Engagement Photos at . . . Hogwarts???

JK Rowling has never revealed precisely where her inspiration for Hogwarts came from.* To be sure, several sites and a rich imagination are the true components of the Potter World; however, it is speculated that the University of Glasgow, in Scotland's largest city, is a prime source of inspiration for the School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. A Glasgow University blog notes some of the reasons the university would have been the inspiration, including location, spires, Glasgow's nickname of St. Mungo's and a rumored request (ultimately denied) to film the movies there. 

When I traveled to Scotland this past August, taking engagement photos at the university was a natural idea. Not only did my fiance complete his graduate degree there, but I was compelled by the HP rumors (being not just a little bit of a fan of the series). We didn't don house robes for the photos, but I still could imagine Harry, Hermione and Ron emerging from the cloisters or crossing the courtyard in full stride, discussing quidditch, the Sorcerer's Stone, or Draco Malfoy's most recent antics. Even the (ever present) rain couldn't disperse the feeling of magic that came from being with the best person ever in one of the prettiest places in (possible) bookdom.

The cloisters.

Whomping Willow in the background? Nah, that's probably a stretch. I just like this photo, even though I'm totally choking poor Paul, heh.

Unicorns are everywhere in Scotland, including U. Glasgow's campus. Unicorn hair and blood also figures prominently in the HP books. Coincidence? I think not.

Hogwarty spires.

More Hogwarty spires and a Hogwarty courtyard.

It's possible that the part we're hiding with our hands says "For Broomsticks."

Not much in the way of Hogwarts in this photo; just feeling the general magic of being with this Crazy Scot.

*If you know her inspiration, by all means, let me in on the secret.

Engagement session by Reflections Photography by Chantal Lachance-Gibson, who we really loved. Shoot her a message if you happen to be in Scotland and need photos. :)