DIY Wedding at Aberlady Village Hall
Grete and Cameron’s wedding last September was the perfect blend of personal touches, family involvement, and the stunning backdrop of East Lothian. Set in the picturesque village of Aberlady, the DIY celebration was all about creating a relaxed atmosphere that beautifully reflected the couple’s style and the local charm of the area.
A Personal Ceremony and relaxed wedding reception in Aberlady
The day started with a meaningful ceremony at the village church, led by Cameron’s father. It was a simple, authentic service, made even more personal with the inclusion of ring cushions made by Cameron’s Mum’s. These subtle details set the tone for a day that was all about family and community.
Following the ceremony, guests headed to Aberlady Green for a drinks reception. The weather was perfect for an outdoor party in September, and the light was spectacular—soft, golden, and ideal for candid photos. A vintage Daimler wedding car then took us to Aberlady Nature Reserve, where we captured Bride & Groom photos.
East Lothian Wedding in September
One of the standout features of Grete and Cameron’s wedding was the incredible autumn light that comes in September. The soft, natural glow made for stunning East Lothian wedding photos and created a laid-back, romantic atmosphere throughout the day. As a Scotland wedding photographer, capturing that light and those genuine moments are the highlights of any wedding. For couples considering a wedding in East Lothian, Aberlady offers the perfect mix of village charm, coastal beauty, and community spirit. And with a DIY approach, you can create something that feels authentic and meaningful without any unnecessary frills.
Aberlady Village Hall was transformed into a warm, welcoming space for the reception, thanks to Grete’s family’s incredible DIY efforts. The handmade bunting, crafted by Grete’s mum, gave the hall a personal and charming feel. The flowers on each table were picked from Grete’s parents’ garden, bringing the outdoors in and adding a natural elegance to the décor. Aberlady Village Hall is one of my favourite venues for hosting a DIY wedding reception—I’ve photographed several weddings there before.
The evening kicked off with a ceilidh, with the band’s drummer—an old school friend of Cameron’s—keeping the energy high. It was a night of dancing and great music, with the ceilidh adding a lively vibe to the evening. The personal connection with the band made the night even more memorable for the couple and their guests.
I used a mix of digital and analogue wedding photography on this day. Here a few photos taken with 35mm film Kodak Portra 160.