Autumn magic in Edinburgh's Botanic Gardens

The autumn foliage of Edinburgh's Botanic Gardens made a beautiful backdrop for Jon and Claire's pre-wedding photoshoot. Despite it being a dull, grey day the trees glowed with colour and Claire and Jon looked every inch the model couple, throwing themselves into the spirit of things and helping to find locations (and trees) for different shoots. I felt that the images particularly lent themselves to a vintage treatment - in my mind's eye I was thinking of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. So I gave these images the vintage treatment in post-processing thanks to a technique developed by this photographer.

Cat and Kev: pre-wedding practise run

I am really looking forward to my November jaunt to Peebles to photograph Cat and Kev's wedding in the 16th century splendour of Barony Castle. In order to make sure we're picture perfect on the big day, Cat and Kev came to Portobello for a practice run at being in front of the lens. For most of us, it can be intimidating having a camera trained on us so it makes sense to get comfortable in front of the lens before the Big Day is upon us. That way the wedding photoshoot is a lot more relaxed - and it comes across in the pictures. Here are Cat and Kev looking sunlit and lovely on Portobello Beach.

Cat and Kev in high fashion

These two images are from a pre-wedding photoshoot today with the lovely Cat and Kev who are getting married in just three weeks. I pulled these out of the final cut selection (more coming soon) because the grey-green rough textured sea wall just begged for cross-processing, giving the portraits a high fashion look which I love. With thanks to two extremely good humoured (and photogenic) models!

Jennifer and Jamie's West Lothian Wedding

A big thank you to the lovely Jennifer and Jamie for booking Cocoa Rose Boutique Photography for their wedding next September (and for liking the name!). After lots of correspondence it was a pleasure to meet Jennifer at last and to do a photoshoot at their chosen wedding venue, the Hilcroft Hotel in Whitburn, West Lothian.

The rain was holding off today, so fingers crossed for an Indian Summer next September. Jennifer and Jamie were really nice to work with and very forebearing as I stage-whispered suggestions above the sound of the themetune from Braveheart from the garden next door. I'm really looking forward to their wedding!

Masha and Doug - East Linton

These images are from a pre-wedding photoshoot with the lovely Doug and Masha, in the pretty village of East Linton. The blossoms were out, the riverbank sprinkled with daisies - what could be more perfect!

Gilly & Sam - Engagement!

Congratulations to Gilly and Sam, who will be getting married in Manchester on 9 April this year. It will be an honour and a privilege to be wedding photography at their wedding - I am looking forward to it so much! The wedding is a real reflection of their personalities - understated, elegant and sophisticated. I am keen for the photography on the day to reflect that, so we had a wander around Manchester together to explore ideas and try out some interesting locations. Manchester is stuffed full of iconic architecture, but how to include those visual references to their location and still capture the emotion?

We explored Albert Square, with the magnificent arches of the townhall as a strong frame, but I was more taken with the fountain in the corner of the square. Images taken there have the potential to evoke black and white films set in Italy - films like La Dolce Vita or Roman Holiday. I liked the strong graphic shape of the windows of Kendals too, which tells the story of a city built on commerce. In April they will be softened by the cherry trees starting to bloom and I think that could look wonderful.

Matrix Revolution

Gilly and Sam are opting for super cool, understated city wedding which will culminate in cocktails (and other beverages) at Revolution in Parsonage Gardens Manchester. As part of our engagement session, we popped our heads into Revolution and I was struck by this rather magnificent doorway. It was Sam who noticed the striking resemblance to Orpheus' furniture of choice, in Matrix reloaded!

Byre Theatre Engagement Photoshoot - Michael

Michael, originally uploaded by Margaret (Degserella).

I had a lot of fun shooting these images of Fiona and Michael in the Byre Theatre - the upper levels formed a natural studio. I love concrete and stone as a backdrop, must be my city upbringing! For more wedding photography, go to Cocoa Rose Boutique Wedding Photography my website for Edinburgh wedding photography.

Byre Theatre Engagement Photoshoot - Fiona

Fiona, originally uploaded by Margaret (Degserella).

I was delighted when Fiona got in touch with me about shooting her wedding in June - I'm looking forward to my first St Andrews wedding! It will be a pleasure working with Fiona and Andrew (and their lovely daughter!).

The backdrop here is on the upper levels of the Byre Theatre - I love the mix of wood, concrete and glass in theatre it makes for some fantastic contemporary backdrops.