Introduction

Great to be back again as the recommended wedding photographer at Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh The Caledonian Hotel, this time for Phillip and Rick’s Humanist same-sex marriage ceremony. I previously met Phillip and Rick for an engagement photoshoot at Calton Hill, and in our brief time together I knew their wedding at Waldorf Astoria The Caledonian Hotel was going to be a fun, relaxed and memorable occasion.

Pre-ceremony preparations

We have photographed and filmed many marriage ceremonies at the Caledonian Hotel Edinburgh since 2006. The preparations before the ceremony were good fun to shoot, and meeting Phillip and Rick’s family and friends who had travelled from across the UK and America was a real pleasure. The natural light streaming through the large windows was perfect for candid photography.

Humanist ceremony in The Pompadour

The Humanist ceremony was the first to be held in The Caledonian Hotel’s ‘The Pompadour’. This elegant room is usually a five-star restaurant, but today was the perfect setting for a marriage ceremony. Large windows allowed plenty of natural light to stream into The Pompadour.

Piped into The Pompadour by my favourite Pipe Major, Iain Grant, there were a few tears shed as Humanist Celebrant Tim Maguire welcomed Phillip, Rick and their witnesses into the room.

A wonderfully personal and heartfelt ceremony by Tim was the highlight of the day at Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh. It’s brilliant that Scotland leads the way with Humanist ceremonies, and Tim’s friendly manner and professionalism ensure your marriage ceremony is unique, fun and sincere.

Newlywed photos in Princes Street Gardens

Having a city-centre wedding can mean couples worry about a lack of variation in their photos. Getting married in Edinburgh city centre ensures you have the good fortune of coming to the city in the UK city with the highest percentage of green space, meaning there’s usually the opportunity for some newly-wed photos in a local park or garden (subject to the Scottish weather, of course!). Phillip, Rick and I made the most of the nearby Princes Street Gardens, a beautiful oasis in the shadow of historic Edinburgh Castle, and only a minute away from The Caledonian Hotel.

Speeches in the Boardroom

Iain Grant then piped the newly-weds Phillip and Rick into the oak-panelled Boardroom, where their family and friends awaited them. Iain’s toast to the newlyweds is always a highlight of the day, his sense of humour and presence always going down well with everyone present.

Master Of Ceremonies James Henderson introduced the speeches in his inimitable style. Photographing guests’ reactions to the speeches is always good fun and a great opportunity for lots of candid photos of people enjoying themselves.

Evening party in the Boardroom

James Henderson was also the DJ for the evening celebration of this wedding at Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh, ensuring the party continued into the night. The party was well underway by the time I finished, and the dance floor was packed.

I was honoured to be part of this truly memorable day and very much look forward to creating beautiful wedding albums for the newly-weds.