Kinlochewe Wedding Photographer – Debbie Thornton Photography

The Torridon Hotel – Wedding and Elopement Photography. Loch Maree & Beinn Eighe Wedding Photographer

For all enquiries: https://www.debbiethorntonphotography.co.uk/

‘I love my photos! Debbie was so professional and kind, kept track of exactly what photos I wanted and made it happen! She was flexible and accommodating even after we got a popped tire and couldn’t make it to a shoot location, she found a way to make it work for us! I would definitely recommend her to any bride that needs to build a good team of people to support her. I’m so pleased with my photos and am excited to get them framed and look at them for many years to come!’

Earlier this month, I had the joy of meeting Ashley and Iann, a couple who travelled all the way from Montana, USA, to elope in one of the most incredible places in the world: the Scottish Highlands. They stayed at the beautifully secluded Torridon Hotel, a luxury retreat tucked beneath ancient pines and surrounded by lochs and mountains. As a Scotland elopement photographer, I never take this landscape for granted. There’s something about Torridon, its stillness, its wildness. that seems to echo the deepest parts of love: quiet, enduring, and honest.

Ashley and Iann wanted something simple and true to who they are. And that’s exactly what the Highlands gave them. We spent a few peaceful hours exploring the rugged trails near the hotel, capturing portraits with views stretching over to Beinn Alligin, a majestic and craggy peak that holds court over the Glen. The light shifted constantly on the snow covered mountain tops, mist, soft rain and they embraced it all with a quiet sense of calm and joy. Ashley wasn’t phased by the weather or her dress brushing against the ground. With her boots laced up and hair dancing in the breeze, she was completely present, laughing, soaking in the view, and holding Iann close.

Why Choose The Torridon Hotel for Your Elopement?

If you’re planning a Scottish Highlands elopement, The Torridon Hotel offers something truly special. It’s luxurious yet rooted in nature, with roaring fires, warm Highland hospitality, and views that take your breath away. Whether it’s just the two of you or a small group of loved ones, it’s a beautiful base for your elopement. With mountains, lochs, and coastal trails just a short walk away, the photo opportunities are endless.

Local Torridon Wedding Photographer Debbie Thornton Photography

I’ve spent over a decade photographing elopements and small weddings across the Highlands, from the Isle of Skye to Glencoe to Torridon. I help couples feel calm, natural, and connected to the moment. My approach is gentle and inspired by the wild places we find ourselves in. If you’re dreaming of an elopement in Scotland, and you’re looking for someone who knows the land and how to tell your story through it, I’d love to hear from you.

Learn more and get in touch via my website: http://www.debbiethorntonphotography.co.uk

For all enquiries: https://www.debbiethorntonphotography.co.uk/

Gairloch Wedding Photographer – Brander Lodge.

5th May 20246th May 2025Debbie Thornton PhotographyLeave a comment

For all enquiries: www.debbiethorntonphotography.co.uk

‘Debbie was our photographer for our wedding in May 2023 and we could not be any more pleased with our decision to book Debbie! Debbie was so calm and efficient throughout the day; despite experiencing a punctured tyre on the way to the venue, she still arrived on time!…Debbie has a real skill at being able to blend into the day well and organise photos calmly and with ease- we received so many compliments from guests around how likeable Debbie was. Debbie makes a huge effort to get to know the bridal/groom party’s families/friends which made for huge success with the formal photos. Debbie was able to articulate who she needed for photos by their name which made the formal photo process quick. We are over the moon with the photos and feel Debbie has captured the day so well- we have a great mix of formal photos as well as natural photos that show everyone’s personalities. It’s 2 months since we got married and we still find ourselves going through all the photos and enjoying them….Debbie is a wonderful photographer who was an asset to our day – we could not have imagined any other photographer being there!…..Thank you for everything Debbie!’

They were both working in Lochgilphead when Craig eventually worked up the courage to ask Sarah if she’d like to go on a hill walk with him, she said yes but the actual truth is that Craig is not a fan of hills or walking…at all…he was just trying to impress Sarah and thankfully it worked. Sarah says ‘it’s the first and very last time Craig’s been enthusiastic about going on a walk’

Their wedding was absolutely stunning and so emotional, it’s always lovely when couples write their own vows.

‘Exactly 4 years to this day, I knew instantly that we felt right together and that never changed. You have always showed me how much you care and never fail to make me feel safe and loved. You show me this through the seemingly little, but significant things you do – the dedication you showed driving 6 hours just to see me for 1 – the compromise you show for agreeing to go on long walks, even though you couldn’t think of anything worse. I am forever grateful for you.’

It was a perfect day with a brilliant group of people!

www.debbiethorntonphotography.co.uk

Lovely working with all of Sarah & Craig’s team of wedding suppliers:

Dress: The Bridal Courtyard

Kilts: HLH Hirewear

Cake: Northern Lights Cakery

Venue: The Brander Lodge Hotel & Bistro

Film: RMH Productions – Wedding Films

Make up & hair : Clare Pearson Hair Bridal hair by Laura

Flowers: The Thistle & The Rose

Registrar: Catherine Dodds Argyll and Bute Registrars

Piper: Angus MacColl

Wester Ross Wedding Photographer – Wedding Proposal.

19th Feb 202420th Nov 2024Debbie Thornton Photography2 Comments

For all enquires: https://www.debbiethorntonphotography.co.uk/

‘Oh my goodness! So incredibly gorgeous! Your artistry captured not only the rugged beauty of the environment, but everyone’s individual personalities shine as well. It will take a while to choose our favorites. Every photograph is more stunning than the last! You were a pleasure to work with and worked unobtrusively and efficiently (both shooting and editing). It was a pleasure enjoying our special day with you! Now if we can only figure out a way to export you to the US, to photograph the wedding!’

This was amazing!

The Isle of Luing is absolutely stunning, wow what a beautiful untouched Island it’s perfect. This was the first time I’d visited the Island, which is shocking really considering I’m from Oban (but based in the Highlands) and lived a short distance away for the majority of my life… but I would say I’m not as bad as the folk who live in Oban and have never been to the Isle of Kerrera – you know who you are, ha! I highly recommend a visit to the Isle of Luing, this was such a brilliant day and I can’t wait to go back.

Brett & Kaitlin travelled from New Jersey USA with Brett’s family to the stunning Isle of Luing where his ancestors are from, Brett’s family name is Luing – how cool is that!?- and I was told by the family – his parents Kevin & Trisha that ‘during one of the ancient invasions, the residents left the island… The Luing name begins to appear on the Steeple Barton church records in the 1600’s. It is assumed that the families who fled, adopted the name of the island, in an attempt to locate others who also originated on Luing, or to honour their origin….This visit is a continuation of family tradition, honouring the Luing family roots.’

The family wanted a photo-shoot to mark this special visit as the last time they were here was around 20 years ago. Also, Brett was planning on asking Kaitlin to marry him so I was to be ready to capture the moment. Luckily Kaitlin knew I’d be there on the day taking photos of the family so I didn’t have to hide in any bushes or under water on this occasion.

Shortly after I’d arrived and been introduced to everyone, Brett took Kaitlin outside their gorgeous holiday accommodation, Ardlarach Lodge and had a wee walk looking the beautiful view while I took some shots…. really we’re all waiting for the big moment with Brett’s family hiding looking out the windows in the Lodge. The next thing Brett takes Kaitlin’s hand in his and starts to get down on one knee, to say Kaitlin was shocked is the under statement of the century she just kept her hand over mouth and had the biggest eyes and smile on her face. Kaitlin even looks away laughing with pure happiness at one point and no doubt taking it all in. Brett tells Kaitlin he loves her and asks her to marry him and… she says YES!

‘Brett Luing – I cannot wait to marry you! You are all I’ve ever dreamed of & so much more! You are exactly who I’ve prayed for my entire life and a Luing Island proposal was just the icing on the cake. So ready to join the Luing family!!‘

After the massive congratulations from the family, lots of staring at that gorgeous diamond marquise stone ring, more photos and champagne at the Lodge, we all went on a tour round the island in the mini bus the family hired to travel to some of the other amazing photo locations on the Island.

I’ll give a wee shout out to the lovely wee dog that appears in some of the photos, this is not the family’s dog but it was more than happy to appear in some of their photos as if it was!

It was an amazing day and here’s some of their photos:

‘These are beyond perfect – thank you for capturing this special day so well!!’

For all enquires: https://www.debbiethorntonphotography.co.uk/

Gairloch Wedding Photographer- Boreland Loch Wedding

8th Feb 20248th Feb 2025Debbie Thornton PhotographyLeave a comment

For all wedding enquiries: https://www.debbiethorntonphotography.co.uk/

‘Oh my goodness Debbie…I’m bawling crying… can’t thank you enough… absolutely blown away. You were brilliant, absolutely brilliant in every way to have at our wedding and the photos are just more than I could have expected….‘

Barry & Eilidh are a wonderful couple who didn’t think they wanted a photographer at first when they started planning their wedding, maybe visions of Old School wedding photographers getting guests to stand about for ages for photos was on their minds…that is not me and luckily Eilidh’s Mum Lindsey convinced them otherwise.

These two are so laid back and when we chatted about their plans, they told me their ‘preference is definitely towards candid shots, with a few posed (family) ones just to ensure the parents having one for the mantelpiece!’.

On the day of their wedding it was perfect, the location of Boreland is amazing it has the best views of Loch Tay on the edge of the Highlands. Everything is in the one venue, ie they can accommodate up to 70 guests staying on site which made for a really relaxed morning, this is great for couples and great to photograph. Another good thing about Boreland is it’s pet friendly so there was dogs in attendance at the wedding.

At the ceremony Eilidh and Barry’s wee dog walked Eilidh down the aisle with her Dad, it was a beautiful moment. When Eilidh starts to walk down the aisle and sees Barry, it was stunning and you can see this in the photos.

‘Our journey is so beautiful, unique and full to the brim with joy & love’.

The couple had a wonderful Humanist for their ceremony called Mairi Phillips. Mairi was absolutely brilliant, as you’ll see from the Barry and Eilidh’s reactions. The story of how the couple met is wonderful – First meeting while Eilidh was working at a kids clothing shop in Edinburgh, but this was no ordinary kids clothing shop…as it threw banging parties where staff and customers hit it off, they would talk for hours and share first kisses on the front steps and this is the story of how Barry & Eilidh first met. The couple’s daughter Bea was involved in a big part of the ceremony where they had a handfasting, this is a tradition in the Highlands and symbolizes the couple coming together, materials representing their clans and for them to tie the knot.

It was a real joy to photograph Barry & Eilidh with their family and friends. Here’s a wee look at their amazing wedding day:

Huge shout out to the couple’s fab team of wedding suppliers:

Humanist: 𝗠𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗶 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗽𝘀 ⋄ 𝗛𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘁

Venue: Boreland Loch Tay

Catering: Regis Banqueting Ltd

Flower Arch: Coach House Flowers

Bouquets: Gorgeous bouquets made by Barry’s Mum Isobel!

Wedding Dress: B I B I L U X E

Bride Heels: Esska Shoes

For all enquiries: www.debbiethorntonphotography.co.uk

Torridon Wedding Photographer – Dunnet Head Lighthouse Wedding

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For all enquiries: https://www.debbiethorntonphotography.co.uk/

“…they are GORGEOUS!!!! …you did such an incredible job capturing the love, emotion and joy of the day!! I am seriously in love with our entire gallery…”

This wedding was unreal at Dunnet Head Lighthouse, the most northerly point of Scotland.

First meeting 20 years ago while both working in Italy, ‘a love story in the making’ as Lisa says… they were separated by distance living in different parts of the world with Lisa in America and Roger in Scotland. Life happened then a worldwide pandemic brought them back together.

When Lisa & Roger got in touch with me they said ‘We are looking for a photographer to capture the day in a natural and intimate way as we are joining together our lives, families and cultures. Your work is beautiful and feel that it’s exactly the style that we are looking for!’

The couple took on the mammoth task of organising not only 1 but 2 weddings in separate countries, Scotland and America, in the same year! The first wedding celebration was in Caithness as this is where Roger is from and wow what a place for wedding, it is absolutely gorgeous! Even in the pouring rain it’s gorgeous, we made that lovely discovery on the day.

It was touch and go at point whether the Caithness wedding would go actually ahead because Lisa’s visa didn’t arrive….until 30 MINUTES before her flight was due to take off to Scotland and then sadly some of Lisa’s families flights from America got cancelled but they all got there in the end and it was unbelievable. Lisa & Roger have so much love for each other everything just fell into place on the day and it was truly beautiful..

On the wedding day, they planned to have the ceremony outside but the weather was in true Scottish style a bit wild so they opted to move the ceremony to the wee Lighthouse event space which was decorated with lots of fairy lights, it was beautiful. The couple wrote their own vows and Lisa ended hers by telling Roger ‘It’s always been you‘…stunning.

After the ceremony we went on a wee adventure down to the shoreline for photos and explored the moorland it was amazing. Huge shout out to Lisa’s amazing friend Kelly who helped organised so much on the day and drove the couple and myself to the locations.

A wee bit of a shocker was that all the electricity cut off after the ceremony due to the wild weather so the speeches were done by candle light. Shout out to Norseman Hotel – The Caithness Collection who managed to cook an amazing meal for everyone from one of the Lighthouse Keepers wee cottages next door! And to K.G Events and Graham of Dynamic Sounds who got the electricity back on in time for the first dance, phew!

It was incredible…

For all enquiries: www.debbiethorntonphotography.co.uk

Puilladobhrain, Isle of Seil Wedding

12th Mar 20239th Feb 2025Debbie Thornton PhotographyLeave a comment

For all booking enquiries: www.debbiethorntonphotography.co.uk

‘They are wonderful. Really love how they are so naturally captured, wonderful As is the video, thank you so much!!! Really looking forward to go through all with my grandma! Take good care and thank you again for your wonderful photos…’

It was an absolute pleasure to photograph Yasmine & Hugo’s wedding! I especially loved meeting their big softy dog ‘Finn’ who was their ring bearer.

The couple had a small outdoor humanist ceremony with their family and friends at Puilladobhrain which translates as ‘The Pool of the otter’, it so was beautiful.

Their ceremony had a mix of Scottish and German traditions; ‘cutting the lumber’ was very funny to watch, picture the Chuckle Brothers ‘to me to you’ and picture this lovely couple with a bow saw and thick branch.

They laughed so much and they were a joy to photograph.

Yasmine & Hugo had a great team of wedding suppliers:

Flowers – https://www.thethistleandtherose.co.uk/

Humanist – https://www.facebook.com/penny.earle.humanist.celebrant/?locale=en_GB

Travel – Highland Rover Loch Awe

Dinner Venue – https://tighantruish.co.uk/

www.debbiethorntonphotography.co.uk

Torridon Wedding Photographer – Wee Highland Wedding.

12th Feb 202228th Mar 2025Debbie Thornton PhotographyLeave a comment

For all booking enquires contact me via www.debbiethorntonphotography.co.uk

“Debbie is incredible! She just seemed to get us, and get what we wanted on our wedding day. She was so calm, helpful, and attentive and put everyone at ease. We got married in our garden and we really wanted natural wedding photographs and she absolutely nailed it. The photographs are the perfect memory of a fantastic day, and I can’t thank Debbie enough. Highly recommend!”

These are the kinds of weddings that I live for as a photographer! A laid back couple, stunning location, gorgeous flowers, surrounded by nature, there’s a dog in attendance (happy for cats/other animals to be there too) and a day that focuses on the love that the couple have for each other, their family and friends. BEAU-TI-FUL!

Mairi and Scott are a wonderful couple who wanted a very low key wedding in their garden surrounded by family and friends, it was unbelievably beautiful! When the couple contacted me they said they didn’t like being the centre of attention and that they were breaking from some of the usual wedding traditions.

In the morning of the wedding this couple went for a wild swim along the road from their house, organised the last few things for the ceremony, got ready together in the house, chatted to their guests just before the ceremony, it was all so relaxed.

Here’s what they said about their day….

Wedding planning

“We didn’t know until a few weeks before the wedding how many guests we could have due to Covid-19 restrictions… but the nature of the wedding we’d planned meant that it didn’t matter too much. Our house was the venue and we did the catering ourselves.”

“The day was designed to be very relaxed so we could enjoy ourselves in the run up to it and also on the day.”

Mairi – “the most joyful part for me was the flowers! All our flowers came from our neighbours’ gardens, and myself and my mum, Scott’s mum, sister and our friends spent a glorious morning in the sunshine picking and arranging the flowers. It was almost meditative, and just a riot of colour and joy!”

Outfits

Scott – “I’m very proud of being Scottish and I wore my family tartan. I got my kilt for my 21^st birthday there was no decision to make really!”

Mairi – “I really wanted a comfortable dress that was simple but still felt special to wear! I looked at second-hand dresses, but I found this beautiful dress on Etsy (here) and Ksenia made it to measure for me. It was affordable and exactly what I was looking for.”

Ceremony

“We didn’t want to be stressed by our wedding day, we wanted to be able to relax and enjoy it. We chose a humanist ceremony, and when we found Vivienne our celebrant we instantly knew we wanted her to conduct our ceremony, she understood us and understood what we wanted. We wrote the ceremony ourselves, so it was very personal to us and made sure that it wasn’t too long as we don’t like being the centre of attention!”

Memories

“We were so lucky with the weather! And to have our closest friends and family celebrating with us in such a relaxed way was so special, particularly post Covid. Standing back and seeing our loved ones all having a good time, laughing, meeting new people – it was incredible.”

Favourites

“We love this photo as it captures so many memories and stories in one photo – ice creams in the sunshine on our wedding day, our house, the bench Scott’s parents gave us as an engagement present, memories of painting the house in lockdown sunshine, the weather-vane, the gravel Mairi’s dad weeded for the big day, our dog’s balls on the window sill. It means so much!“

“And this photo as it captures a quiet moment of reflection and love after the ceremony.”

Looking back

“Honestly, we didn’t find it stressful at all. I think we’d do it the same again! The only worry was one we couldn’t control – the weather!”

Advice

“Try and enjoy the planning! Don’t put pressure on yourselves. Remember the day is about you and your partner, not about other people, so don’t worry about any expectations to have specific wedding traditions that you’re not keen on or comfortable with. We didn’t have speeches or cake cutting or a first dance because that wasn’t what we wanted. So go with what you want!”