Hartington Hall is usually best known these days for being a YHA.  However, it's also a lovely wedding venue with plenty of space for guest to stay and enjoy the Peak District while attending weddings.  Just down the hill is the church where Emily and Chris said their vows.  Luckily the rain held off for them to trek back up the hill to the hall for a drinks reception and the wedding breakfast.  After the rain stopped, speeches were held outdoors and we found time to catch a few photos of the bride and groom on their own as seen here.

Horsley Lodge is nestled away not far from Derby and was the perfect venue for Jon and Stacey.  From getting ready photos all to way to the first dance.  Even though it was a windy day, we grabbed plenty of family photos along with a photo walk for just the Bride and Groom.  One of my favourite photos though as to be from the first dance.  To see a selection of my favourites, view the slideshow below.

Shottle Hall is gorgeous no matter what time of year.  It especially looked fab with the decor Hazel and Mike chose.  Which was a woodland creature theme with some Super Mario thrown in for good measure. If you know me well, you'll know that I can't resist gaming and geeky themes.  So I fell in love with the cupcakes.  Oh and Hazel's shoes were the bomb.  Pun intended.  We took advantage of the early sunset to grab some romantic shots and later pulled everyone outside for a sparkler exit.  Take a peek for yourself here...

Outside of Chesterfield stands the Peak Edge Hotel Wedding venue.  Chosen by Mal and Christine to say their wedding vows and celebrate with those closest to them.  The Brides couldn't have been happier to finally marry each other.  After making many cakes for other couples, Christine decided to make their own cake too.  You can tell it took a lot of patience and was well worth it.  Although it was raining, we found some time to take a few family photos in the fog before it started pouring.  Along with some indoor shots of the Brides alone.  See some of my favourites here:

Ripley Derbyshire sets the scene for Sarah and Mike's wedding at Lumb Farm.  Complete with spring flowers and donkeys.  After getting ready, the entire day was spent at the venue with family and friends.  Pink was the colour scheme and it couldn't have been a better pick for such a lovely spring day.  To see the picture perfect day, check out the slideshow below. 

The day started out getting ready at the Bride's family home in Loscoe Derbyshire before heading to Church for the ceremony.  Due to the Groom's love of James Bond films, she arrived in an Aston Martin.  Rianne's mother sang beautifully during the ceremony and everyone celebrated the newlyweds by throwing confetti to see them off.  The remainder of the day was spent at Makeney Hall where we took a walk through the beautiful garden for some photos.  The best part was the big finale during the first dance.  James and Rianne surprised everyone with a Bond themed dance.  It was a great show stopper.  As seen in the slideshow here...

     Samantha and Adam got married on a summer day at St. Mary's church in Mansfield.  Then continued their wedding celebrations at the Derbyshire Hotel in South Normanton.  With a love of travel, they adorned the tables with names of places they've visited and one named Dubai.  Which was their honeymoon destination.  The wedding breakfast sparkled with candelabras and a twinkling backdrop behind the head table.  
     The bride also tossed her bouquet as children blew bubbles.  Except for the flower girl who caught the bouquet as seen below.  We even lucked out with a beautiful sunset that we totally took advantage of for some evening photographs.  But not before everyone got down on the dance floor at the wedding reception.  
     As a wedding photographer it's tough to pick out my favourites.  But none the less, here are some that I narrowed it down to.  Go see for yourself by clicking read more....

     The wedding of Matthew and Amy takes us back to Hotel Van Dyk just outside of Chesterfield Derbyshire.  Their colour scheme was teal with accents of Paris France. Such as table names, a table of treats all based around their love of the famous city.  Although they are from the Pinxton area, the bride and groom got engaged at the Eiffel Tower.  So it was very fitting.  
     One of the best parts of the wedding was seeing such a close knit family.  The bride's father had to catch his breath when he saw Amy in her wedding gown ready for the big day.  Plus the weather was perfect.  We had loads of time to take family photos in the garden and then again for a photo walk with just the wedded couple.  Not to mention some late night shots underneath the fairy lights after the first dance.  It really was a day to remember and I'm honoured they choose me as their wedding photographer.  
     See some of Amy and Matthew's wedding highlights at Hotel Van Dyk in the slideshow below. 

     Fancy a wedding in the Peak District but still close to the Chesterfield area, then the Peak Edge Hotel is perfect.  Vicky and Adrian thought so too.  Gorgeous views.  Especially if you want wedding photos with the sun setting in the background.  
     Vicky got ready with all of her bridesmaids in the family home that her grandfather built before heading to the Peak Edge Hotel for the wedding ceremony.  Adrian and his brother, the best man, waited patiently and everything went off without a hitch.  
     The hotel was decorated with a vintage colour scheme and the even reception featured a photo booth that looked like loads of fun.  Not to mention the sweet table that the bride put together with marshmallow trees and plenty of goodies for the guest.  See it all in this wedding slideshow of their big day.

     We captured both the bride and groom getting ready for this Shottle Hall Wedding.  Most of the time, it's just me but Chyna and Michael had a special request for a second shooter for the getting ready part of the day so they could look back at photos of the groom getting ready too.  While I was in Heage with the bride, Gemma went to Chesterfield to photograph the guys.  
     Then off to Shottle Hall we went.  It was a beautifully sunny day with a harp playing in the background as the guest waited for the bride to walk down the aisle.  In between the wedding breakfast and the reception, we took a walk around the gardens of Shottle Hall for some romantic photos of just the bride and groom before meeting up with the best man for some fun photos too.  
     The day was absolutely stunning so I've made a wedding slideshow of my favourite images you can view below.

     Bride and groom, Nichola and Mark chose Horsley Lodge for their wedding day.  Their son, the page boy is super cute and looked so handsome in his little suit.  It was a lovely ceremony and a great day to wander down to Horsley Lodge's lake to take wedding photos.  
     One of the details of Nichola and Mark's wedding that stands out is the wedding cake made by a family friend.  Wait till you see it in the wedding slideshow. Go take a peek! 

     Hotel Van Dyk is one of my favourite wedding venues.  Being a wedding photographer brings me all over Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.  So I was thrilled when Vicky and Nick told me where their wedding would be held.  The bride took advantage of their bridal suite to get ready.  
     After the ceremony we had a little bit of rain but nothing we couldn't work photos around.  After the sky cleared, we still had time for plenty of posed but fun photos with friends and family.  Luckily the weather worked with us and we went for our schedule photo walk to grab photos of just the bride and groom.  
     I couldn't leave without first catching a few photos of Vicky and Nick with the fairy lights in the garden.  What a beautiful ending to a beautiful day.  Make sure to see some of my favourite images of the day by clicking "read more" below. 

     Bridal preparations started in South Normanton at The Boundary before we headed to Mansfield Registry office for the ceremony.  Emma's uncle walked her down the aisle as Gareth waited patiently.  After the confetti was thrown, the wedding cars ventured to the Hilcote Country Club.  
     The venue was decked out with Alice in Wonderland decor which is one of the bride and groom's favourite films.  When the flower girl walked down the aisle dressed as Alice, it was pretty obvious the venue would be the perfect mad hatter's tea party.  Or in this case, a sit down meal with delicious little cakes afterwards.   Check them out in this wedding slideshow.  

     Stoke Rochford Hall was the perfect setting for Sara and Dave's January wedding.  Not only did they say their own vows, but they included the groom's parents vow renewal too.  Which came as a complete surprise to Dave's mum.  
     Speaking of family, the large fire place made a grand place for family wedding photos.  Then we continued into the wedding breakfast in the library for the father of the bride's speech.  But I'm skipping ahead.  Let's start at the beginning of the day when Sara was getting ready in the bridal suite, all the way to the first dance and the casino at the wedding reception.  
     As the bride and groom's wedding photographer it was tough not to hit the roulette table, but it did have a blast capturing everyone else enjoying them.  Go see for yourself in this video slide show of Sara and Dave's big day. 

     Alfreton Hall was the chosen venue for Hannah and Graham's winter wedding.  The bride and groom share a love of Star Wars which you'll see hints of through out the photos.  Especially the wedding cake and Star Wars named tables.  Speaking of Alfreton Hall, the bride finished getting ready in the brand new bridal suite.  Which is absolutely gorgeous and perfect for getting ready photos.  
     Among the many fabulous details, check out the bride's kick ass wedding shoes!  Not to mention the decor at Alfreton Hall close to Christmas is magical.  I love all of the fairy lights.  But that's just me.  I had a blast photographing Hannah and Graham's wedding day.  So check out the photos.  What do you think?

     All Saints Church in Ripley was one place I couldn't wait to photograph a wedding as it's somewhat sentimental to my wife as her parents were married there.  So when Laura and Mat told me that's where the ceremony was going to be held, I couldn't wait to photograph their big day.  The day started at the bride's family home for hair and make-up along with the bridesmaids.  Since everything went according to plan, we even had time for some posed photos in the garden before setting off for the church.
     After the ceremony and some more family photographs by request of the bride and groom, everyone headed to The Derbyshire Hotel in South Normanton for the wedding breakfast and reception.  Which was decked out in purple and orange with owls as the theme.  Then we managed to sneak in some extra portraits just as the sun was setting behind the hotel.  I'm sure I could go on, but I'd rather tell the story of this autumn wedding with photos.  So check them out below! 

Nick and Fae who share a love of music and even play in a band together, got married at Alfreton Hall in August of 2015.  As bride and groom, they choose a theme of red and white with top hats and tails.  Although it rained at the other 3 weddings I photographed that holiday weekend, Nick and Fae's wedding happened to be the one day it didn't.  Which was perfect as we were able to go for a walk in the garden in front of the hall for some photos of just the two of them.  
     The staff at Alfreton Hall were fantastic as always and everything went according to plan.  It was a brilliant day and the speeches at the wedding breakfast were a smashing hit.  One of the groomsmen even played the newlyweds a song on his guitar during the reception.  So go take a peek at this summer wedding in Alfreton by watching this slideshow of wedding photos and see some of Nick and Fae's wedding highlights full of smiles and laughter.

     During 2015 wedding season I had the pleasure of photographing all over the Derby and Nottingham area.  One venue I was at repeatedly was Makeney Hall.    Although most weddings I photograph there take place in the Conservatory and the Lavinias, Danielle and Gareth's wedding took place in the Milford Suite.
     Makeney Hall also has great views overlooking a beautiful field along with a lovely garden that is the perfect setting for a photo walk with brides and grooms which you'll see here.  Usually in a blog post I would go into more detail about the Bride and Groom's big day.  However, in this case I think the slideshow is the best story teller.  Speaking of stories, you might notice a particular fairy tale theme.  Complete with glass slippers.

     This past October I had the pleasure of photographing Gareth and Cindy's wedding day at Newstead Abbey in Nottinghamshire.  Once the home of Lord Byron, it is quite a romantic setting.  It's history goes all the way back to 1170 when it was a monastery.  
     The groom, Gareth, is originally from South Normanton here in the UK but now lives and works in China.  Cindy, the bride, is from China and actually spent a few years living in England.  Yet the two did not meet until Gareth's career brought him overseas.  What are the chances right?!  So the pair decided to have wedding ceremonies both in England and China.  
     Every little detail was carefully thought out and both cultures came together not just in person but also showed in their choice of items such as the wedding cake.  Which was beautifully decorated with cherry blossoms.  
     I was hired to photograph everything from arrival of the bride to the speeches at the wedding breakfast with a stroll through the gardens in between.  Which turned out to be perfect timing as it started to sprinkle outside just as I was leaving.  But you wouldn't know it looking at the photos below.  Happy smiles all around. 

     As a wedding photographer in 2015 I found myself at the White Hart Inn quite a bit.  One of those weddings happened to be Nik and Sarah's last May.  The day actually started with the bride getting ready at the salon at Slimming World in Somercotes before heading off to the ceremony.
     Sarah chose a gorgeous dress that showed off her baby bump and Nik was practically in tears when he saw her.  It was obviously a very special moment for the both of them.  It was so sweet how often Nik touched her belly through out the day.  Especially during their vows.  
     One unique part of their day was the cake contest they had before the afternoon tea started.  Guest were invited to bring a cake to be judged by the bride and groom to be the official wedding cake.  You can see the winning cake below in the photos.  What an awesome idea right?!
     Speaking of photos, the White Hart Inn has some stunning scenery for photographs.  Especially the fields behind the wedding venue itself.  They even have a red phone booth that was perfect for Nik's Superman theme.  As shown in the super hero cufflinks and shirt hidden under his suit.  
     Not only did they include a vintage afternoon tea with super hero, but Sarah and Nik also found a way to include their love of movies.  Even Sweet-A-Fayre was there with movie related snacks during the evening reception.  I really enjoyed being the lucky wedding photographer who got to be a part of their special day.  So I hope you have just as much fun taking a glimpse at some of my favourite photos of the day.  
     

I’ve met with so many brides and grooms that all sorts of questions arise during consultations.  From the most basic to the very technical of queries.  However, not everyone knows what they should ask and why.  For those of you just starting to look at wedding photographers you will find this list helpful.  If you already hired your photographer but still feel as if you’re not quite prepared, this might just assist you with filling in some of the blanks.

• How long have they been photographing weddings?

The key word being “weddings” since photographing beautiful landscapes or cute pictures of dogs does not qualify someone as a wedding photographer.  Sure they are gorgeous photos.  But photographing people walking down an aisle, driving off in a car, dancing in a dark wedding reception, and taking romantic photos you see in magazines requires a completely different set of skills than other types of photography.  

• Can you show me more examples of your work other than what’s on your website?

The answer here should always be yes.  Whether that be in their sample albums, a selection of prints, or client galleries.  There are a few reasons for this.  First you need to make sure that their style is consistent.  Secondly that they aren’t passing other photographers work off as their own.  Which unfortunately happens all too often in the photography industry.  When you compare their website to the work they show you in person, are you still seeing crisp clean edits, or HDR edits, or the instagram looking images.  For example, if their website shows a lot of brides and grooms with those blurry backgrounds you like, then make sure you see images with those bokeh photos in person too from a variety of weddings.  

• How do you handle photographing in harsh weather?

Harsh weather can be anything from an extremely bright and hot day, to a very rainy and dark day.  It’s common to think that a sunny day is awesome for wedding photos.  By all means it is, unless you have a photographer that doesn’t know how to avoid harsh shadows that can cause raccoon eyes and the likes on family portraits taken right after the ceremony.  

• Are you a full time photographer, part time, or a hobbyist?

So why should you care if your photographer is any of the above?  Let’s think about this.  If your photographer’s main priority to feed his or her family happens to be the “day job” and they only shoot weddings on the weekend for some extra cash, which one is taking a back seat?  In most cases, your wedding photos will not be at the top of their list.  Especially when emergencies come up and they can’t find the time to edit the photos you are so excited to see.  This isn’t to say that a weekend warrior’s work isn’t top notch.  However, it is something you should consider.

• What happens if you are sick and unable to photograph our wedding?

Let’s face it life happens.  People get sick, accidents occur.  A photographer should always have a back-up plan.  But what happens when plan B or C doesn’t work?  Will you get a partial or full refund?  I’m by all means not suggesting what any other photographers should or shouldn’t offer if they can’t get anyone to cover them should the worse happen.  But you do need to know what to expect just in case.  

• Do you have insurance?

It amazes me that more clients don’t ask me this during consultations.  It’s things like insurance that can make a fantastic photographer a professional.  Just because they seem like a pro, doesn’t mean they have it.  Never assume.  

• If you provide digital wedding photos, am I allowed to make copies or prints?

A lot of brides and grooms don’t know the ins and outs of image copyrights.  Most professional photographers retain the copyright to every photo they take without giving clients any personal usage rights.  Others do, but with limitations.  Which is actually more common in this day and age.  However it’s important to make sure that you know exactly what you can and can’t do with an artist’s work.  Yes they are photos of you and you paid for them.  But it doesn’t mean you can legally make 50 copies of the memory stick and pass them out to your friends and family.  Unless of course, your photographer gave you permission to do so in writing. It’s like buying a song on iTunes.  Just because you bought a copy of the song to listen to in your car, doesn’t mean you are legally allowed to make copies of it for your friends.  If you want unlimited usage rights, talk to your photographer to see what your options are.  

• Do you charge extra to edit out pimples, exit signs, or special effects?

There’s a myriad of editing options.  Most professionals prefer to get as much right in camera so drastic changes aren’t needed in Photoshop or Lightroom later.  But some things just can’t be changed on the spot.  So if you have concerns, be sure to ask your prospective wedding photographer if he or she charges extra for certain edits and if so, how much are those fees.  

• How long will the photos take?

This seems like a no brainer right?  Surprisingly not many clients remember to ask.  It always comes up when I go over the contract as it’s stated right there in black and white.  So in most cases, the photographer will bring it up if you don’t.  But again, never assume.  Especially if you know you’ll need the photos for something special like a timely thank you card.  

• How much time is needed for formal family photographs?

Not everybody wants posed photographs with mums, dads, grandparents, and so forth.  If you do, it’s always a good idea to ask a photographer how much time they will need.  This will vary.  A lot of wedding venues and coordinators will give you a timeline and expect that it will be enough time for the photographer to work their magic.  The truth is, every situation is different.  One couple may need 20 different posed family shots.  Whereas another couple might only want a few family photos because they would rather have more candid than posed images.

• What kind of images do they prefer capturing?

Okay this question might seem silly because their website clearly says what they prefer, or you see loads of posed photos so you assume they are super traditional, etc etc.  Or if they are like me, they often photograph a mix of both traditional and reportage.  So why ask this question?  Because knowing what they prefer can tell you a lot about what to expect.  For instance, I prefer to catch people in the moment with authentic reactions and emotions.  I of course take the posed photos requested of me, but there will be more reportage type photographs than posed if I’m given free reign to photograph the day as I see appropriate.  

• Where can I find testimonials or reviews?

A lot of photography or business websites will show you what great things have been said about their work.  But if you truly want an honest opinion take a peek at some places online where you can find reviews that the photographer can’t cherry pick from.  That can be from an online wedding directory, facebook, or even yell.com.  An obvious alternative is to ask friends and family what photographers they recommend.  But if you want to see what the majority of people have to say, go check out what others you don’t know have put into writing for your benefit.

• What kind of getting ready photos do you take?

When I started out in wedding photography 20 years ago, getting ready photos were more set up than they are now.  Although that’s just how I operate.  Getting ready shots can be anything from pretending to put make up on and last minute things like putting earrings in or cufflinks on.  If you are looking for actual photos of you or your spouse to be preparing for your wedding day, be sure to find out if your photographer will be there when your hair and make-up artist will be there.  Will they go to the salon with you?  Will they be in the room when you’re getting undressed and dressed again?  If so, what types of photos should you expect.

• What do you need anything from us to make the day run smoothly for photos?

This answer may simply be nothing.  But I dare say, that is far from the truth.  Photographers may require a meal.  Some may require that you ask the DJ not to use any laser lights during the first dance that make you appear to have the chicken pox.  As what looks cool at the time, might look terrible in a still photograph.  Basically help them, help you.

• Are there any other wedding vendors that you recommend?

Having worked in this field long enough to see the good, the bad and the ugly, photographers can often lead you to other awesome businesses or suppliers.  Helping you breathe easier knowing you’re in good hands.  

Questions you should ask yourself before hiring a wedding photographer.

Last but certainly not least, there are a few questions you should ask yourself when looking for a photographer.  I’ll mention just a few below.

• What’s more important?  Quality or budget?  Think of it like this, do you really want to pay a photographer less than you pay the person who sets up your candy cart?  If the answer is yes, by all means go for budget.  If you prefer quality, be prepared to act sooner rather than later and book the photographer of your choice before somebody else does.  

• Are they local to the venue or to where you live?  If you are getting married close to home, this question won’t matter so much.  However, if you are getting married an hour away from home this is about what you feel more comfortable with.  Someone you know is right around the corner, or someone who is close to the venue to save on potential travel issues.   You may even want to hire a photographer that lives no where near either.  So be prepared to spend quite a bit more money for travel expenses.  Which can be well worth it to get the photographer that best suits your needs.

• Can you see yourself spending an entire day with this person?  Yes it’s only one day.  One very important day you can’t get back.  Which is why I always recommend an in-person consultation if possible.  Get a feel for the how they work and their personality.  Make sure you are comfortable with them and that you are happy to work with them.

To wrap things up I hope these questions have given you a good idea of what to expect and how to tackle finding the right wedding photographer for you and your wife or husband to be.  If you think I’ve missed anything, please comment below.  I’m here to help!

​- Jessica

   This March I had the pleasure of photographing the wedding of Sophie and Sean in Clowne just outside of Chesterfield in Derbyshire.  Although the Bride and Groom live in the High Peak, they chose to get married at Hotel Van Dyk because of it's location between their family down south and of course in the Peak.  Not to mention the beautiful garden the Hotel offers along with a gorgeous indoor setting for the wedding ceremony.  
     This was the first wedding I photographed at this particular wedding venue and I instantly fell in love with it.  Sophie requested we take some photos in the Bridal Suite and I was all for it.  Once you get a glance of the photos, I'm sure you'll see why. 
     We also managed to take advantage of the nice weather and grabbed some shots of the Bride and Groom enjoying the sunset in a large field before the wedding reception.  Thanks to Michelle, the wedding coordinator for showing us a short cut to get there too.  
     Now usually I would post some photographs in my blogs.  But this time I decided to mix things up a bit and present a slideshow or video of the wedding instead.  It's just a short little glimpse of Sophie and Sean's wedding day from start to finish.  I really enjoyed being their wedding photographer and I hope you enjoy the photos as much as I did taking them.  
     And hey, don't be shy...let me know what you think in the comments section below.  

Since posting this blog, it has been recognized by Your East Midlands Wedding Magazine and is now entered at a contender in Round 3 of their Wedding of the Year competition.  You can find them in the October/November issue of the magazine.  Or by heading to the magazine's website here.

This week's blog post is all about the Groom.  But to make things fair, why not include the Groomsmen and Ushers too!  I believe in capturing the serious side of the Groom when he's waiting for the Bride to walk down the aisle, all the way to the party animal that comes out at the reception.   I have worked with all sorts of Grooms here in Derbyshire and the areas around Nottingham.  From the perfect gentlemen to local rockstars.  So let's take a look at the Grooms of 2014.   If you'd like a closer look, go ahead and click on the photo to enlarge it. 

Brides, Kezza and Mellissa chose the Oakam Suite in Mansfield for their autumn wedding.  It was a lovely civil wedding ceremony with plenty of friends and family to throw confetti and share their big day.  From all of the laughs and tears shed during the ceremony and wedding breakfast, I can only imagine that the evening reception was just as eventful.  I had a fabulous time taking photos and getting to know their family.  Even in the chilly weather, we were able to capture some fun and romantic photos too.  So I decided to share some of my favourites here on the blog.  If you don't see the photos below, click "read more."  Congratulations once again ladies! 

You wouldn't believe from the wedding photos below but, Gemma and Jamie's wedding was a very rainy November day.  But their wedding proved that rain is no match for this couple.  One reason the Bride and Groom chose this particular venue was because of the beautiful scenery outside.  It's perfect for wedding photos.  With the help of Santo himself, we were able to snap some group photos underneath a canopy above the patio.  We even managed to sneak outside for a few minutes when the rain broke briefly to capture those stunning landscapes behind Gemma and Jamie for those romantic photographs.  It was a very elegant and charming wedding day with a few tears and smiles all around.  But don't take my word for it.  See for yourself below or click "read more" if you don't already see them.