Real Scottish Wedding: Broxmouth Courtyard
September is a time for a second summer, with warm, golden lighting, and vibrant foliage with a tint of Autumnal colours. It's my favourite month of the year for weddings, and this September I had the pleasure of photographing Amy & Keith's wedding at Broxmouth Courtyard, a beautiful rustic venue nestled amidst the lush East Lothian landscape. The wedding was a delightful mix of romance, elegance, and a rustic charm that perfectly captured the spirit of autumn.
The recently renovated Broxmouth Courtyard ticks all the boxes for a cosy early Autumnal wedding, with on-site accommodation and a dedicated bridal getting ready room. It's an absolutely gorgeous Scottish wedding venue, with the redbrick work encompassing the cobbled courtyard. The ceremony room is flanked by ceiling length ornate windows, allowing natural light to flood in.
As I arrived, Karen from The Daisy Chain Pencaitland was busy setting the scene with her beautiful floral arrangements in the ceremony room. Her bouquets were gorgeous - bright & vibrant. Inside the Bridal room, Amy was having her hair done by The Made Up Team. Her bridesmaids were gathered in their matching satin pyjamas as they sipped their mimosas. There was such an electric atmosphere, with everyone excited for exciting day ahead. Amy's dress was superbly matched with delicate jewellery and a floor-length veil.
Groom, Keith, was getting ready in one of the cottages on-site, with his best man, Aiden, and Dad and brother acting as groomsmen. They'd definitely made use of the beer on tap machine next to the pool table, and there was a bottle of fine whisky to fill their hip flasks with. Keith, skilled in the craft of tying a tie, helped the others get ready before we headed out to the courtyard for a few informal shots with the boys.
And with guests starting to arrive, it was now time for Amy to get into her dress. We headed to the balcony space above the ceremony room for these shots. Amy was glowing as her bridesmaids helped her with the finishing touches of her outfit, and she was finally ready for her first look with Dad. At last, it was time to be married.
A Humanist Ceremony
The ceremony itself was a beautiful summary of Amy & Keith as a couple, how they met and even nodded to Keith's dark secret - he's a Swiftie. There were readings, including a funny poem, and a friend who played guitar during the wedding signing. They personalised their ceremony throughout, but especially so when it came to the Quaich Ceremony - arranging for a friend & mixologist to whip up their favourite cocktail for the occasion. There was a big roar when they were announced as husband & wife and exited their ceremony, hand in hand and grinning from cheek to cheek.
Confetti kicked off their drinks reception, with a long line forming from one end of the courtyard to the other. Amy & Keith were totally prepared for their dip-kiss halfway along, with a flurry of confetti falling over them. And then it was on to cocktails - espresso martinis - and canapes as guests mingled, and family gathered to wish them congratulations.
A big party with lots going on makes for great candid wedding photography, and I weaved my way in and out of groups to focus on the banter and antics from Amy & Keith's friends & family. After a short time, we rifled through their family photographs and then hopped into a cool buggy that took us down to the small loch for some private couples portraits.
Couples Portraits by the Loch
Newlywed couples portraits are some of the nicest moments of your wedding day, allowing some intimate time with your partner away from the guests. Taking a bottle of prosecco with them, Amy & Keith enjoyed a few golden minutes to relax and be together as I took their pictures from afar, guiding them gently into poses that felt natural & comfortable to them.
By the time we arrived back at the Courtyard, it was nearly time for the meal. Candles were being lit inside and the finishing touches to the place settings complete.
The dining area within Broxmouth Courtyard is brimming with rustic charm. With lots of natural light flowing in, it has an open air feel to it, despite being indoors. Amy & Keith opted for speeches in between each course, beginning with Amy's dad and ending with the Best Man who did not let Keith away too lightly on the anecdotes front!
The Evening Wedding Party Gets Started
Night had fallen by the time the meal was over, and with the firepits lit and fairy lights in the surrounding trees, the courtyard was a cosy location to unwind before the dancing began. With low light, I had to get a little creative with my flash work so as to keep the outdoor atmosphere while still getting extra sharp and exposed images. Though the stars were shining clearly & brightly overhead, there was still ambient light to create some backlit portraits of Amy & Keith. The smoke from the nearby firepits added an extra - and unplanned - dimension to this set of images.
The first dance was simply incredible. Begining with a few twirls, it quickly launched into an all out party welcoming everyone to the dancefloor as the band slammed out an iconically Irish song. Everyone brought their A-game to the dancefloor, throwing their limbs around - this party had well and truly started. Afterwards they switched to some Ceilidh dancing, with everyone enthusiastic for the Orcadian Strip the Willow which was all kinds of chaos & fun.
Amy & Keith's wedding at Broxmouth Courtyard was incredible. A truly stunning autumnal wedding at a gorgeous rustic wedding venue with beautiful people and a wonderful atmosphere.
Venue: Broxmouth Courtyard
Hair & Make Up: The Made Up Team
Florist: The Daisy Chain Pencaitland
Celebrant: Candice Dillen Humanist
Wedding Band: Amber Lights
