Some weddings stay with you forever – and Sophie & Scott’s Douneside House wedding was one of those days that just hit different 🥹

It was emotional, meaningful, laidback, stylish, and full of heart from start to finish. A day built around love – not just between Sophie & Scott, but for their families, their friends, and for those who couldn’t be there in person.

Their day had its own quiet magic. And I was so, so proud to be part of it 💚

A Special Surprise for Sophie’s Mum 💌

Sophie’s lovely mum couldn’t be there on the day due to illness, and from the moment I arrived, I knew: I was going to do everything I could to help her feel like she was right there 💔

So while I’m a photographer, not a videographer… I picked up my camera and hit record anyway 🎥 Just little moments. Glances. Smiles. Laughter. Hugs. And then Josh (the actual wizard of editing) helped me pull it all together into a short highlight film as a surprise gift.

Was I nervous? YES. But seeing their reaction, and knowing it gave Sophie’s mum a chance to experience the day… totally worth the late night and every second behind the lens 🥹✨

Planning Their Douneside House Wedding 💐

Sophie & Scott’s wedding was a slow and intentional vision. No pressure, no rush – just a gorgeous, sustainable day with a touch of vintage, 70s-inspired style.

🧡 Think greens with pops of colour, thoughtful details, and chilled-out vibes from start to finish. Some of my fave little things?

• Sophie’s handbag: her mum’s wedding handbag (her “something borrowed”) 💕
• Her wedding band: her mum’s original ring, with added stones to make it her own ✨
• The vibe: unfussy, joyful, and full of so much love

Planning your own wedding like this? Check out our free resources here

A Ceremony and Speeches Full of Heart 🕊️

The ceremony took place at the ever-gorgeous Douneside House, tucked away in the Aberdeenshire countryside. It was intimate, sweet, and full of personal touches:

• Aunties doing readings 📖
• A huge dram from the quaich 🥃
• Sophie surprising everyone by finishing the speeches with her own beautiful words – because in her words, “I had to have the last word” 😂

It was relaxed, warm, and filled with happy tears and belly laughs.

Intentional, Easygoing Portraits 💚

One thing I loved about this day? Nothing felt rushed. With a 2pm ceremony, the morning was super chill and full of excitement.

Bridal party portraits were quick and fun (think more “laughing with pals” than stiff posing) and their couple portraits were spaced out over the day – short, meaningful little pockets of time for them to be alone and soak it all in 🫶

No long disappearances. Just sweet, slow moments.

A Photographer Who’s Also a Guest 📸✨

One of my favourite things about smaller weddings is how much time I get to spend with your guests too. I don’t just point and shoot – I chat, I check in, I make sure everyone feels seen.

Before I left, I double-checked with the guests to make sure they had the photos they wanted – because your day isn’t just about the two of you. It’s about the people who love you 💕

Wedding Previews + Surprise Film = Delivered! 🕊️🎞️

I left after the speeches, but my work didn’t stop there. I was straight home, backing up files and editing previews late into the night – because I couldn’t wait to share them.

Waking up the next morning and knowing Sophie & Scott could send those photos and a little surprise highlight film to Sophie’s mum? Genuinely one of the proudest moments of my career 🥹

Looking for a Douneside House Wedding Photographer? 👋

We’re Danielle & Josh – a photo + video duo based in Scotland. And if you’re planning a wedding that’s laidback, love-filled, and all about the little moments – we might just be the team for you.

💌 Say hello and check our availability
📚 Grab our free wedding planning resurces

And for more behind-the-scenes magic, follow us on Instagram @daniellelesliephotography