Nicole and Gary's Stunning Wedding at MacDonald Drumossie Hotel, Inverness | Inverness Wedding Photographer

I first met Gary as the groomsman at one of my previous weddings, and I met Nicole at a wedding fair held at the MacDonald Drumossie Hotel, Inverness, in January 2023. As an Inverness wedding photographer in the Scottish Highlands, I regularly attend events to meet potential couples. I love nothing more than hearing all your plans. A few weeks later, I met up with them for a coffee, and they booked.  

 

 

Fast forward to August 2024, and it was time for their wedding.

The Bridal Preps.

Arriving at the Drumossie around 9:30 am, I headed to the boardroom to catch up with the bridal party. Gillian Hoban's makeup was hard at work, along with Suzanne McMahon Hair, getting everyone ready. I worked around everyone candidly so as not to hold up proceedings, capturing the morning's activities.

I managed to go and photograph Nicole's wedding dress and accessories. Then, pop down to capture the ceremony room, cake and any details set out.

The Groom.

Once Gary and his groomsmen arrived (Stephen, Gordon and Darren), they timed to perfection when the bridal party were getting into their dresses. I met them outside on the grounds to capture some photos of the four of them.

 

Returning to the bridal party to capture some portraits of Nicole and her bridesmaids before doing the Dad reveal.

The Ceremony.

It was now time for the main event! The ceremony with Nicole's Dad, Paul, all ready to walk her down the aisle as proud as punch. Heading to the front to capture the flower girls, followed by the bridesmaids coming down the aisle. Next was Nicole, looking stunning, on Dad Paul's arm, with a fun-filled ceremony retelling stories about the couple and how they met. During the ceremony, they had the traditional Quiach (filled with Smirnoff Ice).

Following the signing of the register, I made my way to the back, ready to capture the couple walking down the aisle as husband and wife for the first time.

 

Giving them fifteen minutes to grab a drink and chat with their guests before setting up a confetti shot and a big group photo with everyone.

The Couple Portraits.

Once we had completed this, I took Nicole and Gary for a walk around the grounds of the Drumossie Hotel. It was a chance to chill alone, and I could capture some stunning portraits of them both.

Once we returned, we set about rounding up their guest for the customary family group photos. Gary had written a list for me, which was, to say the least, challenging. Even his groomsmen were commenting on it. We more or less managed to get them all, even with folk disappearing at various opportunities. Even Marta at the Drumossie was laughing as we finally got everyone in and seated for the speeches.

The Speeches.

With the speeches underway, I did my usual of going around the room, capturing the laughter and tears as Dad, Gary, and Gordon read out the stories.  

 

Retiring to the room with the speeches complete to grab a break and something to eat whilst everyone enjoyed the wedding meal.

Back Outside.

With the meal over, I took Gary and Nicole back outside for some photos in the evening light, as there was a slight hint of a sunset, and then rounded to the front of the building for a champagne shot (well, a bottle of Noseseco).

Cake Cutting and First Dance.

Back inside for some candid photos as the guests mingle before being called in for the cutting of the cake and the first dance. With the first dance complete and everyone hitting the dance floor, I got right into the middle of the action. Creating some dramatic dance floor action shots.

 

And with that, I said my goodbyes and left for home after another brilliant wedding in Inverness. As an Inverness wedding photographer, it is always brilliant to be at the Drumossie Hotel. Especially being brought up in Caithness and being familiar with the area.
 

Planning a wedding at Drumossie Hotel in Inverness

Drumossie Hotel is a venue that suits the kind of wedding day many couples want. It feels elegant without feeling overdone, and that balance comes through in the photographs. There is a sense of occasion to it, but it still leaves room for the day to feel relaxed and natural.

From a photography point of view, it works well because the day can unfold without feeling broken up. From the morning preparations through to the ceremony, drinks reception, portraits, and evening celebrations, everything comes together in a way that helps the day feel smooth and unforced. That always makes a difference, both in how the wedding feels and in how it is photographed.

The grounds around Drumossie also give you enough space for portraits without making them a major interruption. You can step away for a few quiet minutes, create something polished and natural, and then return to the day without missing the atmosphere. For couples who want photographs that feel considered but never staged, that works especially well.

It is also a venue that holds up well when the Highland weather does what it likes. If the rain arrives or the wind picks up, there are indoor spaces that still photograph beautifully, which means the look of the coverage can stay consistent without feeling like a compromise.

If you are planning a wedding at Drumossie Hotel in Inverness and want photography that feels calm, refined and true to the day, it is a venue I would be very happy to return to.
 

FAQs

Is Drumossie Hotel a good wedding venue for photography?
Yes. Drumossie Hotel works really well for wedding photography. It has an elegant feel, good space throughout the day, and grounds that give you options for natural couple portraits without needing to go far.

What if the weather is poor on a wedding day at Drumossie Hotel?
That is always worth thinking about in Inverness, but Drumossie works well in mixed weather. If it is wet or windy, there are indoor spaces that still photograph well, so you can still have polished, natural images without the day feeling disrupted.

Do you photograph weddings at Drumossie Hotel in Inverness?
Yes, I photograph weddings at Drumossie Hotel as part of my work across Inverness and the Highlands. My approach is relaxed and natural, with gentle guidance when needed and plenty of space for the day to unfold properly.

 

Inverness Wedding Photography at the MacDonald Drumossie Hotel.

If you're planning your wedding and looking for your ideal photographer in Inverness, I'd love to have a chat.

I always advise finding a photographer whose style you love. Social media is a good starting point; looking through their website is a better indication. I would be happy to show you complete weddings, as this will give you an indication of my style and consistency, which is very important.

It's why I get booked by couples all over, from Aberdeen to Caithness and over the Scottish Highlands.

 

I offer a range of packages, starting with a digital package and progressing to my Premium package, which is excellent value and packed with extras. 

Contact Me.

Inverness Wedding Photographer.
Caithness Wedding Photographer.

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