Kinkell Byre Wedding Photographer

Maddy and Sandy Wedding Kinkell Byre, Scotland

When Maddy and Sandy first approached me asking if I could capture their wedding, hearing that they were planning on having it up in Scotland really got me excited. This would be my first Destination Wedding (yes I know it’s in the UK but I got a plane there so I feel this counts!)

So, last February I packed my kit up and I travelled up the day before and I was warmly greeted by Sandy at the train station after quite the journey, as usual, my flight was delayed (thanks Easyjet). After grabbing some lunch we made our way to Kinkell Byre where Maddy was busy setting the venue up for the following day. Maddy and Sandy had chosen Kinkell Byre as their venue as it is a completely blank canvas, having the ability to make it completely unique for their day and the added bonus of no corkage fees (they had bought enough booze for each guest to get drunk many times over) was a huge selling point. Not to mention how beautiful this stunning large converted barn wedding venue is, with a beautifully decorated ceremony room connected to the reception area which can cater for a large number of guests and plenty of room to dance into the night. Not to forget the truly epic views overlooking the coast towards St Andrews, I knew the wedding day was going to be phenomenal!

I took some time to look around the venue and the local grounds to scout out some good portrait spots for the following day and how I would set up inside. This venue is quite simply a photographers dream, the interior lights have all been installed with photographers and videographers in mind giving absolute perfect lighting as can be seen from the photos below.

Sandy’s family very kindly hosted me for the evening at Morton Of Pitmilly Resort where Sandy would be staying so after a fantastic dinner and a few light tipples, I retired for the night to prep my kit and get my head down.

Groom Prep

After a fantastic breakfast to set me up for the day, I went round to Sandy’s room to capture some photos of him getting ready along with Ivan, Maddy and Sandy’s super chilled greyhound! Ivan is such a big part of Maddy and Sandy’s world and even featured in their engagement shoot which I shot the previous summer. Ivan was also going to be a big part of the day as he had the responsibility of being the ring bearer during the ceremony. Not to be outdone by his Dad, Ivan was sporting a rather fetching collar and lead matching Sandy’s family kilt made by Doggy Boho.

Bridal Prep

I then caught a lift to Crail where Maddy was getting ready at a friend’s beautiful cottage overlooking the picturesque harbour with her bridesmaids and Mum Majka, and the atmosphere was super relaxed. During bridal prep, Maddy practised the handfasting ceremony with her MOH Rachel for later in the day. Once Maddy had got into her beautiful dress I captured some lovely window portraits before making my way to Kinkell Byre in front of the bridal party.

The Ceremony

Arriving at Kinkell Byre, lots of guests had started to arrive, all met by Sandy and Ivan at the entrance. Maddy and her Bridesmaids arrived shortly after and Maddy’s father Ed walked her down the aisle to a waiting emotional Sandy with the rest of the guests (including a trio of dogs) looking on. The ceremony was a humanist service in the barn. With stunning overhead fairy lights, it was such a magical room for a wedding ceremony. During the ceremony, they had several beautiful readings from friends and family. It was such a personal service and so unique. Ivan did a great job as the ring bearer and got a big kiss from Maddy and Sandy, this was so lovely to see and really made the ceremony unique.

The Reception

After the ceremony, everyone made their way out to the bar area where they lined up for a traditional Polish celebration of a platter of bread and shots of Vodka. This was followed by some group photos in front of the barns big red doors before I stole the couple away for some couples portraits. The incredible views overlooking the local golf course and the wonderful coastline made for an awesome backdrop during the couples portrait session and I managed to capture some amazing portraits of the newlyweds.

The Party

It was then onto the evening event where Maddy and Sandy first cut their unique wedding cake made from cheese supplied by the guests were treated to a wonderful wedding breakfast before some hilarious speeches from Ed, Sandy and Sandy’s sister Kitty who was Sandy’s best man/lady for the day! The speeches also featured some port toasts including a toast to the Queen-a nice little touch!

Onto a quick first dance with Maddy and Sandy surrounded by their wedding guests and then it was on to the party and what a party it was. Maddy and Sandy had booked Freereelin’ Ceilidh band for the night and the dancing that followed was absolutely epic! I planted myself smack bang in the middle which was the perfect spot to capture in action shots of the guests dancing to the Ceilidh, this was the first chance I have captured a Ceilidh dance and it was certainly memorable, can’t wait to shoot my next one!

As I was staying with Sandy’s family again that night, I was lucky enough to be able to have a dance and a little tipple myself which was wonderful as I often finish a wedding during the party and don’t get the chance to celebrate with the Bride and Groom due to having to drive home so this was really great!

“Alex is a professional, personable photographer who captured our wedding day brilliantly from start to finish. He is easy to get along with and really put us at ease in front of the camera. Highly recommend!”

Suppliers:

Venue: Kinkell Byre
Stylist: Caroline Stewart
Flowers: Blue Poppy
Catering: Bespoke Catering
Band: Freereelin’ Ceilidh band
Dress: Stella York
Suit: Kinlloch Anderson

Below is some of my favourite photos from Maddy and Sandy’s incredible day along with a slideshow highlight. Having a wedding at Kinkell Byre? I would love to capture your day at this incredible venue as it is hands down one of my favourite venues I have shot at and I would love to travel back up to Scotland. So if you like the photos below, please get in touch, I would love to hear your plans!