Cottiers in Partick is one of Glasgow's most distinctive wedding venues, a stunning Victorian church conversion with soaring ceilings, original stained glass, and a warmth that fills every corner of the building. It's the kind of place that feels special the moment you walk through the door.
Callum and Hayley's wedding day brought typically Scottish weather, it rained. But honestly, Cottiers is one of those rare venues where the rain almost works in your favour. The light that filters through those church windows on a grey Glasgow day is soft, even, and flattering, perfect for natural portraits with and without flash. And with a venue this characterful, you never need to go outside to find something beautiful to photograph.
I came to this wedding through a photographer friend who made the introduction, one of those bookings where you feel immediately comfortable with the couple before the day even arrives. Callum and Hayley had done an engagement shoot with me beforehand around some of their favourite spots in Glasgow, which made a real difference. By the time the wedding day came, there were no nerves, no awkwardness, just two people enjoying their day while I quietly captured it.The little in-between moments are always my favourite to photograph, the laughter between the formal bits, the family gathering in the aisles, the quiet look between two people who have just got married. Cottiers gave us plenty of those.
"Derek was absolutely amazing. We couldn't have asked for a better photographer. At our first meeting Derek put both of us at complete ease and this continued all the way through to the wedding. He is so enthusiastic and has so many great ideas. The pictures from our wedding look incredible and have captured the day perfectly."
If you're planning a wedding at Cottiers and looking for a photographer, I'd love to hear from you. I'm based in Ayrshire but photograph regularly across Glasgow and the west of Scotland.