Scotland Elopement Photographer – More than just a booking – Debbie Thornton Photography.

For all enquiries: www.debbiethorntonphotography.co.uk

Over the years, I’ve come to understand that the way I photograph people, whether on their wedding day, elopement, family or engagement shoot, it has nothing to do with showing up and just “getting the shot”.

It’s about something far slower paced and quieter. It’s always about connection.

The people who find me and choose to book me don’t just want pictures. They’re not ticking a box, neither am I. And I’m not just providing a service.

It is so personal.

For some, this might not sound for them at all. This is completely ok, there’s so many photographers to work with these days. For me, in a world that feels increasingly fast and fragmented, with connections often replaced by transactions, I want people to know that how I work is different. The honest photographs I make only come from mutual care and attention.

I’ve spent years honing this.

It’s the part I’ve never learned in the years of photography courses I’ve done, it can’t be taught, it just is. It’s the part where there’s space for couples. They have the freedom at shoots to be completely themselves, without any pressure at all. It’s the same thing that draws me to nature and the reason I’m so inspired by it, its refusal to be anything other than itself.

Nature does not rush. It does not perform for people. And neither do the couples or families who book with me.

This work, to me, is so deeply personal. Every couple, every family, every shoot. If you’re looking for someone to show up and simply do a job, I might not be the right fit. That’s completely ok. But if you’re looking for someone who listens, really listens to you, and who wants to understand who you are and what matters to you before ever lifting the camera, then we’re probably on the same page already.

That mutual communication is everything. It’s the quiet thread that runs through my entire process, from our very first messages right through to the photographs you’ll eventually receive in your inboxes or in the post. Communication is key to my whole photography process. If there is clear communication then I have more of an understanding.

So if you’ve landed here wondering if this is the right way to tell your story, if you feel a connection to my photos and how I work. I would love to hear from you.

For all enquiries: www.debbiethorntonphotography.co.uk

Red Point Beach Wedding Photographer – Wester Ross Elopement Photographer.

For all enquiries: www.debbiethorntonphotography.co.uk

Wester Ross Photographer – Loch Maree, Beinn Eighe Family Photography.

For all enquiries: www.debbiethorntonphotography.co.uk

‘OMG we love them! Absolutely buzzing, they’re so good! …We had a great time on the day, and that’s coming from people who don’t enjoy posing for photos! …Thank you so much for the memories. I cant wait to get some printed-how I’ll choose which ones to frame I have no idea.’

It was lovely meeting Michelle, Scott & new born baby Owen who was 5 weeks old at the shoot. Owen is absolutely adorable! It’s such a honour to photograph these special times for families,

I’ve been photographing families for around 16 years now and I still absolutely love to do these shoots. I’m available to book throughout the Wester Ross area of the Highlands for family photos/mini shoots, weddings and elopement photography.

For all enquiries: www.debbiethorntonphotography.co.uk

Gairloch Wedding Photographer – Brander Lodge.

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 HairBridal hair by Laura

Flowers: The Thistle & The Rose

Registrar: Catherine Dodds Argyll and Bute Registrars

Piper: Angus MacColl

Botanic Gardens Pre wedding shoot – Gairloch Wedding Photographer.

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

I had the best time photographing Yota & Tony, they are such an amazing couple and as soon as we met I knew they were my kind of people! They are so in love, laid back, so funny and were wonderful to photograph at the Botanic Gardens.

Yota & Tony are both from Greece but decided that Scotland is the place where they want to be married, Yota recently graduated in Glasgow and they both love the city so planned their beautiful wedding at the Oran Mhor. Talking to them about their wedding plans they said they really wanted a chilled out wee wedding day, which they did have and I’ll be blogging soon!

Here’s a wee look at their pre wedding shoot:

A great time had with this amazing couple!

http://www.debbiethorntonphotography.co.uk

The Brander Lodge Wedding – Taynuilt Wedding – Scotland Wedding Photographer.

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

‘Alastair and I want to say a huge thank you, we were able to re-live the happiest day all over again looking through our wedding gallery, you’ve done the most amazing job. We feel so lucky to have you as our wedding photographer, you’ve captured our favourite moments so naturally and we wouldn’t have felt so at ease if it hadn’t have been for you…. having our photo taken doesn’t come naturally to either of us. You really are so talented and such a lovely person to have around too! We hope to see you at future weddings for family or friends, we cannot recommend you enough!

Shona & Alastair got in touch with me before they’d even booked their venue, they knew where they wanted to have their wedding but hadn’t quite settled on a date yet. When they first got in touch they said I’d been recommended to them and they loved that I capture how happy everyone looks on their wedding day.

We met at their venue quite a wee while before the wedding and we got on great, I knew from then that their wedding was going to be amazing. They’re a very laid back couple and they wanted their wedding day to be a relaxed day and for everyone to enjoy themselves – which they all did!

Shona & Alastair’s wedding had lots of personal touches from family with Aunty Fiona creating stunning flower displays for the arches and tables- they were beautiful and she said she just does it for fun, Uncle David created the arch to hold the flowers for the ceremony and Shona’s Mum Kirsty making all the gorgeous Shortbread favours. Alastair’s Mum Morven and Dad George were also a great help to the couple in the lead up to the wedding and luckily live not to far away from them or their venue. Really wonderful families!

The couple’s Argyll & Bute registrar Jean was the lady who had registered Shona’s birth and now she was conducting her wedding, it was amazing! Jean’s ceremony was so lovely.

After the ceremony the couple wanted to make sure they got to chat with their guests so they had a few drinks, relaxed and mingled before we headed off to visit Alastair’s Grandpa at his home. Alastair’s Grandpa hadn’t been too well at the time so unfortunately couldn’t make the wedding ceremony but he was absolutely brilliant fun when we arrived at his farm to see him – I was warned beforehand that I wasn’t to mention who my Connel family connections were because we had limited time and he’d keep us there all day haha what a laugh they had with him. He was making fun of them when I was taking a few shots by the classic Red Telephone Box…always wanted to photograph a couple by one of these and he had one on this farm!

The speeches were brilliant from Shona’s Dad Alasdair, the Groom Alastair and the best man Duncan, they were heartfelt and very funny.

We went for a wee wander outside the venue after dinner for some photos – the meal was lovely shout out The Brander Lodge and Shona & Alastair for providing a really tasty 3 course meal.

In the evening the couple danced the night way to music from the Oban legend DJ George Noble and then ceilidh-ed the night away into the early hours with their guests, perfection!

Here’s a wee look their beautiful day with all Shona & Alastair’s suppliers credit at the end:

 

Huge shout out to all Shona & Alastair’s wedding suppliers:

Hair – K.l.M Hair

Make up – Simone Carter

Registrar – Jean Campbell Argyll and Bute Registrars

Venue – The Brander Lodge Hotel & Bistro

Bouquets & Buttonholes – The Thistle & The Rose

Cake – Natalie’s Cupcakery

Piano Player & Singer – Andy Lucas Piano

Venue Flowers – Shona’s Auntie Fiona Cruickshanks

Arch for flowers -Shona’s Uncle David

Wedding Dress – Enchanted Bridal

Shoes & Hair piece – @WestEndWedddingBoutique

DJ – George Noble

Band – Hector McFadyen

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

Scotland Engagement/Pre Wedding Shoot Locations

Nature inspired, emotional photography for Scotland – Debbie Thornton Photography

Couples shoots are one of my absolute favourite things to do as a Scotland Wedding Photographer At shoots with me we are essentially just going for a wander somewhere in the wilderness and I take shots of you together before you become Mr & Mrs, Mrs & Mrs or Mr & Mr.

Scotland is a total dream for couples shoots, weddings and elopements because there’s so many beautiful locations whether you are in the City, the coast, the Highlands or Islands, it’s all good and you’ll see a wee range of places here.

The engagement shoot is a beautiful thing and I highly recommended it if you are nervous about having your photo taken, by doing this type of shoot it takes away the awkwardness you might feel from your photographer just turning up on your wedding day or any stress you might feel thinking about the camera being there at your wedding. At the shoot you’ll see how your photographer works putting you at ease, it’s a photographer’s job to get the best from you so if you love their work then trust you’ll be in good hands and just be yourselves. I like to take a laid back, calm approach to all my shoots and I capture so many beautiful wee moments.

I would recommend having an engagement shoot if you can have one with your photographer. I have a few engagement shoot options that can be booked separately as a gift for a couple or added as part of a wedding package.

In this post I wanted to share some of the engagement shoots I’ve photographed to give you an idea of some of the amazing locations here in Scotland.

Here’s a wee look at some of the places:

Glencoe

Edinburgh

Glasgow

Outer HebridesIsle of North Uist

Troon

InverarayDun Na Cuaiche

Culzean Castle

West Kilbride – The Waterside

Glen Dubh

Inner Hebrides – Isle of Kerrera

Oban

If it rains on your shoot day the sky can be so atmospheric and it makes for great photos so I would recommend just going for it. The photos of Lawrie & Ally in the Isle of Kerrera and of Amber and Dave in Oban, both those days were really wet but look at the couples all happy and not giving a two hoots about it!

The places I’ve shared here are also great Scotland wedding and elopement photography locations.

If you would like help planning your engagement, wedding or elopement in Scotland then feel free to get in touch: www.debbiethortntonphotography.co.uk

WEST Brewery Wedding – Glasgow

For all enquiries: debbiethorntonphotography.co.uk

“Debbie was the photographer for our wedding at the WEST brewery in Glasgow. Debbie was fantastic in every way. She made us feel at ease before the wedding when we first met her. On the actual day Debbie made sure to capture the fun and spirit of the day. The colours and quality of the photos are incredible and we will treasure the photos forever. We wouldn’t hesitate on recommending Debbie to any other couples who want beautiful, natural photos of their special day.”

Claire & Alex, The West Brewery, Glasgow.

This was one unbelievably brilliant wedding, it was stunning, the people were so much fun and there was just right amount of madness!

Claire & Alex first met while studying at Cambridge. They bonded over the song Angels by Robbie Williams one night after a few drinks (they were belting out that song one night together as told during the speeches by bridesmaid Jessica) and the rest is history.

They held their wedding in The West Brewery in Glasgow as they felt it was a good representation of them both mixing their cultures from Scotland and Germany… plus they love Beer!

The ceremony was beautiful, Claire & Alex had a mix of traditions from handfasting and a whisky filled Quaich from Scotland then to represent Alex’s German heritage they both had to drink from a Numberg Bridal Cup and Baumstamm sägen (log sawing), everyone went outside to watch Claire and Alex saw a big log to show they will always work together in their marriage. It was brilliant fun!

Later after their meal and speeches, Alex’s sister Julie had organised some wedding games as this is the tradition in Germany and they were absolutely hilarious!

After the games everyone danced the night away at the ceilidh.

It was a perfect day.

Claire & Alex had a great team of wedding suppliers:

Venue – West Brewery

Humanist – Susan IHC Humanist Celebrant

Hair & Make up – The Blushed Bride

Flowers – Fleur and Blume

Cakes – The Little Cake Parlour Glasgow

Band – Stirling Celildh Band

Loch Melfort Hotel Wedding – Arduaine

For all enquiries: www.debbiethorntonphotography.co.uk

“What incredible photos…You are very talented! Such a lovely way to capture the day. Thank you so much.”

James & Katie wanted to have a wee wedding on the West Coast as James’s family is from the area. Katie searched the internet and discovered Arduaine Gardens and the Loch Melfort was the perfect location for the couple. The couple discovered that the Loch Melfort hotel was where James’s family had their honeymoon but they no clue about this until after they booked and also it’s the exact same area where James would holiday as a child…it was obviously meant to be.

Their wedding was beautiful! It was really relaxed and over looking the sea.

James & Katie travelled up from Leeds with their immediate family to have their Humanist ceremony by the lovely Shona Sharp (Highly Recommend!). Their ceremony included two Highland traditions with a Handfasting and sharing a Quaich they also had their nephew as their ring bearer which was lovely.

I love a wee relaxed wedding by the sea and this was perfect!

Lovely to work with Katie & James’s wedding suppliers:

Hair – K.l.M Hair

Flowers – by Katie the bride

Venue – Loch Melfort Hotel and Restaurant

Humanist – Shona Sharp Humanist Celebrant

www.debbiethorntonphotography.co.uk

Port Appin & Isle of Lismore Elopement

For all enquires: www.debbiethorntonphotography.co.uk

“…Our wedding was a small elopement and we wanted a personal natural style of photographs. Debbie, right away made us feel very comfortable. Despite the weather taking a turn for the worse, she managed to bring the best out of us and the scenery and even got us a trip on the local small passenger ferry leading to fun and unexpected photographs. Her photography captured just what we hoped for and more in those special moments she saw that you don’t get from a set pose. Her service throughout from start to final follow up was excellent and we are delighted with our photographs. Debbie’s photography is excellent and we would highly recommend her. Thanks Debbie for adding to our amazing day”

When Rosie & Ian first contacted me they said they were looking for natural photos of their highland elopement ‘We’d like someone who’d be able to capture our happiness in an informal way…. We love Port Appin and the scenery there and hoping the weather is kind.’ The weather being kind hmmm I mean Billy Connolly says ‘There’s two seasons in Scotland: June and Winter’ Rosie and Ian were eloping in March.

It’s always a joy for me to hear how couples first met, especially if there’s a bit of a love story. Rosie & Ian were friends in school then they went away lived life and lost touch for years…until 8 years ago when Ian moved back to their home town and they found each other again through Facebook. Now they were having a real elopement, they didn’t tell anyone and ran away to the Highlands for the ceremony just the two of them. I LOVE ELOPEMENTS exactly for this reason, it’s so romantic!

So the weather, eh, on the day of their elopement there was torrential rain but they ended up not caring at all and for me as their photographer this was amazing as it meant they were game for a wee bit of an adventure in the rain.

Rosie & Ian held their ceremony in The Pierhouse at Port Appin which is a great wee venue for small weddings, they asked two of the staff to be their witnesses. It was a lovely ceremony (as always) by Argyll Registrar Fiona Dickie. The couple had a handfasting ceremony, which is a tradition in the Highlands where the the couple’s hands are tied with two pieces of tartan to form a knot and this where the phrase ‘tying the knot’ comes from. The handfasting symbolizes the coming together of the two clans, it’s really beautiful and always a special moment to photograph.

In front of The Pierhouse is where you catch the ferry over to the Isle of Lismore, there was no way I wasn’t getting these two on that ferry! They loved the trip over and laughed so much. Big thanks to Allan and Lyle who were working on the Lismore Passenger ferry and gave Rosie & Ian a wee shot of steering the boat. It was a really brilliant day!

I absolutely loved this elopement.

For all booking enquiries contact me via my website: http://www.debbiethorntonphotography.co.uk

Rosie & Ian’s amazing wedding suppliers were:

Venue – https://pierhousehotel.co.uk/

Registrar – Fiona Dickie https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/marriage