Ok, let’s start with a confession about me as a West Mill wedding photographer. I’ve only actually filmed weddings here. You see, I used to offer wedding videography alongside my photography services but realised recently that my passion is, and always had been, photography. So all the photos you will see here are actually stills from my footage.
This wedding was originally going to be filmed by Mike Langley of Satin Pictures but an unfortunate bout of food poisoning meant I had to jump in and cover the wedding day for him. Fortunately, Mike and I have worked together a lot so I know exactly what he wants capturing.
The West Mill Derby
The West Mill is a fantastic, characterful wedding venue in Derby. It’s a grade 1 listed building which used to be a cotton mill but is now a rather unique place to get married. The way it is laid out over several floors means that you can have a natural flow to your wedding day. The guests can assemble and chat downstairs then when it is time for wedding ceremony, they are ushered up to the top floor. For those with mobility issues, there is a lift.
After the marriage ceremony, your guests can then move to another floor without having to clear out for a room to be turned around. Normally at West Mill, this is the ground floor so that confetti can be thrown and group photos be taken. Later, the wedding breakfast can be on another floor and the evening reception somewhere else again.
The Wedding Day at West Mill, Derby
A storm was forecast for the day so I set off early. Typically, I arrived in plenty of time so I had a chat with the wedding coordinator. The couple were both getting ready at a couple of houses owned by West Mill: The Mill House and The Mill Cottage. Both are very close so it was an easy walk to go and find the guys and get some footage of them before heading over to the ladies.
Gifts had been sent over to the groom so I went back to them and met up with the photographer. The groom was totally blown away with his gifts, it was so heartfelt.
The ladies moved over to the prep room which is upstairs at West Mill for their final preparation so the photographer and I grabbed some photographs of their dresses and details.
Then it was time for the last few moments of prep. The bride did a reveal for her bridesmaids and her dad. The groom had help with his buttonhole. All the usual lovely moments I’m there to capture.
After this of course, was the wedding ceremony.
West Mill Wedding Ceremony
I’d set one camera up at the back as a wide backup shot and filmed mostly from the front. It was a lovely ceremony with a couple of readings. They were soon married and ready to party the rest of the day away. After they had exited together though, they did spend a few moments together in the prep room. I advise all couples to do this as you get very little time to yourselves on the wedding day, which can be overwhelming.
Confetti Walk at The West Mill
Everyone headed down to the ground floor for a few drinks and to chat, then we arranged them outside for the confetti walk.
The photographer arranged all the group photos they wanted and then we took Adam and Emily for a walk around West Mill to get some portraits of the couple. Generally when I’m filming and often with photos, it’s the bits in between the formal portraits that I actually want. My advice is walk slowly hand in hand, look at each other and enjoy yourselves. If you do this, the portraits and footage will look great and natural.
Couple Portraits
The rest of the day entailed a lot of laughter, good conversation and lots of fun and drinking. There were speeches before and after the meal which were heartfelt and lovely and later there was the cake cutting and of course, the first dance. This time, on the dance floor. They had hired a live band who were excellent. The dancing never stopped!
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