If you’ve been following me on Instagram recently, you might have seen the news — I’m officially a Regional Finalist in the Photographer category of The Wedding Industry Awards (TWIA) Scotland 2026!
Cue the happy dancing, slightly-too-big grin, and me refreshing the TWIA website far more than I’d like to admit…
But if you’re not familiar with TWIA, you might be wondering: Is this a big deal? How does it work? What does it actually mean?
Let’s dive in.
What are The Wedding Industry Awards?
TWIA is one of the UK’s most respected wedding award bodies. It’s different from many awards because couples are the ones who judge you first. Only your real, verified wedding clients from the qualifying year can submit feedback — no popularity contests, no paying-to-win, no “vote for me” campaigns.
After that, the entries go to a panel of experienced industry judges who assess everything from photography style and technical skill to client service, professionalism, and overall experience.
In other words… It’s not easy to become a finalist — and that’s exactly why it means so much.
The Results
No win for me this year — but I’m genuinely delighted for Natalie Martin, who took home the regional award, and for Willow & Wilde, who were highly commended. Such a brilliant, talented group of photographers to stand alongside.
This year, only nine photographers made it through as regional finalists in the Photographer category in Scotland, so to be included among them feels incredibly special — especially as I’m just starting this new chapter of my business here in North Berwick.
What Being a Finalist Means to Me
Honestly?
A lot.
It means my couples took the time to say kind things about their experience.
It means the judges saw something in my work and approach.
It means that even in a year full of change, I’m still giving people a wedding photography experience they love.
And that… well, that means everything.
What the TWIA Feedback Really Reflected
One of the most meaningful parts of entering the TWIA awards is receiving honest feedback from couples. Reading through it recently was genuinely emotional — not just because of the kind words, but because of the patterns that kept appearing across so many different weddings.
It wasn’t just about the photographs. It was about how couples felt on their wedding day.
Feeling Comfortable and Completely at Ease
So many couples mentioned feeling relaxed and supported which is something I know a lot of people worry about when it comes to wedding photography.
“Lorna made us feel completely comfortable and somehow managed to be everywhere at once without ever being intrusive.” — Katie
“Lorna brought such a calm, professional energy to our wedding day.” — Archie
What meant the most was knowing couples felt comfortable enough to let go and enjoy their day — trusting that they were being looked after without needing to think about the camera at all.
Natural, Unobtrusive Storytelling
Another theme that came up again and again was how often couples talked about moments they didn’t even realise were being captured.
“She blended in seamlessly with our guests and captured all those natural moments.” — Charlotte
“She took photos we didn’t even realise were happening and they ended up being some of our favourites.” — Deepak
This is exactly how I love to work — quietly observing, reading the room, and letting your day unfold naturally, while gently guiding things when it’s helpful and stepping back when it’s not.
Emotion, Meaning and Memories That Last
At the heart of it all, couples spoke about emotion — love, laughter, and seeing their day reflected back honestly.
“Her photos are breathtaking, filled with emotion and detail, and truly tell the story of our wedding.” — Brogan
These are the words that stay with me. Because long after the day is over, these photographs become part of your family history — something you return to, again and again.
If you’re planning your wedding and feeling a bit nervous about being photographed, I hope this gives you some reassurance. My aim is always to help you feel comfortable, supported, and able to enjoy every part of your day — while I quietly capture the moments that matter most.
Looking Ahead in Scotland
Being named a Scotland wedding photographer finalist is such a lovely way to start this new chapter of my business. I’m based in North Berwick, and I can’t wait to photograph more Scottish weddings across Edinburgh, East Lothian, and the surrounding countryside.
I’m thrilled by the opportunities ahead — meeting new couples, exploring beautiful Scottish venues, and capturing the laughter, quiet moments, and celebrations that make weddings so special.
A Huge, Heartfelt Thank You
To my couples:
Thank you for trusting me, for welcoming me into your weddings, and for taking time out of your busy lives to review me. Every one of your words means the world.
To future couples:
If you’re planning a wedding in Edinburgh, East Lothian, or anywhere in Scotland and are looking for relaxed, natural, timeless wedding photography, I’d love to hear from you. Whether you’re dreaming of a small intimate day or a big celebration, I’m here to capture all the moments you’ll treasure forever.
Get in touch today to check availability or just have a chat about your wedding plans — I can’t wait to meet you and help tell your story through beautiful, timeless images.
