Newborn Photographer in Aberdeen - Baby C

This little love was a star for her session, and snuggled in close to her Mum, Dad and big brother for lots of lovely cuddles while I photographed their family moments. Lifestyle newborn photography sessions, in the comfort of your own home, where you can just relax with your baby, are one of my most favourite things to shoot. I am incredibly lucky to have such wonderful clients who allow me to come and capture them, at this most special and life changing time! 

If you'd like to chat about an at home newborn session in Aberdeen or Aberdeenshire, then pop me a message or email hello@vivienneelizabethphotography.co.uk

Banchory Lodge Wedding - Mhariann and Jason

Banchory Lodge was the beautiful setting for the wedding of Mhariann and Jason on Sunday, and the sun came out meaning everyone could enjoy the views over the River Dee.  I started the morning with the girls over in Bridge of Don, where everyone was super relaxed about the excitement that lay ahead! Here's just a small preview of images from their amazing day - 

Gorgeous blooms by Flowers By Judith

Cake by Mhariann's Dad

Piping by Spud the Piper

Stunning dress from The Bridal Boutique, Peterculter

Make up by Samantha Cardno MUA

Videography - the awesome Flat 4d Media

Getting married at Banchory Lodge? View Amanda and Keil's Banchory Lodge wedding here

Outdoor Wedding in Aberdeenshire - Scottish Outdoor Wedding

R + J had their beautiful wedding planned to perfection!  After two days of torrential rain, the weather got on side to bring out the sun for a gorgeous outdoor wedding at their Aberdeenshire family home, nestled deep in the heart of Royal Deeside. 

Here's just a tiny preview of their amazing wedding day - thank you so much for having us! 

(There is a sneaky slideshow if you scroll to the bottom, because I just couldn't resist showing you some more! You can also find this wedding featured on We Fell in Love )

Suppliers - 

Catering - Salt and Sauce

Flowers - The Secret Garden

Band - Johnny Brady Music

Videographer - Brian Scott Weddings

You can read more about my wedding photography by clicking here - I'd love to chat to you about your special day! 

Newborn Photography Aberdeen - Baby Nathaniel

I had the pleasure of photographing Nathaniel's mum Penelope in the very last few weeks of her pregnancy, so I was especially excited to go back and meet him - especially after his super speedy arrival in to the world at home! He was a super chilled little man, and I had a great time with him and his gorgeous big brother too. Here's just a few images from his session -

Pittodrie House Wedding - Natalie and Greg

Wedding season is now in to full swing, and I am so excited about the months ahead, with so many fantastic couples to photograph. I adore being part of such a happy occasion, and telling the story of what is a very special day.

I had an amazing time with Natalie, Greg and their four amazing children at their Pittodrie House wedding last weekend. I shared a small sneaky peek of some images from their day over on my Facebook page, so thought I'd pop them here too. They planned their wedding in 4 months after 11 years together, and it all came together beautifully! 

I am fully booked for this year, but if you are currently planning your 2018/19 wedding and are looking for a photographer, then get in touch and tell me all about it! 

Kirstin and Felix - Aberdeen Family Photography

Kirstin is a wonderful mama to 3 beautiful boys, and I was so happy when she booked a session with me for her and her youngest son, Felix. The weather agreed with me and the sun came out, meaning we could unleash all of Felix's gorgeously nommable rolls of baby pudge - how Kirstin doesn't nibble him all day long I don't know! 

Here's just a few images from their session - I'll be running another day of mama sessions in the summer. Email me to be put on the mailing list for more information 

Sam - Aberdeen Newborn Photography

I've been so excited to share this newborn session with you all! I met Sam when she asked me to capture a special birthday celebration for her mother in law, back in January at Norwood Hall, where she was rocking a gorgeous baby bump. I was absolutely delighted to hear of baby Sam's safe arrival in to the world, and to be asked to come and spend a morning with them to capture his newborn photographs. 

Here's just a little selection of images from their gallery - how stunning does (mama) Sam look? She's definitely the Queen in a household of boys! My heart couldn't cope with the cuteness of big brother Max loving on his new sibling - I mean, just look at this face! 

Newborn Photography in Aberdeen - Baby Willow

I had the loveliest time a few weeks ago meeting baby Willow, her parents and her gorgeous big sister. Fern was a fantastic help throughout the session, and even got behind her own camera, to make sure I got all the shots! 

Here's just a few images from their session - how beautiful is Willow's mum? 

I have very limited space over the summer months for newborn sessions - if you'd like natural, relaxed newborn portraits, capturing your families special moments, I'd love to hear from you! 

Woman Behind The Business - Banchory Chiropractic Clinic

I have the great pleasure of calling Felicity, aka 'Magic Hands' a friend, and I was very happy when I managed to sufficiently twist her arm enough to take part in this series. Despite having a new baby and an active toddler, she has recently expanded her business, Banchory Chiropractic Clinic, in to new premises and is working hard to create a one stop wellbeing hub with massage practitioners, chiropractors and yoga classes all on site. I'll let Felicity tell you more!

Congratulations on the opening of your new clinic! What services are available at Banchory Chiropractic Clinic?

Thank you! We now offer a much wider range of services now we have our brand spanking new clinic. We still offer first class chiropractic treatment from our 3 superstar chiropractors, but in addition we now have 2 massage therapists and a kinetic chain release therapist. We also have a studio room where we host yoga, Pilates and a pelvic floor class, and these are classes that are available to anyone. We also have our very own Lower Back Repair class; a new concept which is exclusively available for our patients.

You do a lot of work with infants - how can chiropractic benefit them?

I do! Most of my patients these days are babies! I see babies for lots of different reasons, but the most common reasons are that parents might notice that their baby favours holding their head or body in a particular way, or they have a flattened or misshapen head, or they might be exhibiting some strange behaviours like excessive crying and showing general discomfort. I am also a breastfeeding counsellor so I see many mothers and babies who have problems feeding as well. Chiropractic care for infants can help to ease tension patterns that may have been created whilst baby was on the inside, during birth or from everyday habits in the babies early weeks. This release of tension generally results in a more contented baby!

And chiropractic treatment can be useful in pregnancy too?

Very much so. I often wonder how pregnant mummies get though it without chiropractic care. Pregnancy can cause some pretty significant postural and structural changes and some mothers find this painful and difficult to deal with. These changes may also affect the baby's positioning inside the mother as the walls of the uterus become strained and suffer torsion. We are trained to correct the mother's posture and pelvic positioning in the hope that will allow baby to organise itself into an optimal position. There are some small studies showing that chiropractic care during pregnancy can lead to a quicker and more "straightforward" labour. This is definitely the case in my clinic on an anecdotal basis - my associate Laura holds the record - one of her patients had a baby in 15 mins start to finish!

Tell me a bit more about your new infant drop in clinic?

The infant drop in clinic was a bit of a leap of faith for me. It has never been done before to my knowledge, and I had no idea whether it would be successful or not. As a mother myself I knew the feelings of dread at the thought of getting yourself and your baby out of the house on time so I thought I would try a format that was much more laid back. It has also allowed my clinic to participate in some important chiropractic research and helped me to teach my associate in a safe, structured way where I can oversee everything. Plus there's nothing worse than feeling as though you are alone when you are having difficulty with your baby. The drop in clinic is sort of like a baby group so there is a social aspect too! We have been going just over a month now and although it is somewhat shambolic it seems to be working! 

How do you manage juggling 2 young children and a successful business?

I will never say it's easy; there have been extremely difficult times. Being a working mother is definitely the most difficult thing I have ever done, but I find it manageable because I am very committed to my work. My clinic was my first baby! Having actual babies has also really given me extra focus to my work, I have learned so much from being a mother myself, which helps me to support other mums and babies. It is hard, but I am also very lucky to be my own boss, and the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. The short answer is I drink a lot of coffee and have a lot of help. There are also those days that I don't manage at all!

What do you do to relax? (If you find a spare moment!)

That is something that I struggle with nowadays. I enjoy a quiet coffee when I can and also love to keep fit, so like to go walking if possible. I recently completed a 5k obstacle course with friends which although not relaxing at all, really boosted my mood. I also love a bath in the evening if kiddies allow it!

Who is your greatest source of support?

It has to be my husband Neill. I would not have achieved anything without his practical and emotional support. We were friends long before we were a couple so we have a very strong foundation. He also makes me laugh out loud every day. I have a lot of practical help from my family; my son prefers being at my sisters house than at home! My tribe of mummy friends are also very special to me and I would not have made it this far through parenthood without them.  

What would your top tip be for new mums or mums to be?

Find your mummy friends! The loneliness of having a baby is real; things dramatically improve once you realise everyone else is struggling as much as you!

You can find out more about Banchory Chiropractic Clinic over on their Facebook page

Michelle + Keith - Logie Country House

April 1st saw Michelle and Keith get married at the gorgeous Logie Country House 

After 21 years together, they decided to tie the knot, and I was delighted to be there to document it all. Their close family and friends were staying the weekend with them at Logie, and when I arrived in the morning, the air was full of excitement, with kids running around the grounds,  and some serious gin bar preparations taking place in the kitchen! Their wedding was full of fun and laughter (and a few happy tears!) from start to finish. 

Here's just a little sneak peek from their day - thanks to Melissa from Apini Photography for coming along to second shoot with me!

I think Keith was pretty chuffed that they'd finally said their 'I Do's'! 

5 Things to Do in the Easter Holidays around Aberdeen

The first week of the Easter holidays is drawing to a close, and the second week looms ahead. If you have kids off school or nursery, you will be very likely looking for something to fill the days to get you all out of the house! If you haven't already made plans, here are 5 suggestions of family activities in and around Aberdeen

Go on an Egg Hunt

If you don't have the time nor energy to organise your own, why not pop along to one of the many egg hunts on over the next week? Between Friday 14th and Sunday 16th, you will find the Easter Bunny at numerous National Trust properties across Aberdeenshire, including Castle Fraser and Crathes Castle. You can find your closest egg hunt here  

Take a trip to a farm

With lots of spring babies arriving, now is a great time to take a trip to one of the local farms to see the animals and get some fresh air. Doonies Farm is now open for visitors, and you can read a little bit more about visiting over on the local Tots2travel blog 

Newton Dee Farm is just off North Deeside Road in Bieldside, and is a quiet haven away from the hustle and bustle of the city. With lambs, pigs and calves to see, a small play park, shop, cafe with  yummy cakes, bakes + lunches, and a bakery all on site, it's a great way to spend an hour or two with the little ones (open Tuesday - Saturday)

A little further along the road, just outside Peterculter, is Easter Anguston Farm, where you can meet an array of animals, grab a snack from the cafe and enjoy a wander round the grounds. 

Horsing around

Near Aboyne, Belwade Farm is a horse sanctuary/rescue centre that is open to visitors all year round (Wednesday-Sunday, check website for times). As well as seeing the horses, there is a cafe (can you see there is a theme to my suggestions, the chance for a cup of tea is a must!), visitor centre, nature trails, stone circle and from May onwards, a very special Fairy Trail. Well worth the drive out, and you can stop off for ice cream in Banchory on the way home! 

Have fun with fossils! 

Down at Aberdeen Science Centre, you can pop in for some fossil fun on Friday 14th April. With Dino dig pits, make your own fossil workshops, storytelling sessions and more, there is an activity to suit all age ranges. See website for full details

Cinema Date 

Ok, so it's possibly the lazy option!  But there's lots on at the cinema this coming week for little ones including Smurfs 3, The Boss Baby, or Peppa Pig - My First Cinema Experience. There's still a  bit of disagreement between my 2 and 4 year old as to which we will see, so I may have to make the executive decision....wish me luck!

Let me know if you have any other suggestions of things to do with kids in Aberdeen over on the Facebook page - what's your favourite day out? 

Family Photography in Aberdeen - Luke

Luke and his baby sister were meant to come and see me at the NCT Aberdeen photo fundraiser sessions, but unfortunately the weather got the better of us. Thankfully our second attempt along the railway line in Peterculter was far more successful, and I thought I'd share a wee snippet from their session with you all! (check who has gotten so big since I did her newborn session!)

Molly Is 2

It's the middle of March, and 2 years ago, I was either snuggling a teeny, tiny 2 week old baby girl, or wrapping her close to me while I chased after her then 2 year old brother. This baby girl is now a fierce, determined and fearless 2 year old herself, who can assert her thoughts and desires loudly and with confidence. She strikes equal amounts of joy and terror in our hearts every day    (this means I will get a mellow teenager....right?) and I just don't know where the time has gone - it doesn't feel like 2 year since she came in to the world. Even then she was making her mark, arriving early, with my waters breaking the day after I did my last newborn session before maternity leave. She's been blazing down her own path right from the start, and I can't wait to see where it takes her. I'm hoping she'll inherit my love of books, photography and the signs are already there that we are destined to spend a lot of time at riding schools - our poor rocking horse is suffering from exhaustion!

We couldn't love her more, and when she's not in trouble for interfering with his Lego, she is utterly adored by her big brother. I'm going to be in trouble as their friendship grows - they already do a good job of ganging up on me to get what they want! 

“The question isn’t who’s going to let me; it’s who is going to stop me.” – Ayn Rand