We asked 10 of Scotland’s top photographers to recall 2018’s most memorable picture and heard tales of traipsing across sand dunes, braving storms and – most importantly – artfully capturing love and laughter
1. Ricky Baillie Photography
“I explained to Helen and Tom what I had in mind, and despite the torrential rain and gale-force winds, they were up for it! On the first attempt, Helen’s veil kept flying out of her hair and my camera was really struggling to grab focus because of the rain, so we ran back inside. As I looked at them, soaked to the bone, with Helen’s makeup running down her face, I thought, wow, these guys really trust me enough to go through all this!
We got ourselves together, reattached the veil and ran outside again. A few very short, wet moments later, I got this shot: the newlyweds poised but intimate against the elements, with the flash behind lighting up all the rain dramatically. Helen’s veil falling so perfectly as it did was the cherry on top. My favourite of 2018, no question.”
Ricky Baillie on how he landed this photo of Helen and Tom in the Lake District, 13th October 2018 www.rickybaillie.com
2. Aboyne Photographics
“Out of all the thousands taken this year, this image sums up the most perfect wedding we could have hoped for to kick off our 2018 season. Just look at that winter sunshine! The couple themselves were an absolute dream to photograph, so relaxed and happy in each other’s company.
We’ve now shot two weddings with the same group of friends and they were an absolute riot (in the best sense of the word).”
Russell Hogg on Katy and Gary’s ceremony and reception at Logie Country House, 24th February 2018.
aboynephotographics.com
3. Eilidh Sutherland Photography
“I grew up visiting Skye, with much of my family hailing from the island – so shooting weddings there always feels like coming home. When islander, Anna, married Jan at Eilean Iarmain on the Sleat Peninsula, they chose to have their photos on Ord Beach, which has the most spectacular views of the mountains. Photographing Skye is always a privilege, but the main reason this was a highlight of 2018 was because Jan and Anna were keen to do anything and would climb any rock – they were a photographer’s dream!”
Eilidh Sutherland on the wedding of Anna and Jan at Hotel Eilean Iarmain, Isle of Skye, 19th May 2018. www.eilidhsutherland.com
4. Jenniflower Photography
“This groom, Scott, used to work at Glenbervie House Hotel, when he was younger and his mum, Shona, was the co-ordinator there for years. I was thrilled that out of all the wedding photographers they have met in a professional capacity, that Scott and Sophia chose me to capture their big day.
I adore this natural, in-the-moment shot of them wandering down the tree-lined drive at the hotel, as they start their new adventure together. The ray of sun peeking through the trees makes it all the more magical.”
Jennifer Lorenz recounts the wedding of Scott and Sophia at Glenbervie House Hotel, 26th October 2018. www.jenniflowerweddings.com
5. EBM Photography
“My favourite image from last year is this laid-back couple portrait from Sian and Jack’s wedding as it shows the love these two kind and caring individuals have for each other. This wedding stood out for me as it had the most emotional speeches ever!
Sentimentality aside, I love the colour palette. It’s an image of two halves, with black, white and grey in one half and warm browns in the other. I also like how the checked floor complements the fly plaid worn by the groom, and the background tones tie in with his cravat.”
Emma B. Murrills looks back at the wedding of Sian and Jack, at Kilconquhar Castle, 7th April 2018. ebmphotography.co.uk
4. Mike Meller Photography
“There are two things that I try to capture for my couples: that special connection between them – the intimacy and the bond they have – and secondly, the landscape, which I love to incorporate whenever possible.
For me, as a destination photographer, it’s quite important to show the beauty of the place you are getting married at, for that’s often the very reason you’ve chosen the location. I adore this photo for its mood and feeling, and how it portrays marriage as a beautiful journey you take together through life.”
Mike Meller travelled to Łeba in Poland to capture the wedding of Sandra and Krzysztof, 25th August 2018. www.mikemeller.co.uk
5. Darren Mitchell Photography
“This image is a perfect example of my dramatic style. My forte is creating striking images, showing the location, weather and sky off as much as I can. I always take my couples out post-dinner for a few shots, when they are more relaxed after having a few drinks.
In this instance, after taking photos elsewhere in the grounds, I noticed the sun just clipping the top of the hotel. I wanted to capture the blue of the sky, the rays of sun and include some of the lush colours in the foreground.”
Darren Mitchell explains the set-up of this image, taken at the wedding of Martyn and Louise at Lochside House Hotel, 26th May 2018. www.dm-photo.co.uk
7. Kev Moulds Photography
“In October, I captured Emma watching her dad give his speech and talk about their family, her and her new husband Hamish. The result may not be the most creative and planned picture, but I just love the emotion on the bride’s face. I have listened to a ‘few’ father-of-the-bride speeches and this one even brought a tear to my eye. It was one of the best, funniest and heartfelt I’ve heard.
Kev Moulds looks back at the big day of Hamish and Emma who married at Mar Hall, 26th October 2018.
kevmouldsphotography.co.uk
6. Iris Art Photography
“Samantha and Kevin never stopped smiling all day long. I love taking candid, unstaged photos of my couples and this image was one of many happy ones we took that day. There were a few things that didn’t go according to plan, but it didn’t ruin a minute of their happiness. If you’re looking for a relaxed style of photography, make sure there’s lots of unposed images in your photographer’s portfolio.”
Justina Siwy on Samantha and Kevin’s big day at The Signet Library, 9th June 2018. irisartphotography.co.uk
7. JB Moments Photography
“This image stands out for me for several reasons: the gorgeous location in all its autumnal splendour; the falling leaves creating natural confetti; a bellissimo Italian bride and handsome Scottish groom so in love – and that flower crown (swoon!). More like this in 2019 please…
Jenny Beckett recalls the wedding of Pamela and James at Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh, 20th October 2018. www.jbmomentsphotography.co.uk