A Colourful and Love-Filled Day at Branxholm Park: Carter & Caitlin’s Wedding Story


If you’re dreaming of a wedding that’s intimate, joyful, and full of personal touches, Carter and Caitlin’s celebration at Branxholm Park in Hawick is a must-see. This exclusive-use venue provided the perfect backdrop for their heartfelt day surrounded by their chosen family. And let’s be honest, a wedding venue with goats? Yes, please!

The Perfect Venue for Intimate Vibes

Nestled in the beautiful Scottish Borders, Branxholm Park is a hidden gem for couples looking for a quirky and private wedding location. Carter and Caitlin’s day felt like a warm embrace – a gathering of their closest loved ones in a space that encouraged connection and celebration. From its beautiful grounds to the playful resident animals (including the aforementioned goats), this venue effortlessly set the tone for a laid-back and love-filled day. If you’re after a relaxed wedding venue with a quirky twist, Branxholm Park is a top contender.

A Celebration of Love and Authenticity

Carter (they/them) and Caitlin’s (she/her) wedding was a testament to embracing who you are and celebrating it with the people who matter most in the world. Their wedding party included friends who contributed their talents, making the day truly one-of-a-kind. Caitlin’s maid of honour designed her stunning tuxedo, a masterpiece with so many hidden quirks and details - I gasped when I saw it! Meanwhile, Carter the creative spirit, added finishing touches to their dress that reflected their personality perfectly. It wasn’t just about wearing something beautiful; it was about wearing something meaningful for both of them.

I also got to meet and work with the wonderful Rosie Roberts Beauty who is a feelow supplier on the brilliant Rebel Love Directory.

Chosen Family and Personal Touches

One of the most heartwarming aspects of this wedding was the sense of community and family. Carter and Caitlin’s chosen family played a huge role, not just as guests but as contributors to the day. Every detail, from the handmade decor to the thoughtfully curated playlist, told a story of love, friendship, and shared experiences. It was a day where everyone’s energy came together to create a celebration that felt deeply personal and unforgettable.

Capturing Colourful, Candid, and Authentic Moments

As a wedding photographer, it’s a dream to document a day like this. Carter and Caitlin’s wedding was brimming with vibrant details, natural laughter, and moments of pure connection. From epic confetti, golden hour light, dance floor shenanigans, every image tells a story. If you’re planning your wedding and want your photos to reflect the real, unscripted magic of your day, this is exactly what I love to capture.

Don’t believe me? Here’s what Carter said -

Our wedding photographer was the first vendor we looked for after booking our venue, as we knew it was vitally important to find the right one. We were looking for someone queer-friendly, with a lively, warm, documentary-style portfolio, who would get along with us and fit in with our guests. We are not the most camera-confident couple and also didn’t have a lot of family at the wedding, so weren’t looking for posed portraits, rather plenty of authentic candid moments. Lou absolutely fit the bill, and beyond! Her photos are colourful and vibrant and we could tell that all the subjects in them were relaxed and comfortable in front of her camera - this was a major deciding factor. From our initial zoom meeting she was energetic, passionate, friendly and supportive, and as excited about our wedding as we were (probably because we promised her goats)!

We checked in with Lou throughout our planning process and she was always friendly and helpful and on our side, offering advice and experience of the industry and reassuring us that we weren’t mad to question certain things with the venue. We had another zoom two weeks before the day, which felt like a catch-up with an old friend, and by the wedding day she felt as much a guest as anyone.

Lou arrived early enough to capture both of us getting ready, detail shots, and then a first look - we’d kept our outfits secret so this was a big, emotional moment - and then stayed with us through the ceremony, reception, and into the evening. It was wonderful to have her (and her infectious smile and brilliant energy!) there for such a long time and to capture the whole experience, and she was so good at keeping us calm, organising guests, and talking to everyone.

We were promised “a few sneak peeks”, in the “next few days” after the wedding - and we received about 70 photos the very next day! This was absolutely incredible and the pictures are so stunning, we can’t stop looking at them.

Thank you so much, Lou, for all your hard work! I would recommend Lou to anyone looking for a photographer, and would absolutely book with her again if we find ourselves in Scotland.
— Carter + Caitlin

Ready to Plan Your Own Colourful and Authentic Wedding?

If you’re searching for an Edinburgh wedding photographer who gets what it means to have a wedding that’s colourful, relaxed, and full of love, I’d love to hear from you. Whether you’re getting married at Branxholm Park or anywhere else, my goal is to capture your day in a way that feels as joyful and authentic as the love you share.

Head over to my contact page to check my availability and let’s start planning how to tell your unique story through vibrant, candid images. Your love deserves to be celebrated and remembered in the most beautiful way possible.

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A Modern Edinburgh Wedding at National Museum of Scotland