I had headed up to Edinburgh’s Old Town, looking for some atmospheric shots of the old Closes (the alleyways squeezed between the crooked old highrises). I had set up to take a picture down Old Assembly Close when suddenly a beautiful bridal couple spilled out into my view. It was a beautiful and picturesque surprise, if a little blurry.

Vintage with pink shoes

Her pink shoes were a wonderful pop of colour, setting off her vintage look perfectly. I followed their progress out onto the cobbled streets of the historic Royal Mile, where their wedding photographer lined them up for a classic shot down the historic street. Just behind them was a group of charity collectors who were dressed up in silly animal costumes. The juxtaposition made me smile, yet another surprise of the day.

Bridal couple plus comedy backdrop

After this I turned back to try to get some shots around the back of St Giles Cathedral, in the heart of the old parliamentary and legal square. After taking a few nice pictures I stepped back to look around and another bridal couple sailed past me, followed by their photographer who was busy issuing instructions. They seemed oblivious wrapped up in themselves, and they looked so romantic.

Romance in the Old Town

I wandered further round the old square, and around the next corner I stumbled upon a third bridal party. The guys were lined up having their photos taken by this very jolly photographer, as the bride looked on.

Jolly chap

I was bemused by all these unexpected brides, all within a tiny space, and wondered if it was a particularly special Saturday to get married on. Super Saturday of the Bridal year perhaps. As I wondered and walked across the square yet another bridal party tumbled out of the Signet Library and onto the cobbles in front of St Giles. This bride had gone for a shorter modern look, with fabulous heels, which must have proved challenging for negotiating Edinburgh’s cobbled streets.

I thought this must be it on the wedding front, but there was a final surprise encounter in store for me as I turned the final corner around St Giles to head back to where I had started on the Royal Mile. There ahead of me was another wedding party complete with kilted gents. I do love a man in a kilt, and have never seen one who doesn’t suit it….but then I am a Scot!!

I hope you enjoyed my surprise brides as much as I did, and I’m sure they all got stunning photos with this amazing historic backdrop. The light was fading and the street lights were coming on as this dedicated photographer continued to shoot 🙂