Being Melanie and Gavin’s Buddhist wedding photographer was a first for us, and such a special day shooting relaxed wedding photography in Edinburgh that we had to share!
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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:
Zoe and Billy – married at Dundas Castle, Edinburghwouldn’t ever trust anyone else to capture our special celebrations and moments!Jonathon and Claire are the loviest couple.. from our very first communication they made us feel special and were so interested in who we are as people! They tailored everything just for us, and had they not radiated such beauty and kindness, we wouldn’t have even known they were there… and for two people like us who HATE getting photos taken, we had a great time and felt so comfortable!
We got married on 31st December, and they gave up their own celebrations with their families to help us capture ours...
We truly hit the jackpot, and wouldn’t ever trust anyone else to capture our special celebrations and moments!
Please don’t pass up the opportunity on having these two look after your special day! Very trustworthy and fantastic value for money.
Helen and Daniel – married at the Signet Library, Edinburghfrom start to finish it has been a dream to work with you both!Jonathon and Claire - we cannot thank you both enough for being the best photographer and videographer - from start to finish it has been a dream to work with you both! If you are reading this and considering booking Love Wedding - DO IT!!
Thank you both SO MUCH for everything, we absolutely love our wedding pictures and how beautifully you have captured our day and the memories we’ll have forever - we are still so blown away by how perfectly everything turned out and on an absolute high!
We also wanted to say how grateful we are to have had you both at our wedding, you were just such a joy to be around and put us both at ease. You got us and the vibe of the day so perfectly and our family and friends have also said how brilliant you both were! thank you so much!!!
Helen & Daniel xxx
Manari and Andrew – married at Carlowrie Castle, EdinburghThe photos are simply stunningWe were absolutely blown away by the wedding photos Jonathon and Claire captured for us! They have an incredible talent for capturing emotions and all the special details, which has allowed us to relive our wedding day in the most magical way. The photos are simply stunning, and we couldn’t be happier with how they turned out.
From the very beginning, Jonathon and Claire made us feel comfortable and supported. Their professionalism and creativity shone through in every shot, and they even did a special edit for us at no extra charge, which was truly above and beyond. This extra effort made the photos feel even more personal and meaningful.
Thank you for being such an important part of our special day, Jonathon and Claire! We will cherish these photos forever. Highly recommend!
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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.
