Lizzie and Craig’s wedding at the Piersland House Hotel was one of those rare days where everything aligned perfectly, with lots of sunshine, atmosphere and a wonderful easygoing couple. As an Ayrshire wedding photographer, it was a real pleasure to capture their story in such a great setting.
“Richard was professional and wonderful to work with from the offset. We were conscious we didn’t want any overly posed photographs and just wanted someone who could capture the joy and action of the day as it played out and that’s exactly what Richard did. We were blown away by the photos and are so pleased that we made the decision to work with Richard on our wedding day.”
Lizzie and Craig (Piersland House Hotel)
First Look
The morning began with Lizzie getting ready with her bridesmaids in one of the chalets next to the hotel. One of the most touching parts of the morning was Lizzie’s first look with her dad. As he walked in and saw her in her dress for the first time, his reaction was wonderful, one of those moments that reminds me why I love being an Ayrshire wedding photographer.
Outdoor Ceremony
The weather could not have been more perfect. With clear blue skies , Lizzie and Craig were able to have their ceremony outside on the lawn. The lawns at Piersland House are always beautiful but on a day like this it really came alive. The setup allowed me plenty of room to move around and the freedom meant I could capture their expressions from lots of different angles. For anyone considering Piersland House Hotel wedding photography, it’s a perfect location for an outdoor wedding in the summer.
Drinks on the Lawn
After the ceremony the guests showered the couple with confetti before gathering for a group shot on the lawn. Lizzie and Craig chose me specifically for my relaxed, natural style and this played a big part in how I approached the afternoon. As everyone was enjoying a drink in the sunshine I didn’t rush straight into the formal family photos. Instead, I used the opportunity to capture candid moments like people laughing and guests giving the newlyweds warm hugs.
A little Last Minute Gardening!
One of the standout features of their day were the flowers. They were everywhere, on the tables, lining the aisle, decorating the venue and they were absolutely stunning. The floral arch that framed the ceremony became the perfect backdrop for some of the family photos. Afterward, I took Lizzie and Craig to the colonnade for some portraits together. Earlier that morning, I’d noticed roses growing over the pathway where I wanted to shoot. Not wanting to risk them getting scratched by thorns, I quickly borrowed a pair of secateurs from the florist and trimmed them back which made for some great photos.
We then wandered into the nearby woodland area which offered a lovely escape from the activity back at the hotel. It was perfect for some beautiful relaxed portraits, giving Lizzie and Craig a few minutes together away from the crowd. When we finished, their dog Bonnie was waiting for a quick dogie photo. I do love these at weddings! We also had to fit in a Prosecco fountain. I’ve shot one of these before with champagne but the bright orange prosecco really made it stand out.
Back inside, I captured details of the table décor, the cake and more candid moments as guests chatted before the speeches began. Speeches are always one of my favourite parts of the day as an Ayrshire wedding photographer and I love to capture everyone’s expressions and reactions.
Evening Entertainment
As the evening continued, the guests enjoyed live music on the patio from a singer and guitarist. A particularly sweet moment came when Lizzie and Craig’s flower girl bravely stepped up to the microphone for a song of her own, which is something everyone adored.
The first dance was full of emotion and before long the dance floor was packed, rounding off what truly was a perfect day. For anyone planning their celebration here and looking for Piersland House Hotel wedding photography, Lizzie and Craig’s wedding is proof of how magical this venue can be.
