Maryellen and Thomas’ Intimate Wedding at Chatelherault

When Maryellen first got in touch, she knew exactly what she didn’t want. No staged photos. No fake smiles. No stiff, posed stances. She wanted photos of a family coming together and enjoying the day.

We met for coffee early in the year, just the two of us. We clicked straight away. That first chat matters more than people think. By the time the wedding came round, I wasn’t a stranger with a camera. I was someone she already trusted.

A midweek autumn wedding with perfect blue skies

The wedding was on a weekday in autumn at Chatelherault, the Georgian hunting lodge just outside Hamilton. Autumn in Scotland can go either way. I’d half expected grey skies, or rain, and flat light.

Instead we got the best weather anyone could ask for. Clear blue skies from start to finish. The white front of the lodge almost glowed against it.

I arrived early to photograph the building and the details before anyone else got there. It gave me time to settle in and learn how the light moved through the rooms.

A ceremony for fifteen

There were around 15 guests. Just close family and a few friends. The ceremony was held in the Banqueting Room, with its tall ceilings and big bright windows.

One moment stays with me. As Maryellen walked down the aisle, I watched Thomas. He wasn’t looking at the guests or thinking about the camera. He was just looking at her, with pure love on his face.

They’d written their own vows, and they were beautiful. They talked about what they remembered about each other, what made each other laugh, and what they took seriously. The celebrant was brilliant and kept everything warm and relaxed.

The room was bright, but it needed a little extra light in places. So I used two flash guns during the ceremony, which I don’t often do. Maryellen didn’t notice either of them. Later she described me as “a ninja”, and I’ll happily take that.

Portraits in the upstairs room

After the confetti and a few group shots, I took Maryellen and Thomas upstairs for about 20 minutes. The room up there has huge windows that fill it with soft light. I used that light behind them, with a touch of flash, to create some of my favourite photos of the day.

Thomas was a little nervous about being photographed. He’s a quiet man, and not someone who loves being the centre of attention. He’s exactly the kind of person I love working with. There was no need for big poses. I asked him and Maryellen to walk towards me and be together, and the rest took care of itself.

Thomas’s sons stood beside him as his groomsmen, and they were brilliant. They were always happy to jump in for a few shots, and some of those are among the most natural photos from the day.

Afternoon tea, and slipping away

Once the photos were done, everyone sat down for afternoon tea. I stayed for the start of it, then quietly slipped away. The story was told, and it was their time now.

Their photos were finished within a week.

In Maryellen’s words

Steven really is a ninja, he’s never in your face, you never see him, yet he captures the very essence of the day, the raw emotion, and above all else the love. When you see your photos, you’ll feel everything you felt on that day once more.

Maryellen and Thomas

If you’re planning a small wedding and the thought of being photographed makes you uneasy, you’re in good company. Have a look at my guide to Chatelherault weddings, or get in touch and we’ll grab a coffee.