Buddhist Wedding Photographer. See 100 Photos Of Scotland’s First Zen Wedding!

Being Melanie and Gavin’s Buddhist wedding photographer was a first for us, and such a special day that we had to share!

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:

Rachel and KeiranRachel and Keiran

Jonathon did a fantastic job with our photos and video. He captured the day perfectly! We got a video of the ceremony, speeches and first 3 dances which Jonathon was able to do himself with cameras set up and it was amazing to see after. I highly recommend Love Wedding Photos and Film and will use them in the future for any photographer needs I have.

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Jude and AhmetJude and Ahmet

Jonathon 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.

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Julia and StephenJulia and Stephen

Jonathon 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

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Are you about to get married and seeking a Buddhist wedding photographer?

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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.

  • bridal dress buttons detail
  • bridal earrings and necklace in black jewellery box
  • Apex Hotel Grassmarket wedding: bride and groom's platinum wedding rings
  • bride's Jo Malone rose perfume
  • bridal shoes with crystal detailing
  • bridal bouquet with pink and purple flowers
  • young girl smiling wearing blue silk dressing gown during bridal preparations
  • back of head of young girl's hairstyle with butterfly hair clip
  • young girl smiling into a mirror during bridal preparations
  • bride getting lipstick applied with brush during bridal preparations
  • bride looking away from camera and smiling during bridal preparations
  • bride and mother of the groom cuddling each other during bridal preparations
  • two young girls wearing matching blue silk robes smiling at camera
  • bride with lady dressed in black who is smiling at mother of the groom
  • wedding corsage being attached to mother of the groom's dress
  • lady smiling at mother of the groom as she curls her hair in front of mirror during bridal preparations
  • bridal portrait of bride smiling wearing silk robe and crystal tiara
  • view of Edinburgh Castle from Groom's hotel room
  • kilt belt buckle sitting on red silk cloth in black box
  • bottle of whisky laying on suit jacket and tartan plaid
  • man kneeling and laughing as he puts cufflinks on groom during preparations
  • Guest wearing white shirt standing behind groom putting green tartan tie on groom
  • groom looking into mirror and smiling as he adjusts tie
  • groom's black wedding shoes being tied
  • white chairs with purple organza in in Heights Restaurant
  • pink and purple flowers on table in Heights Restaurant
  • Framed picture of Buddhist Enzo symbol sitting on table with white tablecloth in hotel ceremony room
  • Buddhist symbols on Enzo framed print
  • pink and white floral hoops in wooden box with the word love detailing
  • lit Jo Malone candle beside vase of purple flowers sitting on table
  • detailed shot of Buddhist Tibetan Singing Bowl used during marriage ceremony
  • portrait of couple standing in front of silver and purple balloon arch
  • walking shot of groom, father of the groom and bestman outside the hotel in Edinburgh's Grassmarket
  • groom, father of the groom and bestmand with piper outside the front of the hotel
  • portrait of groom and bestman dressed in full highland wear with Edinburgh Castle in the background
  • portrait of groom in front of hotel sign
  • close up portrait shot of groom smiling with Edinburgh Castle in the background
  • detailed photo of groom's buttonhole on suit jacket lapel
  • portrait of bride standing up wearing her wedding gown and holding her bridal bouquet
  • close up shot of bride smelling her bridal bouquet of flowers
  • guests sitting in The Heights Room waiting for marriage ceremony to begin
  • Buddhist Roshi Julian Daizan Skinner
  • bride holding lit white and red candle sticks in both hands at Buddhist Zen marriage ceremony
  • groom walking around the perimeter of the ceremony room holding lit white and red candle sticks during Buddhist Zen ceremony
  • bride and groom seated during Buddhist Zen ceremony
  • man playing a violin during marriage ceremony
  • groom looking at camera during Zen marriage ceremony
  • detailed photo showing meditation beads on a silver tray
  • close up photo of bride and grooms hands entwined with beads
  • guests smiling during Zen marriage ceremony
  • Apex Hotel Grassmarket wedding photos: bride and groom holding framed picture of the Buddhist symbol Enso
  • close up photo of bride smiling as she is congratulated by guest
  • guest smiles as bride is congratulated with a hug
  • smiling bride as she is cuddled by guest at Zen marriage ceremony
  • group photo of man with three children
  • newlywed photo of bride and groom on rooftop terrace with Edinburgh Castle in the backdrop
  • close up newlywed portrait of bride and groom on rofftop terrace with Edinburgh Castle in the background taken on Apex Hotel Grassmarket balcony
  • mother of the groom smiling at camera
  • candid photo of lady guest wearing yellow pashmina
  • wedding guests clapping at newlyweds arrival for the drinks reception
  • smiling bride and groom arriving at the drinks reception
  • photo of the newlyweds taken at The Vennel with Edinburgh Castle in the background taken at The Vennel
  • close up portrait photo of bride and groom taken at The Vennel in Edinburgh with Edinburgh Castle in the background
  • bride and groom photographed at The Vennel with Edinburgh Castle in the distance
  • bride laughing as groom kisses her neck
  • portrait of bride smiling in front of stone wall
  • portrait of groom smiling in front of brick wall on newlywed photoshoot
  • bride and groom crossing zebra crossing in Edinburgh's Grassmarket.
  • close up photo of magic trick using a cigarette lighter
  • candid photo of young girl during magic trick
  • Magician performs magic trick
  • candid photo of magician performing magic trick
  • close up shot of magician holding a pack of playing cards
  • young girl checking her playing card during a magic trick at the reception
  • bride smiling as she mingles with guests
  • Tall man smiling at drinks reception
  • lady sitting down smiling at drinks reception
  • candid photo of guest kissing bride on her cheek at the drinks reception
  • detailed photo of the top table
  • floral hoop with lit candles in Heights room
  • close up of purple flowers on floral hoop in Heights room
  • bride and groom's purple butterfly pace cards
  • wedding cake and bridal bouquet on white table
  • guests clapping as bride and groom are piped into the evening reception
  • piper entering reception room
  • bride and groom enter evening reception
  • guests clapping as piper drinks a dram
  • bride smiling at piper during his toast to the newlyweds
  • Pipe Major James Nicholl toasts the newlyweds
  • bride smiling and clapping
  • groom shares a joke at the top table
  • groom kissing bride at the top table
  • bride standing during her speech at wedding breakfast
  • bride cuddling guest at top table
  • groom and bestman laughing and hugging
  • bride and groom cutting their wedding cake
  • bride and groom performing their first dance
  • newlyweds performing first dance
  • couple dance at evening reception
  • newlyweds smiling as they dance
 

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.

Buddhist wedding photographer image of a bride and groom holding framed picture of the Buddhist symbol Enso

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.