The weather forecast for easter Monday had been horrendous, so I reluctantly made my way to Orla’s lodge on the banks of Loch Lomond armed with a brolly and a sense of humour. It was already spitting when I arrived, but Orla immediately greeted me with a warm smile and welcomed me inside the double storey lodge. It was bright and spacious, which was just as well because the bridal preparations were getting into full swing and required some tactical manoeuvres. I could only wonder what easter would bring.
Ron Marshall joined me to video the preparations, and we immediately joined forces to delay the opening of champagne. At least not until the dress and shoes had enjoyed their big moment. The girls seemed calm, but the sense of anticipation was growing as the sun briefly appeared outside. The sunshine break was surely only temporary, so we invited the girls out onto the pier for a dressing gown shot with their champagne. It was soon time to head over to Dumbarton to meet and greet the boys at the Chapel.
Tom and his best man were inside the chapel greeting guests as their ushers stood outside to offer a welcome. With a bit of gentle persuasion, they all gathered at the main entrance and grinned their way through some shots with the rings. It remained dry as everyone took their seats, prompting me to hover outside clutching the camera. I suspected Orla and the bridal party might arrive fashionably late.
Orla drew up in the bridal car, and grinned straight at the camera as the door opened. She looked utterly beautiful and bounced out the car to join the rest of the bridal party. They quite literally swept into the front entrance as I made my way down the long aisle to pick up a position at the other end. Orla began the walk down the aisle in her fathers arms as the priest suddenly appeared from a side enterance. Tom could not resist looking over his shoulder at the beautiful sight as flashguns fired away like fireworks.
With restrictions curtailing my movement, I spent much of the ceremony watching proceedings and listening to the readings from the sidelines. The happy couple said their vows perfectly before making their way to the alter to sign the register. A nod from the priest signalled it was time for a formal memento, and a clear line of sight of the newly weds. Their candles burned brightly as they kissed for the first time and drew a huge round of applause which echoed around the chapel walls. It clearly went down well with everyone.
By the time we got back to The Cruin, the sun had broken through to reveal a quite spectacular afternoon on the bonny banks of Loch Lomond. Everyone looked on in disbelief as we began their formal photographs in the sun, no doubt wondering how lucky the couple were to have such unexpected good fortune. I made hay, battling with shadows and lots of blinking eyes as the sun got to work. But it added a certain sparkle to everything and kept their guests in good spirits as we gathered around for a mass group shot.
The photo-shoot finished with Orla and Tom going for a stroll down the picturesque pier. Folk watched on from the banks above as I tracked their movement with a long lens, occasionally offering instructions. They seemed particularly good at the kissing scene, but who can blame them! The backdrop complimented their look perfectly as the gentle breeze threatened to lift Orla’s veil and provided us with some entertaining outtakes. Speedboats and water based traffic looked with interest on at the memorable sight on the pier.
The reception room at The Cruin was particularly easy to photograph, thanks largely to the natural skylight above and bright sunshine outside. It was a beautiful setting for a gathering and entirely fit for a special day. With time on my side, I took the opportunity of using the late afternoon sunshine for some extra shots of the bridesmaids. Their Abba pose soon had folk laughing and looked quite fantastic in the striking light. It was still light as Orla and Tom kissed in the hallway before making their entrance to begin the evening reception.
The cake seemed to quiver as the huge knife was picked up and put to good use to seal it’s fate. It was time to eat and enjoy the background entertainment provided by a live musician who encouraged a few impromptu sing songs. With everyone fed and watered, the speeches began with Orla’s father setting the scene and warming the crowd up with some great jokes. By the time the best man stood up it was easy pickings for my long lens as the top table laughed it up. It was tears and laughter in equal measure.
Tom led Orla onto the dance floor to kick off the evening party, soon to be joined by their family and friends. The happy couple looked every bit as fresh as they were at the start of the day, and seemed to be in the mood for more celebration. I was soon forced to shuffle my feet amongst the crowd in a bid to catch all the action without getting hit. The fast pace and bright lights seemed to sum up their wedding day perfectly. I had long since forgotten that it was Easter Monday, but I doubt I will forget such a bonny day like this.
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