Holly + Jamie


It's no secret that I love small weddings. Large weddings of course, are amazing, they're fast paced and have a real larger than life atmosphere, but small weddings are just as special and beautiful, but in a soft, quiet way instead. I find small weddings are always magical, especially if you're finding planning overwhelming, or are naturally quieter people, then a tiny wedding could suit you perfectly. When Holly and Jamie got in touch to say they were celebrating with 15 of their closest people, in the beautiful Old Kilmun House all the way up in Dunoon, it was an instant yes from me.


Old Kilmun House in Dunoon is such a charming wedding venue, that you can totally make your own. Holly and Jamie hired out the whole house for the weekend, to make a real few days of their celebrations. It's a historic house set in some beautiful gardens, with a gorgeous dining room and the opportunity for outdoor ceremonies. Holly got ready in one of the main bedrooms, with Michelle Allison Mua creating some soft, glowing makeup, and Leeanne Fraser teasing some glamorous Hollywood waves into Holly's hair. Holly's dress, from Bijoux Bridal, was a slinky strapless number, with flowing drapes throughout the bodice, a slightly more minimal in style dress, for her ruffled veil to do all the talking! She looked absolutely incredible, a modern classic look and totally timeless.

A cheerful wedding party celebrates on the grounds of a historic stone manor house in muted sepia tones.

Outdoor Ceremony at Old Kilmun House


Holly and Jamie had a vision of getting married outside, and thankfully, it was an absolutely beautiful day with some glorious sunshine. A favourite moment of mine was as Holly appeared at the door to walk down the aisle, some cloud cover came out and the light dramatically changed from harsh, bright light, to this serene soft gorgeous light, a photographer's dream. They had a personal and unique ceremony, of course finished with a drink each from the Quaich. After their ceremony, we used the gorgeous steps in front of the house as a backdrop for their family photos, before walking down the drive for some couple portraits. I loved the dramatic lighting of the big windows inside, creating some stunning depth and shadow, and as I'd got solo portraits of them both using this lighting situation, I wanted to marry those together with some portraits of them both there. It's easily one of my favourite types of light and always makes for some editorial, moody wedding photos. Their cake cut, a vintage lambeth cutie from Rude Cookies, was followed by their heartfelt and emotional speeches, by Holly's dad, Jamie's Dad, Jamie, and Holly's sister. It was a beautiful setting for speeches in the dining room, with all their family seated around one table and lit by those gorgeous windows, a real renaissance painting feel.

Editorial & Fine Art Photography
Wooden guitar picks and vintage keys rest on rustic wooden planks in warm lighting.

Every time I've been up to Scotland it's been a scorcher of a day, don't believe me? Here's another below. If you want sunshine in Scotland, you know what to do

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A bride in a sweeping white satin wedding gown and long veil sits elegantly on an antique chair in a romantic interior setting.

dark and moody photography, with heart and soul, joy and emotion, and still all the best bits of a sunny day and some moody atmosphere

A black and white wedding portrait of a couple outdoors featuring a bride in a flowing gown with a long trailing veil.
A black and white candid shot of guests raising glasses during a wedding reception toast.

Golden Hour Portraits


Of course with a glorious day, more often than not you get a glorious golden hour, and that we did. Before their dancing, we took a walk to the main road and took advantage of the softer sunlight. I love the portraits of the sun softly lighting them from the side, a soft glow giving that real magic look. Golden hour is a firm favourite of mine too, and even if you don't get that warm glowy light, some quick evening portraits are always a winner for some softer light and a more relaxed feel. After this the party really started, back in the dining room and I'm sure they danced the night away!


I loved being a part of this, and it was truly a testament to small weddings being just as beautiful, heartfelt, significant and triumphant as big weddings. This day felt so true to them, and they were so present and got to enjoy every minute of it.


Venue - Old Kilmun House

Dress - Bijoux Bridal | Wedding Dresses Scotland

Makeup - Michelle Allison Mua

Hair - Leeann Fraser

Cake - Rude Cookies

Delicate pink roses bloom on climbing vines against a rustic brown wall at dusk.
Stone mansion building facade with multiple windows and architectural details against a cloudy sky and surrounding trees.
View through a dark window frame overlooking a scenic lake landscape with trees in silhouette against a bright sky.
Gold monogram initials elegantly embroidered on a navy blue fabric against a soft neutral background.
Elegant white wedding dress and flowing veil hanging from a dark wooden armoire in a sunlit bedroom with warm decor.
Delicate moonstone teardrop earrings with celestial charms laid on rustic wooden surface in warm lighting.
Wedding save the date card with wax seal and vintage jewelry details in moody lighting.
Elegant white bridal shoes next to a wedding save the date invitation with gold wax seal and decorative elements.
Black and white photo shows someone getting makeup applied while wearing a white tank top in dim lighting.
Black and white aerial view of people walking down a garden path with white chairs arranged outdoors.
A person in a formal grey suit gazes thoughtfully through a window in dramatic lighting.
A black and white portrait series showing someone in formal attire with dramatic lighting and shadows.
A figure in elegant formal attire adjusts their tie while standing in moody window lighting.
White folding chairs set up for outdoor wedding ceremony with orange and blue floral arrangements on ground.
A black and white photograph of an elegant white wedding dress and veil hanging on a wardrobe.

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