Narnia Vibes on the River Dee

Mehrnaz and Douglas actually live over in Iran, where Mehrnaz is from, but they came to Scotland this January for their big day. The setting? The beautiful Banchory Lodge, right on the banks of the River Dee. It’s always a gorgeous spot, but this day... well, this day was something special.


You might remember the weather at the start of January this year? It was the period of super heavy snow. We’re not talking about a gentle dusting; we’re talking full-blown, arctic. But honestly, the snow just made the whole day feel magical. I knew as soon as I arrived that we were going to get some epic shots.

Snow-covered white manor house with Christmas wreaths and decorations on a bright winter day.
Snow-covered river landscape with frost-laden trees and misty winter sky reflecting soft sunlight on calm water.
Black and white photo of elegant high heel shoes on a vintage trunk by a window with trees outside.
A wedding dress hanging in a floral-wallpapered room, viewed through a decorative mirror frame.
Bride holding elegant wedding bouquet of white calla lilies and pink cymbidium orchids against a textured white lace gown.
Bride in white lace dress holding pink and white orchid bouquet, seated by a bright window with curtains.

Getting Ready (Fast!) & Cozy Ceremony Feels

Because of the absolute chaos on the roads, Mehrnaz was actually delayed getting to the venue. The second she arrived, it was a total whirlwind—she practically sprinted upstairs to furiously do her own makeup and throw her dress on. Talk about grace under pressure. Meanwhile, Douglas arrived already fully suited, booted, and completely ready to go. He spent the morning just chilling out, completely unfazed, eagerly waiting for his bride.


As if the road conditions weren't enough drama, their original celebrant couldn't actually make it through the snow. Enter Victoria Fraser, who made a genuinely perilous trek up from down South, arriving at the absolute 11th hour to completely save the day. Legend behaviour.


With Victoria at the helm, the ceremony itself was small, intimate, and incredibly cozy- the perfect antidote to the freezing temperatures outside. They said their vows right by the window, with a stunning, panoramic view of the snowy River Dee rolling past in the background. You couldn't have a better backdrop if you tried.

Bride in white dress holding bouquet walks down staircase with older man in Scottish tartan kilt.
Groom in Scottish highland dress with thistle boutonniere stands at wedding ceremony altar.
Smiling bride in white halter gown walks down aisle with bouquet, fairy lights glowing overhead at elegant wedding venue.
Newlyweds walk down aisle as guests celebrate, groom wearing traditional Scottish tartan kilt.
Wedding group photo in snowy winter setting, guests in formal attire stand before stone archway.
Four people posing in a snowy park, one man wearing a kilt, celebrating a winter wedding in Scotland.

Braving the Blizzard

After the ceremony, we went straight outside for group and couple photos, and let me tell you, Mehrnaz and Douglas were absolute troopers. They were completely up for it, wading out into knee-high snow without a single complaint just to get the shots. Mehrnaz looked incredible in her fur jacket and gloves, but it was properly freezing.


I suggested a quick snowball fight between Douglas and his groomsmen, and they didn't need asking twice, they went for it instantly. After the chaos settled, I got the two of them together to just play in the snow and enjoy the madness of it all.


They threw a massive handful of snow into the air, completely unbothered by the freezing flakes landing on them. We also took a stroll down a quieter path, capturing some beautiful, quiet moments amidst the whiteout. My absolute favourite has to be the close-up of them down by the river- just pure, unadulterated laughter. That image says everything about them.

Couple sharing a kiss in a snowy winter landscape, man in kilt and woman in white fur coat.
Couple laughing together in snowy winter wedding, bride in white gown with gloves, groom in dark suit.
Bride and groom smiling at each other in falling snow during a romantic winter wedding outdoors.
Couple walking in snowy courtyard, groom in Scottish kilt, bride in white lace gown with fur wrap.
Bride and groom tossing snow in the air during a winter wedding, man wearing a traditional Scottish kilt.
Bride and groom walking in heavy snowfall, groom wearing tartan kilt outside a snow-covered estate.

Lovely people doing lovely things

I'd like to thank:

• Mehrnaz and Douglas, for being absolute legends and braving the elements like total pros.

• Victoria Fraser, for risking the elements, conquering the snowdrifts, and saving the day at the final whistle.

• The team at Banchory Lodge, for keeping everyone warm, cozy, and looked after while the weather did its thing outside.