Drumlanrig Photoshoot

One of the best days of 2011 was this perfect Autumn day in October.. we had planned a photoshoot in a stunning location, Drumlanrig Castle near Drumfries.

We felt so fortunate to be allowed to go and photograph in such an amazing location.  We had a stunning model called Bambi, who had been to my shop a couple of times before the photoshoot to try on and let us adjust the dresses we had made her.

Rosie Fraser Make-up and Princess Cut Bridal Hair by Charlene Wilson had both been to see her and the dresses, and we had been in regular contact, sending ideas back and forth to decide on the different looks for Bambi to carry off with each of the 3 dresses. We were very keen to get a different look for each dress.

On top of that, Planet Flowers had kindly offered to supply us with suitable wedding flowers, and  Rene Walrus had lent us the accessories.

On top of that we had an endless to-do - list such as lunch, directions, snacks and shoes etc. to bring. Each one of us had a whole lot of stuff to do with our profession.... so I think when the lovely staff at Drumlanrig saw us arriving with all our equipment, they wondered if the castle was in fact big enough!

Charlene and Rosie went straight to hair and make-up... I was busy getting all of the dresses laid out with the correct bracelet, hair piece, flowers, shoes etc...  Ditte and her assistant were out searching for the best places to actually take the shots. The castle had already specified the exact places they would like us to take pictures, so it wasn't up to Ditte to get them on board with the ideas she had for dress locations, lighting and yes... weather.

The first shot was taken with very natural make-up.. I loved the look Charlene went for with this one. The dress was a soft silk satin dress with a deep and full cowl neck front and back and an embellished belt. The flowers were displayed in an amazing big ball of white rose heads held together with ribbon, it was so beautiful it looked just like a big powder ball. According to Planet Flowers this is called a  "Pomander".

The second shot focused on autumnal colours, the dress was a silk organza balerina skirt with a corded lace bodice. Bambi's make-up was with stronger colours and the bouquet was a lovely mix of burnt orange coloured cala lillies and other autumn flowers displayed in a tear drop shape.

The third dress was made from a beautiful lace which had big 3D petals on the bodice, and a full silk taffeta skirt with a train. Bambi's make-up was still very strong and her hair was styled into a lovely array of messy curls held together with a headband from Rene Walrus. We had a stunning round ball of pink rose heads for this shot.

We had such a lovely day.. we all worked super hard.. we worked even harder than usual that day, but it all came together and we all worked towards a common goal.

For all of us its a lot of time, money and work to take days off just to play... but it was well worth it.... have a look at some of the stunning pictures taken by Ditte at Firstlight Weddings.

Ruched chiffon and Guipore capped sleeves!

Laura and Andy got married at St. Phillips Church in Joppa. This is the same church as Laura's grandparents, parents and sister got married in. They had the church full of friends and family and music. One of Laura and Andy's friends had composed music especially for them to walk in to and it was played by a band made up of friends. They then took to the beach, got the photographs taken (wow it looks like abroad) and then to the Apex on the Grassmarket for the reception and lovely views.

The stunning pictures are taken by Idil Sukan of Draw HQ. Thank you so so much for letting us use them to share. Idil is one of Andy and Laura's friends from Edinburgh University. Her photography is usually promotional work for the entertainment industry but she also shoots events and weddings. Andy is an actor and comedian and he and his friends often use Idil's amazing photos to promote their work. He's one of the team that make up Showstopper! The Improvised Musical which will be on at the Gilded Balloon during the Edinburgh Fringe this year.

Laura, her mum and her bridesmaids helped with the flowers on the day. And they look amazing.

I think it would have been very special for Andy and Laura's guests to come from London and get such a true Edinburgh experience to be by the seaside and then in minutes in the stunning old town in a modern building with a view to The Edinburgh Castle.

Laura's dress was a ruched chiffon dress with buttons down the back and guipore lace cap sleeves.

We also made the bridesmaids dress for Laura's sister, she wore a teal chiffon dress with sleeves.

Laura was an absolute joy to work with and discuss Architecture and dressing idea requirements with. I hope I get to catch up at the festival.

Laura says: "Thank you so much for all the work you and your team put into both of our dresses. We absolutely loved them and it was so nice to have dresses which suited our body shapes so well. I had so many compliments about the dresses on the day and since the wedding and have been recommending you any friends who've got engaged recently!"