Kate and Malcolm began their married lives together on a stunning March day in the serenely beautiful Catlins. I made the trip down to Woodstock Lodge - a beautiful little function venue and accommodation lodge, tucked in amongst rolling hills, grassy plains, gravel roads and flax bushes.
This wedding definitely had a point of difference. They did things their way, and it suited them perfectly. I didn't capture any of the girls getting ready - instead, they wanted the preparations of the guys. Kate was only arriving at the lodge at the beginning of the ceremony, as she was getting ready about 30 minutes away. As I entered the cabin where the men were preparing for the big day, I was greeted by an abundance of tartan, sporrans, and brogue shoes. Don't worry, I didn't know what they were before then either! Malcolm and his boys were decked in Scottish dress from head to toe, and they looked so amazing!
This wedding definitely had a point of difference. They did things their way, and it suited them perfectly. I didn't capture any of the girls getting ready - instead, they wanted the preparations of the guys. Kate was only arriving at the lodge at the beginning of the ceremony, as she was getting ready about 30 minutes away. As I entered the cabin where the men were preparing for the big day, I was greeted by an abundance of tartan, sporrans, and brogue shoes. Don't worry, I didn't know what they were before then either! Malcolm and his boys were decked in Scottish dress from head to toe, and they looked so amazing!
These have to be the most original, awesome buttonholes I have ever seen - Scottish Thistles! Malcolm has a moment with his mother, after she puts his buttonhole on.
And the father-of-the-groom gets a little fashion advice before heading out to the ceremony...
The ceremony took place out under the balcony of the function room, as the weather was being very temperamental, but the sun came out for the bulk of it, and gave Kate this stunning backdrop for walking down the 'aisle'. She was piped in by their friend Angus (very appropriate name, don't you think?!), and it was serene.
It is a historical Scottish tradition to tie the hands of the bride and groom together, to symbolise the unity of the couple, and the stronghold of their love. This is where the phrase "tying the knot" originated from, and was a particularly special moment during the ceremony.
After the ceremony, the guests enjoyed sun, drinks, nibbles, rain, and lots of mingling! These are the mothers of the bride and groom! These two beautiful ladies just smiled and laughed all day!
And it was a particularly good day for frollicking in the grass...
Before the bridal party left for the photo shoot, the guests were given these cute paper cups full of rice to throw on the couple! Most of it ended up in the cars, but that wasn't stopping anyone!
Then we were off to our one-location wonder...and what seemed to be a scene straight from 'Braveheart'. I was just waiting for the guys to burst into battle.
They didn't coming running at me with swords and shields, but they DID have a gun...so I guess it was a more modern day Braveheart scene. Should I have been scared? Well, maybe I would have been if I was able to actually take these guys seriously...
Kate and Malcolm, you make a wonderful couple - full of fun, laughs, and most importantly... love. You are so well-suited, and I loved just watching you adore each other throughout the day.
Kate is Canadian, and her two beautiful sisters, Beth and Heather, came all the way over to stand beside her on her wedding day. These three were awesome together - obviously very close, very similar, and very fun! They did a perfect job at supporting Kate, and keeping the groomsmen in line (it was a difficult job I tell you - especially having two each!).
I loooved these bouquets! Such vibrant colours, and really interesting, beautiful flowers and peacock feathers! The large pink flowers looked and felt like velvet. Gorgeous!
Beautiful, beautiful bride. Kate, you looked stunning - your elegant dress was just perfect, and you soaked up every bit of the day so gracefully and calmly!
Kate's Dad had brought this new gun over from Canada for Malcolm, and so "it just had to be used for the first time". Everyone in the bridal party had a shot before they went off for the reception! Admittedly, the girls ended up with bruises on their shoulders, but the guys were like little boys with a new toy. You could have been mistaken for thinking the new gun was slightly more exciting than the fact that Malcolm and Kate had just got married!
Kate and Malcolm, you look so good together! You made my job easy.
Thank you so much for choosing me to be your photographer - I hope you love your images as much as I enjoyed taking them! I wish you many many blessings as you embark on the journey of marriage. All the best xoxo
