Kara and Mark’s wedding at the Virgin Hotel in Edinburgh was nothing short of spectacular. With its rich reds, deep wood, and luxurious ambiance, the Edinburgh’s Virgin Hotel set the stage for a day filled with love and unforgettable moments. As their photographer, I had the privilege of capturing every detail of their special day, from the pre-wedding photos to the magical moments shared during the reception.
The day began as I joined Mark and his groomsmen at the Virgin Hotels Commons Club for some pre-wedding photos. The venue’s opulent decor provided a stunning backdrop for capturing the groom and his entourage. The rich reds and deep wood of the bar created a warm and inviting atmosphere, setting the tone for the day ahead. These photos quickly became some of my favorites from the entire event, showcasing the anticipation and camaraderie of the groom and his friends as they prepared for the ceremony.
We also took a brief detour to the luxury red bar within the hotel for a few additional photos. The vibrant red hues and elegant setting added a touch of glamour to the pre-wedding pictures. It was clear from the beginning that Kara and Mark’s wedding was all about embracing the beauty of the Virgin Hotel while celebrating their love.
With the groomsmen’s photos in the bag, it was time to head down to Greyfriar’s Hall to await the arrival of the bride and her bridesmaids. The ceremony was nothing short of lovely, with its heartfelt vows and a special handfasting ceremony that added a unique and personal touch to the proceedings. Kara looked absolutely stunning in her wedding gown, radiating happiness and anticipation as she walked down the aisle.
After the ceremony, we made our way up to the Virgin Hotel’s rooftop for family photos. Despite earlier rain forecasts, the sun decided to grace us with its presence, casting a warm glow over the city. With the majestic Edinburgh Castle in the background, we quickly gathered for group photos and captured some beautiful couple’s portraits. Kara’s long train and the couple’s adorable dog, Leo, added a whimsical and personal touch to the photos, making them even more memorable.
The day continued with a journey through Edinburgh’s historic streets. A taxi met us to whisk us up and down the Royal Mile, stopping for photos at Advocate’s Close, where we attracted a crowd of well-wishers and passersby who couldn’t resist celebrating the newlyweds. The Vennel, one of my personal favorite locations, provided breathtaking views of Edinburgh Castle as a backdrop for more stunning photos.
Returning to the Virgin Hotel, we took advantage of the venue’s picturesque spaces for photos, including the lovely Oculus. The hotel’s unique and modern design complemented the couple’s style, and it was the perfect setting for capturing the essence of their wedding day. From the intimate moments to the grand vistas, every shot was filled with love and charm.
As the day transitioned into evening, it was time to head in for the reception. I had the pleasure of photographing heartfelt speeches that brought laughter and tears, highlighting the strong bonds of family and friendship. The atmosphere was warm and joyful, and the love and support for Kara and Mark were palpable.
The night continued with sparklers on the roof, the father-daughter dance, the bride and groom’s first dance as a married couple, and finally, the ceilidh. Each of these moments was filled with love, laughter, and a sense of unity that celebrated Kara and Mark’s journey together. The impromptu luggage cart ride through the hotel was an unexpected highlight of the evening and resulted in some super cute photos that perfectly captured the couple’s spontaneous and adventurous spirit.
Kara and Mark’s October wedding at the Virgin Hotel in Edinburgh was a day to remember. From the beautiful ceremony to the fun-filled reception, every moment was filled with love and joy. The stunning backdrop of Edinburgh’s historic streets and the grandeur of the Virgin Hotel added to the magic of the day. It was an absolute pleasure to capture these precious memories for such a wonderful couple. Kara and Mark’s wedding was a testament to the power of love, celebration, and the beauty of Edinburgh’s enchanting landscapes. Cheers to the newlyweds and their journey together!
Meet the Team:
- Photographer: Wildling Weddings
- Videography: Seventeen Nine Films
- Celebrant: Craig Aikman
- Dress: Eleganza Sposa Bridal
- Kilts: Eight Yards Kilt Hire
- Venue: Virgin Hotels Edinburgh
- Cake: 3D Cakes
- Band: Woohoo Band
- Flowers: The Flower Studio
- MC: Alexander Fraser
- Makeup: Eve Learmonth
- Hair: Hair by Lorraine
A photo of Kara and Mark during their couples portraits at Edinburgh’s Vennel was featured in Tie the Knot Scotland Dec 2023 magazine. Check out the feature here.
