If you’re looking for Forbes of Kingennie wedding photography with sunshine and real joy, Kirsten and Ross’s wedding was the dream. As an Dundee wedding photographer who shoots a lot around Angus, I can safely say this was one of those days where everything just worked. Great people, unreal weather (yes in Scotland), and a venue that always delivers. Forbes of Kingennie Country Resort is one of my favourite wedding venues near Dundee. It’s got lochs, a golf course, lodges, shepherd’s huts, jetties, and cracking light pretty much everywhere you turn. Ideal if you’re into natural, real wedding photography and don’t fancy spending half your wedding day being posed stiff as a board.
Morning Prep at the Lodges
We kicked things off in one of the lodges where Kirsten was getting ready with her Mum and the bridal party. July sunshine was already out, which immediately put everyone in a good mood. There’s always a brilliant buzz during morning prep at Forbes of Kingennie — relaxed, roomy, and plenty space for folk to mill about without feeling on top of each other. Kirsten was buzzing to get married, the chat was flowing, the tunes were on, and there was that lovely mix of excitement and emotion that makes this part of the day so special to photograph. This is where natural wedding photography really shines — wee glances, hugs, laughs, and those quiet moments before things get busy. Keiran (my videographer for the day and all-round good guy) and I then headed off to catch up with Ross and the lads.
Beers With the Boys & Heading to the Buddon Suite
Ross was getting ready in another lodge with his groomsmen and family, and the vibe there was exactly what you’d expect — chaotic, fun, and a beer or two involved. We caught them just in time for a drink before heading down to the Buddon Suite to greet guests.
A First Look With Dad (Get the Tissues)
Back with Kirsten, things got a wee bit emotional — in the best way. She had a first look with her Bridesmaids, then with her Dad, and yep, it was one of those moments. Quiet, heartfelt, and exactly why I love being a candid wedding photographer who focuses on real moments. No big performance, no awkward posing — just Dad seeing his daughter in a wedding dress. Those are the photos that actually mean something years down the line.
Piped In & A Humanist Ceremony
Once everyone was ready, Kirsten’s brother piped the bridal party into the ceremony room to meet Ross. If you’ve never had bagpipes at a wedding, Forbes of Kingennie is a cracking place for it — the sound fills the space beautifully and adds that proper Scottish touch without feeling over the top. The ceremony itself was a humanist one, which suited Kirsten and Ross down to the ground. Personal, relaxed, and full of warmth. There were laughs, a few tears, and plenty smiles — exactly what you want. Humanist ceremonies are brilliant for natural, real wedding photography because nothing feels forced. People react naturally, and that’s where the magic is.
Confetti, Loch Views & the Famous Balcony Shot
After the ceremony, we headed outside for a confetti shower by the loch. Confetti plus sunshine plus happy guests = chaos in the best possible way. Everyone got involved, and Kirsten and Ross absolutely smashed it.
Then came the classic Forbes of Kingennie balcony group shot. Yes it’s been done before — but honestly, when the view’s that good, why wouldn’t you? It’s one of those shots that works every single time. We rattled through the rest of their chosen group photos nice and quickly. No one wants to stand about for ages while their drink gets warm, so keeping things relaxed and efficient is always the goal. The guests were treated to some acoustic tunes from their brother in law and second musically talented relative of the day.
A Wander, Shepherd’s Hut & the Jetties
Once the formal bits were done, we stole Kirsten and Ross away for a wander around the resort. This is where Forbes of Kingennie wedding photography really comes into its own. You don’t need to go far — everything’s right there. They were spending their wedding night in one of the shepherd’s huts, so we took a few photos there, which was a lovely personal touch. After that, we made our way down to the jetties. Calm water, soft light, and a couple who were clearly just enjoying being married — ideal conditions. I keep things super relaxed during couple photos. No awkward poses, just gentle direction and letting folk be themselves. That’s how you get photos that actually feel like you.
Candid Moments & Proper Funny Speeches
Before heading in for dinner, we grabbed loads of candid shots of Kirsten and Ross chatting with guests. This is one of my favourite parts of the day to photograph — everyone’s relaxed, drinks are flowing, and guests are properly enjoying themselves. The speeches were genuinely brilliant. Proper laugh-out-loud funny, with a few emotional moments thrown in for good measure. The room was bouncing between laughter and happy tears, which makes for great photos and even better memories.
Golden Hour on the Golf Course
After dinner, the sun dipped low in the sky — absolute dream conditions. We nipped back outside for a few more photos on the golf course, and honestly, these are always some of my favourites. By this point, couples are totally relaxed. The nerves are gone, the formalities are done, and it just feels like a wee breather together before the evening kicks off. Kirsten and Ross were laughing, chatting, and soaking it all in — exactly how it should be.
Evening Celebrations & Dancing
As evening guests arrived, Kirsten and Ross were cheered into the room, setting the tone for the night ahead. The dancefloor filled quickly, the tunes were on, and the party properly got started.
From start to finish, this was one of those weddings that reminds me why I love being an Angus wedding photographer at venues like Forbes of Kingennie. Relaxed, fun, full of heart, and completely true to the couple.
Planning a Forbes of Kingennie Wedding?
If you’re planning your own wedding at Forbes of Kingennie and you’re looking for natural, real wedding photography that focuses on genuine moments with a few posed groups for the album, I’d love to hear from you. It’s a venue I know inside out, and it’s perfect for couples who want a laid-back, beautiful wedding day with plenty time to actually enjoy it. What more could you ask for?
