Well, what can I say about Jennie and Jamie's day to start with? If you've been following along for a while you'll know I always check the forecast about 47 times in the week leading up to a wedding. This week, every single check said the same thing - rain. Heavy at times. Bring a brolly, bring waterproofs, bring a towel for your cameras.

I arrived for bridal preparations at Jennie and Jamie's house at 11.30am and it was... glorious. Bright, warm, beautiful late summer sunshine pouring through the car windows. Not what we were promised at all, but absolutely no one was complaining.

And what a lovely calm house to walk into. You know those mornings where you open the front door and you can already hear the music and the hairdryer and the excited chatter from halfway down the path? This wasn't that. Not yet. It was calm. Tea on. A quiet sort of anticipation. I knew, as we all did, that it wouldn't stay like that for long.

Set amongst the wonderful countryside of the Scottish Borders, near Hawick, Branxholme Park is one of those wedding venues that immediately makes an impression when you arrive. Surrounded by woodland, lawns and beautiful grounds, it feels wonderfully secluded — almost as though the whole place has been handed over to you for the day.

The estate has a fascinating history stretching back centuries. The Branxholme area has long been associated with the powerful Scott family, whose influence is woven deeply into the history of the Scottish Borders. The original Branxholme Castle was an important stronghold of the Scotts of Buccleuch, one of the great Border families, in a part of Scotland once famous for its turbulent history and the legendary Border Reivers.

The Branxholme we see today is a rather more peaceful place!

The historic house sits beautifully within its extensive grounds and combines the character and grandeur you would expect from a Scottish country estate with the relaxed atmosphere of an exclusive wedding venue.

As a wedding photographer, I've had the pleasure of capturing countless joyous moments at various locations. However, there's something uniquely special about photographing weddings at North Shields Registry Office that keeps me coming back. On Friday, August 9th, I'll be there once again, capturing the beautiful moments of Nicola and Rob's wedding. In anticipation of this special day, I want to share why I love photographing at this charming venue and delve into a bit of its fascinating history.

1. Eat and Stay Hydrated: Make sure to have a healthy breakfast and keep snacks and water nearby.

2. Take Moments for Herself: Take a few moments throughout the day to breathe, relax, and enjoy the moment.

3. Have a Timeline: Stick to the wedding day schedule to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Every bride dreams of capturing the magical moments of her wedding day in photographs that she can cherish forever. However, for many, the thought of being in front of the camera can be daunting. If you’re one of those brides who feels a flutter of nerves at the sight of a photographer, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Here are ten top tips from John Alderson Wedding Photography to help you overcome your fear and feel confident on your big day.