Iona and Malcolm's wedding at The Watchman and Gullane beach

Iona and Malcolm got married at The Watchman in Gullane, East Lothian, a wee seaside town on the coast east of Edinburgh. A rip-roaring ceremony surrounded by family and friends, then a wander down to Gullane beach for some relaxed photos of the two of them, then back for the wine, the speeches and a ceilidh.

Why the getting ready photos are worth it

There’s a widespread opinion that getting ready photos aren’t important. After all, who wants to see photos of you doing your hair and make-up and putting your dress on. I thought the same before my own wedding. You’re never going to print and hang a photo of you getting ready on the mantelpiece, but they all add to telling the full story of your day.

The morning is full of nerves, excitement and wee moments between you and your family or your closest friends. Sharing a whisky with your best man, your bridesmaid fitting your veil, your mum seeing you in your dress for the first time. Those are worth having.

Iona and Malcolm’s morning was no different, although remarkably relaxed.

Top tip for buttonholes

Take the jacket off first. It’s much easier to see what you’re doing and you’re less likely to prick yourself with the pin.

That being said, at every wedding I’ve photographed, no one has ever worked this out first time, and it makes for much better photos with the jacket on.

The ceremony at The Watchman and photos on Gullane beach

After the ceremony at The Watchman we went on a wee adventure down to Gullane beach for some natural photos of Iona and Malcolm on their own. Twenty minutes on the sand, then back to the party.

Loire Valley wine, speeches and rogue golf clubs

Get yourself a dad that knows all about wine and imports your wedding wine directly from small vineyards in the Loire Valley.

Speeches are all about the room. The little reactions to the words, a laugh here, the odd tear there.

And if your wedding is next to a golf course, you’re sure to find some guests gone rogue. I’ve still no idea where the clubs appeared from.

You cannot beat a ceilidh

That’s it. That’s the heading.

A relaxed day at The Watchman, two people very much in love, and a big celebration with everyone they love.