Nestled on the banks of the River Dee sits one of Aberdeenshire’s most historic Hotels, Maryculter House.
Susan and Paul’s Maryculter House wedding in 2023 was a real highlight for me as a wedding photographer.
It goes without saying that weddings at Maryculter House are the things that dreams are made of. For Susan and Paul the dream became a reality when they said “I do” on the beautiful banks of the River Dee.
The Wedding Ceremony in the Templar Suite Ballroom
As the guests gathered in the Templar Suite, Susan was making final adjustments in the hotel room. Paul was welcoming guests outside despite some rather menacing clouds that were gathering in the sky.
The time had come for Paul to take his position at front of thee room and await his wifee-to-be to make her entrance.
The celebrant, Andrew D Scott was doing a great job keeping the guests entertained. Paul was pretty chilled as he joked with his best man and ushers. Susan’s bridesmaids made their entrance followed by Susan accompanied be her father.
The smile on Paul’s face was priceless as Susan walked down the aisle in her Father’s arm. After some pleasantries the Celebrant got the ceremony under way. Before we knew it, it was the wedding vows.
Both Susan and Paul were now in their element and enjoying the wedding. Some readings were followed by the declarations and hoorah!..they were married!
Before the party could get started there was the small matter of making the marriage legal and binding. A couple of signatures later and it was official…time to celebrate!
Outdoor Wedding Photos at Maryculter House
It was agreed with the Bride and Groom and staff that we would get the group photo straight after the ceremony.
I used an empty hotel room to gain a height advantage so that I could get everyone in as well as the River Dee as a backdrop. I then left Susan and Paul to have a drink with their family and friends whilst I set up for the posed photos.
Susan and Paul’s couple shots
Once the posed shots with family and friends were finished it was time to give Susan and Paul a wee break from the crowds. We snuck off with the Danni the videographer to get some nice, romantic shots of the happy couple.
Maryculter House’s location beside the River Dee is perfect for wedding photographs. There were no shortage of spots to go to get a good, varied selection of shots. We used the backdrop of the building for some shots down by the river as well as turning round to use the river for some others. Even the driveway to th hotel can make for some nice imagery on the wedding day.
The Great Hall Room at Maryculter House
The great hall room at Maryculter House is the oldest room in the building dating back to the 12th Century. It feels and looks old and therefore is great for some wedding photos.
While Susan and Paul enjoyed their wedding breakfast with their guests, I set up some flashes for shots. I wanted to give the newly weds some photos that were perhaps a bit different. In this case I used off camera flash to help make them stand out against the dark background.
Speeches and Dances at Maryculter House
As a wedding photographer I have to say, speeches are one of my favourite parts of the day. Simply because that’s when you capture the most emotion whether it’s a wee tear or a rip-roaring laugh. These moments are great for showcasing the feel of the day.
The dances too are a great time for capturing emotion albeit at a much faster pace than the speeches. Running around like a headless Chicken during the wedding dances is all part of the job. I can be found weaving between people as they fling themselves across the dancefloor.
These moments are my last chance to capture something special before i wrap things up call it a day. It’s also the time when guests are letting their hair down so always something to photograph.
What a day it was and what a pleasure to be a part of.
If you’re reading this and are considering booking or already have chosen Maryculter House for your wedding, please get in touch!
Get in touch with me here
Useful Links when planning your Maryculter House Wedding
Videographer Danny Rizzo of Rizzo Films