Glasgow Botanic Gardens Wedding With Surprise Celebrity Guest!

“Thank you so much for the pictures, they are absolutely stunning! Can’t believe how quick you’ve been and we are obvs in love with all the pics you’ve sent over. We’ve let our family and the wedding party see them and they are all blown away with them as well. Thank you again for everything, you were amazing on the day as well as in the run up and afterwards! we will be recommending you to everyone we know who gets married.”

– Imogen & Paul

Glasgow Botanic Gardens wedding

What were you doing on one of the hottest days of 2023? I’m going to guess you weren’t attending a wedding in a greenhouse… and if you were then maybe we were melting together at Glasgow Botanic Gardens! 

Ironically Imogen and Paul’s wedding was one of my most chilled (see what I did there?!) out of the year. And who can blame them for choosing to hold their wedding at the amazing Botanic Gardens in Glasgow, none of us could’ve guessed that September would see soaring temperatures and blazing sunshine. Regardless of the heat though it was the most incredible day and I loved it. Plus we did a wee bit of celeb spotting too… find out more in a bit!

Wedding photography at Glasgow Botanic Gardens

After Imogen and Paul got ready (separately) in town it was time to head over to the West End and Botanic Gardens. Paul and his pals jumped on the subway, stopping off en route for a few pre-ceremony pints.Then it was time to whisk Paul off to the Botanic Gardens for their first look. Imogen would be arriving by cab any minute and we wanted to make sure he didn’t set eyes on her until the big moment!  

First looks are becoming more and more popular on these shores, but still aren’t quite as mainstream as they are over in America. I’m a big fan. Basically, it’s where the couple don’t get ready together but they have a wee moment, dressed in all their finery, ahead of the ceremony. It’s a good chance to have a bit of privacy and get any initial emotions out of the way without an audience. Feels a bit less ‘all eyes on you’ when you walk into the ceremony too. Especially in this case where Imogen and Paul walked in together (another newish “tradition” that I love). 

As you’ll probably have gathered – because, well just look at how adorable these two are – the first look was very cute. Then they got to have a right good natter about their mornings as they strolled up towards the glasshouse – officially known as Kibble Palace – together. 

Glasshouse wedding ceremony at Glasgow Botanic Gardens

Kibble Palace is stunning, what a venue. It’s absolutely gorgeous in there, filled with all kinds of greenery and exotic plants. But oh my god, was it hot! 

It was a pretty speedy ceremony – their lovely celebrant got the perfect balance between telling Imogen and Paul’s story and being aware that the poor guests were sweltering, especially those in heavy woollen kilts! 

Then it was outside for some welcome fresh air and lots of celebratory hugs, always one of my favourite points on a wedding day. Bring on the cuddles and smiling faces! 

The grounds are gorgeous, so we had a wander around for some portraits, bumping into none other than Frankie Boyle, who was an absolute superstar and posed for a few photos with the newlyweds. Very kind of him and an extra little bonus for Imogen and Paul. 

City centre wedding photography, Glasgow

Imogen and Paul had their wedding reception at Sloans, a legendary pub in Glasgow. Known for its mac n’ cheese and being the city’s oldest bar and restaurant. It’s been a popular spot for Glasgow revellers since 1797! 

You’d be forgiven for thinking that we all jumped in cabs and wedding cars to get across to Argyle Street, but no. Remember me telling you how laid back this awesome pair are?! We took the subway. Amazing. It was such a laugh and we got some fab photos. Plus, shout out to their wedding guests for waiting at the ticket barriers to shout, cheer and clap Imogen and Paul through. Definitely a moment to remember! 

Sloans is an ace wedding venue – I’ve got another wedding blog from there coming soon so I’ll wait til then to wax lyrical about its many wonderful attributes – but safe to say it was a good old knees up. Topped off by Paul getting his motorbike up two flights of stairs to create a mega cool ‘motorbike photobooth’. These two! Love em! 

Glasgow weddings are always ace, how can they not be with a city as cool as this?! So I had the time of my life with Imogen and Paul. Here are some of my (many) highlights from their day. 

Sarah x