Winton Castle - Sarah and James' Wedding Photography

Winton Castle - Sarah & James' Wedding

Congratulations to the Staddons! Your Winton Castle Wedding day was so perfect in every way. I am so honoured to be the one with you all day to capture your love.

The wedding

Sarah looked simply stunning with her long shiny black hair looking so elegant to one side designed by Georgia Peters. Jenny Ross on makeup and she is so good at emphasising things like eyes and lips. Sarah’s eyes are so big and beautiful and they jump out in her photos!

Sarah looked effortlessly stunning in her strapless Lilia Bridal Gown by Icory Grace Bridal. James and the boys looked so handsome in their Kinloch Anderson Kilts.

I loved the morning with bridesmaids and bridesman Ewan bringing the banter. Along with Sarah’s mum, they helped everything run smoothly. Making sure champagne glasses were topped up and people were using the instant camera at every opportunity!

There were a lot of laughs with the girls and boys. You can tell their relationships with their parents and best friends were all super close and a tight unit. It was lovely to capture!

The Ceremony

James & Sarah opted for an inside wedding. Choosing the opulent Drawing Room for their ceremony, the weather wasn’t looking too promising that morning. They were very much aware they wanted parents and grandparents to be comfortable and warm. For them to get a good view of the emotional ceremony, conducted by the great Sean Kelly Celebrant.

James broke down as soon as he saw his wife-to-be. And their family were the same, emotions ran high! Their vows to each other had them and all the guests in tears, such a beautiful representation of their love. A day shared by all the people they love around them.

The weather was nice and dry for us to venture outside for some drinks, canapes and lawn games! A chance to photograph in front of the castle with their friends and family. Then onto a walk around the grounds to capture the new Mr & Mrs Staddon.

The Team

In the team of video and photos were the Social Media Creators Social Brides Club and Filming was Danny Munro from TLC Media. Who walked around with the couple creating some portraits on the breath-taking grounds of Winton Castle.

Flowers were supplied by the amazing Secret Garden Events Florist. Victoria always goes above and beyond. The sunflowers which were special to Sarah were beautifully complimented in her bouquet, ceremony room and dining room. It looked so colourful with candles to match. Their centrepieces at the dinner were photos of them as youngsters, such a sweet idea for everyone to enjoy. Their amazingly talented Auntie Cat made their wedding cake which they enjoyed the minute it was cut!

Dinner caterers were the amazing Saltire Weddings who I work with on so many weddings. They provide an outstanding level of service, the food is always second to none!

the evening

The party with Top Table Band were rocking with some awesome dance moves and ties around heads. This was so much fun to shoot! I loved their first dance and caught an image of them surrounded by everyone. It just screamed pure joy! I love moments like this.

Another highlight at this wedding for me was Sarah’s 95-year-old Granny watching the dancing! She sat surrounded by dancers and loud music and just took it all in. She had asked to sit there and I made sure to capture a shot of this moment. Our grandparents are precious to us and won’t be around forever. Especially when you are 95. She was amazing for her age and I was impressed by her stamina!

I also loved creating a Downtown Abbey feel to an image in the Drawing Room. Scotland’s oldest hand-woven carpet under the bride and groom and the bridal party. We had a lot of fun! This famous 51sqm Indian carpet is over 160 years old, made in 1846 and recently restored at Winton Castle after years of wear and tear.

The Venue

Winton Castle & Estate is an Events & Wedding Venue at the Heart of Winton Estate. Full of elegance and charm. It is located just half an hour southeast of Edinburgh in East Lothian.

A tranquil country haven of warm and stylish hospitality with historical significance. It was a royal gift to the Setons in 1150 and sold just once after the Jacobite rebellion. Sustainability is scratched into the stones and conservation permeates the way they farm, grow trees and take care of their buildings.

Royal craftsmen for King James VI built the castle and set a high bar! The castle is the perfect wedding venue, it blends the grandeur of a palace with the intimacy of a family home. They call this ‘intimacy on a grand scale’.

The grounds are so beautifully kept with a jetty over the pond. And the option of getting married in the walled garden or inside the Opulent Dining room means you are spoilt for choice.

At Winton, they limit the number of weddings per year at the Castle, so it is exclusively yours for your day, along with all the rooms available for your nearest and dearest.

James & Sarah were my first couple to marry at Winton Castle. And it felt like a well-kept secret that such a stunning hidden gem of a venue is literally half an hour away from my home and Edinburgh Centre. Yet I had never had the pleasure to shoot a wedding there! I now hope for many many more.

Click here to see more about the venue