Border ladies shine at wedding awards

Innerleithen-based Story of Love photography, owned by Natalie Martin, was named photographer of the year at this year’s Confetti Awards.

This is the second year running that Natalie, 33, has taken home that award, an achievement she puts down to her modern approach to composition and her training from father Kenny Martin.

“He’s a wedding and portrait photographer and trained me all my days,” she said.

“I just went on my own in 2012, when all my friends were getting married and it was the perfect time to get some experience.

“I make my photos quite creative, not just your standard wedding photographs.

“I feel I have been brought up trying to find the light, position the couples in the perfect place. I think that’s what sets me aside from others.”

She wasn’t the only Borders success story either as first-time entrants Carol Holness, of Carol’s Creations in Peebles, and Innerleithen’s Kirstie Notman, of Signature Hair by Kirstie, came runner-up for the titles of florist of the year and hairdresser of the year respectively.

“There’s quite a few of us who work together, and it was great to see Carol and Kirstie in the top 10 as well,” said Natalie.

“If we are doing any fashions shows, we always try to involve each other, and we are able to recommend each other to clients.”

Now in their third year, the awards, held in Glasgow, search nationwide for the best photographers, florists, venues, cake-makers, beauticians and hairdressers, as voted for by their customers, to put before panel of industry experts.

Other Borders finalists included Peebles make-up artist Danni Burnside and Amy Clancy at LA Bridal store in Galashiels.

Natalie added: “We are extremely thankful to all our voters who helped us get this far and have supported us.

“We should all be very proud of our achievements and are very honoured to have five of us all from the same area who work together regularly make it to the final.”