Being Melanie and Gavin’s Buddhist wedding photographer was a first for us, and such a special day that we had to share!
On this page:
Buddhist Wedding Photographer 5-Star Reviews
Choose us as your Buddhist wedding photographer; rest assured, we’ll provide outstanding photos and award-winning service. But don’t just take our word for it:
Jude and AhmetJonathon recently photographed our wedding and we couldn't be happier with the results. Our families were also extremely pleased and have been creating montages and framing the photos. Jonathon put us at ease and was professional and friendly and created lots of shots in such a short space of time. The communication before hand and after was great especially as there was last minute changes to our wedding. I would definitely recommend. Many thanks.
Read More
Julia and StephenJonathon and Claire were an absolute dream to have as our photographer and videographer. We absolutely treasure every photo and our wonderful video. We would recommend Love Wedding Photos and Film to any couple who are looking for natural, joyful photos that capture each moment just as it is.
We can’t thank you both enough.
Julia and Stephen Meiklejohn x
Read More- Louise and PatrickWe have just received your photos. Just looking through them now! We LOVE them! We didn’t know we were using the David Bailey of Scotland! They are exactly what we wanted. Thank you SO much. We will recommend your service to others.Read More
Are you about to get married and seeking a Buddhist wedding photographer?
Contact us to see if we’re free on your wedding date.
Scotland’s First Buddhist Zen Wedding
Eighteen months into the planning, Melanie and Gavin’s Buddhist marriage ceremony occurred one Saturday afternoon in late November.
Our bride and groom told us their Zen wedding was the first in Scotland.
How wonderful! We felt honoured and privileged to witness such a unique marriage ceremony in Edinburgh at the wonderful Apex Grassmarket Hotel.
Buddhist Wedding Photos
Here are some of our favourite Buddhist wedding photos taken from this wonderfully unique and special day.
Pre-ceremony Preparations
On the morning of the wedding, Claire joined beautiful bride Melanie and her bridal squad for the preparations.
At the same time, Jonathon teamed up with groomsman Gavin and the boys.
The girls and the boys were lovely and relaxed as they enjoyed getting ready for the big day at the Apex Hotel Grassmarket.
It was great to see guests mingling and enjoying a pre-ceremony drink in the bar before making their way to the Heights Room for the marriage ceremony.
Zen Ceremony in the Heights Room
The Heights Room boasts stunning views of Edinburgh Castle and the Old Town.
It has been beautifully decorated in purple tones and filled with the fabulous Jo Malone scent of orange blossom and red roses.
Joined at the hotel by their fantastic family and friends, Melanie and Gavin celebrated their love for each other with a beautiful Buddhist ceremony.
Their ceremony was hosted by Julian Daizan Skinner, ‘the first Englishman to go to Japan and become a Roshi or Zen Master in the rigorous Rinzai tradition of Zen’.
To begin, there was a candle ceremony, during which Melanie and Gavin walked around the room’s perimeter, each holding a candle.
Afterwards, Hannya Shingyo (Heart Sutra) was a chant for all to enjoy, listen to, and observe.
Eko, an offering of the dedication of the marriage ceremony to the benefit of all sentient beings, followed this.
There was meditation, water flicking, and the exchange of the marriage vows.
Melanie and Gavin promised to be best friends and equals and to dedicate their lives to their union and their practice of Buddhism.
A fabulous string quartet, Edinburgh String Ensemble, played ‘For Once in My Life’ as Melanie and Gavin exchanged rings and Juzu Bead Bracelets.
Binding hands together, they embarked on this beautiful new chapter.
There were lovely readings, some tears, and an overpowering sense of joy for the happy couple.
‘All You Need Is Love’ by Madness played as our newlyweds signed their marriage contract.
A blessing and a chant concluded the ceremony as ‘Must Be Love’ played out across the room. It was perfect! Being a Buddhist wedding photographer was fun!
Drinks Reception and Newlywed Photoshoot
The happy couple were met with hugs and kisses of congratulations from their guests.
We then took formal group photos with the bride and groom using the hotel’s perfect backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.
Claire stayed with the guests at the champagne drinks reception.
Photographing all the merriment as guests enjoyed themselves.
Delicious canapes were served, and magician and mystery artist Andrew McKinlay provided entertainment.
He certainly wowed his audience and got the crowd going.
Catching candid shots of the guest’s reactions was great as he worked his magic!
Jonathon took Melanie and Gavin away for their romantic, newlywed photo shoot.
Just a stone’s throw away from the hotel is The Vennel.
This steep lane leading down to the Grassmarket was the perfect spot to capture some fantastic shots of the newlyweds, with its impressive view of Edinburgh Castle.
Speeches and Evening Celebration
We spent a lovely evening taking photos and filming some excellent, heartfelt speeches before everyone enjoyed a delicious wedding breakfast served by the professional staff of the Apex Hotel Grassmarket.
After the meal, Melanie and Gavin began their first official duties as newlyweds and cut their three-tiered wedding cake by Liggy’s Cakes.
They then took to the dance floor to share a romantic first dance as husband and wife.
It was the perfect ending to a wonderful day as a Buddhist wedding photographer.