It was the first time that I had photographed a wedding at Springkell. As I drove down the long private track and saw my first glimpse of the impressive building, I wondered how in ten years of photographing weddings in Dumfries and Galloway, I had never been here before?
Kimberley and Darren chose to have their wedding at Springkell. Not only did this provide them with a stunning venue which could accomodate their close friends and family, but the location near Gretna also offered great transport links and easy access from their home in Glasgow.
Springkell House was built in 1734 by Sir William Maxwell who was the second baronet of Springkell. The exterior is a fine example of a Georgian mansion. Inside the hotel is a tasteful mix of Regency and Edwardian styles. The large function rooms are light and airy. This is due to the amazing bow windows and the fabulous high ceilings. The reception rooms have period features such as fireplaces, pillars, exquisite ceiling scrolls and ornate plaster garlands. This provides plenty of opportunities for great photographs inside, after all, we know that a Scottish summer can not be guaranteed.
The hotel is set in pretty gardens and parkland, with wide patio terraces and secluded forest paths. It has beautiful curved sweeping stone steps leading from the lounge onto a blacony. It’s a great place to stop with a glass of wine and enjoy the view. It’s an incredibly romantic setting for your wedding day.
The guest bedrooms are sumptuos with tasteful period furnishings and large well appointed en-suite bathrooms. Springkell can accomodate small to medium wedding parties and there are a variety of packages that cater to a range of budgets.
The weather was kind to Kimberley and Darren on their big day. This gave us the opportunity to get photographs indoors and out. It also meant that we were able to take advantage of many of the lovely features that makes a wedding at Springkell so magical. It was a fantastic day all in all. Their wedding ceremony took place in the large state room and included an eagle owl ring bearer. However the owl had other ideas and took off to the heights of the room with the rings. It took a little while for the owl to be encouraged to land back on it’s perch, but it provided some unplanned entertainment for the guests. After the ceremony there were photographs on the lawns before the wedding breakfast and speeches. The day closed with a fabulous party with music provided by a live band.
