A Love Story to Newhall Mains

Nestled on the Northern edge of the Black Isle, not too far from Dingwall, sits Newhall Mains. A wee slice of luxury which has provided a unique backdrop to many love stories over the years.

Two of which were Alison & Chris and Chloe & Darren.

Both couples said “I do” at Newhall Mains in July 2023 and I had the pleasure of capturing their special days.

Alison & Chris

Chloe & Darren

The two couples could not be more different, but both have excellent taste and chose the rustic beauty of Newhall Mains as their setting - blending the traditional with the modern and spoiling me with backdrops for photos.

Both brides chose to get ready in the stunning Catriona cottage where we enjoyed bridal party portraits with their bride squad in the dressing room… and bride Alison suggested taking advantage of the incredible free-standing bathtub for some sultry boudoir-style shots - testing my lighting skills and nerve as time ticked down before their ceremony 😀

Cue gorgeous heartfelt ceremonies in the main building - decorated exquisitely by local florist Bothy Blooms - followed by confetti, drinks receptions and group shots - some wilder than others - in the courtyard.

At this point in the day, I generally encourage couples to get away for some quiet time & photos together. With C&D, we escaped the happy chaos for some shots around the grounds and, as a previous student of architecture, I adore all the stone facades of the renovated stable block, courtyard and doocot. The colours, detailing, symmetry and full height arch window features are a photographer’s dream and the couple absolutely rocked these photos.

A&C however, were focused on enjoying time with their family & friends, so I enjoyed tootling about getting lots of fun, candid shots during the afternoon and instead snuck them out for 20 mins before their desserts arrived, to capture some of the fading evening light and laugh uproariously between beautiful photos around the grounds and surrounding fields.

Chloe & Darren had relaxed after dinner - with all the formalities off their attention-shy shoulders - so we jumped into my car and chased the sun to a beautiful nearby barley field that I’d previously scouted. We laughed and twirled and talked complete nonsense, with videographer Scott from Flying Scotsman Productions on hand to ramp up my daft patter. It was a lot of fun and we came away with beautiful, romantic & joyful photos.

I love sneaking couples away for a little quiet time before their parties - maybe just 20 mins so we don't miss too much of the party fun - and these couples perfectly showcase letting your personalities shine through during this time with your photographer.

Alison & Chris on the other hand, had completely disappeared before their reception! Turns out they’d snuck off, giggling like honeymoon-phase teenagers to retouch make-up & get a drink alone in their cottage. Myself and Newhall’s wedding coordinator had gone to find them… but before they were encouraged away for their first dance, I couldn’t resist capturing on camera a little of the palpable sizzle in the air between them🔥

Both wedding parties then lit up the dancefloor, with Darren’s musical family wowing us from the off-set. His father & older brother performed a medley on the bagpipes, before his younger brother kicked off the dancing with a self-penned song for their first dance. And both weddings filled the dancefloor as the sun set on two beautiful days, and also weddings at Newhall Mains.

Because, sadly for me and the Highland wedding scene, these two couples were the last to marry at the venue before they ended their chapter of catering to weddings and started a new one - focusing on their luxury holiday lets and private events. But Newhall Mains will always have a place in my heart and will be remembered by many couples for its significant part in their love story.

Alison x

ps. The venue continues to offer a luxury holiday experience for those wishing to escape their busy lives for some peace on the Black Isle. They offer five individually themed cottages as well as double bedroom suites - all beautifully decorated and with fully equipped kitchens. Guests can also sample local produce courtesy of the newly-installed full time chef. There is even an airplane landing strip!