fiona's world

hidden but not gone!

2010-08-05T22:41:00.002+01:00

the new website is live and I'm so happy with it. There will be a brand new blog too but this blog will stay where it is forever and ever. For weddings post June 2010 then please go to www.fionamacneill.com/blog

Love Fiona xxx

normal service resumes...

2010-07-31T18:47:00.001+01:00

Phew- panic over...my site is back in action.

Fxxx

Site down - aaaaargh

2010-07-30T11:04:00.002+01:00

Hello - this is a bummer of a post but my site is down and will be for the next few hours while my tech people try to fix it.

I apologise to any clients trying to view slideshows but these are down also.

As soon as it is working, I'll post again.

Thanks for your patience.

Fiona x

wild flowers

2010-07-12T20:35:00.006+01:00

Bon soir!

I am back from a very hot and sunny South of France and can't begin to say what an amazing holiday I've had. Two blissful weeks with Jason, Nina and the Boy!

So, I arrived home late yesterday and was straight back into the swing of things today with a pre-wedding shoot. I hadn't met Kirsteen and Jamie before today as they live in London so we had a good long chat over coffee before going outside for a wee practise session. I don't normally Blog about pre-wedding shoots any more but there were one or two pictures from today that I just had to share! Right next to the car park where we met was a patch of wild flowers and I just knew I had to use them. Kirsteen's Mum had told her to watch out for honey bees as they are very active in the clover right now and she was right! There were little bees on most of the flowers, especially the clover but we managed to find a trampled down patch free of clover and didn't squash any bees whilst we were there!

Anyway, I've chosen a couple of my favourites and have posted them below. I think they are so lovely and who would know that there were cars and loads of pedestrians all around us! It looks as if we are in some beautiful, lofty Alpine meadow!

I can't wait until the weekend when Kirsteen and Jamie get married at Ardanaiseig. They were naturals in front of the camera and Saturday promises to be a wonderful celebration.

I still have some availability for later in the year and a few key summer dates for next year so email me ASAP if you wish to book. Remember, every client gets a complimentary pre-wedding shoot which is brilliant fun and invaluable if you want to relax and feel at ease in front of the camera!

Fxxx

Holiday

2010-06-24T23:11:00.001+01:00

Hey - this is just to say I'm on hols now until the 11th of July! I will have access to my emails whilst away but if you need me urgently then do call my mobile.

Fxxx

Amanda and Neil in St Andrew's

2010-06-24T14:21:00.005+01:00

I am being a little naughty here and blogging out of order but there is a certain gorgeous newly-wed in Indiana champing at the bit to see her wedding pictures and I don't want to keep her waiting any longer. Amanda was the sweetest bride ever and the planning and preparation that went into her wedding went above and beyond anything I've really known before. My lovely Wendy from Utopia Wedding Planning was the coordinator and I think I heard her say that they had exchanged more than 600 emails in the couple of years they were planning! I love that...I also think Amanda would make an amazing wedding planner and wouldn't be at all surprised if we heard about Utopia Wedding Services Indiana very soon!

Amanda and Neil got married amongst the historic ruins of St Andrew's Cathedral with 14 of their nearest and dearest there to witness their joy, love and happiness. I met with them a few days before the wedding for their pre-wedding shoot so knew that we would have no problems on the day. They were a little nervous at first but soon got into the swing of things and were kissing and cuddling all over St Andrews by the end of the shoot. Amanda loved the results and I'm sure it helped reassure her that she didn't need to worry about the photography on the day.

Amanda and her sister got ready at The Old Course Hotel in the morning with Mum and Dad there soaking up all the excitement and anticipation that comes with getting your hair and make up done, the flowers arriving and knowing that in a couple of hours time you will be a Mrs!

The ceremony was perfect with all Amanda's little touches adding to the loveliness of the day. There was also a little surprise for the guests when a little barn owl called Finnbar delivered the rings to Troy, the best man! It was amazing and very Harry Potterish! I believe they are big fans.

We had some group photos in the grounds of the cathedral and then we went down to the castle rock pool and beach for a short photo session. I just knew the pictures would be stunning. Everything was right...the light, the weather, the mood!

Back at the hotel, the guests were relaxing and admiring the views over the Old Course while we took the opportunity of having some fun on the Swilcan Bridge. Well you can't go to St Andrew's and not get some shots there! There was an American TV crew there filming for the forthcoming Open Championship so I hope they got some footage of us having a giggle.

Wonderful, emotional and funny speeches preceded dinner and then the dancing started! Mike, my favourite video guy (from RPL Weddings) caught the first 3 dances on DVD but I managed to get some fab shots of them too. The third dance was a bit of a surprise when Amanda and her Dad, Randy performed the most hilarious mash up. I have never seen anything like it and had to keep remembering I was still working and not just gawping!

So, it was a wonderful day of joy, laughter, tears, emotion but most of all love. Weddings are always emotional for me, but this one just got me. I loved being a part of their day and wish them more love and happiness in their life together.

They are having a party for friends and family back home this weekend so I hope they all love the pictures. I have chosen just a teeny tiny few to post here so I hope you enjoy.

Fxxx

Kate and John - with much love x

2010-06-15T14:38:00.006+01:00

Oh my poor neglected Blog has been playing on my conscience over the last month so I have finally found a spare hour or two to blog about all my lovely wedding clients and their happy days. Now, you may think that blogging is a simple, easy thing to do - especially for a blether like me but its not...its a very complicated process using all sorts of technical wizardry, which I find hugely challenging! Anyway, I'll stop complaining and tell you a little bit about Kate and John. I know them through mutual friends and during the planning process, they have become dear friends. I like to get to know my clients so that when the day dawns, we are all familiar and comfortable around each other; it makes everyone more relaxed and the resulting photographs are always the bets they can be.

So, under an impossibly blue sky in North Berwick, Kate and John tied the knot after a year of planning. The ceremony and reception was at The Marine Hotel and I have to say that everything went according to plan, much to Kate's delight and relief. Kate wore a stunning blush pink gown by Linea Raffaelli and her bridesmaids were in a beautiful, regal purple. Her niece, Nina (good name!!!) wore a cute warm gold dress and looked every bit of a beautiful flower princess!

John get ready with his boys at the hotel too and I spent some time with them in a very small, warm room! I always like to get some shots of the boys getting ready although I'm not sure the feeling is always mutual! John forgot how to tie a bow tie and the rest of them were getting hotter and hotter by the minute and wishing they could strip back off again! I have posted a shot of John below with his 'wedding face' on! John was the best man at my friends Emma and David's wedding a few years ago and I have an identical shot of him with the same expression. I love this shot and it just sums up John!

The ceremony was lovely and there were a few sniffles when Kate's two dear friends did their readings. I must admit I had a we bubble too but soon after everyone was happy again and the rest of the day followed suit. The weather was amazing and everyone braved the fierce wind for an outdoor drinks reception. I sneaked off onto the golf course with Kate and John for a ten minute photo session and we didn't even have to dodge one golf ball.

The speeches were emotional, funny, moving and just really nice. I love the speeches and always get the most amazing shots of love and laughter. After dinner, the cake was cut and the dancing commenced. I was pooped so shot off home but was assured that the band and party at night was one to remember with some of the boys drinking well into the wee small hours.

I have posted some of my favourite shots below and hope you enjoy them. Kate and John are a truly special couple and I can't wait to show them the gorgeous album I'm designing for them!

Fxxx

That's all for today but I'll be back in the land of Blog on Thursday...Nan and Brian's wedding next xxx

Laura and Tim

2010-04-13T16:20:00.006+01:00

My first wedding of 2010 was on Good Friday in Blair Castle near Dalry. Its an amazing place for a special event and the owner Lina and her team looked after everyone very well indeed. The happy couple were Laura and Tim who live in Hong Kong but had arrived in the UK earlier in the week. Laura had entrusted a lot of the wedding planning to her Mum, Audrey who had in turn enlisted the team at 88 Events to pull out all the stops and give Laura and Tim a day to remember. Between them all, the most amazing wedding was planned to perfection and executed with precision. Everything was just as it should be and there were some surprises for Laura and Tim that had been kept a secret from them. There was a moment in the huge marquee when a big black partition dropped to reveal the dining area and the dance floor. I managed to get a shot of Laura and Tim's faces at this precise moment so I know they were just stunned. It was simply fabulous. I could go on and on about the marquee but the rest of the wedding was just as lovely. Laura looked so beautiful in a stylish hand made gown by Kerfuffle in Clarkston and carried a bouquet of simple white phalaenopsis orchids (my favourite and the same as my own wedding bouquet). Tim looked super cool and suave in a tailored grey suit and there was a great mix of tartan kilts and troos thrown in to add a splash of colour. Linda Britton, a really lovely Humanist celebrant performed the ceremony and as always she had taken the time to find out all about Laura and Tim, how they met and their love for eachother.

After the ceremony there was lots of bubbly and just enough time to get some happy family shots as well as some natural and relaxed shots of Laura and Tim.

I will have to stop now as I could go on and on but I just wanted to mention the fabulous malteser cake organised by Tim's Mum, the lovely saxophone music provided by Laura's younger cousin, the starlight dance floor complete with white grand piano, the fabulous Swing Cats, Wild Thyme catering, the fabulous Fiona from Paper Blossom Stationery and all the other little touches that made the day so special. I am seeing Laura next week after her South American honeymoon and hope she'll love the photographs I've taken for her.

It was a wedding I'll always remember and here are some of my favourite shots from the day.

F xxx

Nina and some knitted things!

2010-03-25T20:57:00.006Z

I thought it was high time that I got back into the swing of Blogging. I used to Blog often about life out with my photography business but got out of the habit because since Nina arrived I have absolutely no time for anything other than the essentials! Nina is now 21 months and one of my best ever models. I'm not saying she is cooperative, far from it, but when I do manage to get her to stop moving for one teeny tiny nanosecond, the results are usually adorable. I don't think she has ever featured on the Blog (well maybe a wee newborn shot a long time ago) so I think its time for her debut. My very clever mother in law is an expert knitter among other things and we bought her a book of knitted toy patterns. She has been beavering away for the last couple of weeks and at the weekend she sent her creations down for the kids. They are totally amazing and I can't believe she knitted them herself. Nina loves them so we set them up to take some shots to send to Granny. I'm certain there would be a market for cool knitted things...but here's a wee look in the meantime!

Fxxx

TV

2010-03-22T20:52:00.002Z

Ok so I'm not normally a TV addict but its really very good at the moment. Monday nights are to die for...Glee (the most delicious highschool sitcom ever. Sue Sylvester is genius), America's Next Top Model (my guilty pleasure and a 100% fiercely addictive show), Flashforward (welcome return to this intriguing drama) and Burnistoun which is a fabulously accurate comedy about the West of Scotland). My Sky+ works overtime and often makes me choose which of these fab shows to cancel. Anyhoo, I just wanted to lament the end of my very favourite comedy, Harry Hill's TV Burp and also mention my new TV crush Louie Spence. If you have never watched Harry Hill, I urge you to do so. Its just brilliant and the once irritating Harry is totally hilarious and magnificently shrewd. He apparently spends about 80 % of his week watching TV to put this show together and thank goodness he does. Its magic. Its now finished until the autumn but I'm sure it will be repeated on loads of channels or you could watch it on one of those catch up things.

On to Louie...aaah he's hilarious. He does spell his name wrongly but never mind. When you are this fabulously camp you can spell your name any way you like! He's the star of Pineapple Dance Studios on Sky1 and is a legend. Look him up on Facebook or just Google him. I'm not going to type any more because you just need to see and hear him to love him. Here's a wee pic from his official website but do try to tune in and enjoy the truly awesomeness of dance God Louis Spence!

Fxxx

Working days!

2010-03-22T20:42:00.002Z

This is just a wee post about the days I work so you all know when I will be responding to emails and when you might have to wait a few hours until I'm back in work mode. I would put on an out of office thingy but I do still suffer from severe Mumnesia and would just forget. Anyhoo, I work Tuesday through Thursday and Friday mornings. If you do need to contact me outwith these times, just drop me an email as I have a funcy wee Iphone and do check my emails periodically. If its really urgent then call the mobile. If you don't have the mobile let me know and I'll email it on to you.

So, that's that. Rather dull but important nonetheless. Love that word!

Fxxx

My lovely land

2010-03-19T12:18:00.006Z

Last week I felt the need to get out of the office and fill my lungs with clean fresh Scottish air. It had been a while since I'd been further north than Loch Lomond and the weather has been so bad that many roads were closed anyway. My friend Jane and I hopped in the car and headed out. We whizzed up the side of Loch Lomond stopping to admire Ben Lomond in the distance. It looked amazing, like it was covered in bright white icing and the light was so beautiful I was glad I had packed the camera. On we went up as far as Glen Etive stopping a couple of times to take some shots of mountains and scenery that made my heart sing. I never forget how beautiful Scotland is but just how beautiful it is always takes my breath away. I took a handful of shots and wanted to share them with you...

I hope you enjoy and are inspired to go and experience this wonderful wilderness for yourself.

Fxxx

Nice words..

2010-03-01T13:09:00.004Z

I don't normally look at wedding forums as there are so many of them and I would never get any work done. I once spent about 4 hours reading all the interesting posts from brides planning their weddings - it was addictive. Anyway, I was on the Scottish Wedding Directory website and on their forum feed page was my name in a post! I clicked through and here is what I found. Someone had posted about finding a photographer in Glasgow/Ayrshire and one of my lovely brides has replied saying this! I am so thrilled but shocked that my name appears on the internet. After all these years its still very exciting. Thank you thank you for saying such lovely words....its the best PR anyone could ask for!

Hi!
We are using Fiona MacNeill as we loved the sentiment in what she says on her website www.fionamacneill.com and her photographs seem to capture perfectly all those little moments without everything looking too "posey" and staged. When she came to our flat and showed us her beautiful albums and let us view a slideshow from a whole wedding we were bowled over and took to her down-to-earth character immediately. I know I can be honest and direct with her about what I want and don't want - mostly because she shares my opinion on photography style and how I want to remember my day. She isn't the cheapest, but once the day is over, what else do you have? I think photographs are worth spending that little bit extra on.
Fiona really is lovely and worth a look - her photographs are beautiful.
Good luck!
xx

I do still have some 2010 dates available and 2011 is filling up fast. If you haven't booked your photography yet, please get in touch with me as soon as possible!

Fxxx

The most beautiful card for your Mum...ever!!!!!

2010-02-26T14:40:00.003Z

Well who would believe its the end of February already? I am in utter shock but glad to be approaching spring and all the gorgeous things that come with it...daffodils, chocolate and of course Mother's Day! I have my eye on a lovely recipe box so I hope my dear children read this post and oblige but on with the post!!!!

I have been thinking an thinking about a lovely Mother's Day offer for my loyal clients past and present and finally come up with something really nice with the help of my dear friend Emma from Twenty-Seven stationery. I wanted something physically appealing as well as just a really good offer so its lucky that Emma makes and designs to die for stationery. So we have designed a range of beautiful Mother's Day cards with a fab portrait session voucher inside!

Its £55 for the card and included in the price is a mini portrait session with me plus an elegant 6x9" desk frame with your favourite image from the session inside! Voila - what Mum wouldn't want lovely memories of March 2010? You could make it a family session, a mum and daughter session or a parent's only or whatever you fancy! I'm on hand to help you make the right decision and the session itself will be fun and informal so everyone enjoys themselves and feels comfortable!

Anyway, here are some photographs of Emma's beautiful designs...you can choose any colour of ribbon you wish. My Mum's favourite colour is green so I'm sorted but Emma has every colour of ribbon imaginable so go on...treat your Mum or yourself! Its healthier than chocolate and much more fun than over-priced set menu!!!!

To take advantage of this delicious offer just email me or call 0141 885 2229. Act fast so I have time to get your card and voucher to you! Mother's day is the 14th of March so contact me by the 7th at the latest.

Fxxx

back in action

2010-02-07T09:21:00.001Z

Phew - all back to normal now email and website are good again!

Fxxx

Website and email are down!

2010-02-04T14:57:00.001Z

Its my worst nightmare but my email and website are down temporarily!!! We are working to fix this ASAP but its taking far too long. My huge apologies to anyone waiting on responses or trying to get in touch - please call me on 0141 885 2229 if its urgent and I'll hopefully be able to pick up any lost emails soon but there is a chance that some will be lost. Please either call me or email me on feemacneill@hotmail.co.uk

Love Fiona xxx

Happy New Year

2010-01-12T23:00:00.003Z

Whoops, its January 12th already but Happy New Year anyway! We all had a lovely Christmas and survived the sniffles and coughs thankfully. I am very excited about this year..lots of lovely weddings to look forward to and other good stuff! I have decided to Blog more (yeah right!) but not tonight!!! I also shot a delicious wedding on the 15th of December which I really must show...the dress was to die for!!!!

Anyway, all that to come soon but I hope 2010 is a the best and happiest year yet!

F xxx

Christmas card!

2009-12-16T13:12:00.003Z

Well, Christmas is fast approaching and I can't remember a December that has gone as fast...I mean its the 16th for heaven's sake! I must admit I am very disorganised this year which is unusual but work has been so busy and I was away all of last week so its no wonder that I'm chasing my tail!

Anyway, I just wanted to wish you all a wonderful and happy Christmas. I hope Santa is good to you all and you manage to relax and have lots of happy times! The studio will close next Monday the 21st and reopen on the 5th of January. If you need to get in touch before then just call the studio on 0141 885 2229 as I will be picking up messages. I also ventured into the world of the iPhone recently so can pick up emails as I go...I can't promise to check every day but will do my best!

Merry Christmas and lots of love for a wonderful 2010!!

Fiona xxx

A Christmas present that someone would really want!

2009-12-03T11:33:00.004Z

To celebrate Christmas and all its fabulousness, you can now give someone of a magical memory for Christmas. There must be someone you know who would love some gorgeous photographs to cherish...good news because I have mini portrait sessions available for just £50! That includes an hour's photo shoot at home or some other happy place and a 5x7 print from the session. Also included will be an online slideshow and password protected gallery so everyone can have a peek!*

If you don't have children it doesn't matter...a quirky, tasteful and fun couple's session is also a yummy gift! Men take note...will earn you far more brownie points than fur trimmed red undies!

To order your vouchers just call on 0141 885 2229 or email the above email address! Keep an eye out for other great Christmas offers later in the month!

Fxxx

* sessions must be taken midweek and if you live outwith the central belt a small travelling fee may apply

Ardanaiseig fame!

2009-12-03T10:54:00.006Z

Ooh I am all excited this morning. There is a really amazing wedding venue in the West of Scotland called Ardanaiseig. Its on the shores of Loch Awe and just has this mystical and romantic atmosphere...not sure why but I imagine its steeped in history! Anyway, its now a top class wedding venue priding itself in sumptuous decor and delicious, locally sourced food. I have worked there before and loved it, even although it rained all day! My bride and groom had planned the most lovely and intimate of weddings and I remember the flowers were some of the nicest I've ever seen. I also remember Rekha (the bride) had a rather gorgeous Chloe handbag too!!!!

Well, Ardanaiseig decided they needed a new wedding brochure to send to prospective couples and they wanted to use my photography!!! I was chuffed to bits and very excited to see the finished product! It's now all done and it looks amazing! A very talented designer called Martin Boath designed the brochure and you can view it on his website here www.martinboath.com There are a couple of other small images from two other photographers but I'm happy to see that mine have been used in all the important bits!!!!!

So, check out the hotel...it has an amazing room to stay in called the The Boat Shed which is on my wish list of places to stay in 2010! The view from the hotel is to die for and it would be an excellent place just to get away from it all - or indeed get married!

Fxxx

p.s just read about the myths and legends surrounding the area on their history page - very eerie indeed!

Its December - time for some happy pictures!

2009-12-01T13:54:00.005Z

Well, it's that time of year again when I lose all sense and go completely Christmas daft!!!!! I am a self confessed addict of all things Christmassy and vaguely Christmas related. The first day in advent marks something magical for me and I just love the excitement that is already building. I'm not putting my tree up just yet as Nina is at that tricky (naughty) stage and I worry the tree will not make it to the 25th! Instead, I will put all the other decs out, play Christmas tunes ad nauseam and buy in lots of mince pies and mulled wine! The tree is scheduled to go up on the 11th so I'll just have to be patient!

The other exciting thing happening is lots of parents are thinking about getting lovely photos taken of their little darlings in time for Christmas! Nothing is nicer than a little framed picture for Granny! As you know, I have been very busy taking pictures of little people and a couple of weeks ago I whizzed through to Edinburgh on the train to visit my dear old pal Emma and her little man Fraser Bear (he is very cuddly like a big teddy)! Emma runs the online stationery company www.twenty-seven.co.uk so when it comes to photography she is very discerning! I always get nervous because she knows what she likes and doesn't mind telling either! Anyway, nothing to worry about as usual and we had a ball. We just chilled out, drank lots of tea and maybe ate a couple of cakes too!

Fraser is 14 months and at that very cute age when everything demands a huge amount of concentration. He was very busy with his toys and his toddle truck which was perfect as he was hardly aware that I was there! He also had lots of cuddle time with his Mum and they read his favourite books together when he needed a little down time. I love photographing Mums and babes when they're at their most relaxed.

The resulting pictures were stunning and Emma cried! Job done I say! I have posted some of my favourites below so I hope you like!

Remember its not too late to have some beautiful and natural photographs taken of your babes. Just call me on 0141 885 2229 or email me on the above email address to find out more. The new website www.fionamacneillkids.com is the place to find lots of inspiring family photography! Go on....

Fxxx

technical hitch

2009-11-30T21:17:00.009Z

Just a quick note to anyone that has filled in the contact form on the new children's site www.fionamacneillkids.com

It would appear that it's not working as it should and I haven't been receiving the messages. Such a pain and I do apologise if you are waiting on a response.

If you are waiting to hear from me, please email me on the above email address with your details and I'll call you!

Fxxx

Tiny Emma

2009-11-18T14:11:00.006Z

Aaaaah - I got to cuddle a tiny baby girl called Emma last week - it was just lovely. She was only 3 weeks old and so good! She just ate, slept, ate, slept, ate slept and then when I needed her to be alert she obliged perfectly! She even held her little head up...so strong for such a little person. Her Mum Carolyn had wanted some lovely natural shots of Emma as a newborn before she changes. I must admit, I look back at Nina and The Boy and forget they ever looked so little. So, we had a lovely relaxed session one afternoon in Edinburgh. We just drank tea mostly and I took some shots without Carolyn really knowing. Her friend was there too so we just chatted which helped distract Carolyn. Emma really was wonderful and even smiled! I think it was her first one so we were all oooohing and aaaaahing like mad.

Here's some of my favourites...I hope you like!

If you have a little baby or one on the way or even know someone who would love beautifully natural photographs to love forever then get in touch or visit the new website at www.fionamacneillkids.com

Session fees start from £75 and print prices from £20 and you can also purchase gift vouchers to give as a wonderful gift.

Xxx

shiny new website!

2009-11-14T09:27:00.002Z

Well...after weeks of working away I'm so happy to announce that my new dedicated children's website is finally live!!! I had until now a little page tucked away in my wedding website but finally my work has the space it deserves!!!

So here is the link www.fionamacneillkids.com

Click on the link and then do the following...

Please have a little nosey and enjoy some cute baby and kids photos!
Show everyone in your house
Forward the link to everyone you know, even if they don't have children
Ask them to forward it to everyone they know and so on and so on until everyone in the world has seen it!!!!
Leave a comment here and let me know what you think!

Fxxx

busy bee

2009-11-12T13:52:00.004Z

Oh my, I'm beginning to realise what a good idea it was to start taking photos of children again -I've had so many bookings in the last month and I've loved every minute of it! I have had the privilege of working with so many lovely little people and some teeny tiny people too! I have been so busy with this and the new website that I've not been able to Blog much about them all but I'm going to try over the next few days.

I was lucky enough to be asked to photograph Coben and Lucas. Their Mummy Vivienne along with Dad Nick, owns Mood Flowers so we have known each other for ages! Coben is 3 and such a boy. Vivienne always laughs that she'd love him to be arty and studious but Coben is never happier than whizzing and banging cars off the skirting board or rolling about the house causing mayhem! Lucas is just 3 months old and 100% babylicious. I could have cuddled him all day but there was work to be done!

So, we had a brilliant morning and Coben was allowed to indulge his car obsession. Lucas was so chilled as well and I got some really lovely pictures of them all, including Viv. Viv and Nick's family live all over the world so it was great that I posted their images online for all their friends and family to see. Vivienne is now clearing some wall space so she can hang lots of photos of her little darlings! I have posted some of my favourites below.

I hope you love.

Fxxx

If you are interested in having some beautiful and relaxed photographs of your children, please get in touch by emailing info@fionamacneill.com

Lush stationery!

2009-10-29T14:09:00.008Z

Well, its been a very busy time for me. My weddings for the year have finished and its been a period of intensive album design for my fab clients! The deadline for Christmas is this weekend so it was high pressure but I'm happy to say the designs are gorgeous and the albums will be even more gorgeous - can't wait to see them!

Anyway, apart from that I've also been busy designing a new website which will be unveiled in December. I'm very excited about it but don't want to say too much at this time. It does involve a lot of work and I hope I can get it all done and launched this year - I'll Blog about it nearer the time of course.

My lovely friend Emma, who owns www.twenty-seven.co.uk and makes the most delicious wedding stationery has also been busy making a new website. She felt her current site wasn't making the most of her designs and wanted a more visual website where her brides and grooms could see just how beautiful and unique her work was. She has also been beavering away designing new ranges to add to her current portfolio so it made sense that I photographed everything for her new website so we had a day together a couple of weeks ago photographing all her new stuff. I felt very privileged to be the first to see her new designs and I was wowed when I saw what she had come up with! Not only has she built on the success of the signature style of her stationery, she has come up with all sorts of little extras to make the day look even more special.

I am really loving the sweetie jars with the gorgeous little tags round them...after all the horror stories about chocolate fountains, sweetie bars are big news at weddings right now. Guests just can't resist a flump or a Vimto lolly you know! http://www.moodflowers.com/ do an amazing colour coordinated sweetie bar. I've seen one in pinks and purples and it was fabulous. Really well done and visually stunning. I think the little favour jars are a fab idea too and would look gorgeous on any table. And check out the little Lego guy on top of the name card - so original!

Well, I'm so so pleased for Emma and wish her all the best with her new website and her new designs. I have posted some of my favourite pieces below and hope they inspire and excite you as much as they did me! Please visit her at http://www.twenty-seven.co.uk/

Fxxx

Gillian and Geoff

2009-10-06T22:25:00.006+01:00

Well some weddings are wet, some are dry but all are happy and when Gillian and Geoff got married beside The Bridge Over the Atlantic it was no exception...despite the rain putting in an appearance halfway through the ceremony!!!! The happy couple and all their guests were a marvel and stood in the rain quite happily while the vows and the rings were exchanged! I'm not sure how many other wedding guests would manage such staying power!!

The day started with the girls getting ready at the house...hair and make up were well under way when I arrived and Gillian looked very glam in her huge rollers! While the girls supped a mug of tea, I went for a little nosey about to see what I could find! I was so excited to see Gill's dress - a two piece! I haven't had one of those for so long and it was gorgeous! You can't beat a two piece for understated style and elegance and Gill's dress was just that. She told me it was what she had wanted before she'd even set foot in a dress shop! All her accessories were beautiful and matched her Gran's necklace that she was going to wear. After the dress was on and we were all wowed, I sped off to The Isle of Seil to catch up with the menfolk! They were already at the venue under the guise of 'last minute things to do' but I could see right through them...especially when they suddenly disappeared into the pub!!!! I suppose Geoff did deserve one small drink while he was waiting!

The guests arrived by bus and soon after the girls were there and the sun was shining! The Humanist ceremony was lovely and I guess nobody cared that it started raining...I know that I hardly noticed it and I am a real rainophobe!!!

Typically the rain stopped after the ceremony so champagne and beer was consumed al freso. I don't think anyone noticed us sneaking away for a ten minute photo session - I like to keep it to a minimum so brides and grooms enjoy their day more! We got some stunning shots on and around the bridge. The bridesmaids were in the most amazing peacock blue and the flowers were bright yellow sunflowers so the shots with the girls were so striking! I like a lot of black and white photographs but these colours were too wonderful to change.

The Royal hotel in Oban was the next stop. Gillian's Dad's microbrewery in Glenfinnan supplied the ale and the guests relaxed in the lounge while the speeches were on. Gill and Geoff wanted everything to be relaxed and informal and it was. After dinner, the band started and the first dance was a fabulous Strip the Willow! Six brave souls joined Gillian and Geoff for a very lively session! I got some amazing shots of them all whirling round! I have posted some of my favourites from the day below and I know Gillian is eager to get a sneaky look so I hope you enjoy!!!!!

I loved my rainy west coast adventure and the fish and chips in Oban weren't bad either!

Fxxx

Julie and Iain and some rain...

2009-09-17T11:52:00.005+01:00

I know the weather has been exceptionally lovely for the last week or so but there was a Saturday not so long ago when it just tipped it down all day long...well Iain and Julie had their wedding that day and despite the damp weather, the wedding was anything but! It was one of the most happiest and joyous weddings I have ever had the pleasure to photograph! Both of them just smiled and laughed all day!

I started the day by catching up wit Iain and has boys at the flat where a PlayStation session was underway. They had been very good the night before but still looked a bit shell shocked when I turned up! After that, I went to Julie's Mum's house and it was all going on there! Ainsley M was doing her fab make up and Julie's hairdresser had them all looking chic and gorgeous! Julie's hair was amazing - you'll see it in the photos!

I went for a rummage upstairs and found exquisite ivory gown and delicious Gina heels! Again - not my size - I hope my next bride will be a size 3!!! I had a play with the dresses and shoes and then went back down to see what else was going on! The girls were all dancing in the living room and Julie was getting very very excited!
The ceremony at Lodge on Loch Lomond was lovely. The rain poured down but with the big windows in the wedding suite, it was bright and lovely and very warm!

Afterwards we headed down the road to the Pier at Luss. The bridal party came too so we had a bit of a giggle on the beach before getting some gorgeous shots of Iain and Julie on their own. I work fast anyway but because of the rain, we were super speedy and back in the Lodge before anyone noticed we had gone. Job done!

After some bubbly, we had amazing speeches; so funny and heartfelt too. Julie also got a surprise signed photo from Noel Edmonds which she loved! I got to have a wee rest during dinner and then there was some dancing!!! Julie and Iain had had some dancing lessons and it paid off! Everyone was wowed by their routine especially them - I don't think they could believe they pulled it off!

I loved being part of such a happy happy day and I hope they are enjoying a relaxing and glorious sun drenched honeymoon!

Fxxx

I'm in the Mood for flowers!!!

2009-09-09T22:14:00.003+01:00

Its late(ish) on Wednesday night and I've just come home from the most amazing party at Mood Flowers http://www.moodflowers.com/ flower studio in Glasgow! It was one of, if not the best corporate nights I've been to! Vivienne and Nick had decided to throw a cocktail party and invite all their corporate clients and industry contacts to remind everyone what amazing florists they are and I can safely say that everyone was blown away! Nick had transformed the studio into a wonderland of amazing flowers, displays and candles. Everywhere was festooned with different flowers. There was a huge pink and purple area and in the middle there was a huge white table with candelabras and hanging above were huge balls of white roses! There were orchids hanging above the champagne bar and even white roses and petals all round the loo!!! I don't think I'm doing it justice but Vivienne took some photographs so I'll see if I can post them later this week. Anyway, it was fab. I had my nails done and a head and neck massage by the Spa girls from The Carrick at Cameron House, I had a delicious Mojito from the cocktail bar from Hotel Du Vin, yummy canapes from Grooms and came home with a beautiful white orchid and a huge pick 'n' mix bag filled with treats from the sweetie bar - which is a much better idea than a chocolate fountain!!! There were some great raffle prizes available too. I have donated a mini portrait session and I'm very excited to hear who the lucky winner is!

So, thank you Nick, Vivienne, Lucy and Laura for the amazing night but there is only one bad thing to report....I was driving!!!!!

Fxxx

Decisions decisions

2009-09-08T09:42:00.003+01:00

Phew - yesterday was a day of extreme wedding planning! I had 5 enquiries for various dates and venues for 2010 and 2011!!! I wonder if now the wedding season is winding up, couples are now turning their attention to their own celebration?! Anyway, whatever has happened the wedding bug has bitten!

Well, while I was speaking to and emailing these lovely people about their wedding photography it struck me that sometimes making a decision isn't an easy thing to do! I'll explain...I offer my clients a choice of four different packages all with different pricing structures to suit most budgets and tastes. I've listened to feedback over the year and have hopefully put together four options with something for everyone, but sometimes its not an easy decision to make. For instance, the whole wedding budget might be unknown until venues are confirmed or numbers decided upon. Sometimes parents may be paying for certain things but aren't available at that time. What everyone is keen to do is to secure the date for the wedding and then make the final decision on which package at a later date. Makes sense, which is why I found myself saying the same thing over and over again yesterday....'if you aren't able to decide on which package you want at this time, don't worry - do it nearer the wedding date!' This was just just what everyone needed to hear because it takes some of the pressure off! Job done!

I'm now wondering what today will bring :)

Fxxx

21st century stuff

2009-09-04T22:38:00.002+01:00

Ok - so this is a real quickie but very important! I have finally dragged myself into the 21st century and got myself a wee page on Facebook or as my Mum calls it - Bookface!!! You can find it by searching for Fiona MacNeill Photography and become a fan (if you feel inclined!!!) but not only that...I am also now on Twitter. I can't promise to tweet anything profound, more like the random thoughts that pop into my head daily!!! The link is here so you can follow me http://twitter.com/FionaMacNeill

So, that's the latest news from MacNeill HQ!

Have a great weekend xxx

Back by popular demand

2009-09-01T16:52:00.008+01:00

Well, its been a while since I blogged about anything but weddings but here I am! Its also been a while since I have taken any gorgeous photographs of little ones but here I am - finally after loads of requests from past clients and friends, and friends of friends wondering when I'll be working with babes and kids again, I couldn't put it off any longer! So, I have updated my website to include a cute little page called 'little ones' and there is a brand new gallery called 'babes' in the 'look' section...does that make sense? I do hope so...but if you get stuck then just give me a shout!
Its a good time to get booked in for a baby lifestyle session with the dreaded 'C' looming! Adorable photographs of your little darlings are a perfect Christmas present for anyone you can think of! I also don't think a house is truly a home until its filled with family photographs and I can help you create unique pieces of art for any space you have in mind.
Session fees start from £65 and you can choose to have it in the house or somewhere else. Maybe you know of a fab little beach cove or live near a great park or maybe you own a wild and rambling country estate! Perfect - just drop me an email or call the studio on 0141 885 2229 and we can get the ball rolling!
Here are some ideas for gorgeous galleries to inspire!

Fxx

Rowan and George

2009-08-26T22:08:00.018+01:00

Ooh the weddings have been coming thick and fast for me and I found myself back at the very stylish House for an Art Lover for another wonderful wedding...this time it was Rowan marrying George!

Picture the weather from hell - well luckily that was the day before and it did not stop raining for one minute! I think everyone was slightly concerned that Saturday would dawn wet,dark and quite miserable but by the time I'd caught up with George at his flat, the sun was breaking through and things were drying out!!! Phew - so George and his best man Dustin (and his lovely wife Sarah) had a very relaxed morning getting ready and just hanging out. There were little glimpses of nervousness but nothing too severe! George was his usual happy, sparkly self!
I left them to it and met up with Rowan and her girls at Hotel Du Vin. Denise from A la Mode Hair and Make Up was busy perfecting Rowan's hair. It looked amazing and Rowan had bought a beautiful hair clasp which just finished the style off perfectly. It looked very intricate but Denise assured me it was very simply done - good job! I did my usual nosey and found all sorts of exquisite girly things. Shoes made just for Rowan, the most delicate lilac coloured bridesmaid's dresses and Rowan's gown! If I had had to guess which dress she would have chosen, I think I might have guessed correctly. It was so Rowan...willowy, elegant, simple yet stunning. I hung it up in the doorway in their suite and it just looked amazing!

Anyway, enough of the details. We arrived at The House and everything was in full swing -the guests were all there and ready for Rowan's arrival. I'm not sure if Rowan was very nervous but she arrived looking very happy and calm. She glided up to the house and silenced everyone when her Mum, Lorna, walked her down the aisle! Mandy Evans Ewing, the celebrant, gave a lovely service with some really nice touches courtesy of Rowan and George. It was all just perfect.

While the guests quaffed bubbly, I got down to business and got some lovely candids of all the guests. Once everyone was settled, I sneaked off with Rowan and George to the gardens for some time on our own. It was so nice to see them enjoying themselves as I know Rowan had been working very hard in the run up to the wedding.

Speeches were before dinner and they were superb. George's speech was so nice and he must have thanked everyone about a hundred times! After dinner there was a ceilidh downstairs and the band were amazing! I'm sure I've heard them before but they were called The Picts for your info. When I left the dance floor was full and everyone was happy!

Fxxx

Claire and Michael!!!

2009-08-11T18:17:00.012+01:00

So...I would have blogged sooner about Claire and Michael's wedding as I do like them to have a sneak peak at their photographs while they're away on honeymoon but I was struck down with a really nasty sickness bug and have not been in any fit state to log on anywhere over the last few days! I hope you two were able to contain yourselves but here goes!

It was a sunny and hot summer's day and Claire got ready with her gorgeous bridesmaids at her Mum and Dad's house in Dumbarton. It was all very chilled in the house even although there was plenty of coming and going. Hair and make up were perfect and Claire had a bedroom full of goodies!! Stunning gown by Maggie Sotero, to die for shoes by Christian Louboutin (not my size unfortunately!!!), lingerie by Agent Provocateur - oh and not forgetting yummy cupcakes by her friend's Mum!!! Claire was calm on the surface but underneath bubbling away with a mixture of every emotion possible!

I caught up with Michael and the boys at the church in Dumbarton as he had been getting ready too far away for me to spend any time with him on the morning. He was in fine fettle as ever, flashing his amazing LA smile and just taking it all in really. Claire was a teeny bit late but when she arrived she was utterly radiant. She glided out of the car and up the steps on the church and just wowed!

The ceremony was lovely and afterwards we managed some quick shots in the gardens as they were just so pretty. meanwhile, the bus had broken down so some macho guys were drafted in to push the bus into a jump start. What heroes?!!! It didn't work mind you but was a bit of a giggle!

At Cameron House, there were canapes and bubbly on the lawn, some kissing and cuddling for the camera and lots of giggling with the bridesmaids!

Wendy from Utopia Wedding Planningkept everything running like clockwork and despite a bit of a late start, dinner and speeches were all on time! Michael said all the right things and his best man was hilarious!

I left after a few dances but I'm sure the whole night was just wonderful! Claire and Michael looked so pleased with everything and Claire was still looking beautiful after 9 hours of excitement!

I hope the honeymoon was gorgeous and can't wait to catch up for their viewing next week!

Fxxx

Ooh and I meant to say that the bridesmaid's dresses were the most gorgeous ever! I do love a bit of glamour!!!

Viva Espana!

2009-07-30T09:50:00.036+01:00

So...I have been so excited about blogging about the amazing wedding in Spain that I photographed but we had to wait until Ana and Luis had seen their official photographs first! They have so I can finally blog - yippee!

I helped out my lovely friend Elia (www.eliasills.com) who is based in Madrid and the number one wedding photographer in Spain. Her work is truly beautiful and I was honoured to fly out and support her at this huge society wedding!

It all happened at the end of May and we set off for the venue at first light. It took us almost two hours to drive up and into the mountainous region of Extremadura where Ana's parent's finca was situated. Neither of us had seen it before and we were not disappointed - it took our breaths away. The house and estate were simply stunning.

We didn't have much time to stand and stare as it was business as usual and all the excitement of the day was building. The hairdresser and make up artist had arrived and the decoration of the house and garden was well under way. There were people running about everywhere but we focused on getting amazing shots of Ana getting ready in her room and the preparations that were taking place all around us. Ana looked nothing short of breathtaking in her designer gown and her cousin, sister, best friend and little pooch Manolo were all there to help her get ready! Everything was so beautiful and the morning just flew past.

The weather was perfect...not too sunny with lots of big white clouds to offer some shade. The 400 guests drank vintage cava, nibbled tapas and later on had a huge seven course meal under candle light. The ladies looked so stylish and the hats and fascinators were....fascinating?!!!! The men wowed in typical Spanish style, looking super slick and puffing on huge Cuban cigars. I was in heaven!

Elia did an amazing job and between us we took hundreds of amazing photographs. I still can't believe I was there and can't wait for the next one she needs me to help her with!

It was a wonderful day and a wonderful wedding. I thought the Scottish knew how to party but this lot would have put anyone to shame; the music and dancing after dinner was brilliant. Everyone was on the dance floor moving and grooving like Shakira - honestly!

So, I've chosen a few of my favourite shots from the day and hope you enjoy them! There are quite a few!

Fxxx

Colette and Colin on the beach!

2009-07-29T16:36:00.015+01:00

Two Blogs in as many weeks - what's going on? I must take a pill and lie down! Only kidding...it's been a pleasure to work on this last set of wedding photographs!

So..Colette married Colin in July at St Margaret's Church in Airdrie. It was a beautiful and moving service and despite the excitement of a couple of girls fainting, it was just perfect!

Colette got ready at her Mum and Dad's house in Airdrie and Colin did the same just along the road! Colette had her fab bridesmaids (Yvonne, Siobhan, Kerry and Akexandra) there to help her into her beautiful Augusta Jones gown and although Colin had about 15 groomsmen it was his brother Bryan and his cousin Ciaran who helped him get his kilt on! They both looked amazing, in fact everyone looked beautiful! Even Colette's Mum had a coordinating hot pink outfit which couldn't have looked better with the bridesmaid's dresses!

After the ceremony we all made the long journey to the beach at Seamill Hydro. For anyone who doesn't know this little piece of heaven, its worth seeking it out on a hot and sunny day. The views across to Arran are to die for and they have their own little private beach which is always our first port of call on arrival! Everyone loves kicking off their shoes, throwing their bouquets away and just having some fun.

After a bit of a rush to get all their 'must have' shots done, speeched preceded dinner and were an absolute scream! I think Bryan has found his niche in life - his speech was fantastic! In fact the whole day was wonderful and I know they had the best day!

I have enjoyed seeing all the shots I took again and have chosen just a very small selection of my favourites to post. I hope Colette and Colin manage to see these while they're away on honeymoon. If you are reading this then have an amazing holiday and I'll see you when you get back!

Fxxx

Emma and David got married!

2009-07-23T12:13:00.018+01:00

I have been extremely rubbish at Blogging and also been on hols in Cornwall so its no wonder I'm chasing my tail! Anyway, my dear friend Emma Sanderson who is also a fabulous wedding photographer got married to the very lovely David on the 20th of June at Luss Parish Church and then afterwards at Ross Priory.
Emma had been planning her wedding for ages and being in the business knew exactly what she did and didn't want. She did want their day to be stunning and I'm happy to report that everything was! Emma looked divine in a Maggie Sottero gown with pale pink bow. Tucked away beneath the dress was the cutest Agent Provocateur garter I have ever seen! She wore a vintage veil, handed down to her from her Mum, Linda. Emma's little darling King Charles Spaniel, Ruby was in attendance too. She had a beautiful gold collar and lead hand decorated with fresh flowers for the big day! Everything was perfect!
The men wore their own tartan and David had a beautiful bespoke kilt pin made for him which looked really great.
Emma was the happiest bride I have ever worked with! She smiled all day, even when our photo shoot on Luss Pier had to be quickly called off due to a cloudburst! The guests tucked into champagne at Ross Priory and there was just a lovely, happy and relaxed atmosphere. I grabbed Emma and David for 15 minutes and we had some fun in the grounds taking gorgeous shots with and without Ruby! I've posted a handful below - there were too many to choose from but I especially liked these!
Emma and David are now home from New York, Hawaii and Las Vegas and I wish them all the love in the world for their future

Fxxx

I forgot to mention that Emma's Mum and Dad surprised her with a horse and carriage to take her to the church. The best man Andrew gave a wonderfully funny speech and the bridesmaids, Katy and Angela and ushers, Graham and Stewart were just fab! Oh and their first dance was a full on choreographed number! Amazing! Xx

Lynsey and Chris's Wedding at House for an Art Lover

2009-05-10T12:20:00.012+01:00

Lynsey and Chris got married on Saturday the 2nd of May 2009 at House for an Art Lover www.houseforanartlover.co.uk/ in Glasgow. It is a wonderful venue and I absolutely love working there, especially in the spring and summer when the gardens are at their most beautiful!

Lynsey had the serious job of getting ready at her Mum and Dad's house with her three gorgeous bridesmaids helping her into her dress and putting her veil on. She looked very beautiful in a vintage style gown with lots of delicate beading. I love it when I have no idea what the dress will be like - it's always a lovely moment for me when I first see it hanging up! I do get a bit excited!

Chris and his groomsmen looked very handsome in their contemporary kilts and were all on good form in the run up to the ceremony.

After the lovely Humanist ceremony the guests tucked into yummy canapes and quaffed bubbly with hibiscus flowers! Lynsey was very excited about her hibiscus flowers before the big day so I made sure I got some nice pictures for her! After lots of time mingling with their guests we had some fun in the grounds of the House and got some gorgeous pictures too! After that, cake cutting, hilarious and heartfelt speeches and dancing to a Frank Sinatra style big band - just amazing!

Lynsey and Chris looked relaxed and happy - just as they always do and I know they had the most perfect day. They go on safari later in the year and are enjoying some time up north this week. I hope they love the next few pictures of their happy day!

F xxx

Emma and Neill's wedding - I'm back!

2009-04-29T20:36:00.017+01:00

Well, it certainly has been a very very very long while since I've blogged but there's no time like the present to jump straight back in for the first of my 2009 weddings! I promise to blog again very soon about the new baby and all that has happened since way back...when was it??? Oh never mind!

So without further ado...the beautiful Emma and the very dashing Neill were married at Arley Hall, Cheshire www.arleyhallandgardens.com/hall.html on the 18th of April and it was just wonderful! I couldn't have asked for a more lovely couple to work with after such a long break and I couldn't have wished for a more amazing venue either! I know Cheshire seems a long way away but it was worth all the travelling to and fro for all of us! It is a most extraordinary place with grounds that go on forever and gardens to die for!

Neill and his groomsmen were smart in morning suits and Emma wowed everyone is a Sassi Holford www.sassiholford.co.uk/ gown and cathedral length veil which arrived just in the nick of time!!! Emma had the cutest entourage of attendants and the very lovely chief bridesmaid Kirsty made sure Emma stayed calm and the little ones stayed clean! The flowers were very elegant and Emma's fabulous taste and attention to detail made the day extremely lovely indeed! I thought every minute of the day was perfect and every time I saw the new Mr and Mrs Alexander they were laughing and smiling - success!

They are on honeymoon at the moment and I hope they are having the best time...!
Emma and Neill - if you do manage to log on, I hope you love this little glimpse of your wedding story!
Xx

Closed for a while!

2008-04-05T09:25:00.002+01:00

hello!

Just to let you all know that the studio is now closed as we are having a baby in the summer! We will be checking emails every Saturday so if you wish to get in touch, please do!

The studio will re-open in January 2009 but we are still taking bookings for 2010 and beyond! 2009 is full up now but we look forward to hearing from you anyway!

Best wishes,

Fiona and all the team!

Happy New Year

2008-01-07T22:15:00.000Z

Happy New Year to all. I hope 2008 is a happy and healthy one for us all. This is just to let you know that I have no availability for this year at all but I am taking bookings for 2009. The key dates are filling up fast so if you have booked your 2009 wedding, please don't hesitate to get in touch as soon as you can. Good photographers get booked up very quickly so don't delay!

I look forward to working with you in the future!

Fiona xxx

way out west

2007-11-19T21:56:00.000Z

So, I've had a chance to reminisce about our trip up north and remember all the fun times we had! I have chosen a few images to post as they speak louder that any word I could think of!

Our first night was in Plockton but it was dark when we arrived so there really wasn't any point in taking the camera out of the bag - a good seafood nosh up was more in order. you really can't beat the seafood up there...straight out the water and into the pan! The next day we went across to Skye and had a drive up the East Coast to Trotternish. The drama of that part of Skye is breathtaking and we visited Lealt Falls and Kilt Rock before my fear of heights kicked in and we just stayed in the car for a while after that! The cloud was way down when we passed the turn off for the Quiraing so we just headed north to Staffin and then inland for a couple of miles to a place that had always intrigued me. its a place called The Fairy Glen and I've read about it a few times but never had the chance to visit. What we found was breathtaking and I don;t think my photography does it justice! Its a small area of strange conical hills. Apparently there are 365 of them in all sizes and they are homes to The Brownies - no not the ones that meet in church halls on a Tuesday night and learn how to sew - but little people! We parked the car and set off into the heart of the glen and were suddenly struck by the utter silence that engulfed us - we could have been swimming under water it was so quiet. We were only 2 km from Uig but we could have been a million miles from anywhere! It truly was a place with a magical atmosphere and we all felt quite humbled by its natural beauty. Not a house, car (apart from ours!), mobile phone mast, pylon or another human being in sight - just us and the Brownies! We didn't see one but I'd like to think that they do exist. That place didn't exactly spook me but I did feel a strange and powerful energy was there! Apart from it being an odd, yet fabulous place to visit, the hills make for wonderful scrambling for kids so the boy set about busying himself whilst I communed with nature! I got a couple of shots of him carrying big rocks up the hillside to make his very own cairn! He really is the cutest! We left after hours of just playing there and asked about the folklore later that evening - we heard a very strange account of a local piper kidnapped by The Brownies! I believed it of course but Jason thinks the story teller had been in at the whisky!

The next day we set off amid sun and torrential rain for Elgol and the famous view of the Black Cuillin. In true Skye style, the cloud came down and we saw nowt! It was all wildly dramatic and I loved being so far from the big city!

We also took the opportunity to visit Wood Rising. This is a photography studio in Broadford and we had been here a couple of years ago. the photographer is Alan Campbell and he makes the most amazing landscapes you have ever seen! I am always inspired by other people's work but there is something special about his. I won't go on too much but visit his website at www.woodrising-photography.co.uk/ to see what I mean. We bought some prints and I left with a new found respect for the landscape photographers of this world. Their art is so difficult to capture but coupled with the need to be utterly devoted to getting the time and light just perfect, it's mind boggling to me! I'd like to think that Alan would struggle with getting gorgeous shots of a half dressed bride but who knows!!!

So, that was our whistle stop tour of Skye and Plockton. We loved every minute and plan to go again soon - well further north this time! I have the bug!

I hope you enjoy these images...I forgot to mention the lone ranger that we spotted when we first arrived at the Fairy Glen. He was like a modern day lone ranger and then he disappeared - very odd - but not before I got a cool shot of him!

Fxxx

one really good thing about November...

2007-11-19T01:00:00.000Z

oooh oooh oooh - almost forgot to blog about this most brilliant November thing! It's Beaujolais season again! Every year at the stroke of midnight on the 3rd Thursday in November, the Beaujolais Nouveau is released amid parties, fireworks and general guzzling of this gorgeously light and unpretentious wine! It really is called 'Beaujolais Day' and I have it marked as a recurring appointment in my outlook calendar! So for the next few weeks, look out for Beaujolais Nouveau in the supermarkets and wine shops. Its usually got a bright and colourful, cheap looking label and is always much cheaper than the normal stuff! It's only available for a few weeks and has to be drunk sooner rather than later. Someone once told me that April was the maximum but the chances of a bottle hanging about that long in our house is slim, unless its fallen down the back of the fridge or somewhere.

So, next year, throw a Beaujolais Party - it's a great excuse to quaff some guilt-free wine on a Thursday night! Jason has promised to take me to Beaujeau some year for their celebrations. Apparently it all starts at 5pm the day before Beaujolais Day with wine tasting and then a torchlight procession just before midnight! The celebrations go on all weekend!!! Can you imagine?

Apart from buying loads of Beaujolais Nouveau for Christmas parties, I've read that 2007 was a very good year and the normal stuff will be quite gorgeous. Next year has to be even better! Hurrah!

Christmas countdown!

2007-11-19T00:07:00.000Z

Sunday night....

So, some info about the boy and me...we are total Christmas freaks and start getting very excited round about now! Every year I try to contain myself but it's just not possible! As the days get shorter, darker and colder and mince pies start appearing in Tesco, I just can't stop thinking about Christmas! The boy has sadly inherited this infatuation from me and we started our Christmas countdown today! Don't worry - we didn't put the tree up or go out carol singing - but we did have a few moments of sheer excitement today, especially when the Sainsbury's advert came on - love Jamie Oliver's little tips! Jason thinks we are mentalists but didn't seem to complain about the full on roast turkey dinner and trimmings I served up for Sunday dinner earlier!!! Later on, the boy and I were still mooching for something to make us feel even more Christmassy so we watched the Muppet Christmas Carol. If you have never seen this, don't laugh - it's one of the best Christmas films ever!!!

Anyway, I thought I might start a Christmas countdown here...every day between now and the 25th of December I'll (try) and post something about Christmas. It may be a recipe, a shopping tip, a cool Christmas movie to watch or just something totally random that will enhance your journey to Chritsmas 2007.

There is one drawback this year - Rory! We are wondering how we will stop him attacking the Christmas tree and ripping all the parcels to shreds. I am quite worried as Christmas won't be the same without all my perfectly wrapped and colour co-ordinated gifts under the tree!!!!!!!! Any tips for preventing a small dog playing havoc with trees and parcels, please email me at info@fionamacneill.com!

Fxxx

It's been a while...

2007-11-13T10:38:00.000Z

OMG - how long? No excuses, but I've been sooooo busy! Here's a quick list of what's been happening...helping lots of clients choose their wedding album images, designing lots of gorgeous albums, taking pictures of cute little babies, went to Skye for a holiday and took some stunning Autumn landscape shots, fell in love with some very expensive shoes and got a puppy! It all sounds a but random but its been a very exciting couple of weeks!!!

The most notable thing is Rory - the puppy! He moved in last week and we haven't slept since! Nobody told us a puppy would be such hard work! Here is a little shot of him, its very hard to photograph a small furry thing but I'm going to get lots of practise!

I promise to Blog some more in between feeds and toilet training!

Fxxx

school hols!

2007-10-22T15:46:00.000+01:00

I never intended the blog to be all about work but until recently, it's all I've had time for! Anyway, we are now on the last day of the October school hols so there's been lots of time for the boy and I to have fun!!! Jason even managed a couple of days off work too which was a lovely surprise and a real bonus.

In the middle of the week, Jason's cousin Fraser and his wife Debbie and their two boys came through to stay for a couple of days. They only live in Edinburgh but it's been ages since we last saw them all. The three boys are all quite close in age so they had a ball. The first day we went to Finlaystone Park (www.finlaystone.co.uk/) which is in Langbank and is just the best place for kids who love getting their wellies on and going on a big woodland adventure. The woods there are filled with all sorts of amazing structures from a huge pirate ship to tee pees with lots of swings, slides, forts and seesaws in between. It really is a haven for active kids and Debbie and I even managed to struggle over the net wall - not a pretty sight! We got home late that afternoon exhausted but the boys had had an amazing time.

The next day we set off for Culzean Castle (www.culzeanexperience.org/) in Ayrshire for another action packed day. Jason and I go here a lot with the boy and we even joined the National Trust for Scotland because we go so often! We had a picnic in the courtyard before heading straight down to the beach. I took the camera and have chosen some favourite shots to post. You can see them below. I'm so pleased that we had good weather last week and were able to enjoy the great outdoors - we are so lucky where we live! We drove past Braehead shopping centre a couple of times and it was packed! I can't believe people would rather go shopping with their kids than hit the park or the beach!

Here's my favourites!

don't delay

2007-10-11T16:27:00.001+01:00

I have just had to email another lovely couple today and tell them that I am NOT available to shoot their wedding next year. They sounded so nice and I know I would have enjoyed working with them. I get about 6 enquiries per day for various dates and it really upsets me when I have to turn people away for 2008 but it re-enforces the simple fact that good photographers get booked up at least 18 months in advance. I am still getting enquiries for the key summer dates next year and I really wonder how these couples are going to find a good photographer this late in the day. I have limited availability for 2009, never mind 2008 and people have already started asking about 2010!

If you read this and are planning a wedding for 2009 and beyond - I urge you to book your photographer as soon as you possibly can to avoid disappointment. Not to mention the fact that prices could increase and you'll be kicking yourself! So, when you find a photographer you like, remember that there are hundreds of couples getting married on your date and they are all looking at the good photographers and making enquiries. If you hang about and keep searching the chances are that you'll be struggling to get the one you want!

Blogging about this has made me think of all the other pieces of invaluable advice that I can pass on! I think I'll compile a list of 'essential info' and also 'frequently asked questions' and post it here in the next week!

Keep an eye out and one other thing - if you read this and find it interesting or useful, please please leave a comment or pass it on to someone else!! Spread the word!!!

Sarah and Neil

2007-10-10T20:07:00.000+01:00

I have no voice!! I have got this nasty virus and it has gone straight to my throat. I have been in bed since Monday and feel rotten but my clients are still waiting to see their lovely images from the end of September so I've dragged myself out to the studio....oh never mind! I'll just get on with the story of Sarah and Neil! They booked me last year but I only met Neil a few months ago when we met in Leith for their pre-wedding shoot. Neil is in the army and was in Germany until last month so it was Sarah who had done all the hard work and planning! I'm sure Neil won't mind me saying but she did a grand job!!! The wedding was fab and everything went to plan. Sarah has since told me that one of her favourite parts of the day was the morning in the house with the girls getting ready! I was ever so chuffed as I had managed to persuade Sarah to have a girly morning! The original plan was to head into North Berwick to have hair and make up done separately. Whilst this is fine; it's not as much fun as getting great hair and make-up artists out to the house or hotel and having it all done on sight. Anyway, she took my advice and they had a hoot! There was bubbly, hairspray and lip gloss everywhere but they all looked gorgeous and were super chilled! I must say that this really is the best way to spend your wedding morning! I hate to hear of brides darting about town in their veil and jeans from hairdresser to beauticians - not relaxing and wind and rain are a threat!

Anyway, Neil had a boys lunch in the pub in Dirleton and I arrive in time to catch them walking down to the church. Neil had his guard of honour with him and sheesh - did they look dapper or what?! I do love a uniform but there's was really striking. The service was lovely and the minister let me shoot the ceremony from a great spot. Its important that some of the ceremony is captured forever but sadly, a lot of ministers don't allow photography during the service. I intend to write about this at a later date.

After the service and very exciting guard of honour, it was off to the Marine in North Berwick for bubbly and canapes and lots of windswept fun on the golf course!

I enjoyed myself so much that day and the speeches were brilliant too. Sarah and Neil had a short honeymoon in a secret location up north before relocating to the south of England where Neil will be posted for the next few years. I wish them all the best in their new life and can't wait to see them next month when they come up to choose their album images!

Here are a few of my favourite images from the day that tell their story!

I'm famous!

2007-10-02T14:20:00.000+01:00

Well, not really but my copy of Real Life Weddings magazine plopped through my letterbox on Saturday and there it was...all 7 glorious pages of my photographs of my gorgeous bride Katy, an of course Graeme!!! I am so chuffed that I got such a big spread as it's almost impossible to get any photography featured in there never mind 7 pages! Katy and Graeme look brilliant and I'm about to email Katy to see what she thinks! It must be strange to see your own wedding pictures in a magazine!

Anyway, the magazine is in the shops now and they are launching a website in the next day or two so that will be great for brides planning their big day! The site is at www.reallifeweddings.co.uk/ but hasn't gone live yet.

I hope you get a chance to see it!

Fxxx

quick update

2007-10-01T10:20:00.000+01:00

It's been how long since my last blog? Oh dear - where do the days and weeks go? I am slightly traumatised that it is October today! how did that happen? Anyway, just an update on my life! I shot my last wedding last Saturday and will spend the next 2 months finalising the processing of all the outstanding wedding images, meeting clients to show them their wedding images and then designing their albums so that they get them in time for Christmas! It's going to be a busy couple of months for me!

I decided not to take any weddings beyond September this year for a couple of reasons. I am working on a new baby and child portraiture website so that will take up some time and also, I wanted to spend some weekends with Jason and the boy! I feel as if I've hardly seen them since the middle of February as I've had weddings every weekend since then! Don't think I'll be putting my feet up though; I will be busy during the week doing various things and I am taking new wedding bookings for 2008/2009 and meeting new clients every week! Phew-it is an exhausting and constant business but all worth it!

I met with Karen and Andy last week to show them them wedding images. They loved them so much and were delighted with the choices I helped them make for their album. For me, the viewing is the most nerve-wracking part about the whole wedding! Wondering if clients will love their images as much as you hope they will! I'm happy to report that ALL my clients have loved the pictures I've shown them and what a fab feeling that is!

I also got a lovely email from Alison who got married in September at Wedderburn. She wrote
"The photos are absolutely gorgeous. I could not love them more, and they do bring back really lovely memories of the day and of our time with you -- you have such a gift for this! Thank you, thank you. I can't wait to get out of this office and look at them with George! " These emails make all the hard work worth it! Alison and George live in Chicago and have only seen their images online so far which isn't ideal. I'm currently making a web slide show for them to watch. Their images will be much larger and easier to see. This will mean that they can choose the shots they want in their album more easily - I'd love to fly to Chicago for a viewing but I don't think it would be cost effective!!!

Anyway, enough chatting!

Fxxx

Elaine and Martin

2007-09-21T17:29:00.000+01:00

I have been dying to get a chance to post some images from Elaine and Martin's wedding at Glenskirlie Castle a couple of weeks ago! Glenskirlie Castle is a new venue in Scotland although Glenskirlie House is a well known venue and has been there for years. The owners bought the land next door and designed a purpose-built castle for weddings! Its brilliant and only opened in July of this year. The Castle itself looks rather unusual from the road - a real mix of old and new but inside it really works! Wow - the reception is amazing and the rooms are to die for! I have been dropping hints to Jason that a wee night there would be in order!!!

Anyway, the whole day was brilliant and Elaine and Martin are such a lovely and happy couple who wanted a very relaxed and informal day! The girls made their final preparations in the honeymoon suite so I got a sneak preview and the ceremony itself was held in the Castle. Afterwards guests mingled in the garden at the back and the sun stayed out! After some champagne had been downed...I took Elaine and Martin up to their room for a pillow fight! It was hilarious and although not my usual style, the room was too amazing to not feature! I thought a pillow fight would be perfect for them as they are always laughing with each other and just generally having fun.

Elaine's hair was flying everywhere and they didn't hold back or be gentle with each other! There were big feathery cushions on the bed and the feathers were flying about! Don't tell Glenskirlie!

I have posted some of my favourite images for you to see - I think you'll agree that Elaine and Martin both look amazing!

SECC wedding enquiries

2007-09-20T15:42:00.000+01:00

I thought I would do a quick post to the lovely couples we met at the show and are awaiting a brochure, price list and information pack. The packs are all ready and will be posted first thing tomorrow morning so that they arrive on Saturday morning. The information pack is normally larger than most people's letter box so I always post them to arrive at the weekend so it avoids a trip to the post office.

If anyone wishes to get in touch before then, please call the studio on 0141 885 2229 or email me on info@fionamacneill.com

Fxxx

useful info for brides to be!

2007-09-20T10:41:00.000+01:00

I have been thinking about the wedding show and all the lovely people we met over the course of the weekend and there was a very apparent pattern emerging...couples were feeling more and more overwhelmed by the sheer enormity of wedding planning. I heard the same things said time after time...'we don't know where to begin', 'can you recommend such and such?', 'the venue we wanted is booked', 'we've heard horror stories about this cake maker or stationer or photographer' and so it went on and I really began to wonder if anyone out there actually enjoys and relishes the challenge of planning a wedding in a world where there are hundreds of suppliers all wanting your business! I was lucky when I planned my own wedding, firstly, it was very small and intimate and secondly, I knew exactly where and who I wanted to use for the venue, flowers, stationery, photography etc as I had first hand experience of their work and knew I wouldn't have any worries. I have a page of recommended suppliers on my website called 'friends' and it really is a valuable source when starting out. A recommendation is worth a million glossy ads or a fancy stand at a wedding show.

However, it also got me thinking about my friend Wendy who is a wedding planner and runs a very successful company called Utopia Scotland. Wendy has helped many couples over the years plan and then have their dream wedding. She sources a handful of venues to match your requirements and once you are happy with the venue she has a shortlist of suppliers that she has worked with on numerous occasions and deemed to be 'professional, punctual and nice!'

Not only that, Wendy is the point of contact with these suppliers and does all the hard work in contacting them, paying them on your behalf and coordinating the whole day for you, while you sit back and watch it all come together. Finally, the day itself, and again I am very fortunate because I am at the wedding all day and get to see what goes on! At about 75% of the weddings I shoot, something doesn't go to plan. The flowers are the wrong shade or the wrong style, the wedding car breaks down or some other major decision has to be taken there and then. Its always the bride who is left to sort these things out and I always feel so sorry for them. While she's trying to have her hair and make up done, the mobile is ringing and turning the poor girl into a nervous wreck! So, what could be better than having Wendy there to take the calls and deal with the little hiccups leaving you to relax and enjoy the day!

If you haven't already visited Wendy's website you can do so at www.utopia-scotland.com/

Go on - it makes sense!!!

Fxxx

Pre-wedding Shoot

2007-09-19T14:23:00.001+01:00

All my clients get a complimentary pre-wedding shoot included in their package which is in fact a practise session so that the couple feel relaxed and comfortable with me on the day. They get a chance to see how I work and any nerves they have about getting their picture taken or indeed having a bit of a smooch in public will have gone by the end of the session! Not only that but they then get a large print from the session to keep! I get it mounted with a big broad ivory mount and take it to the wedding. all the guests on the day then sign round the picture! It's such a fabulous keepsake and is much more practical and usable than a guest book.

So, last week I met up with Karen and Christopher who are getting married this Saturday at Seamill Hydro. They seemed OK about getting their picture taken but weren't really sure what to expect. We started off with some individual shots to get them warmed up and then I put them through their paces together and by the end of the session, they were naturals! I tend to use the same venue as it works so well for the backdrop. Its an old industrial estate in Glasgow which is really grotty but looks amazing in the pictures. It's private so we can have lots of time and room to mess about and get the pictures right!

The pre-wedding shoot is available to be booked as a separate session for couples who have already secured a wedding photographer and it's also popular for anniversary sessions of just for couples who fancy some nice relaxed shots of themselves.

Here are some of Karen and Chris's best shots!

Karen & Andy

2007-09-19T13:32:00.000+01:00

So, Karen and Andy were married a couple of weeks ago and the whole day started in Karen's parents house with all the girls getting ready in a lovely big bedroom which was so light and airy and perfect for lots of gorgeous 'getting ready' shots! I love doing these shots because its a part of the day that the groom doesn't get to see and its always a time of ever increasing anticipation and excitement as the clock ticks by! It sends shivers down my spine just thinking about it!

The church ceremony was at Aberfoyle Kirk which is a beautiful wee church in such a stunningly beautiful part of Scotland. After the ceremony, we all headed back to Karen's parent's house which overlooks Loch Ard. the weather was great and everyone mingled on the terrace drinking bubbly and eating fab canapes. Karen had particularly wanted shots taken of her and Andy on their jetty at the loch side so we did a short session down there and some other lovely shots in the fabulous grounds.

Karen's dress was magnificent with a jewelled bodice and full, cascading skirt. She felt the dress was enough and just wore her hair simple with no veil or tiara. It was a good call and she really did look perfect! Andy was very smart in his dark kilt and gold cravat.

After the speeches and cake cutting the reception was underway and the first dance was really lovely in the huge marquee. The ceiling of the marquee had a dark blue star cloth which twinkled away with hundreds of white and blue fairy lights! It really was a brilliant day and I know Karen and Andy will love their pictures! I am seeing them next Thursday for a viewing session when I'll help them choose the best images for their album!

Here are some of my favourites!

yeeeha!

2007-09-17T00:14:00.000+01:00

So...it's been a mental weekend which has marked the end of a mental few weeks! We had the Scottish Wedding Show this weekend (a month earlier than usual) and it was truly exhausting!

To let you understand, the wedding show doesn't just mean rocking up with some nice pictures and some flyers to hand out - it's a labour of love which consumes you and turns you into a maniac craving and striving for the most creative and mind boggling stand imaginable! Anyway, it was 'alright on the night' and the stand looked gorgeous! We had numerous visitors admiring our work and enquiring about all sorts of dates and venues from this October in a zoo to October 2010 in Eilean Donan Castle!! It was a fabulous show and I want to thank everyone who took the time to visit the stand and appreciate our work! I say 'our' because it is very much a joint effort! I couldn't do what I do without the support of Jason so although I'm the one taking the pictures, the brand would be non-existent without Jason!

It was also our 2 year wedding anniversary on Saturday but we are postponing celebrations until October when things have quietened down a bit!

And, besides all this excitement, I shot a beautiful wedding on Saturday in Dirleton and North Berwick. Sarah and Neil are a lovely couple and I was very exited about a wedding at the Marine in North Berwick as its the first time I'd been there since their refurb! The hotel is incredible. So stylish but retaining so many lovely authentic features. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole day and can't wait to post some images in the next week of Sarah and Neil's wedding!

Finally, I have so many other things that I want to blog about; I will try and get round to them all in the next few weeks!

F xxx

Alison & George

2007-09-14T10:32:00.000+01:00

I've been busy getting the images ready to show Alison and George who are honeymooning in Italy right now and want to post a few here as they are so beautiful! This was the wedding at Wedderburn Castle near the small village of Duns in the Scottish Borders. It started off quite dull and grey but as the afternoon went on, the clouds cleared and it was a glorious evening! The wedding ceremony was in Edrom at 5pm so I spent the whole afternoon at the castle taking pictures of everyone getting ready. There was clay pigeon shooting at midday and then traditional afternoon tea for all the guests! Alison was stunning and looked so beautiful as she emerged from the castle in the late afternoon sun! The groomsmen were all in grey morning suits and looked extremely dapper! It was a very small and intimate wedding as all the guests and wedding party had flown in from The States a few days before. I love small weddings - they have such a happy, cosy vibe to them.

After a quintessentially British dinner cooked by the marvellous chef Jules, Alison and George had a private first dance in one of the magnificent rooms in the castle. There was just the three of us there and it was all very emotional - it was one of those 'never forget' moments!!!

I must stop as I'm welling up again! Here are some of the best images from the day...enjoy!

Last post - for today anyway!

2007-09-11T14:28:00.000+01:00

Right - here's my exciting news! Well, its exciting for me anyway!

One of my weddings (from April) has been chosen to be featured in the Real Life Weddings magazine which is the sister title of the popular Scottish Wedding Directory. It will be in the shops in October and I am very excited as you can imagine. The couple are Katy & Graeme and they got married at The Church of the Holy Rude and then afterwards at Stirling Castle. They have been interviewed for the feature and I don't know any details of what they said so it will be a real surprise for me to read the article!

My second piece of exciting news is that the Scottish Wedding Show is on this weekend (15th-16th September) at the SECC. I am exhibiting as always on stand 413a which is in the top right hand corner of the hall. Please come and say hello if you get the chance. I always have a selection of my favourite prints on display as well as a slideshow on a screen and for those with weary legs - a nice comfy couch to sit on! I won't be there on the Saturday as I am shooting a wedding in North Berwick but Jason will be holding the fort and I'll be there on Sunday!!

The third piece of news is that my hair colour has had a dramatic change from blonde to red! Not really sure why but it seemed a good idea last week! Nobody has recognised me since - its really quite funny! Sorry - no pictures will be posted of said hair colour!

Michelle & David

2007-09-11T13:38:00.000+01:00

Silly me - I knew there were some images waiting to be posted! I shot a lovely wedding at the end of August for a gorgeous couple called Michelle & David. They had booked me years ago - or so it seems so it was great that their day had finally come!

Michelle had planned the whole day with perfect precision and judging by the amount of smiling she did, I'd say it all went to plan!

They got married in Dowanvale Free Church in the West End of Glasgow and Michelle's Dad (who is a minister) took the sermon. It was really lovely and one of the hymns was sung in Gaelic. It was so haunting as there was no music in the church. After that, everyone went downstairs for a sumptuous finger buffet! I love buffets but opted not to dive in and demolish a plate of very delicious looking sausage rolls! Instead, I just took some rather delicious photos!!! Here are some of my favourites!!! Oh and the reception was at Seamill Hydro so we had lots of fun on the beach! I'm back at Seamill on the 22nd of this month and can't wait!!!

F xxx

p.s I didn't ask the usher to jump in the air!!

oops!

2007-09-11T11:26:00.001+01:00

I did it again! I have been so busy that I haven't had time to draw breath, never mind update my blog! Don't worry - during the quieter winter months I won't be able to stop blogging!!!

So, the reason I am so busy is this - I have shot 2 weddings during both of the last two weekends! I am shattered but it's been fun! I made a decision last year not to take any double weekend bookings but two weddings crept in as the people were just too nice to turn down! On the 1st of September, Karen and Andy tied the knot in Aberfoyle Church and then had an amazing reception in Karen's parents magnificent house on the banks of Loch Ard! They had the biggest marquee I had ever seen with a fabulous star light ceiling!!! Wow! The day after I whizzed down to Wedderburn Castle in the Borders to photograph Alison and George's Wedding. Alison and George are from Chicago and had brought their close friends and family with them to help them celebrate! It was a gorgeous wedding and the sun shone all evening for them.

Last weekend on the Friday, I shot Elaine and Martyn's wedding at Glenskirlie Castle which was fab. Elaine looked amazing and Martyn wore a traditional Welsh kilt which was really different. It was a very relaxed and happy day! We managed to squeeze in a pillow fight in The Honeymoon Suite and the pictures are brilliant! The day after it was Marianne and Steve's day with the most beautiful ceremony at Glasgow Cathedral and then a big party afterwards at St Andrews in the Square. The locations of the cathedral and the reception venue are both very urban with little or no greenery or parkland nearby so we had agreed that the pictures I would take would reflect this and not disguise it! It worked a treat and I can't wait to post some of their gorgeous pictures! You'll need to wait a little while longer to see shots form these weddings as I am taking my time working through them all!

Phew! I'm exhausted just talking about those weddings but what amazes me is the diversity and uniqueness of the weddings I am part of. Every week I attend a happy celebration but each one is so different from the one before. All my clients have such great taste and ideas to make their day so special. From intimate weddings on islands in the wilds of Scotland to the most amazing Castles or Stately Homes to stylish house parties...what other job combines such diverse locations with the rewarding task of working with people who are blissfully happy?!!! I love it!!

I have to sign off now but will be back with some exciting news later!

F x

Viva la France

2007-09-04T10:21:00.001+01:00

I know I haven't even touched on our amazing holiday in France so thought I'd blog, just a little about how marvellous it all was!

We had opted to visit a part of France that we hadn't visted before and had read about the regions called Poitou Charente and Charente Maritime, in the western side about half way down! We also decided to drive this year so that I could shop for bits and pieces for the house and the new office we have built. I love the French style and everything is so much cheaper. Jason thinks we could have done with a trailer to cart everything back but we managed to squash it all in!

Anyway, we had rented a farmhouse with our friends in a tiny hamlet called La Roche. The nearest towns to us were Saintes www.ot-saintes.fr/gbsainteshistorique.htm, St Jean d'Angely www.angely.net and Cognac www.westernfrancetouristboard.com/cognac.html all of which were so interesting and very different from eachother. My favourite was Cognac and we went there a couple of times. To think it houses all the Cognac producers, it is in fact a very small town. I found it all fascinating and we visited Le Domaine Rémy Martin which was just amazing. The whole place is massive with cellars and huge warehouses filled with barrels of Cognac. You can smell it in the air and just feel that something special is being created there! I could go on and on about it but won't! Just visit the website www.remy.com/ and read about this fascinating drink and brand for yourself.

Back at the farmhouse, we had a pool which was great and despite many trips to neighbouring towns, we managed lots of sun drenched days relaxing at the pool. The boy loved it!

I don't want to blog forever about the holiday, suffice to say, it is a gorgeous area of France for a holiday with so much to see and do but it's peaceful and very very pretty! We will definitely be back!

I haven't even mentioned the wine...better not, so here are some of my favourite holiday pics!

Castaway!

2007-08-30T09:43:00.000+01:00

So...at long last I've found a wee minute to blog about the wedding on the island in the middle of a loch in Glencoe!

It was brilliant and I had such an amazing time. The weather was spectacular and let's face it, Glencoe can be pretty miserable, but the sun was blazing and we were all sunburned by the end of the day! The scenery was spectacular and it was nice seeing the area from a different perspective for a change.

Myself, Jane and Keith the piper set sail in a little motor boat laden down with our equipment and a hamper of goodies for after the ceremony. When we arrived on the island the nettles and weeds had taken over and after scrambling up the seaweed covered rocks, Keith had to beat a path through the nettles with an oar from the boat! Next came the groom, Igor, in a rowing boat and he laid everything out on the beach ready for the post ceremony party! Then came the parents who had been invited at the last minute. Igor's parents had flown in from New York the day before! They were all bemused by the unique location but agreed that it was an amazing spot to have a wedding!

Then came Caz in the motor boat and Keith piped her progress from the mainland to the island. It was wildly romantic and I captured it all in detail for them to remember forever. Caz wore a fabulous vintage gown that she had lovingly restored herself and a simple bouquet of roses. She didn't see the need for shoes and was barefoot the whole day. Ron was their Humanist celebrant and the ceremony was really lovely. Next came champagne, oatcakes, cheese and fruit on the beach and it was just perfect! I can't describe how amazing the whole day was and we all left the island about 5pm feeling as if something magical had just happened. Igor rowed Caz into the sunset and Igor's dad left by kayake!

I have posted just a handful of images from this fabulous wedding but there are loads of stunning shots! Caz and Igor and their little girl Ruby are leaving for New York next week so I'm glad they have lots of very Scottish memories of their wedding!

we're back!

2007-08-22T13:01:00.000+01:00

phew! we are now back from France and we had a brilliant time. Everything was just perfect and it was oh so relaxing. I did take lots of pictures so will post some in the next couple of days. I can't quite believe the holiday is over but reality has hit home this week! I came home to a ton of emails and post so its been a busy few days trying to sort through them all. In between that I have managed to squeeze in two weddings!

I shot a beautiful wedding on Saturday at http://www.ballochneck.com/ and although it didn't stop lashing of rain all day, they still had a wonderful day and the images I've taken are really beautiful! Ballochneck is an amazing estate in Stirlingshire and the house is just amazing. The owners are Fiona and Donnie Allan and they are just the best hosts! They have this stunning Victorian Conservatory where the ceremony is held. Its filled with lush plants and even has a little pond with a resident frog! The roof was dripping and the rain was battering off the roof and it was just so romantic! I enjoyed every bit of it!

Laura was stunning in a vintage style dress and Andrew looked so smart in his morning suit. Here are some of my favourite images from their day. Look out for their Victorian cake topper; it's adorable!

The second wedding I shot this week was Caz and Igor's unique wedding on the island in the middle of Loch Leven! It was fantastic and I had such a brilliant time. I can't begin to descibe it as it was more of an adventure than just a wedding! More about that in my next post!

Fiona Xx

almost forgot...

2007-07-28T00:02:00.000+01:00

I had two pre-wedding shoots this last week as well! How could I forget? I don't have time to post any images tonight but they both went really well and we all had a right giggle! My clients get a pre-wedding shoot as part of their package and it helps them to relax and prepare for the big day! I meet so many poeple who loathe having their photo taken which makes my job very difficult! I like to take these people somewhere unusual and get them working for the camera so all their nerves have gone before the wedding! They also get to keep a huge mounted print from the day which all their guests sign at the wedding!

You can see previous pre-wedding shoot images in the 'together' gallery in my website! The pre-wedding shoot is also available to book as a session on its own as a 'couples' session!

I really am signing off now for almost 3 weeks - yeeha! If anyone needs me urgently, just ring my mobile!

Fiona Xx

So much to say....

2007-07-27T23:17:00.000+01:00

Oops - I've not blogged for a week! I do have a valid excuse though...we are getting ready for our holidays! Hurrah - we are off to France tomorrow night. We really can't wait but getting prepared to go away is always challenging and very time consuming. There is so much that has to be put in place ready for me coming back!

Anyway, the holiday will be amazing and I will be able to relax and unwind for almost 3 weeks in the sun with Jason and 'the boy'. I am taking the camera so I will post some pictures when I get back.

So, what else has happened in a week? I met a fabulously unique couple called Caz and Igor. They want me to shoot their wedding in August this year! I could hardly refuse when they told me the plan! There is a teeny island in Loch Leven near Glencoe and they have organised a little rowing boat to take them over and get married there! It all sounded wildly romantic and so unique that I jumped at the chance! I have posted a picture of the island courtesy of Igor! The area has great significance to them both and I love when a wedding is driven by emotion and sentimentality. It makes it so much more interesting and meaningful.

There will only be 6 of us on the island for the ceremony. Caz and Igor, their Humanist minister, a musician, myself and my friend Jane who is going to be a witness! I love every random detail of this wedding and can't wait to write about it and post some images from the day!

I also got to show wedding images to my clients Lora and Stephen who got married on the 7th of July. They are just back from Italy where they had a wonderful honeymoon! They loved their images and we spent yesterday afternoon choosing the images that will be in their album! Its very exciting and nerve-wracking showing wedding images to clients because you want them to love them but worry they won't! Thankfully, my clients always love their pictures and it feels so amazing to give them back their memories!

I always put together a slideshow of images and set it to music and I love that the groom can see what the bride was doing on the morning of the wedding and vice versa! I love it when they watch the ceremony pictures and sometimes have a wee cry! I love it when they see the pictures of the speeches and it brings it all back to them -the laughs, the tears, the happiness, the joy - every emotion under the sun! I have the best job in the world!

I have chosen a handful of my favourite images from their day. Lora was so beautiful and Stephen just smiled all day. It was lovely!

Diane & Stuart

2007-07-20T11:36:00.000+01:00

A couple of weeks ago I had the fabulous task of photographing the wedding of Diane and Stuart. They had booked me a couple of years ago for their wedding and I just knew that Diane's planning and preperation would pay off! The whole day was wonderful and they both looked so happy -depsite the very wet weather! It poured down all day but luckily I found a clump of trees in the grounds that offered shelter and a nice dry place to take their pictures!

Getting Diane out was another story; she had 4 white golf umbrellas covering her and an entourage that even Madonna would envy!

Anyway, I got some fabulous images of their day and you would never know it was wet! Diane and Stuart are such happy people and were so comfortable in front of the camera that my job was easy!

Here are some of my favourites from the day!

yum!

2007-07-19T21:26:00.001+01:00

So, Jason surprised me with a trip to one of my favourite Glasgow restaurants tonight! He said I've been working very hard (I have!) and deserved a good nosh up! We went to An Lochan on Crow Road. It used to be called Cafe Royale and is a seafood restaurant. It really does serve the most delish food and we had a feast! I won't bore you with every crumb that I devoured but I am feeling pretty full!

Anyway, I thought I'd start compiling a list of all my favourite things, places, movies etc in case anybody had the inkling to be interested!

An Lochan is definitely one of my favourites! Food is very important in my life so I might have a few favourite restaurants to write about!

Their website is www.anlochan.co.uk/ and from there you can navigate into any of their 3 venues. They have a gorgeous hotel in Tighnabruaich (Tin-a-broo-ich for those non Scots!), their restaurant in Glasgow and a new place in Perthshire called Tormaukin.

I hope you might one day get the chance to visit one of the 3 and if you do, let me know! Like I said; I love talking food!!

Going live!!!

2007-07-17T18:30:00.000+01:00

No, this isn't a post about that cult classic Saturday morning show starring Phil, Sarah and Gordon the Gopher! My new website has gone live this instant and I am soooo excited! Its much more fun than the last one and even has some cool music to listen to! There are some nice new features for clients and enquirers alike! Check out the 'happily ever after' page to read about my lovely couple's lives now that they have tied the knot. My 'friends' page is fabulous too and you can actually see pictures of the services that all my wonderful wedding friends provide!

So, I won't prattle on any longer because I know you are dying to have a nosey!

click on www.fionamacneill.com and enjoy!!!

Fiona Xx

Michelle & Giles

2007-07-12T17:55:00.000+01:00

I was lucky enough to photograph a beautiful wedding in June at Cramond Kirk in Edinburgh and then Orocco Pier in South Queensferry. Michelle is very beautiful and stylish so I got lots of gorgeous pictures of her. They live in Norwich so having her wedding in Scotland was vere important to Michelle. The setting at Orocco Pier is fabulous with the Forth Bridges in the background and I know Michelle wanted these to feature in her photographs.

Here are some of my favourites from the day....try to spot the little tartan hanky that Giles slipped to Michelle in the church. I didn't know about it until today but it meant so much to Michelle that I'm really happy I caught it on camera. I also love the ones of Michelle's wee Gran! What a smile!

I hope you enjoy!

meet 'the boy'

2007-07-11T12:56:00.000+01:00

so, this is 'the boy', he is my reason for getting up each day. He will feature a lot in this BLOG I think...a true VIP!

I take lots of pictures of him and my wonderful husband Jason, who is eternally patient and unconditionally supportive. I am so lucky!

Anyway, I know there isn't much here to read yet but keep checking back!

This gorgeous picture was taken by my dear friend Caroline Pilling based in Somerset. More about Caroline another time!

first of many - I hope!

2007-07-11T12:52:00.000+01:00

so this is a BLOG? I'm impressed that I've finally joined the 21st century and got something as cool as a BLOG...I'm not sure if people will be interested in reading about me or my life or whatever I decide to write about but here goes...I'm Fiona and I take photographs of weddings as my job but if you've found this BLOG then you'll probably know that already! If you didn't know that then visit the site www.fionamacneill.com and hopefully you will like!

As I add more stuff to this then you'll get to know me a bit better!