Jen and Craig infused the elegance of the Adelaide Hills with a splash of Scottish spirit, creating a wedding day that was equal parts heartwarming and highland. Their Mt Lofty House wedding was everything you’d hope for when blending rich traditions with heartfelt moments—complete with kilts, a bagpiper, and dancing that kept the energy glowing well into the night. With guests arriving from near and far to celebrate, there was an undeniable buzz in the air from the start.
What made this day even more remarkable was the weather. Expecting a cool and moody winter wedding, the sun surprised everyone by showing up in full force. The light danced over the gardens and filtered through the giant windows of Mt Lofty House, creating a golden glow that made every photo shine. Against the breathtaking backdrop of the Piccadilly Valley, the entire celebration felt like it had stepped out of a storybook—just with a bit more whisky and a lot more tartan.
Preparation
Craig spent the morning at their home in Adelaide’s leafy east, surrounded by his groomsmen. The vibe was relaxed but joyful as the lads suited up in traditional Scottish attire. Kilts, sporrans, and knee-high socks set the tone for a day that was proudly heritage-rich and full of personal meaning. There was plenty of laughter as they helped each other with their gear and toasted with a cheeky wee dram before heading up to the Hills.
One of the loveliest things to witness was how genuinely excited Craig was. You could feel his anticipation building in the quiet in-between moments—checking his watch, straightening his jacket, then smiling at the thought of what lay ahead. The shared banter between the guys kept things grounded, and the mood never strayed too far from playful, even as the gravity of the moment crept in.
Meanwhile, Jen and her bridesmaids were tucked away in the dreamy bridal suite at Mt Lofty House. The space was buzzing with activity—dresses being steamed, makeup brushes flicking, and laughter bouncing off the heritage walls. Jen looked calm and collected, but her excitement was unmistakable. Every detail had been thought through, from her classic gown to her soft, glowy makeup that highlighted her natural radiance.
A particularly tender moment came when their daughter woke from her nap and was brought in to see her mum all dressed up. Her little face lit up in pure awe—just one of those moments you can’t script, and one that makes wedding photography so rewarding. Not long after, Jen shared a quiet and emotional first look with her dad. There were tears, a long hug, and a proud smile that never left his face afterward. It was one of those moments that made time slow down for just a bit.
Mt Lofty House Wedding Ceremony
The ceremony unfolded on the lawn overlooking the lush, undulating valley of the Mt Lofty Botanic Gardens behind Mt Lofty House. It’s hard to think of a more cinematic setting. Guests gathered under the clear winter sky, warm sunlight blanketing the scene in golden hues. As the first notes of the bagpipes began to echo across the hills, a hush fell over the crowd. Jen’s entrance, piped in by a local bagpiper, was nothing short of magical—strongly evoking the Scottish highlands and drawing a few emotional gasps.
The ceremony itself was a beautiful balance of tradition and personal flair. There were a few laughs, a few tears, and plenty of smiles as they exchanged vows and sealed it all with a kiss under a perfect sky. The celebrant spoke beautifully about their journey together, and the energy from the guests was nothing short of supportive and electric. Even the wind cooperated, letting Jen’s veil catch the light just so for a stunning silhouette.
Glamour Photos
Once the group pohtos had been taken and the hugs shared, we strolled the stunning grounds of Mt Lofty House for glamour photos. The scenery is honestly a photographer’s dream—heritage buildings, sweeping views, vibrant gardens, and hidden pockets of romantic light. We didn’t spend too long outside, just enough to soak up the glow and capture those candid little interactions—the quick glances, quiet laughter, and the way Craig instinctively reached for Jen’s hand.
After a short session outdoors, we headed back inside for a breather and a delicious grazing platter. Giving couples a moment to unwind between ceremony and reception always makes a difference—it gives space to enjoy the day as it’s happening and not just chase it. Jen and Craig looked completely in sync, both a little giddy and ready to let the rest of the day unfold.
Mt Lofty House Wedding Reception
As the sun dipped below the hills, the reception space came alive. Guests were treated to heartfelt speeches that drew a few misty eyes—and quite a few laughs. The love in the room was tangible, with guests genuinely delighted to be part of something so special.
Of course, no Scottish celebration would be complete without some traditional dancing. And what a joy it was! The floor filled quickly, tartan swirling, feet stomping, and the joyful chaos of a ceilidh lifting spirits across generations. Later in the evening, we slipped outside for a few dramatic photos in the dark—backlit by soft lights and smoke for that extra touch of moody magic. Those night portraits captured a quieter, more intimate moment between the two of them, rounding out a day bursting with energy and love.
A Mt Lofty House wedding like Jen and Craig’s is a dream to photograph—not just for the location, but for the people and the story. Their fusion of Scottish tradition, family warmth, and joyful celebration made this day unforgettable. From bagpipes to bonnie smiles, it was pure joy start to finish.
