This was Manuela and Lewis's 3rd wedding...to each other! 


Firstly, they had a simple registry office wedding to make everything official, followed by a celebration in M's home country of Argentina. I was trusted to capture the 3rd and (probably!) final celebration in Lewis' hometown of Fort William.

The base for celebrations was the Clan MacDuff Hotel, which was built by L's grandparents and still run by the family. A beautiful hotel, with an incredible view out across Loch Linnhe and the surrounding hills.

Yellow daffodils line a scenic Scottish loch road with snow-capped mountains and blue skies in spring.

Loch Linnhe

I joined M, her mum and friends at the hotel's Lodge to document them getting ready and sharing traditional Argentinian 'Mate' tea. And was also lucky to catch their friends nipping out of the hotel for a quick dook!


I met Lewis with his friends and future in-laws at the Ben Nevis Inn for photos and food - an ideal spot for a local groom who's no stranger to running the brutal Ben Nevis hill race with his friends! And despite hiding inside for a bit, we eventually braved the ominous weather for fun groomsman portraits amongst the puddles and snow flurries.


I returned to Manu for last minute prep and some (hilariously blustery) bridal portraits, before we headed along to the stunning St Andrews Church in the town centre for their beautiful ceremony. 😍 


Three women laughing and chatting in a hotel room, one wearing a robe, in a candid black and white photo.
Four men wearing traditional Scottish kilts posing together on a misty Highland path with mountains in the background.
Bride in flowing white wedding gown holding bouquet by a loch with mountains in background, black and white photo.
Emotional bride wiping tears holding bouquet beside smiling groom in grey suit during wedding ceremony.
Bride and groom share first kiss at ornate church altar with stunning stained glass windows during Scottish wedding ceremony.

St Andrews Church, Fort William

After I struggled to get the church door open and was saved by a Groomsman (thankfully everyone laughed as I made a tit of myself!), we all decanted outside into surprise sunshine. M&L made a fabulously cinematic exit, with confetti and waves, before jumping straight into the Land Rover and zipping away up Glen Nevis for some quiet time in the hills. It was admittedly freezing, but Manu and her stunning self-designed gown survived a gorgeous wee shoot before we headed back down the hill to the hotel.

Bride and groom exit a historic stone church surrounded by cheering guests throwing confetti on a bright winter wedding day.
Black and white photo of a bride and groom sitting in a vintage car, bride holding a bouquet, sharing an intimate moment.
Couple in wedding attire walking hand-in-hand on a gravel path toward snow-capped Scottish Highland mountains.
Couple embracing in Scottish Highlands with snow-capped mountains, groom in kilt, bride in white dress.
Bride and groom smiling on a bridge with a rushing river and misty mountain backdrop on their wedding day.
Black and white photo of a smiling bride and groom embracing with snow-capped mountains in the background.
Groom in tartan kilt lifts bride in white dress outdoors with misty Scottish Highland mountains in background.

Thus followed a few family photos, speeches and dinner before The Main Event - Dancing!! 


The couple - especially Manuela - are serious about dancing. So we had a traditional Scottish ceilidh (and I swear it was one of the best ceilidh performances I've seen a wedding, despite half the guests not knowing the dances) then onto the Argentinian 'Pogo' time. Which involved a LOT of bouncing, glow in the dark accessories, non stop energy and some seriously impressive core strength. The bride meant business! 


I was booked until midnight - a first for me- to document the fun, and there was no doubt that the dancing was going to continue well into the wee hours!!

Black and white photo of a laughing bride and groom sharing a joyful moment together at their wedding reception dinner.
Energetic Scottish ceilidh dancers in traditional kilts and red dress spin on a wooden dance floor at a lively wedding reception.
Large group of people sitting in a circle on a wooden dance floor at a lively indoor social gathering.

This was such a fun day and I always love learning about and documenting blended traditions. 

Thank you so much M&L for having me as part of your day, and please get in touch if you're ready for round 4 in another beautiful part of the world! 😀

Suppliers:


Venue: Clan MacDuff Hotel

Hair and Make Up: Bonnys Wonderland

Flowers: Lewis' auntie at Stunning Flowers

Boys' pre-wedding lunch: The Ben Nevis Inn

Ceremony Venue: St Andrews Church, Fort William

Dress: Manuela designed herself

Evening band: JimJam Ceilidh Band

People wading in a cold Scottish loch with snow-dusted hills under cloudy skies.
Modern white chalet-style building with glass balcony railing, stone pillars, and steps, set against a hillside backdrop.
Makeup artist applying cosmetics to a woman in a striped blue shirt sitting in a salon chair.
Elegant ruby and diamond stud earrings displayed in a red Cartier jewelry box on a reflective surface.
Traditional Argentine mate gourd with metal bombilla straw on dark table in cozy cafe setting.
Bride getting hair done by stylist while bridesmaids in white robes watch in a cozy room.
Young woman laughing joyfully while sitting in a room, wearing a blue striped shirt with a pencil in her hair.
Black and white photo of a bride getting her hair done by a masked stylist while sitting cross-legged on a stool.
Wooden sign reading Achintee Grazings Please Keep All Dogs On Lead, set against misty Scottish Highland mountains.
Ben Nevis Inn stone building with Real Food Real Ale sign, set against Scottish Highland hills under overcast sky.
Three rustic wildflower bouquets with thistles and roses leaning against a gray concrete wall.
Bride in white wedding gown adjusting her shoe by a large window with scenic loch views in a hotel room.
Young boy in a vest looking out a window at a scenic outdoor view, hands pressed against the glass.
Groom in tweed suit getting boutonniere pinned by groomsman in black and white wedding photo.
Silver crucifix rosary resting on elegant white and blush rose wedding bouquet with greenery.