This elopement-style shoot with real couple Michael and Ross took place at the breathtaking Dunglass Estate on Scotland’s east coast. It gave me a chance to explore the delicate balance between cinematic, artistic photography and the raw authenticity of documentary wedding photography – read more about my approach here.

As a documentary-style wedding photographer, my work is typically centred around candid, unposed moments. Real laughter, subtle gestures, and the in-between emotions that tell the true story of a wedding day. Most couples who find me are drawn to this relaxed, natural style, especially those who feel awkward posing or simply want their day to unfold without interruption.

But over time, I’ve also seen the value in incorporating a more artistic, editorial approach—especially for couples who want a few stand-out portraits for a frame, or that scroll stopping social media post. These images might be a little more guided or romantic, but they can still feel genuine when handled with care.

For this shoot, I had the pleasure of working alongside Esmé Whiteside, whose work is inspired by Dutch golden age artists. Her photography feels more like seventeenth-century art than modern-day wedding coverage. Esme has become one of my own artistic inspirations, and watching her work challenged me to step out of my comfort zone and embrace a more cinematic wedding photography style, with intentional framing and soft direction.

The experience reminded me that documentary photography and artistic photography aren’t mutually exclusive. You can photograph with feeling and freedom, while also creating something visually striking. The key is to ensure the final image still feels like the couple – not a version of them made to impress an algorithm.

Even as I leaned into the more editorial side, I couldn’t resist encouraging Michael and Ross to break into laughter and shake off the model faces. Those spontaneous moments – goofy, warm, and real – are what I love as a candid wedding photographer. That balance of connection and composition is what I’m always chasing.

Credits:

Photographer: Elliot Govier

Workshop: Photography Farm

Mentor: Esme Whiteside

Outfits: Jean Jackson Couture

Flowers: Emma Cox

Couple: Michael and Ross