I first met Bhavani a few years ago at Nicky and Pete’s wedding, when I did their photographs back in August 2006 and it was lovely both to be recommended to their friends and also to see some familiar faces at the departure gate!   We arrived at the hotel later that evening and had a delicious meal which Bhavani’s parents had laid on. Over the whole weekend Bhavani and James’ families were fantastic to get to know and very kind, friendly people so I felt very welcome and excited to be a part of it all.

On Friday morning I headed up to Bhavani’s room where she and bridesmaids Deepa and Zina were getting ready. Nicky and Pete had brought with them a gorgeous set of  cup cakes personalised with their names and wedding decorations for Bhavani and James and these were out very temptingly on the side. Managing to work around the delicious wafts of fresh cake, I chatted to the girls and got some lovely images of them having their hair and make up done and getting progressively more nervous as time went on!  Before we knew it, it was time to set off for Lothian Chambers in the centre of town and I got on the bus along with all the guests. It was great to catch up with James and to meet his best man Ed and all the ushers.

After the guests had gone inside, Bhavani and her father and bridesmaids arrived separately and there was just enough time for a few photographs before the ceremony.  Lothian Chambers is a typically Georgian stone building with wonderful architecture both inside and outside including a fantastic staircase (Bhavani managing this really well for someone in three inch Jimmy Choos!).

During the service several friends read lovely readings and Bhavani and James seemed to really enjoy it.  Afterwards, we all headed out on to the square and the guests headed back to James’ grandparents’ house for an informal lunch.  Bhavani and James stayed behind for a few minuutes to take some photographs and then we drove back as well.

James’ grandparents moved to the Firth of Forth back in the 1950′s and it is one of the most incredible sites for a house – right next to the river and between the road and rail bridges – so a huge expansive view and a wonderful setting for a wedding. James’ Mother had been hard at work restoring the old rose garden in time for the wedding so after lunch, we took advantage of this and did a few more photographs in the garden.

Later on, Bhavani and her friends and female members of the family had their hands and feet painted with henna which was fascinating to watch – very detailed and precise to paint and amazing to see the finished design made up of lots of tiny dots and swirls!

I took so many photographs over the weekend that I am going to blog them in 2 – 3 posts, so for now here are a few of my favourite images from Friday. Keep your eyes peeled for the next installment in a few days time!:

It has been so nice this season to have lots of sunny weather (particularly on Saturdays!) and last weekend was no exception. On Saturday morning I drove down to Symondsbury, which is a tiny little village next to Bridport in south Dorset. It is a lovely drive along country roads and really makes you appreciate the English countryside.

I arrived at Symondsbury to meet up with Deidre and her bridesmaids Tamra, Sam, Jess, Emily and Raquel who were busy getting ready at the Manor House. It was all go with hairdressing and make up and the finishing touches being made to the marquee – which looked amazing. The Manor has a lawn that is the perfect size for a big marquee and even a set of steps in the middle to walk down into it from the upper lawn. I loved the touches of green around the tables with my favourite detail being the sliced limes in tall glass vases. On the upper lawn there there was a second marquee decorated in black and white with an enticing looking cocktail bar!

Deidre’s bridesmaids helped her into her dress in the living room as her dress had such a long train she needed a bit of space around her and it looked stunning when she was buttoned into it and put her veil on – a really romantic gown that really suited her.

I headed down to the church (which was actually next door!) to meet up with Alex and his best men Tom, Andy, Adam, Tom and Oliver his brother. Guests were starting to arrive and there was a real buzz as we waited for Deidre to arrive.

Deidre’s brother Robert looked very proud as he walked her down the aisle and I had a great vantage point during the ceremony to capture Deidre and Alex who only had eyes for each other and both seemed to really enjoy the ceremony.

Afterwards, guests picked up flower petals to shower the couple with as they left to walk up the hill to the Manor House. While everyone else was making their way over, I took some photographs of Deidre and Alex in the grounds which have a real secret garden feel to them with little hidden areas and old stone walls.

Deidre and Alex then spent some time with their guests as I photographed the reception drinks before everyone sat down to dinner. With so many best men, the pressure was really on for speeches but may be a bit of competition did the trick as all the speeches were great fun and there was a lot of laughter!

Here are a few of my favourite images: