Felicity and James's wedding at The Old Dr Bell's Baths, Leith

Felicity and James got married at The Old Dr Bell’s Baths in Leith, a restored old public baths in Edinburgh that works as a blank-canvas wedding venue. I absolutely love a Dr Bell’s Baths wedding. They’re always super relaxed, calm and just a right good party, and Felicity and James’s wedding was exactly that: a humanist ceremony, confetti on Great Junction Street, a wander round Leith, a cheese cake and a ceilidh.

Getting ready at Felicity’s family home in Edinburgh

The day started at Felicity’s family home in Edinburgh, where she and her bridesmaids were getting ready. There’s something about spending the morning of your wedding in a place full of history, not just the bricks and mortar but the memories (and the embarrassing school photos).

Bridesmaids everywhere, family popping in and out, and just the right amount of excitement in the air.

A humanist ceremony with Alan Ness at Old Dr Bell’s Baths

Old Dr Bell’s Baths has become one of my favourite venues over the years. It’s a true hidden gem in Leith: unassuming from the outside, full of charm inside, and a blank canvas for couples who want a day that feels their own. Felicity and James did just that.

Their ceremony was led by Alan Ness, their humanist celebrant, and it was warm, funny and personal. Vows that brought both laughter and tears, and a room with the kind of buzz that makes you feel lucky just to be in it.

Confetti on Great Junction Street

Once the ceremony was over, everyone headed outside for one of the day’s standout moments: a confetti throw on the streets of Leith, with Great Junction Street as the backdrop and the guests doing the showering.

A wander round Leith and a shot from a taco bar

Afterwards the three of us took a wander around Leith for some portraits. One of the best things about this area is how effortlessly cool it is. Cobbled streets, colourful buildings and an urban edge.

We paused outside a quirky taco bar for an impromptu first-dance rehearsal, and the owners came out and offered Felicity and James a celebratory shot. Completely unplanned, and completely in keeping with the day.

Speeches, a cheese cake and a ceilidh

Back at Old Dr Bell’s Baths, the speeches had everyone in stitches, and then Felicity and James cut their cake: a tiered cheese cake, which is much better than a sweet fruit cake imo.

Then the ceilidh. As always, it brought out some energetic (and hilariously chaotic) moves and made for some of my absolute favourite dance floor photos.

I absolutely love sticking around for the dancing. Unlike other photographers, you won’t catch me sneaking off home after the first dance.

Why I love shooting weddings at Old Dr Bell’s Baths

If you’re after a wedding venue in Edinburgh that feels relaxed and unpretentious but still makes for a brilliant day, Old Dr Bell’s Baths is such a great option. It’s one of those spaces that lets couples put their stamp on it, whether that’s through creative décor, a DIY approach, or just by filling it with the people who mean the most to them and having a right good party.

And being right in the heart of Leith, you can step outside and use the city. Confetti on the street, portraits in the nearby lanes, a shot from a taco bar owner. There’s so much scope to make the day feel like yours.

Felicity and James, thanks for having me along.