A relaxed West Mill wedding in Derby

May 5, 2019

A West Mill Wedding

Beth and Chris are a very special couple to me because even though I’ve only just shot their wedding I feel like I’ve known Beth since the start! She first was a bridesmaid at Heather and Sam’s Marks Hall wedding and then recommended me to several of her friends and family’s weddings at Swallows Oast and Clock Barn. In their own words: “Marianne was the only photographer we would have chosen to be involved in our wedding day. After having been involved at a few weddings with Marianne, Beth knew that there wasn’t anyone else she would’ve felt as comfortable or had as much fun with. Marianne takes photos that you wouldn’t even be able to imagine, and she manages to capture the complete essence of the day. The photos are the most natural shots and we couldn’t have asked for anything better! She made both Beth and Chris (and everyone else) feel so comfortable, and made us laugh all day!”.

We started getting ready at rental cottage where Beth got into her dress from The Wedding House in Derby, which was customised to be cut off the shoulder. Her shoes were from The Rainbow Club (and sparkly trainers from Dune) and jewellery from Swarovski. The veil was her something borrowed from her sister Rachel, who wore it on her wedding day as well. For hair and make up they used The Strand in Derby, and Rachael and Nelly were amazing. They had done the hair and makeup for a few other friends weddings, and they just made the morning so relaxed for Beth, her Mum and the bridesmaids.

We then moved onto the West Mill where I shot the finished touches to Chris getting ready. Chris’ tailored suit was from Massimo Dutti, with the wedding date embroidered into the lining. His knitted tie was from Moss Bros and pocket square and cufflinks from Paul Smith. They decided to have the legal wedding ceremony on the Friday (day before the wedding) so that Beth’s close family friend Uncle John could conduct the wedding ceremony on the Saturday. Beth’s mum walked Beth down the aisle to music from Romeo and Juliet and Chris and Beth walked back up the aisle to the much loved ‘Ain’t no mountain high enough’. They had some close friends do some amazing readings throughout the ceremony and had the best time. Like most of my couples the focus of their day was their loved ones, so they had the whole day in one venue to get as much valuable time with friends and family as possible.

Beth and Chris said “we absolutely loved having all our friends and family together in one place from all over the world. One of the favourite moments was just after the ceremony once everyone had made their way downstairs and we could watch (sneakily hidden) everyone mingling and already enjoying the bubbles!”. They both wanted something relaxed and not fussy – luckily the West Mill interior gave them absolutely everything they wanted, and as soon as they walked in they knew it was the place for them. They love gin, so knew that they wanted gin bottles involved in someway, and lots of candles which worked perfectly in the industrial style of the West Mill.

“One highlight of the day were the speeches, with Beths siblings putting together an amazing video montage from all her close friends and family. It was a day full of laughter, tears and happiness throughout and was just fabulous.”

Talking about their pre wedding story… “We met on a classy night out in Vodka Revs in Derby (Beth had come up to Derby to see a friend) and sparks flew. We got engaged in Beths favourite place in the world Whitby (in Yorkshire). We went for a nice walk on a chilly February morning along the cliffs to Saltwick Bay, when (after a treacherous walk down) got to the beautiful bay, where Chris (after waiting for a few people to leave the beach) got down on one knee and proposed. Beth happily said yes and we went for an awesome Yorkshire lunch of fish and chips.”

Beth and Chris’ tips for planning a wedding are “just enjoy it! It does not have to be stressful, so enjoy every minute. Also, remember why you are doing this – it is about the two of you, and the promises you are making to each other and the rest of your lives. Also, don’t get swayed by everyone else and their opinions, and what they would do – keep coming back to what you both want and why you’re doing it.

The main difficultly was where to start! Choosing a venue and date seemed to be quite easy (just book it – don’t get too worried about weather etc – you will be able to handle it!) After these two things were done it was working out what the hell to do next! Wedding website were the saviour here (and many conversations with friends) – just to have something to refer to and tick off when completed. Also, budgeting – make sure you try your hardest to stick to it. it is so easy for things to spiral, but keep referring back to what you have budgeted (and use a wedding website for a little guidance here!)”.