Ali Jay Photography

27/08/2026

‘We’d love a silly photo of us messing with golf clubs’ Sure thing guys. Taken at the beautiful Kinkell Byre, St Andrews

19/08/2026

From big weddings to the smallest of weddings, they are all about being together with the most special people. Here's a wee glimpse at Jodie & Denny's sweet elopement to the stunning Traquair House.

with Jodie Swann

Thinking about a Scottish Borders elopement? See how Jodie & Denny created a relaxed, intimate wedding day full of laughter, history and beautiful natural moments.

01/08/2026

Ah… the magic of those just married moments! Look at the happiness, it’s my favourite moment to capture. Whatever is going on, it’s the joy, the happiness, the moment that I want to capture in my photos. Lucy Old Course Hotel Laura Russell

31/07/2026

The sea cocoons Scotland and, if you enjoy marine biology, wild swimming, rock pooling and beachcombing as much as I do, I think you'll love these locations.

You don't need to travel far from Edinburgh to find incredible coastal adventures. There are many beautiful beaches within an hour of Edinburgh, making them perfect for family days out, holiday adventures, romantic walks and, of course, PHOTOSHOOTS 😊.

Whether you're visiting Scotland, planning a family adventure, looking for somewhere special to propose, or simply searching for beautiful places to explore, check out my GUIDE TO MY FAVOURITE BEACHES NEAR EDINBURGH.

Click the link in my bio -> Blog or go to https://www.alijayphotography.com/blog/best-beaches-near-edinburgh

30/07/2026

One of my favourite wedding ideas... 🥂

Rather than lining up to greet everyone or slowly making their way around each table, Rachel and Ray chose a much more relaxed approach. They visited every table, raised a glass with their guests and turned it into one big celebration.

There were hugs, laughter, cheers and plenty of smiles. Instead of a quick hello, each table became its own little moment, and everyone felt included in the celebrations.

Watching it unfold reminded me that weddings aren't really about sticking to a schedule—they're about the people you've chosen to spend the day with.

Whether it's part of your culture or simply an idea you love, taking time to personally thank your guests is something I think every couple could take inspiration from. It creates such genuine moments and gives you the chance to celebrate with everyone who has come to support you.

I'd love to see this at more weddings.

💛 Is this something you'd include on your wedding day?

Check out my blog to see more about Rachel and Ray's epic Chinese Scottish wedding

28/07/2026

👶🏽For those that love adventure, an outdoor maternity photo shoot is a great way to celebrate your pregnancy and immortalise it for the future in a way which reflects an adventurous personality.

It’s the perfect mum-to-be gift to give yourself or the person you love!

Like all my photography, I want it to truly reflect who you are and for you to feel happy, comfortable and have a lovely experience which you will remember when you look back at your photos.

Due soon? Get in touch to check availability—I only take on a few maternity shoots each month.

👉🏼Find out more about my family photography at https://www.alijayphotography.com/family-photography-edinburgh

26/07/2026

And after all these years, we've built a full marriage, it's included the wonderful craziness of raising two boys, plenty of adventures, and lots of laughter... including our big anniversary adventure this week. 💛

Looking back through old photos reminded me that our family pictures aren't always perfect. Sometimes they're blurry selfies, windswept walks, someone pulling a daft face, or one of us not looking our best.

But together they tell our story.

Twenty years later, I'm so grateful we kept taking them.

Because one day, the ordinary moments become the extraordinary ones.

So keep taking the photos. The polished ones, the silly ones, and especially the everyday ones. They might not seem important now, but one day they'll become part of your family's history.

24/07/2026

2️⃣0️⃣Twenty years down the line, I've realised it wasn't the expensive details that stayed with me.🥰

It was the personal ones.

My friend Val surprised us with the most amazing personalised cake, it completely captured our story with little models of us meeting at Deep Sea World, climbing a mountain, exploring in Iain's little black mini. It was all their captured in an amazing cake

Our other friends, the band Sonorus, wrote and performed a song called These Images’ which was amazing and we still love listening to their album (check it out on Spotify). Iain's charismatic Polish grandad, Ernie, played his accordion and the whole wedding toasted with Polish vodka.

My friend Jill made all the bridesmaids' dresses and saved the day when my wedding dress was really badly altered. Iain's granny took charge of the flowers and all our family just made it so so special with all the little details. I can't even mention them all here, as there were too many.

Any day that involves horses is a good day in my book, so arriving at our reception behind two beautiful Andalusians still has to be one of my favourite memories. 🐴
All these things were about the people we loved sharing their talents and making the day feel like us. I don't think we asked either, we just let them go with ideas. We were the first wedding in our generation of friends so it also had a magical buzz to it.

That's the kind of detail I notice most at weddings now. The weddings that stay with me are the ones where people make the day truly their own. Whether it's a tiny elopement or a huge celebration, I love seeing couples celebrate in a way that reflects who they are and the people they love.

23/07/2026

If I could go back and speak to myself on the morning of our wedding twenty years ago, I'd probably say this...

Slow down.

Take a breath.

Look around the room.

Have another hug with your parents.

Watch your friends laughing together and getting to know each other.

Make sure you take some moments with each other before the day rushes on.

The flowers will fade.

The cake will be eaten.

The dress will sit in your loft.

But the people...

The people are what you'll treasure most.