Joanna & Markus – a post‑lockdown city love story

When the city’s streets finally echoed with footsteps again after months of silence, Joanna and Markus were the first couple I photographed saying “I do.” Their celebration was small, heartfelt and wonderfully unhurried – a perfect reminder that love never presses pause, even when the world does.

Meeting Two Kindred Spirits

From their very first email I could sense that Joanna and Markus were warm, down‑to‑earth souls who valued laughter over perfection. When we finally met in person outside the registry office, that hunch proved right: they greeted me like an old friend and instantly melted any lingering nerves (mine included!).

An Intimate Ceremony in the Heart of the Scottish Capital

With only a handful of witnesses and the city’s sandstone landmarks as décor, their vows felt almost cinematic. The registrar kept the legalities short and sweet, leaving plenty of space for the couple’s tear‑bright smiles to fill the room.

Wandering the Old Town

After signing the schedule we slipped into the maze of closes and wynds that climb from the Royal Mile down to the Grassmarket. For nearly two hours we explored hidden courtyards, quiet stairways and that postcard‑perfect view at the Vennel. Travelling light meant we could pause wherever the late‑summer light felt magical – and because the tourists hadn’t fully returned yet, the city felt like it belonged just to them.

Style Notes

• Joanna chose a long‑sleeved gown that caught the breeze beautifully and contrasted with the dark stone around us.
• Markus wore a brown linen‑blend suit that nodded to Scotland’s earthy palette and paired perfectly with Joanna’s bouquet of foraged greenery.
• They both drove all the way from Germany, turning their wedding into a memorable road‑trip adventure.

Why a Micro‑Wedding Worked So Well

Reimagining a large celebration as a six‑person gathering allowed these two to:

1. Focus on each other, not on a timeline
2. Build their day around the city they love
3. Invest in experiences – they ended the night with an alfresco meal under fairy‑lit trees

If you’re dreaming of a similarly relaxed day, remember that an ‘elopement’ doesn’t have to mean running away – it can simply mean carving out space for what matters most.

 

Edinburgh elopement – Scotland elopement photographer

After the wedding ceremony we wandered around the Old Town for almost 2 hours. We stopped at the best locations for their wedding photographs.

Joanna and Markus always loved Scotland. They have travelled here multiple times. And that is why they chose Edinburgh as their elopement location.

I believe that this is what elopement should be all about.

Choosing a place closest to your heart. Getting married the way you want to do it. Make an adventure out of it. Like Joanna and Markus who drove all the way from Germany to Scotland to elope!

Joanna looked stunning in her long-sleeved wedding dress. I truly loved their style. Markus’s look in that brown suit was just as stylish! Plus, what a great clothing match for Scottish landscapes.

Looking for a storyteller for your own adventure?

I photograph a limited number of intimate celebrations across Scotland each year so that every couple enjoys my full attention. If you think our styles align, send me a message and let’s start planning something unforgettable.