Susannah + Connor - A sustainable, early-autumn wedding at The Free Company
Some weddings just flow - and Susannah and Connor’s day was exactly that. Calm, intentional, and full of warmth from start to finish.
It was a balmy early-autumn day, the kind where summer feels like it’s lingering. I’d been desperate to photograph a wedding at The Free Company for a long time, so finally being there with a couple like these two felt extra special.
Susannah and Connor got ready at Dalmahoy Hotel before heading over to Balerno. There was no rush or stress, just a really grounded start to the day that set the tone for everything that followed.
A heartfelt outdoor ceremony at The Free Company
Their ceremony took place outdoors in the courtyard beneath the stretch sail canopy - relaxed, intimate, and full of feeling. It was a ceremony where everyone felt truly present, not distracted by timelines, tech or what was coming next.
One of my favourite details of the day came straight after: the confetti.
Susannah’s parents had grown the flowers themselves in their garden, which somehow managed to be both beautiful and incredibly meaningful. It summed up the whole wedding perfectly - thoughtful, personal, and completely unforced.
Why The Free Company is such a special wedding venue
The Free Company is one of the most sought-after wedding venues in Balerno, just outside Edinburgh, especially for couples who care about atmosphere, exceptional food, and a relaxed, intentional way of celebrating. With its courtyard ceremony space, stretch sail canopy for outdoor weddings, and surrounding fields that are perfect for golden-hour portraits, it’s a venue that allows the day to unfold naturally. Everything is beautifully run, calm, and unpretentious - which makes it an absolute dream to photograph.
Natural portraits, golden light & space to breathe
After the ceremony, we quietly stepped away for five or ten minutes so Susannah and Connor could have a bit of time together while I captured some portraits in the gardens. These small pauses are always magic, and this was no exception.
The rest of the afternoon was filled with candid moments - guests chatting, laughing, and properly enjoying each other’s company. Nothing felt staged. People weren’t just attending the wedding; they were fully in it.
Dinner was a real standout (as you’d expect at The Free Company). The food was talked about long after plates were cleared, and the whole meal felt like part of the experience rather than just a pause in the day.
As the sky started to glow soft pink, I gently stole Susannah and Connor away again for five minutes in the fields as the sun dipped. That dreamy golden-hour light followed us back into the courtyard, where we finished up portraits just as the evening settled in.
A proper party to end the day
Once night fell, the loft filled up and the party kicked off thanks to Miss Mobile Disco. Tami brought incredible energy, and the dance floor stayed full all night - the perfect end to such a joyful, relaxed day.
A wedding that felt truly intentional
This wedding confirmed everything I hoped The Free Company would be. It’s a venue I once considered for my own wedding years ago, and it absolutely lived up to the hype. I’d love to photograph many more weddings here.
More than anything, though, it was Susannah and Connor themselves who made the day what it was. Their kindness, calm energy, and genuine connection radiated through their friends and family. It was thoughtful, mature, and completely unforced - exactly the kind of weddings I want to photograph more of.
If you’re planning a wedding at The Free Company in Balerno and want photography that feels natural, candid, and completely true to how the day actually feels - not staged or performative - I’d love to hear all about your plans!
Photo // Lou Rob Photo
Venue // The Free Company
Dress // Emma Roy of Edinburgh
Suit // Kinloch Anderson
Celebrant // Celebrant Linda
Florist // Edinburgh Foraged Flowers
Hair // Sonte Hair (Libby)
Make-up // Holly Rox Beauty
Music // Stravair Duo // Miss Mobile Disco
