Mansfield Traquair is one of the most distinctive wedding venues in Edinburgh, with its soaring arches, incredible murals and wonderfully atmospheric interior. I’ve photographed weddings here more than once, and every celebration has felt completely different. This was a beautiful full wedding day at Mansfield Traquair, surrounded by family and friends and filled with warmth, laughter and plenty of emotion. From the ceremony beneath the murals through to the speeches, first dance and a very lively dance floor, there was always something happening. The ceremony was particularly atmospheric. In such an impressive space it would be easy for the building to become the main attraction, but for me it is always the people that matter most — the expressions during the ceremony, little glances between the couple, reactions from family and friends and all those moments happening quietly around them.
A wedding day at Mansfield Traquair
One of the things I enjoy about photographing weddings at Mansfield Traquair is the contrast between the grandeur of the venue and the intimacy of the moments happening inside it.The painted murals, high arches and soft interior light create an extraordinary backdrop for the ceremony and reception, while the iconic red doors and surrounding Edinburgh streets give us something completely different for couple portraits.We stepped outside for a short walk during the day, using the nearby streets for a few relaxed portraits. I never want portraits to take a couple away from their wedding for too long, so we simply walked, chatted and made photographs along the way before heading back to the celebration.
Documentary wedding photography at Mansfield Traquair
Most of the day was photographed exactly as it happened. I quietly followed the celebration, looking for the laughter, hugs, conversations, reactions and smaller moments that can easily go unnoticed when you're right in the middle of your wedding. As the day moved into the evening, the atmosphere changed again. The speeches brought plenty of laughter and emotion, followed by the first dance and a packed dance floor. I love photographing this part of a wedding. Once everyone is dancing and completely involved in the celebration, there is no need to manufacture anything — the movement, expressions and slightly wonderful chaos of a busy dance floor give me everything I need.
Looking back through a wedding gallery like this, I want the photographs to show more than the beautiful surroundings of Mansfield Traquair. They should bring back the people who were there, the atmosphere in the room and all the little things that made the day theirs.
If you're getting married at Mansfield Traquair and looking for an Edinburgh wedding photographer with a relaxed, documentary approach, I'd love to hear what you're planning - SAY HELLO
You can also see another Mansfield Traquair wedding I photographed, with a different celebration at this extraordinary Edinburgh venue.
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