let's talk about a good day out.
I loved being the wedding photographer for Holly and Dan's Kinclune House wedding. This Kirriemuir venue is perfect for relaxed, documentary-style weddings. This wasn’t just a wedding at Kinclune—it was the very first one at the newly refurbished Kinclune Steading, so I thought it would be perfect for my very first blog post.
The weather was doing that “might rain, might not” thing right up until the ceremony, but then—as if on cue—the clouds vanished and the sun made a solid appearance. Ideal.
Morning Prep & the fastest Groom alive.
Holly got ready in Kinclune House, which is a beautiful country home with loads of character (and great light—thank you, big windows). She also did a really sweet first look with her dad before the ceremony—emotional and understated, just a lovely moment.
Dan was down in the annex, fresh out the shower when I first popped by. I said I’d come back in half an hour, but approximately 3 minutes later, he was suited, booted, and casually checking out the chairs in the ceremony room.
Both of them were super chilled all morning. No stress, just good vibes and lots of laughter.
Ceremony Feels.
After being piped in by the brilliant Colin Barr, the ceremony took place in new Kinclune Steading, led by Vijay Pillai, the couple's pastor—and the husband of Aylwin, who runs Kinclune Estate. A lovely little connection that made the whole thing feel really personal.
One of the most emotional parts of the day came when Dan spoke directly to Rosie, Holly’s young daughter. He told her how much he loved her—and honestly, it just floored everyone, myself included. A genuinely moving moment that says everything about who they are as a family.
Afterwards we had confetti (yes), group shots (obligatory but fun), and then I took the two of them for a quick stroll to grab some portraits before letting them get back to their guests and the snacks.
Naturally, we couldn’t not stop by the BOUNCY CASTLE first. Yes, they got on it. Yes, I got the photos. Yes, it was exactly as hilarious as it sounds, Holly hadn't even got her shoes off before Dan was doing backflips (he may not have done backflips).
Also worth a mention: the horses grazing nearby—including a foal called Saoirse, who made a wee cameo while we were out doing portraits.
Speeches and celebrations.
After everyone had a chance to refuel, we moved into speeches—hosted by MC Ollie, who kept things rolling with aplomb. We heard from Holly’s dad John (alongside her 'former driving instructor', who looked a lot like John with a wig and fake moustache- this was hilarious!), best man Phil, Dan, and finally Holly herself, with a lovely shoutout to her gran, who was celebrating her 90th birthday. A pretty great way to mark the occasion, if you ask me.
Evening Antics.
Holly & Dan took to the dancefloor for their first dance, soon to be joined by their family and friends. Iron Broo then took over for the evening ceilidh and the energy was instant. No easing in, just straight into full-volume dancing, extreme do-si-do-ing, and general mayhem. Did I mention that Holly & Dan had changed into matching multicolour light-up trainers? Love that.
Later on, the sun dipped and gave us a glorious golden-hour sunset, so Holly and Dan joined me for a quick ten-minute wander. The light was perfect, and honestly, I think those might have been the shots of the day.
it was brilliant.
Such a beautiful day and a real pleasure to be part of, with so many hilarious, emotional, and heartwarming moments.
If you’re planning a Kinclune House wedding and want relaxed, natural photos that tell the real story—no awkward posing, no fuss—drop me a message.
Lovely People Doing Lovely Things.
I'd like to thank:
- Holly and Dan, you guys were absolutely brilliant.
- Aylwin, Sophie, and everyone else at Kinclune House & Estate, for showing me around a few weeks beforehand, having such a beautiful venue, and being a generally lovely team of people.
- Charlotte, of Charlotte Davies Photography, for listening to my patter all day while smashing her videographer duties.
- Platter & Pop on catering and bar duty, who made sure the we got a meal too, which is always hugely appreciated.
- Dreamtime Events, for providing the white bouncy castle of hilarity.
- Ceilidh titans Iron Broo, for keeping the dance floor packed.