Andy King & Craig McBlain's Castle Wedding in Ayrshire, Scotland – A Photographer’s Perspective with Pro Tips Included

A joyful celebration of love, legacy, and kilts — with dancing until 2 a.m.

By now, Kilochan Castle is slowly becoming a second home for me in Ayrshire — and every time I return, it feels like something new is waiting to be told. Andy King and Craig McBlain’s wedding was no exception.

This celebration also holds a special place in my heart as it was the first LGBTQ+ wedding I had the honour of photographing. It was a joy to witness and document a day so full of love, laughter, and community — a true reminder of why I love what I do.

This was the kind of weekend that lingers long after — the type of celebration where love is loud, the ceilidh goes past 2 a.m., and the emotional moments hit just as hard as the laughter.

Friends and family traveled from both coasts of the U.S., from Scotland, and beyond to be part of this gathering. And what they experienced was not just a wedding — it was a full-hearted, romantic, deeply joyful celebration of two people and their story.

A Castle Wedding Inspired by a Christmas Movie

The inspiration? A cozy movie night. On the evening they got engaged, Andy and Craig watched A Merry Scottish Christmas, which sparked a beautiful idea — to have married in a Scottish castle in Craig’s hometown. They dreamed up their perfect day . A day that would become this exact celebration.

A Celebration That Felt Like Themselves

With Andy’s background in event planning and the support of 7 Hospitality Management, every detail of the day was intentional. From the handwritten vows to the scottish traditions integrated in the day, to musical performances by friends, every choice reflected who they are.

Craig wore a kilt in his family tartan, made by MacGregor and MacDuff, while Andy matched in tailored trews. They walked into the ceremony led by the sound of bagpipes, and welcomed 220 guests for a wedding that was elegant, heartfelt, and full of life.

📷 Photographer’s Tip: Incorporating Heritage into Visuals -The couple’s cultural touches — the tartan, the bagpipes, the sword — didn’t just add meaning, they also gave the images layers of story. 💡 Tip for couples: Don’t underestimate the visual power of your heritage. These traditions aren’t just symbolic — they become emotional anchors in your photos.

A Ceremony That Moved Everyone

The ceremony was personal, emotional, and rich with tradition. One of the most touching moments was the handfasting, an ancient Celtic ritual where the couple’s hands were gently bound together with a cord — symbolizing the joining of their lives and hearts.

They also drank from a Quaich, a traditional two-handled Scottish cup engraved with their initials, representing the trust and bond between them.

The most emotional part of the ceremony? Andy’s niece singing Somewhere Over the Rainbow. Every single person in the crowd felt it.

From the couple's smiles to the way their hands found each other again and again, to the tearful vowa, Andy and Craig brought a sense of calm and connection to the whole day.

📷 Photographer’s Tip: Storytelling Through Candid Moments - I always watch for the quiet gestures — the looks, the touches, the inhale before a speech. These fleeting moments tell the story better than anything posed.💡 Tip: The more you allow yourself to feel the moment, the more beautiful and raw your photos will be.

Dinner Under the Tent and Dancing Until Morning

After the ceremony, guests gathered beneath a beautifully lit marquee provided by Finesse Marquees. The evening started with a hearty buffet, continued with heartwarming words from their beloved ones (there were of course some funny and hot inside jokes as well) during the speeches. The 'cherry on top' was the dramatic (and delightfully Scottish) cutting of the cake using a ceremonial sword, setting the tone for a night to remember. Live performances from local bands brought incredible energy, while heartfelt songs from close friends made the celebration even more personal.

📷 Photographer’s Tip: Embracing Untraditional Traditions - The sword cutting moment? Unexpected and brilliant — and it told their story.💡 Tip: Don’t be afraid to personalize tradition. The photos that last are the ones that feel unmistakably you.

Later, The Trueloves and Red Hot Chilli Pipers kept the energy high. The ceilidh at the end — guests from all walks of life laughing and dancing together — was a reminder of how weddings unite everyone in joy.

📷 Photographer’s Tip: Living in the Moment - Andy and Craig didn’t disappear for long portrait sessions. They stayed present — and that made the candids so much more powerful.💡 Tip for couples: Trust that if you’re living the day fully, your photographer can capture its soul.

Rainy Skies, Glowing Castle

It may have been summer, but Scotland showed her moody side — misty air and soft rain throughout the day. Instead of shying away, everyone leaned in. The castle felt like something out of a fairytale, veiled in fog, with glowing windows and soft candlelight inside.

📷 Photographer’s Tip: Embracing the Rain - Rain is texture. It’s atmosphere. It’s emotion. In Scotland, it’s also just part of the story.💡 Tip: Don’t worry about the forecast. Overcast skies make for soft light, and rain adds mood and romance. Bring the right footwear and trust your team.

A Favorite Moment: Their First Dance with the Castle Behind Them

Their first dance — not on a stage or tucked away in a ballroom, but right there in the marquee, with Kilochan Castle glowing in the background and everyone they love gathered close, cheering them on. It was intimate, emotional, and utterly unforgettable.

📷 Photographer’s Tip: First Dance MagicThe way the castle's shadow wrapped around them? Pure poetry.💡 Tip: Whether planned or spontaneous, let that first dance breathe. Don’t rush it. It’s one of the few quiet moments you’ll have together.

What You Can Learn from Andy & Craig’s Day

• Make it personal – Every detail reflected them, not a Pinterest board.

• Celebrate your roots – The Scottish traditions added beauty and meaning.

• Let go of perfection – They didn’t chase perfect weather or perfect photos. They chased joy — and got both.

• Stay present – Their full presence made the images come alive.

• Trust your people – They had a great team, and it allowed them to relax and enjoy.

Vendor Spotlight

Weddings like this don’t happen by accident. These incredible vendors made magic happen:

Venue: Kilochan Castle, Ayrshire

Planning & Coordination: 7 Hospitality Management

Tartan & Attire: MacGregor and MacDuff

Marquee: Finesse Marquees

Catering: Claire Caminada & Susie Cover

Wedding Cake: Cake N Bakes

Piper: Liam the Bagpiper

Evening Entertainment: The Trueloves & Red Hot Chilli Pipers

Rings: Manly Bands

Luggage: LEVEL8 Cases

Photography: Timshel Photography (hi, that’s me)

If you’re planning your own Scottish celebration — castle or city, ceilidh or not, in a venue in Edinburgh or up in Highlands for an elopement — I’d love to help tell your story!