When a London couple choose to get married in Scotland, you just know it’s going to be a good one. Shivani and Andy brought their favourite people from all over the world to the lovely Dalmahoy Hotel and Country Club, just outside Edinburgh, and honestly… what a day it was. As a Scottish wedding photographer (and a Dundee wedding photographer who absolutely loves working around Edinburgh), the Dalmahoy is always a treat. It’s this beautiful old building sitting proudly in the middle of a golf course, with big views, grand staircases and loads of character. You’ve got history, elegance and those open Scottish skies all in one place – perfect for natural wedding photos.


Bridal Prep in the Turret Suite

The morning kicked off in the Turret Suite at the hotel – which is exactly as cool as it sounds. Proper castle vibes. Shiv was in there with her bridesmaids and family, music on, fizz flowing, and the excitement building.

Her dad though… he was already in tears of joy when I arrived. Proper emosh. You could see just how proud he was. Those are the moments I love capturing as a natural wedding photographer – nothing staged, nothing forced, just real feelings happening right in front of you. The girls were brilliant fun. Loads of laughter, a bit of chaos, makeup going on, dresses hanging. Such a great atmosphere. It never felt rushed, which makes such a difference to the whole flow of the day. Shivani did a dress reveal with her parents and bridesmaids once she was ready, and honestly, there wasn’t a dry eye in the room. Those reactions are pure gold.


Meanwhile… Kilts & Confusion

I nipped along to see Andy and the groomsmen getting ready in another room. Now, this was quality.

We had a group of English lads learning the fine art of wearing kilts. There was definitely a bit of “how does this go on again?” energy in the room. Ties being adjusted, sporrans debated, pleats inspected. It’s always good fun when kilts are involved. Andy was holding it all together. Calm, buzzing, clearly looking forward to the day ahead.


The Piper Steals the Show

Downstairs in the bar, guests were starting to gather. Now normally the groom is the main attraction at this point… not today. The piper had arrived. And honestly? He was a celebrity. Guests were queuing up for photos with him. Phones out, big smiles. There’s just something about a Scottish piper that makes the whole day feel instantly special – especially when you’ve got guests who’ve travelled from all over the world. It was such a brilliant touch. While the guests were loving life in the bar, I grabbed a few photos of Andy and the groomsmen before the ceremony kicked off.


The Ceremony

The ceremony was led by the Edinburgh registrars and it was just lovely. Properly heartfelt.

When Shivani walked down the aisle with her Dad… wow. More tears. Her dad trying to hold it together. Andy looking at her like he’d just won the lottery. Those are the moments that matter. It was warm, personal and full of joy. Loads of smiles, a few happy tears, and that brilliant just-married energy as they walked back up the aisle together.


Piped Out & Confetti Chaos

After the ceremony, Shiv and Andy were piped outside onto the big staircase at Dalmahoy. If you’ve never seen that staircase – it’s a dream for a Scottish wedding photographer. Grand, elegant, loads of space for everyone to be seen. We got everyone organised for the big group photo – guests from around the world all in one frame. I love that moment. All the people who matter most, together. Then came the confetti.

And when I say much confetti was chucked… I mean much. Absolute chaos in the best possible way. Laughing, cheering, handfuls flying everywhere. Exactly how it should be.


Quick & Easy Group Photos

Shiv and Andy were total pros and had given me a small, sensible list of group shots to work through. I’m always a fan of that – it keeps things smooth and means they’re not stuck doing photos for hours.

We worked through quickly them while the rest of the guests were back in the bar catching up and grabbing drinks. Done and dusted.


Golf Buggy Adventures

Then it was time for one of my favourite bits. Emma from Dalmahoy revved up Wendy the wedding buggy (which makes you feel like we’re about to go on a wee adventure) and took us out onto the golf course.

The views out there are unreal. Rolling greens, big skies, the hotel sitting beautifully in the background. It’s such a brilliant spot for couple photos, especially if you’re after natural wedding photos with a bit of that Scottish landscape magic. Shiv and Andy were just happy to have five minutes together. That’s what I love about this part of the day – it’s not about posing endlessly. It’s about letting them breathe, wander, chat, laugh, and just be newly married. I guide them lightly, keep it relaxed, and capture the in-between moments.

We also made the most of the gorgeous features around the hotel itself – stone archways, elegant interiors, loads of character. Dalmahoy really does give you so much variety in one venue.


Candids & Catch-Ups

Once the official photos were done, that was it. The rest of the afternoon was all about them actually enjoying their wedding. There was loads of time built in for Shiv and Andy to properly chat with their guests – which I always think is so important, especially when people have travelled from all over the world.

While they were hugging, laughing and introducing family and friends from different parts of their lives, I was floating about capturing all the candid moments. Cocktails, big belly laughs at the bar, emotional reunions. This is where the story really unfolds. As a Dundee wedding photographer working all across Scotland, this is the stuff I live for. Real moments. Nothing staged. Just the day as it actually felt.


Piped Back In for Dinner

When it was time for dinner, they were piped back into the room – which is always such a brilliant way to kick off the evening celebrations. The energy was high, everyone cheering, napkins waving about. And that was my cue to head off, leaving them to enjoy the rest of their night. This was just the first of their three wedding celebrations (yes, three – legends), and if the Scottish leg was anything to go by, the rest will have been absolutely class.


Dalmahoy Wedding Magic

Dalmahoy Golf and Country Club really is such a stunning venue for couples looking for a Scottish wedding with a bit of grandeur. The historic building, the golf course views, the big staircase, the piper echoing across the grounds – it all just works. For Shiv and Andy, it was the perfect blend of Scottish tradition and bringing their international world together in one place. And for me? It was an absolute joy to capture. If you’re looking for a Scottish wedding photographer or a Dundee wedding photographer who focuses on relaxed, natural wedding photos that feel like you, please get in touch.