Roanna and Max's Mansfield Traquair Wedding, with a First Look on Calton Hill

Roanna and Max got married at Mansfield Traquair, a huge former church in Edinburgh with painted ceilings and more character than almost any venue in the city. They started the day with a first look on Calton Hill, wandered down to Circus Lane, and then had their ceremony, group photos, speeches and a serious dance floor all under one roof at Mansfield.

Some wedding days are just a bit magic from the start. No chaos, no stress, just a really calm, happy energy from the moment I arrived. Roanna and Max’s day felt exactly like that.

A first look on Calton Hill, just the two of them

Roanna walked up behind Max and tapped him on the shoulder, and he turned around to see her standing there in her dress with the whole city laid out behind them. Honestly, it was one of the most peaceful, genuine moments I’ve ever seen. No crowd, no distractions, just them taking it all in together.

They read their vows privately up there, sat on a little bench at the top of the hill, and took a minute to pause before the rest of the day kicked off.

And from a photography point of view, it was ideal. We had loads of time to take a wander, get the relaxed couple shots done early and not have to worry about squeezing them in later.

Cobbles and plants on Circus Lane

After Calton Hill we headed down to Circus Lane, which is hands down one of the most photogenic spots in Edinburgh. Cobbles, plants everywhere, beautiful light. It just worked.

Then we made our way to Mansfield Traquair, where the rest of the day unfolded.

The ceremony at Mansfield Traquair, with the portraits already done

If you’re looking at Mansfield for your wedding, I’ll just say this. It’s huge, it’s full of character, and when it’s all lit up for a ceremony or a party, it looks absolutely stunning.

Roanna and Max had their ceremony there surrounded by all their favourite people, and because we’d already done all the couple portraits earlier in the day, they were able to just settle in and properly enjoy it. No disappearing for an hour while everyone else has the drinks reception.

A confetti throw and a group photo from the ceiling

We set up a big confetti throw straight after, right outside the venue, and then pulled off one of the wildest group photos I’ve ever done. Taken from the actual ceiling of Mansfield Traquair. I was strapped into a climbing harness up above everyone and got this unreal view of the whole group from above. Bit of an effort but absolutely worth it.

Speeches, then a dance floor that delivered

The speeches were not too long, not too polished, just real. A lot of stories about family history, and a few moments that had everyone laughing and crying in equal measure.

And the dance floor. I had high hopes for this one and it absolutely delivered. The band knew exactly how to get people up and dancing, and the crowd didn’t need much convincing. The lights, the tunes, the energy. Easily some of the best dance floor photos I’ve taken in ages.

The whole day was set up to let them enjoy it. Nothing rushed, nothing too staged, just loads of time with the people they care about.

Roanna and Max, thank you for having me along. You absolutely nailed it.