Rebecca and Michael's Wedding at Pollok House

Chronologically this wedding is a little out of order, but not by too much! Back at the beginning of April I photographed the wedding Rebecca and Michael at the lovely Pollok House in Glasgow. The weather had been terrible in the few days preceeding the wedding date and so you can imagine how happy I was to wake up that morning with the sunshine streaming through my window at the start of what was to be a beautiful day!

I had been to Pollok House a few times in the past for other weddings, but not for a little while. I remembered that it was very nice but I had forgotten quite what a fantastic setting it is for a wedding. Like most of my past clients who have been married there before, Rebecca and Michael were very keen to have as many photographs outside to make the most of the magnificent grounds. There are all sorts of little areas around the main house giving loads of scope for lovely photography. Rebecca had asked that I start at the venue, rather than her house, and after taking a few pictures of the guests arriving Rebecca's car arrived. But, before I could even think about taking the obligatory shots of her gracefully exiting the vehicle the door flew open and out she ran like a bridal whirlwind. She was evidently very keen...

Whilst Rebecca was chatting to the registrar I captured a few unscripted comedy moments as the groom and best-man (a past client of mine) awaited her arrival. Speediness was obviously going to be the theme of the day. After Rebecca and her father had skipped up the aisle she jumped straight to the kissing part of the ceremony, bypassing the usual protocol. The ceremony flew by, punctuated by a lot more kissing. I have come to notice, as a wedding photographer, that you have to suggest to some couples that they might like a little kiss whereas others, such as Rebecca and Michael, have to be torn apart from each other. Still, makes my job easier!

As it was a very bright day the light was streaming in through the door just outside the room where the ceremony was held and I couldn't pass up the opportunity to make the most of it. Whilst using a flash is often a necessity indoors, especially in not-so-sunny Scotland, I do love a bit of natural light photography and my camera equipment is chosen to make the most of whatever light is available. After a couple of quick shots there Rebecca sprinted down the stairs in her billowing wedding dress into the sunshine-filled gardens.

After a fair few family pictures, and a brilliant confetti shot, I made use of the large flights of steps behind the house for a group photograph of all of the guests. Rebecca and Michael wanted to include their evening guests in more of the proceedings so, in a slight change to the norm, dinner was upstairs in the dining room but then the guests all moved down to the cafe in the 'servants quarters' for some lovely informal speeches and cake cutting. I really liked this idea. It was very relaxed and everyone seemed to be at ease. The fact that the speakers were stood together amongst their friends also gave the happy bride and groom plenty of extra opportunity for a bit more kissing too.