the love shared between friends and family. It's a celebration, and I'm here to document every high-five, group hug, and hip bump! Nicole and Neil's band The Big Papas got everyone up and dancing straight away and the fairylights overhead gave the dancefloor a real sparkle.
I adore capturing weddings at Falside Mill. This is one of my favourite venues, so if you're looking for an experienced Falside Mill wedding photographer with a relaxed, natural and romantic style, please do get in touch. Other suppliers: Catering and venue: Falside Mill
MUA: Natasha Dardas
Band/sax players: The Big Papas
Lighting: Stephen Leslie lighting
Florals and decor: Ambience Venue Styling Fife
Outdoor seating: The Cheeky Hound prop hire
VW campervan: Edinburgh Classic Wedding Cars