A Summer wedding at the River Mill
Rebekah & David’s Summer Wedding at the River Mill, Derbyshire.
Where do I even begin with this wedding blog? August’s wedding with Rebekah and David was one of those days that just felt like magic from start to finish. I had the absolute pleasure of photographing their stunning wedding at The River Mill, a beautiful venue tucked away in the charming Darley Abbey, Derbyshire. This was my first time photographing a wedding here, but it certainly won’t be my last – what a gorgeous, character-filled location!
I had a great pre-wedding chat with Rebekah and David a few weeks before their big day. We went over their timeline and chatted about everything from the details of the day to their vision for the wedding photos. Their easy-going nature and focus on enjoying every moment with family and friends really set the tone for what was to come, and I left that Zoom call absolutely buzzing to photograph their wedding.
When the big day arrived, I made sure to get to the venue early – it’s something I always do, but especially when it’s a new venue for me. I like to scout the space, get a feel for it, and come up with creative ideas for the couple portraits. Upon arrival, I was welcomed by David, as well as the friendly staff who were busy setting everything up. The venue itself was just breathtaking. Inside, The River Mill is full of character with vaulted ceilings, exposed brickwork, and striking cast-iron beams. It has such a unique and intimate atmosphere, perfect for a wedding.
The outdoor area was equally gorgeous, with a pretty courtyard and garden space where guests could enjoy a drink and relax. And of course, being called The River Mill, it’s no surprise that the River Derwent runs right past the venue – a perfect backdrop for some of the couple’s portraits and group photos. I was so excited to be working in such a beautiful setting.
As for the wedding day itself, I was there to capture everything from the ceremony onwards, so my first glimpse of Rebekah was as she walked to the venue and down the aisle with her loved ones by her side. She looked absolutely stunning. David, too, was looking dashing in his suit, and the joy on his face as he saw his bride walking towards him was truly heartwarming. The ceremony itself was beautiful, with the couple’s guests joining in song, creating such a lovely atmosphere.
After the ceremony, everyone headed outside for the confetti throw and drinks reception. But before they stepped outside, there was a lovely surprise waiting for Rebekah and David – a photo wall put together by their parents, filled with nostalgic photos and memories from their lives. It was such a sweet touch, and you could see how touched the couple was by the thoughtful gesture. I love a good surprise at weddings!
As the confetti flew and the sun shone down, smiles were in abundance. The weather was absolutely perfect, and it set the stage for some beautiful group shots and couple portraits. The drinks reception was filled with laughter, good conversation, and candid moments that really captured the joy of the day.
As the afternoon turned into evening, we moved inside for the wedding breakfast and speeches. The speeches were heartfelt, with David getting a bit emotional, which made for some truly beautiful moments to photograph. Once the speeches wrapped up, we had a bit of time for golden hour portraits, and I couldn’t have asked for a better couple to work with. Rebekah and David were playful, relaxed, and natural in front of the camera, which made for some lovely photos as the sun began to dip low.
After the portraits, we headed back inside for more speeches – including one from Rebekah’s sister, which was both funny and touching! Then, David’s friends and family took to the mic for a bit of singing – and wow, were they talented! The energy in the room was electric, and it was clear that everyone was having an amazing time.
Of course, no wedding day would be complete without the traditional cake cutting and first dance. But it was when the ceilidh dancing kicked off that the energy in the room really went through the roof! If you know me, you’ll know how much I love capturing ceilidh dancing – the enthusiasm, the smiles, the sheer joy of everyone giving it their all. It was a blast to photograph, and what made it even better was that almost every guest joined in. Such a fun way to get everyone involved!
As the night drew to a close, Rebekah and David had a sparkler exit, which was the perfect way to end an unforgettable day. Everyone gathered outside, sparklers in hand, creating a magical scene as the couple made their way through the crowd one last time. It was actually the first time I’ve captured a bride and groom leaving before their guests, but it was such a lovely and unique touch – a moment that felt special just for them.
Once Rebekah and David had gone off into the night, I packed up my gear, feeling so grateful to have been a part of such a wonderful day. A huge thank you to Rebekah and David for letting me capture their wedding day, and to all the amazing staff at The River Mill for making it all run so smoothly. You really made the day unforgettable for everyone.
Wishing Rebekah and David a lifetime of happiness together – may your marriage be as beautiful and joyful as your wedding day!
