An Austrian-Scottish wedding at Archerfield House

An Austrian-Scottish wedding at Archerfield House

Recently I had the pleasure of photographing a unique Archerfield House wedding. Yenny and David got married at the magical Archerfield Estate on a warm Scottish day. They took their vows by the sparkling blue seaside with views of nearby Fidra island and its beloved old lighthouse, and later on dined in the Waterside Pavilion along with their guests. What made this Scottish wedding so unique was the couple’s inclusion of Austrian wedding traditions due to the bride’s heritage.

Archerfield House wedding ceremony bride and groom kiss
Archerfield House wedding bride enjoys drink with guests

Archerfield House wedding photography is always a particular pleasure, due to the main house being built in the late 1700s. The estate is steeped in history with fascinating stories about both its Scottish and English occupants. Bring to that the bride’s Austrian flair with her bridal party’s beautiful dirndl dresses, and you have an amalgamation of international traditions that was so unique to photograph. I think the joy in the faces of the couple and their guests speaks for itself.

Bride and groom enjoying the evening at the Archerfield House Pavilion
Wedding dinner at Archerfield House in East Lothian
Wedding guests walking to the seaside ceremony at Archerfield House

Yenny, the bride, wore a beautiful, fitted red dress with classic styling and a bouquet of Scottish and Austrian-inspired wildflowers. In Austria, a red wedding dress symbolises good fortune – something that shone through on the bride’s face. David wore a traditional kilt with a classic Argyll-style jacket and red flashes to match Yenny’s dress. The remaining bridal party and many of the guests wore classic Austrian apparel. Dirndls are traditional Austrian dresses known for their intricate designs and colourful fabrics.

Bridal party getting ready for wedding at Archerfield House
Mother and child on the grounds of Archerfield House Estate before wedding ceremony
Intimate moment between bride and groom after wedding ceremony
Celebrations after wedding ceremony
Wedding party enjoying time together at Archerfield House

After the ceremony, the couple enjoyed a delicious meal in the Archerfield Estate’s Waterside Pavillion, including champagne and a selection of canapes. Guests witnessed Scotland at its finest, with beautiful views across the East Lothian coastline. After their meal, everyone retreated to one of Archerfield House’s private marquees, which was accentuated by a draped fabric night sky. Across the tables, more wildflowers sparkled – along with the smiles and laughter of the guests who all had a wonderful time.

Wedding guest is doing a cartwheel to the enjoyment of spectators
East Lothian coastline seaside wedding at Archerfield House
Bride dancing at the party
Child playing while parents are chatting on the grounds at seaside
Husband helps wife pushing pram on the grass at seaside wedding

I took photos of the couple and their guests throughout the estate, and I think you’ll agree that they just looked so relaxed and happy. It was such a joy to picture them by the coast and in the Archerfield Estate gardens, as well as dancing the evening away with their friends and family. Throughout the day the couple’s love for both Scottish and Austrian culture shone through so perfectly, even down to the vases draped in Austrian Edelweiss flower ribbons. It was truly a unique day at a unique venue, filled with love and laughter.

Portrait of happy bride and groom at Archerfield House East Lothian
Child writing message for bride and groom before wedding dinner
First dance at Archerfield House East Lothian
Bridal party having fun during bridal preparations
Wedding guests laughing
Bride throwing bouquet
Happy groom with relatives after wedding ceremony
Happy bride enjoying wedding celebrations
Wedding guests sitting at a table on the coast of Archerfield House Estate
Children at wedding
Bride and groom at the Waterside Pavilion of Archerfield House
Bride and groom playing games at the Waterside Pavilion
Little girl dancing in front of mirror
Silouette of bride and groom as they are playing entertainig games