After meeting at Stirling University 13 years ago, Newcastle-based newlyweds John and Christina Shahabeddin decided to set off on a three-week honeymoon around Scotland in their trusty campervan Max. Setting off shortly after their June wedding, they travelled up to John o’ Groats, along the northern coast, then drove down the west coast via some of Scotland’s most beautiful islands, before finishing the journey where it all started back in Stirling!
Despite John working as a wedding photographer in Scotland and England, Christina wanted him all to herself on the big day, so the groom stayed strictly in front of the lens, honouring the bride-imposed camera ban!
Snap-happy John managed to convince Christina to bring her dress along for the honeymoon, with plans for a ‘Rock the Dress’ shoot along the way (which quickly turned into six shoots!).
“I was so happy to be able to do things a groom doesn’t normally get to do,” shares John. “From picking wildflowers for my wife’s hair, to lacing her into her dress and attaching her veil. There was also a magical feeling each time I raised the camera to my eye because the beautiful bride I saw through the lens was my own.”
Here’s our favourite shots from John and Christina’s road trip:
Ceannabeinne Beach
John says: “This shoot was definitely the most fun, as Christina got to play in the waves, run up and down the beach, and explore rock pools and caves. We almost got cut off by the incoming tide at one point and I was terrified that the dress would be ruined, but Christina hitched it up and legged it to shore!”
Ardvreck Castle
John says: “What an amazing location, with its rolling hills, beautiful loch, and ruined castle – it really screams out ‘Scotland’. In keeping with this, Christina wore the tartan shawl from my wedding outfit, which really reflects the Highland atmosphere of the place.”
Callanish Standing Stones
John says: “The Standing Stones on Lewis did not disappoint! It was beautiful as the sun was setting, and the other photographers there were so lovely, moving aside to let us take our photos.”
The last stop in Stirling saw the couple touring the university flat where they met for the first time, while John even jumped in front of the lens for some romantic photos using a tripod and timed shutter to capture the beautiful campus and dramatic Wallace Monument.