Some couples I photograph once. Katherine and Scott, I photographed three times — their engagement shoot, their legal ceremony, and then the big celebration at the Redhurst Hotel in Giffnock, on Glasgow's south side. When a couple comes back twice after the first shoot, that tells you everything a review ever could. By the time the big day arrived, there were no nerves in front of my camera — just two people completely at ease, which is exactly when the best photographs happen.
And what a day they built. A petal-lined aisle and candlelight for the ceremony. Katherine's red hair against her lace gown. Scott and his men in Highland dress, the bridesmaids in deep green, and a walled garden courtyard made for portraits. Then the Grand Ballroom filled to the doors, a first dance under the lights, and a dance floor that went off like a rocket — glow sticks and all.
"Derek is one of the best photographers in the business in my opinion. He photographed our engagement shoot, our legal ceremony and our big wedding, and we couldn't be happier with the photos. He is patient and gives great direction. He makes everyone feel totally at ease and we had so many of our family and friends compliment him and his style. Could not recommend him highly enough." — Katherine & Scott
That line about making everyone feel at ease is the one I work hardest for. Patient direction that never feels like posing — it's the heart of how I photograph every wedding, and it's why camera-shy couples end up loving their galleries.
The Redhurst Hotel in Giffnock gives a Glasgow wedding the best of both worlds: the Grand Ballroom for the big moments — that full-guest photograph at its entrance is a keeper for any couple — and the garden courtyard outside for relaxed portraits, with its ivy-wrapped arch, soft planting and clean walls that make couples glow in any light. Morning preparations at the hotel come with lovely window light, and the evening turns the ballroom into a proper party room.
From this day alone: the bridesmaids in their sage robes with champagne, Katherine's mum seeing her in the dress, Scott and his dad sorting bow ties, a flower girl stealing scenes, a dip kiss in the courtyard, and family hugs on the dance floor that no one posed and no one will forget.
The brilliant team behind Katherine & Scott's day — suppliers I'd happily see again on any wedding:
Location — Redhurst Hotel
Dress — Aimees Bridal
Kilt — Macgregor & Macduff
Hair — Debra (@glamoured60)
MUA — Sophie White
Musician — Declan Hegarty
Band — Cassien
Videographer — Leven Films
Florist — Bonnie Fluers
Decor — Make Believe
Celebrant — Marion McGinness, Life Moments Ceremonies
I photograph weddings at the Redhurst and across Glasgow's south side from my base in Troon, half an hour down the road — named one of the Top 20 Wedding Photographers in the UK by Wedding & Honeymoon Magazine, with seven magazine front covers behind the work. Whether you want one day covered or your whole journey photographed the way Katherine and Scott did — engagement to ceremony to celebration — get in touch. I'd love to hear your plans.