A Golden Hour Love Story at Crathes Castle | Pre-Wedding Shoot with Miranda & Duncan
There’s something truly special about capturing a love story before the big day. Pre-wedding shoots offer couples a chance to create beautiful, relaxed memories together, and for me, as a photographer and videographer, they allow me to get to know my couples better. Recently, I had the pleasure of photographing Miranda & Duncan ahead of their wedding at Maryculter House. They booked my ‘Shang-a-lang’ package, which includes full-day photography and videography, and we met at the breathtaking Crathes Castle for their engagement session. With their easygoing nature, love for the outdoors, and a stunning golden hour setting, this shoot was pure magic.
Miranda and Duncan’s story began when they met online as students, and their connection quickly grew into something special. Their warm, fun-loving personalities were evident from the moment we met, making them an absolute joy to photograph. Their chemistry was effortless, filled with laughter and genuine moments that translated beautifully onto the camera. As lovers of nature, they chose Crathes Castle for their engagement session, drawn to its stunning gardens and peaceful surroundings.
Set in the heart of Aberdeenshire, Crathes Castle is a dream location for an engagement shoot. Its historic charm, coupled with breathtaking gardens, provides endless opportunities for natural and romantic photography. The woodlands, open fields, and hidden pathways make every shot unique, offering a perfect mix of grandeur and intimacy.
For Miranda & Duncan, it was the ideal place to capture their love story. The natural beauty of the location allowed them to simply enjoy the moment together, resulting in images that truly reflect who they are as a couple.
My approach to photography and videography is all about authenticity. I believe the best images come from real moments, not forced poses. With every couple, I take the time to get to know them first, making sure they feel comfortable in front of the camera. For Miranda & Duncan, this meant embracing their fun-loving nature and capturing them as they are—laughing, holding hands, and simply enjoying each other’s company.
We met at 2 PM at Crathes Castle and started the day with a coffee on the grounds, chatting about their wedding plans.
Once we stepped into the gardens, the magic truly began. The autumn light filtering through the trees, the warmth of golden hour, and the castle as a backdrop created the perfect setting. Whether they were walking hand in hand through the gardens or sharing a quiet moment on a secluded pathway, every shot felt genuine and full of emotion.
With their wedding day fast approaching, I’m excited to capture more unforgettable moments at Maryculter House. Set on the banks of the River Dee, this venue offers a perfect blend of indoor elegance and outdoor beauty. I’ve filmed weddings at Maryculter before, but this will be my first time photographing there, and I can’t wait to bring my cinematic, documentary-style approach to their special day.
Miranda & Duncan’s pre-wedding session was a reminder of why I love what I do. Capturing love in a way that feels natural and true to each couple is always my goal, and this session was a perfect example of that. Engagement shoots are not just about the photos; they’re about creating a relaxed, enjoyable experience that allows couples to celebrate their love before the wedding day arrives.
For those planning a wedding in Aberdeenshire and looking for a documentary-style photographer with a cinematic, nostalgic touch, Crathes Castle is a stunning location for an engagement session—and I’d love to help tell your story.
