A bride and groom stand facing each other on a wooden jetty over a lake, holding hands. The bride wears a white gown and veil; the groom wears a dark suit and top hat. The sky is cloudy, and green hills are visible in the background.

The Vu Wedding Photos | Ashley & John’s Spring Wedding

ByJonathon Fowler Updated

Ashley and John’s spring wedding gave us one of our favourite collections of The Vu wedding photos — top hats and tails, a surprise singing waiter, and a dance floor that eventually turned into a full-on heavy metal mosh pit.

They were married in the Water Lily overlooking Ballencrieff Reservoir before celebrating with family and friends in the Oasis. Between the two, we had time for photographs around the reservoir and jetty as well as plenty of relaxed, candid moments throughout the day.

What we remember most about this wedding is how completely Ashley and John made the day their own. There was plenty of emotion, but just as much laughter, music and energy once the celebrations got going.

The photographs below tell the story of their day, from the ceremony and newlywed portraits to the singing waiter, speeches and packed dancefloor.

If you’re planning your own wedding here, you can also read our The Vu wedding photographer guide, based on our experience of photographing 25 weddings at the venue.

The Vu Wedding Photos

  • A round, tan-coloured building with the sign "Wharerau" sits by the water, surrounded by greenery and a curved brick pathway. The sky is overcast and misty, and hills are visible in the background.
  • A modern, light-coloured building labelled “Water-Lily” sits beside a pond with reeds and plants. A glass-railed walkway leads to the entrance. Cloudy skies loom overhead, and a path runs along the pond. In the distance, there’s a white house and wooded hills.
  • A modern, light-wood building with "Water Lily" written on the side sits behind clear glass fencing. The path is paved with bricks and lined with green plants. Overcast, grey skies and grassy landscape are visible in the background.
  • A modern, circular event space with rows of white chairs facing a small altar decorated with white flowers. The room has a wooden floor, large windows with natural light, and a partially open domed ceiling with exposed beams. A red carpet leads to the altar.
  • A modern wedding venue with a red carpet aisle lined with potted white blossom trees, surrounded by white chairs. At the end of the aisle is a table with white cloth, set against large, curved windows letting in natural light.
  • A white tablecloth covers a table topped with a floral arrangement of white roses and greenery. Behind the table, two empty, cream-coloured chairs with a textured pattern are visible, and a softly lit window is in the background.
  • A close-up of a glass window with the words "Water Lily" etched on it, with blurred green plants and a cloudy sky visible outside. The scene suggests a view from inside, looking out over water and greenery.
  • A bright, modern wedding venue with rows of cream chairs facing a small table. Large windows overlook a green landscape. White flower arrangements line the aisle, and red carpets create two curved pathways down the centre of the wooden floor.
  • A man with long curly brown hair stands outdoors on a wooden path by a glass balustrade. He wears a dark suit with a grey waistcoat, white shirt, maroon cravat, and buttonhole with red flowers. The background is blurred with greenery and water.
  • A man with long curly hair, wearing a dark suit, checked waistcoat, white shirt, and burgundy tie, stands by a lake. He has a red buttonhole on his lapel. The background shows grass, water, a jetty, and cloudy sky.
  • A close-up of a person wearing a dark grey suit with a red rose buttonhole pinned to the lapel. The buttonhole also includes green leaves and thistles, and the person has a maroon cravat and a light check waistcoat underneath the suit jacket.
  • Six men in matching dark suits, white shirts, and red buttonholes stand outside a building. Two wear top hats; one holds a cane. They smile and pose together in a row. Glass doors and a wooden wall are behind them, with greenery visible outside.
  • Six men in matching dark suits with burgundy ties and buttonholes walk together outdoors on a wet pavement. Two wear top hats, one holds a cane. They are smiling and talking, with plants and a building in the background. The scene looks candid and joyful.
  • A woman with short, white-blonde hair in a black lace dress sits beside a man with glasses and a suit on a purple bench. Both are smiling at the camera against a plain white wall. The woman's gold handbag rests on the seat beside her.
  • A smiling man and woman stand arm-in-arm in front of a wavy-patterned light grey wall. The man has a beard, glasses, and wears a dark suit with a white shirt. The woman wears a black blazer over a deep purple dress and holds a black clutch.
  • A man in a grey checked suit and navy tie stands next to a woman with long wavy auburn hair, wearing a navy dress and pearl headband. They are smiling in front of a purple wall with a modern, abstract artwork.
  • A smiling man in a black suit and red tie stands with his arm round a smiling woman in a navy floral dress with lace sleeves. They pose together in front of a light grey, wavy-textured wall.
  • Three adults stand together indoors, smiling and chatting. One man on the left holds a drink, the woman in the centre smiles at him, and a bearded man on the right wears a suit and holds a glass of beer. The background features horizontal wooden panelling.
  • A man with long curly hair wearing a blue top hat, dark suit, and red tie with a colourful buttonhole smiles and talks to two people at an indoor event. Blurred people and a modern, grey background are visible.
  • Three adults stand together smiling. The man in the centre wears a dark suit, burgundy tie, buttonhole, and a tall blue hat. The man on the left wears a suit and holds a drink. The woman on the right wears a patterned jacket over a red dress.
  • A smiling woman in a light jacket holds a baby who wears a blue shirt. She faces a woman in a blue hijab, speaking animatedly. Other people and green plants are in the background in a bright indoor setting.
  • An older man in traditional Scottish attire, including a tartan kilt and bonnet, stands playing the bagpipes. He wears a black cape and several medals on his chest. He stands outside near a glass window and a grey stone wall.
  • Two vintage cars, one white and one black, drive on a wet road bordered by stone walls and green grassy fields. Trees and a wire fence are visible in the background under an overcast sky. The scene appears rural and peaceful.
  • A classic white and black vintage car with a soft black roof is parked on wet pavement. The car has round headlamps, silver grille, chrome wire wheels, and registration plate R907 PGO. The background shows trees, grass, and a cloudy sky.
  • Three women sit inside a vintage car. The bride, in a white wedding dress and tiara, sits in the middle, smiling, with two bridesmaids in red dresses on either side. All three are smiling at the camera in the beige interior.
  • A smiling bride with dark hair, a jewelled headpiece, and a veil sits inside a vintage car. She wears a white lace wedding dress with sheer sleeves and a low neckline. Part of another person in red is visible beside her.
  • Three women stand outdoors by a lake, posing for a photo. The bride in a white dress holds a brolly and bouquet, flanked by two bridesmaids in red dresses holding matching bouquets. All are smiling, with greenery and a stone wall behind them.
  • A bride in a white dress walks outdoors on a rainy day, smiling and holding a bouquet, flanked by two bridesmaids in red dresses; another person holds white umbrellas over them, with green hills and a glass fence in the background.
  • A bride in a white dress and tiara smiles while holding her gown’s skirt, flanked by two bridesmaids in red dresses holding bouquets of red roses and greenery. Another person holds a white umbrella over the bride. Trees and a gazebo appear in the background.
  • A man in a dark suit with a burgundy cravat stands indoors among a group of formally dressed people at an event. Another man in a similar suit is turned towards him. Attendees are mingling in the background, and there are elegant floral decorations.
  • A woman in a sleeveless red dress holds a bouquet of red and green flowers, smiling as she stands indoors. Wedding guests sit and stand behind her, and white floral decorations line the aisle in a bright, modern venue.
  • A woman in a flowing red dress with bright red hair walks down a red carpet aisle, holding a bouquet of red and white flowers. Guests are seated on either side among white blossom decorations, and a person in blue is in the foreground.
  • A smiling woman in a flowing red dress holds a bouquet of red and green flowers while walking down a red carpet aisle at an indoor wedding venue, surrounded by seated guests and trees with white blossoms.
  • A woman in a flowing red dress holds a bouquet of red and white flowers, smiling as she walks down a red carpet aisle lined with white blossoming floral arrangements. People in formal attire watch her from both sides. The setting appears festive and elegant.
  • Two men in suits, one with long curly hair and the other with a ponytail and glasses, stand chatting at a formal event. Both wear buttonholes. Other guests, mostly men in suits, are mingling in the background in a bright, modern room.
  • Four bridesmaids in matching sleeveless red dresses hold bouquets with red and white flowers and greenery. They stand in a bright room with cream chairs, a stone feature wall, and guests in the background, some seated and some standing.
  • A bride in a white wedding dress and veil, holding a bouquet of red and white flowers, stands smiling at the start of an indoor aisle decorated with white flowering branches. Guests stand and sit along the aisle, which is covered by a red carpet.
  • A group of people dressed formally at an indoor event, possibly a wedding. A smiling woman in a blue lace dress stands beside a suited man. Guests in suits and colourful dresses are seated and standing, some smiling, others watching or taking photos.
  • A bride in a white lace wedding dress and veil holds a bouquet of red and green flowers, smiling as she walks down an aisle lined with white floral arrangements. Guests in formal attire stand and watch, some smiling, in a bright indoor venue.
  • A groom with long curly hair and a dark suit embraces a smiling bride in a white dress and veil holding a bouquet of red roses. They face each other at an indoor wedding ceremony, surrounded by guests in formal attire.
  • A bride in a white lace dress and veil holds a red and green bouquet, smiling at the groom in a dark suit and maroon tie. Guests, some dressed in blue, watch the ceremony indoors with large windows in the background.
  • A close-up of two people lighting a candle together at a decorated table with white flowers. One person wears a dark suit and the other a white dress, suggesting a wedding or ceremonial event. The background is softly blurred.
  • A bride in a white lace wedding dress and veil stands smiling, holding hands with a groom in a dark suit, grey waistcoat, and burgundy buttonhole. Both look happy, standing indoors near a window with white floral decorations nearby.
  • A bride in a white dress and a groom in a suit stand holding hands, facing a woman in a red dress holding papers, likely the celebrant. They are at the front of a room filled with seated wedding guests, some with hats, during a ceremony.
  • A close-up of a bride and groom holding hands. The bride wears a white lace-sleeved gown, and the groom wears a dark suit with a light checked waistcoat. Their hands are gently clasped, symbolising unity, against a bright, softly lit background.
  • A bride and groom stand at the altar with an officiant in a bright, modern venue. Guests are seated on both sides of a red aisle runner lined with white floral arrangements. Large windows curve around the room, letting in natural light.
  • A woman with glasses and a red dress stands indoors, holding and reading from a folder with papers. She is speaking to someone seated in the foreground, with soft daylight streaming in from large windows behind her. White flowers are visible nearby.
  • A smiling bride in a white lace wedding dress and tiara stands holding hands with a grinning groom in a dark suit, waistcoat, and burgundy tie. They are indoors, in front of large bright windows, with white flowers and candles on a table nearby.
  • A diverse group of people sit in rows, smiling and laughing during an indoor event. In the foreground, a man and woman in colourful traditional African attire sit together, surrounded by others in formal clothing. White flowers decorate the right side of the image.
  • Four men in dark suits with buttonholes sit side by side at a wedding ceremony, smiling and looking forward. The man on the left holds paper, while the others chat and laugh. Light streams in from large windows behind them.
  • Four bridesmaids in matching red dresses sit on a white bench, laughing and holding bouquets of red and white flowers. Guests sit behind them in a modern, light-filled venue with wooden floors and stone walls. The atmosphere is joyful and candid.
  • A woman with short dark hair, wearing a red dress and holding a bouquet of greenery and red flowers, smiles whilst seated indoors among a group of people. The background is softly blurred, highlighting her joyful expression.
  • A man in a dark suit, maroon tie, and glasses stands indoors, holding a sheet of paper and speaking. He has a buttonhole on his lapel. Several people with grey or pinned-back hair sit facing him, their backs to the camera. Bright window light fills the background.
  • A bride in a white lace gown and veil faces a groom in a dark suit with a burgundy tie and buttonhole. The groom looks at her, smiling warmly, as she holds her hands together. They stand indoors near large windows on their wedding day.
  • A bride in a white lace gown and veil and a groom in a dark suit stand holding hands, their hands wrapped in braided cords. A woman in a red dress officiates, looking down at their hands. Bright windows and a blurred outdoor scene are in the background.
  • A bride in a white lace gown and a groom in a tuxedo smile as they hold tartan ribbons loosely tying their hands together during a handfasting ceremony. An officiant in a red dress stands nearby, and light streams in through large windows behind them.
  • A bride in a white dress and veil smiles joyfully at the groom, who wears a black suit and maroon tie with a red buttonhole. They stand indoors, facing each other, sharing a happy moment on their wedding day.
  • Four women stand together, wearing matching sleeveless red dresses and holding bouquets of green foliage and red flowers. Three women face forwards with serious expressions, whilst the fourth looks down at her bouquet. The background is softly blurred.
  • A man in a suit with a red tie and buttonhole looks down at an item held by a woman in a red dress. Another person in a white lace dress, likely a bride, stands nearby. The indoor setting is softly lit with a blurred window view behind them.
  • A row of elegantly dressed wedding guests sit indoors, mostly men in dark suits with burgundy ties and buttonholes. A smiling woman in a blue lace dress and feathered fascinator sits among them, holding a navy hat. The group looks forward, attentive and happy.
  • A bride with dark hair in an updo, wearing a jewelled tiara, white lace wedding dress, and veil, looks forward with a gentle smile. She has natural make-up and a pendant necklace. The background is softly blurred with green and light tones.
  • A bride in a white dress and veil holds hands with a groom in a dark suit during a wedding ceremony. An officiant in a red dress stands nearby, smiling and holding papers. Soft natural light streams in through large windows behind them.
  • A bride in a white lace gown and veil kisses a groom in a navy suit with a red buttonhole. They stand indoors near a window, with natural light illuminating them. A bouquet with red and green flowers is visible on the left.
  • A group of people in formal attire sit in rows, smiling and clapping. The woman in front wears a blue lace dress and a decorative fascinator. Men beside her wear dark suits with red ties and buttonholes, suggesting they are attending a wedding or formal event.
  • A bride in a lace-sleeved white dress and a groom in a dark suit with a maroon tie sit smiling together at a table decorated with white and red flowers and greenery, with a bright windowed background behind them.
  • A smiling bride in a white lace dress and a groom in a black suit walk hand in hand down a red aisle, surrounded by white floral arrangements and applauding guests at an indoor wedding ceremony.
  • A smiling bride in a white gown holds a bouquet of red and white flowers, walking hand-in-hand with a groom in a dark suit and red buttonhole. They are indoors, surrounded by cheering guests and floral decorations, celebrating their wedding.
  • A large group of people dressed formally stand on a long bridge over a pond, posing for a photo. The background has a modern building, houses, grassy hills, and cloudy sky. Trees and reeds border the water, with a paved path in the foreground.
  • A bride in a white dress holds a bouquet of red flowers and smiles whilst walking hand-in-hand with a groom in a dark suit and top hat along a path by a pond, with reeds and a modern building in the background.
  • A bride in a white lace wedding dress and veil holds hands and smiles at a groom in a dark suit with a top hat. They stand outdoors by a lake, with green grass and trees in the blurred background.
  • A bride in a white, lace-sleeved wedding dress and veil embraces a groom in a dark suit, grey waistcoat, and blue top hat. They smile and press their foreheads together by a lake, with green fields and cloudy sky in the background.
  • A bride and groom stand facing each other on a wooden jetty over a lake, holding hands. The bride wears a white gown and veil; the groom wears a dark suit and top hat. The sky is cloudy, and green hills are visible in the background.
  • A bride in a white dress and a groom in a dark suit with a top hat walk hand in hand on a path by a lake, both smiling. The bride holds a red bouquet. Green grass, a stone wall, and trees surround them; water and hills are in the background.
  • The Vu wedding photos image of a bride in a white dress and veil holds a bouquet of red flowers and walks hand in hand with a groom in a dark suit, top hat, and red buttonhole on a garden path beside a lake, both smiling at each other.
  • A bride in a white lace wedding dress holds a red bouquet and smiles at a groom in a navy suit, grey waistcoat, red tie, and top hat. They walk hand-in-hand outdoors near water, with blurred trees and fencing in the background.
  • A bride in a white lace dress and veil stands by a lake, smiling and holding a bouquet of red roses and foliage. She wears a tiara and dark lipstick. The background is out of focus, with water and greenery visible.
  • A modern, single-storey building with a sloped grey metal roof and large glass windows labelled "Oasis." The building is surrounded by landscaped gravel, shrubs, and a paved walkway, with grassy fields and trees in the background under a cloudy sky.
  • Large, purple letters spell "Oasis" on a wall made of horizontal, multicoloured stone bricks. The lighting creates soft shadows behind the text, highlighting the textured stone surface in shades of brown, grey, and tan.
  • A bright banqueting hall with large windows and round tables set for an event. Each table is covered with a white cloth and set with glassware and cutlery. Chairs have white covers and red sashes tied in bows. Pink lighting accents the ceiling.
  • A place setting with a spoon and fork on a white tablecloth. In front is a name card reading "Vu John" with a purple butterfly illustration. An orange origami decoration is to the right, and a white serviette is in the foreground.
  • A close-up of a table setting with a folded white name card reading "Ashley" in red script, next to a purple butterfly illustration and “Vu.” Behind the card are a spoon and fork placed on a white tablecloth, with a white serviette in the foreground.
  • A three-tier white wedding cake with burgundy ribbon borders, decorated with a white drape, thistle flowers, and a small bride and groom topper. The cake sits on a round table adorned with red fabric and heart shapes, next to a window on a rainy day.
  • A close-up of a wedding cake topper made from LEGO figures of a bride in white and a groom in a black suit and top hat, standing under a white arch with a red heart. Blurred flowers decorate the cake in the foreground.
  • An older woman with short white hair and glasses smiles while seated at a table. She wears a sleeveless white top and a black smartwatch, with her hands clasped. The background is softly blurred with hints of red decorations.
  • A man with glasses and a beard, dressed in a suit and tie, sits at a formal event table smiling widely with his mouth open, hands clasped together. Glasses and blurred people are visible in the background.
  • A woman in a blue hijab and lace dress with a grey cardigan stands smiling at an indoor event. People are seated around her, and a decorative candelabrum is visible to the left. The background features a stone wall.
  • A woman with wavy brown hair and a red dress smiles whilst sitting at a table, surrounded by people. The background is softly blurred, suggesting a formal or celebratory event, such as a wedding or dinner party.
  • A woman with curly blonde hair in a black dress and gold accessories sits at a round table set for dining, with a fur coat draped over her chair. Other women are seated around her, engaged in conversation. The setting appears to be a formal event or celebration.
  • A man in traditional Scottish attire plays bagpipes at an indoor event. He wears a blue tartan kilt, black jacket, and a tall feathered hat. People in formal clothing stand and watch, with tables set for a meal in the bright, modern room.
  • A smiling bride in a white lace wedding dress stands in a bright reception room. Guests in formal attire clap and mingle around decorated tables with red ribbon accents, whilst natural light streams through large windows in the background.
  • A bride in a lace wedding dress and groom in a suit stand smiling behind a table with flowers, drinks, and a "Krysta" place card. Guests in formal attire are around them, and a bagpiper is playing in the left foreground. Bright window light fills the room.
  • A wedding reception scene: a bride in a white dress shakes hands with a man in traditional Scottish attire and bagpipes. Guests sit at a decorated table with food and drinks. The room is bright, with wooden and modern décor elements visible.
  • A bride and groom in wedding attire stand smiling before a bagpiper in traditional Scottish dress, performing at a lively reception. Guests seated at decorated tables watch, some taking photos; the room is bright with festive decor and red chair sashes.
  • An older woman with short white hair and glasses smiles joyfully at a decorated table during a celebration. She wears a blue patterned top; orange ribbon decorates her chair. Several others sit nearby, clapping and laughing, with floral centrepieces and glassware visible.
  • A man with curly hair and a beard, wearing a navy suit and tie, sits at a table applauding at a formal event. He is surrounded by other seated guests, some clapping, with white tablecloths and red decorations visible. The atmosphere is lively and sociable.
  • An older man in ceremonial Scottish attire, including a feathered hat and tartan, plays the bagpipes and salutes. He stands indoors before a seated audience, with candelabra and stone and pink walls visible in the background.
  • A man stands and speaks into a microphone at a wedding reception table. Guests, including a smiling bride in a tiara, a man with long dark hair, and a woman in a blue dress with a fascinator, listen. Wine glasses and plates are on the pink-covered table.
  • A bride in a white dress smiles beside a man in a suit and tie, with a woman in a blue dress and fascinator seated next to them. They sit at a decorated table with flowers, glasses, and a jug, during what appears to be a wedding reception.
  • A large group of people sit at round tables decorated with white cloths and red sashes, watching a man in a suit give a speech at the front of a bright, modern banquet hall with large windows and hanging lights.
  • A woman in a red dress holds a microphone and papers, smiling as she stands near a three-tier white wedding cake decorated with flowers. She faces seated guests in a bright room, with a “Staff Only” sign visible on a wooden door behind her.
  • A wedding reception scene shows guests at a table clapping and smiling. A woman in white sits beside a man in a suit with long curly hair. Next to him, a woman in blue with a fascinator raises her glass in a toast. The table is decorated with flowers and drinks.
  • A large group of people dressed in formal attire are seated at round tables in a banqueting hall, attentively listening to a person speaking at the front of the room. The tables are decorated with white cloths, glasses, and tall candlesticks.
  • A man in a suit with long dark hair gives a speech with a microphone at a formal event. A woman in a white dress, possibly a bride, sits beside him smiling. Several guests are seated around them, watching and listening attentively.
  • A man with long curly hair, glasses, and a black waistcoat stands smiling with a microphone and notes. He is speaking to seated men in suits who are also smiling or laughing at a formal event, possibly a wedding reception, with a candelabrum in the foreground.
  • A bride in a white lace dress stands smiling with a microphone, giving a speech at a wedding reception. Guests, seated around decorated tables, smile and applaud. The groom sits to her left, looking up at her. The scene is bright and joyful.
  • A man with short dark hair and a beard, wearing a black shirt, holds a microphone while speaking or singing. He is indoors, with people seated and blurred in the background, suggesting a social or formal event.
  • A bride in a white dress and veil raises her arms, smiling joyfully at a wedding reception. A man in a suit with long hair sits beside her, smiling. Guests surround them, and a table sign reading “Hyrule” is visible in front. Warm, celebratory atmosphere.
  • A bride, groom, and guests sit at a pink-covered wedding table, smiling and waving serviettes in the air. The bride wears white, the groom is in a suit, and drinks are on the table. The mood is festive and joyful under bright lighting.
  • A singing waiter in a black shirt stands and speaks with a microphone, gesturing with his hand. Seated at a decorated table, a bride in white smiles at him, and guests, including a man in a suit, listen and react, suggesting a wedding reception speech.
  • A lively wedding reception scene shows a man standing with a microphone, addressing seated guests at a long banquet table decorated with pink and white accents. Guests are smiling, applauding, and dressed in formal attire. Large windows and hanging lights brighten the room.
  • A lively group of people at a formal event form a conga line around banquet tables, smiling and laughing. Guests wear semi-formal attire, and tables are set with white cloths, glasses, and candles. The atmosphere is festive and joyful.
  • A smiling man in a waistcoat and lavender tie stands in a festive indoor setting, with his hands on the shoulders of a woman in a grey lace dress beside him. They’re part of a conga line, with blurred people and decorated tables in the background.
  • Two women stand outdoors, smiling. The woman on the left wears a white wedding dress and veil, while the woman on the right wears a sleeveless red dress. They have their arms round each other. Behind them are tall plants, a stone wall, and a lake under a cloudy sky.
  • Two women pose together outdoors. One wears a white wedding dress with lace sleeves and a tiara; the other wears a black floral dress, showing tattooed arms. They smile, with greenery, stone wall, and water in the background under a cloudy sky.
  • A bride in a white dress, a groom in a grey suit with a red tie, and a man in a black shirt pose smiling outdoors. Behind them are green lawns, a stone wall, plants, and a cloudy sky.
  • A bride and groom in formal wedding attire smile as they cut a white three-tiered cake with a large sword. The cake is decorated with red ribbons and feathers. Guests watch from round tables in a spacious, modern venue with pink lighting.
  • A close-up of a three-tier white wedding cake with red and black ribbon accents, white drapery details, and floral decorations. A large knife is positioned to cut the cake, which sits on a reflective silver stand with red fabric and white heart shapes.
  • A bride in a white dress playfully points a cake knife at the groom, who smiles holding a plate, as they stand by a three-tier wedding cake. Guests in colourful outfits watch and smile in a warmly lit reception hall.
  • A bride and groom share a joyful first dance at their wedding reception. The groom laughs with his mouth open, while the bride faces him. Guests in formal attire watch them, and tables with white cloths and red bows surround the dance floor.
  • A bride in a white dress and veil dances with a groom in a dark suit on a black dance floor, smiling at each other. Guests in formal wear watch and take photos in the background. The venue has purple lighting and decorated tables.
  • A bride and groom share their first dance on a black-tiled floor in a brightly lit reception hall. Guests sit at round tables with white cloths and red sashes, watching the couple. The bride wears a white gown and veil; the groom wears a dark suit with long hair.
  • A woman in a red dress dances and gestures with her hands while facing a man in a light grey shirt. Other people in formal attire socialise and dance in the background at what appears to be a lively indoor event or celebration.
  • A bearded man in glasses and a white shirt dances with a woman in a pink floral dress at a lively indoor event. Other guests, some smiling and dressed formally, mingle and dance in the softly lit background near a sign that reads “Oasis”.
  • A woman in a pink floral dress dances with her arms raised, smiling amid a lively crowd at an indoor party. Other guests, dressed formally, chat and dance nearby. The atmosphere is joyful, with warm lighting and blurred background details.
  • A bride in a white dress and veil dances with guests at a wedding reception. A woman in a red dress gestures animatedly, whilst a man in a blue suit with long hair smiles. Other guests in formal attire socialise in the background under soft lighting.
  • A man in a suit and checked tie sings passionately whilst holding hands with a woman in a red dress at a lively indoor event. Other guests, some smiling, are visible in the background, all dressed formally, suggesting a celebration or wedding.
  • Two men in suits, one with a red buttonhole and another with a red rose, stand joyfully among a crowd at an indoor event. The man in the centre raises his arm, smiling widely. Guests in formal attire and red dresses surround them under pink lighting.
  • A bride in a white dress and veil smiles and gestures while dancing with guests at a lively indoor wedding reception. People in colourful dresses chat, laugh, and dance on a shiny black floor under festive lighting. The atmosphere is joyful and celebratory.
  • Several people are at a wedding reception. Two men in suits are dancing and smiling, while a man in a kilt and waistcoat stands between them. In the background, guests in formal attire watch and enjoy the lively, joyful atmosphere. Pink lighting adds a festive touch.
  • A joyful bride in a white gown with lace sleeves smiles brightly whilst surrounded by wedding guests dancing. People wear colourful dresses and suits, creating a lively, celebratory atmosphere inside a warmly lit reception hall.

Ashley & John’s Wedding Morning at The Vu

Ashley and John’s day started with plenty of excitement and anticipation before the ceremony, with the top hats and tails immediately giving the wedding its own distinctive look.

We focused on the moments unfolding naturally around them — the final preparations, reactions from family and friends, details of what they were wearing, and the nervous excitement building as the ceremony approached.

That quieter part of the day gives an important contrast to what came later. By evening, the atmosphere had completely changed, with a surprise singing waiter and a packed dance floor, but the morning photographs capture the anticipation before any of that began.

The Vu wedding photos of groom John, with five groomsmen in matching dark suits, white shirts, and red buttonholes stand outside a building. Two wear top hats; one holds a cane. They smile and pose together in a row. Glass doors and a wooden wall are behind them, with greenery visible outside.

Ashley & John’s Ceremony in the Water Lily

Ashley and John were married in the Water Lily, with Ballencrieff Reservoir and the surrounding countryside visible through the large windows behind them.

John was understandably a little nervous before Ashley arrived, and those few minutes before the ceremony gave us some lovely photographs of the anticipation building. Once Ashley entered and they were together at the front of the room, the mood quickly became much more relaxed.

During the ceremony, we photographed the important moments between Ashley and John as well as the reactions from their family and friends — the smiles, laughter and quieter moments that are easy for the couple themselves to miss.

The Water Lily also gives us enough room to photograph from different positions without constantly moving around in front of guests, so we can capture both close moments and wider photographs showing the room, ceremony and reservoir together.

A smiling bride in a white lace dress and a groom in a black suit walk hand in hand down a red aisle, surrounded by white floral arrangements and applauding guests at an indoor wedding ceremony.

Ashley & John’s Newlywed Photos at The Vu

After the ceremony, we took Ashley and John outside for a short newlywed portrait session around the reservoir and jetty.

We kept this part of the day relaxed and simple. Rather than working through a long list of poses, we gave them enough direction to help them feel comfortable, then photographed them walking, talking and enjoying a few quieter minutes together away from the main celebrations.

The reservoir and surrounding hills gave us plenty of variety without taking them far from their guests, and the jetty was an obvious place to include because it is such a recognisable part of The Vu.

These photographs are some of our favourite The Vu wedding photos from the day because they feel like Ashley and John — formal enough to suit the occasion, but still relaxed and natural.

A bride in a white dress holds a bouquet of red flowers and smiles whilst walking hand-in-hand with a groom in a dark suit and top hat along a path by a pond, with reeds and a modern building in the background.

Ashley & John’s Reception in the Oasis

After the ceremony and photographs around the reservoir, everyone moved into the Oasis for the wedding breakfast, speeches and evening celebrations.

The speeches gave us plenty of the reactions we always look for — laughter, emotion and the little exchanges between Ashley, John and their guests that often say more than the person holding the microphone.

Then came one of the day’s biggest surprises. An undercover singing waiter suddenly launched into a performance, quickly getting guests out of their seats and completely changing the room’s atmosphere.

From a photography point of view, moments like this are all about reacting quickly. Rather than directing anything, we focused on the genuine surprise, laughter, and chaos around Ashley and John as their guests realised what was happening.

It was one of those moments that gave their wedding a completely different energy and made the reception photographs particularly memorable.

A singing waiter in a black shirt stands and speaks with a microphone, gesturing with his hand. Seated at a decorated table, a bride in white smiles at him, and guests, including a man in a suit, listen and react, suggesting a wedding reception speech.

Heavy Metal on the Dancefloor

The evening started traditionally enough with Ashley and John’s first dance, surrounded by family and friends in the Oasis.

Then the music changed completely.

Ashley and John are big heavy metal fans, and once their favourite tracks started playing, the dancefloor quickly turned into a full-on mosh pit. Guests were jumping, headbanging and throwing themselves into the music, which made for some of the most energetic photographs of the day.

For us, this is exactly the kind of evening reception we enjoy photographing. We’re right in amongst what’s happening rather than standing at the edge of the room waiting for something to happen.

The result is a very different set of The Vu wedding photos from the quieter parts of the day — full of movement, expressions and the atmosphere Ashley and John created with their friends.

Two men in suits, one with a red buttonhole and another with a red rose, stand joyfully among a crowd at an indoor event. The man in the centre raises his arm, smiling widely. Guests in formal attire and red dresses surround them under pink lighting.

Planning Your Own Wedding at The Vu?

Ashley and John’s wedding is a great example of how varied a day at The Vu can be — a relaxed ceremony in the Water Lily, photographs around the reservoir and jetty, plenty of emotion during the speeches, and a very lively evening in the Oasis.

If you’re planning your own wedding here and like the relaxed, natural photography you’ve seen in this post, we’d love to hear about your plans.

You can also read our The Vu wedding photographer guide for practical venue advice based on our experience of photographing 25 weddings at The Vu.

Tell us a little about what you’re planning, and we’ll check our availability, answer any questions and help you work out what suits you best.There’s no pressure or obligation, and we usually reply within 24 hours.

Sometimes our reply gets shy and hides in your junk folder. Leave your number, and we’ll text to let you know we’ve replied—no calls, unless you request one!
Include your venue or location if you know it, anything you’ve planned so far, and any questions you’d like us to answer.

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Edinburgh Wedding Photographer & Co-Founder of Jonathon Fowler Photography

About Jonathon Fowler

Jonathon Fowler is an experienced Edinburgh wedding photographer and co-founder of Jonathon Fowler Photography. Together with his wife Claire, he has photographed more than 700 weddings since 2006, including over 500 weddings in Edinburgh.

Jonathon's approach combines natural documentary photography with relaxed editorial portraits, creating vibrant, authentic images without turning your wedding day into a photoshoot. He's particularly experienced at helping couples who don't feel comfortable in front of the camera, offering just enough direction when it helps while keeping everything relaxed and natural.

After photographing hundreds of weddings, Jonathon brings extensive first-hand experience of wedding venues, changing light, unpredictable weather, busy timelines and the practical realities of photographing weddings across Edinburgh and throughout Scotland. From crowded city-centre streets to country estates, castles and intimate ceremonies, that experience helps couples spend less time worrying about photographs and more time enjoying their wedding.

Jonathon also creates many of the practical wedding and venue guides published on this website, sharing advice based on real weddings he and Claire have photographed rather than generic recommendations.

Meet Jonathon & Claire, Our Wedding Photography Team →