After nearly a decade of posting other people's wedding photos, it feels kind of strange producing a blog and sharing some of my own! For so long, I have been immersed in the world of wedding photography, curating and showcasing the stunning moments captured by talented photographers from various backgrounds and styles. Each image I shared told a unique story, reflecting the love and joy of couples on their special day, and I took immense pleasure in highlighting the artistry behind each shot. Over the years, this experience not only gave me a deep appreciation for the craft but also allowed me to develop a discerning eye for what makes a wedding photograph truly exceptional. As I admired the work of countless photographers, I found myself building an extensive list of professionals whose styles resonated with me. I noted the subtle nuances that made their photographs stand out, whether it was the way they captured candid moments, their use of natural light, or their ability to convey emotion through composition. Now, as I embark on this new journey of sharing my personal experiences and images, I feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. The transition from observer to subject is both exhilarating and daunting. I find myself reflecting on the lessons learned from the weddings I admired, hoping the same passion and creativity that inspired me for so long would be reflected in the photographs of Joanne and my wedding. It was important that whoever we worked with showed the story of us, the laughter, the tears, and the unforgettable moments that made our celebration unique.
I knew what I liked and what I didn't like when it came to wedding photography, but I also recognised that my other half, Joanne, had her own preferences and opinions that were equally important to consider. It was crucial for us to engage in open communication about our tastes and desires for our wedding photos, as this would ultimately shape the memories we would cherish for a lifetime. After I took the initiative to compile a list of five photographers whose work resonated with me, I quickly realised that my stylistic inclinations were quite different from Joanne's. This realisation prompted me to expand my research and create an extensive list of all the photographers I was aware of, along with samples of their work that I believed showcased their unique styles and capabilities. When I presented this comprehensive list to Joanne, she took her time to review the various portfolios and was particularly drawn to three of the photographers. With her preferences in mind, we decided it would be best to reach out to these three to inquire about their availability for our wedding date. To our surprise, we were delighted to find two of the photographers had openings with short notice (we chose to fill in a gap in the Colstoun Wedding schedule with our own rather than waiting a whole extra year to get the date we wanted). It was time to delve into the fine print of their packages to determine which deal would work best for us. As we began to compare the offerings, we found ourselves drawn to Nikki Leadbetter as our chosen photographer.
Several factors influenced our decision. Firstly, Nikki's relaxed demeanour during our initial conversations put us at ease; we could envision her capturing our day in a way that felt natural and unobtrusive. Secondly, the comprehensive nature of the products she offered was impressive. We appreciated that she had only shot a handful of weddings at Colstoun prior to ours, as this suggested a fresh perspective and a unique approach to our venue, we could tell Nikki what we wanted and it would be likely that she wasn't clouded by previous experiences at Colstoun. Lastly, her artistic style aligned beautifully with our vision, incorporating a blend of candid moments and artistic compositions that we found captivating, and when we said that we only wanted 1 posed photograph... she actually listened!
It became increasingly clear to us that not all wedding photography packages are created equal. As we sifted through the details, we discovered that some packages required the hiring of two photographers, while others offered a specific number of edited images, and some included unexpected bonuses like engagement shoots or albums. This disparity highlighted the importance of thorough research and organization. To facilitate our comparison, we developed a detailed spreadsheet that clearly outlined what each package entailed. This tool allowed us to evaluate the various options side by side, making it easier to understand the differences and justify the price points. For instance, we were able to explain to ourselves why one package might be priced at £1,500 while another could soar to £5,000 or more. It wasn't merely about the numbers; it was about the value we would receive in terms of quality, experience, and the overall service provided. In the end, our careful consideration and collaborative decision-making led us to feel confident in our choice of Nikki Leadbetter as our wedding photographer, ensuring that we would have beautiful memories captured in a style that truly represented us as a couple.
Obviously with Colstoun being our home, we wanted to have a photographer for our wedding that could capture the beauty of both East Lothian and Colstoun Estate. The picturesque landscape of East Lothian, with its rolling hills, stunning coastal views (though not from Cosltoun), and vibrant greenery (very much Colstoun), offers a breathtaking backdrop that is perfect for a wedding celebration. We envisioned a photographer who not only understood the unique charm of our region but also had the ability to highlight the exquisite features of Colstoun Estate itself, from its elegant architecture to its beautifully manicured gardens and wild meadows. It was important for us to find someone who could not only document the key moments of our special day but also weave in the natural beauty surrounding us, creating a visual narrative that reflected our love story intertwined with the enchanting scenery of our home. Nikki's keen eye for detail, and ability to capture candid moments filled with emotion, as well as the grand vistas that would showcase the stunning environment we were so proud of. This choice was not just about hiring a photographer; it was about selecting an artist who could encapsulate the essence of our wedding day within the contexts of our daily lives.
The wedding itself was held at the picturesque Bolton Church, located just about a mile away from the historic Colstoun House. This charming church has been a significant landmark for generations, particularly for the Broun family of Colstoun, who have deep roots in the area. Historically, Bolton Church served as a spiritual haven and community gathering place for the Broun family and workers on the Colstoun estate, and it is steeped in rich tradition and legacy including being the birth and resting place of Rabbie Burns' mother. Within the church, there exists a special box designated for the Broun family, a place where they would sit during Sunday services, flanked on either side by the notable estates of Lennoxlove and Eaglescairnie. This arrangement not only symbolises the close-knit relationships within the community and also highlights the church's role as a focal point for social and religious life in our little corner of East Lothian.
As we gathered on what was such a momentous day for us, it felt particularly poignant that our wedding would most likely be the last ceremony held at this cherished church before it is sold, marking the end of an era. The Broun family has supported the church since its inception hundreds of years ago, contributing to its maintenance and ensuring its place in the community. This connection imbued our celebration with a sense of history and continuity, as we honoured the past while stepping into our future together. The echoes of laughter and love that filled the church on our wedding day seemed to resonate with the countless ceremonies that had taken place within its walls over the centuries. It was a fitting tribute to the enduring legacy of the Broun family and their commitment to both their heritage and the community that surrounds them, looking up at my uncle Ludovic sitting in the box where the generations of Broun's had sat previously felt like an added level of nostalgia.
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