Marc Dewhurst Photography: Blog

Summer Wedding at The Coach House Shottle Hall

(Marc Dewhurst Photography) — Wed, 13 Nov 2019 13:58:01 GMT

Weather is always a talking point at any English wedding but luck really was on the side of Elizabeth and Guy this summer as the sun shone all day.

The venue was The Coach House Marquee at the stunning Shottle Hall on the edge of the Derbyshire Peak District, the venue describes itself as "Derbyshire's finest wedding venue" and many wouldn't disagree. The hall is set in the most stunning grounds in a very secluded location yet only a short drive from Derby making it a top choice for couples looking for a rural Derbyshire wedding.

Bridal prep was in the family family home giving a calm organised start to the wedding day, the children were some of the best behaved as they sat watching the classic Mary Poppins movie.

For the trip to Shottle the transport was provided in the very elegant 1973 VW Campervan affectionately named 'Bella" provided by Blue Bay Wedding Cars based in Ripley.

The wedding ceremony took place in the main part of the hall building, a highlight for me was a reading expertly delivered by one of the children.

After the formalities of the civil ceremony the Coach House Marquee really came into its own with drinks being served on the huge decking area with expansive views over the Derbyshire countryside.

For the confetti tunnel picture the outside ceremony space made an ideal backdrop complete with a perfect red carpet runway for the couple to walk along.

A wedding cake piñata strapped to a old oak tree in the gardens kept the children busy burning off some of that post wedding breakfast energy.

With so much surrounding countryside and the weather being so kind we took the opportunity for some golden hour portraits, sometimes these kind of shots can be a bit of a challenge especially for the bride in a wedding dress getting to the perfect spot but boy they were worth the effort.

The evening ended as at most weddings with a boogie on the dance floor, entertainment was expertly provided by the very talented Spirits High who are the recommended DJ's for Shottle Hall. From first dance till the time I left the dance floor was full and with some fantastic mood lighting it made my job as a photographer so much easier.

Andrew and Alexandra's Wedding at the West Mill, Darley Abbey, Derby

(Marc Dewhurst Photography) — Fri, 02 Mar 2018 20:15:00 GMT

I first met Andrew and Alexandra when I photographed Alexandra's sister Charlottes Wedding last year at the Gilstrap in Newark. It always gives me a thrill knowing that a family have been impressed enough with my work to be invited back.

Their chosen venue for the big day was the West Mill Wedding Venue which is set on the banks of the River Derwent in the village of Darley Abbey, just North of Derby.

The mills, built between 1782 and 1830, by Thomas Evans were used as cotton mills and had originally been know as the Boar's Head Mills. The mills and its surrounding buildings are now the home of many local independent businesses, with the tallest part of the Grade 1 listed building one of the best wedding venues in Derbyshire.

I started my day at West Mill in the spa styled Bridal dressing room. The room has bags of character with lots of natural light and is conveniently situated just down the corridor from the room used to conduct the ceremonies.

For hair and makeup Alexandra chose the very talented Rochelle O'Brien (makeup) and Mon Amie (hair). Charlotte the bridesmaid was blasting out some timeless Motown tunes all morning helping keep Alex relaxed.

After spending some time photographing the girls I paid a visit to Andrew and the guys who were just over the courtyard at the Mill House. The Mill House consists of 8 en-suite double bedrooms and is the perfect location for the groom and his party to prepare.

I was greeted by the sight of Dom (one of 2 best men) scoring the soles of some brand new and very expensive looking Hugo Boss shoes with a borrowed screwdriver. Andrew didn't want to risk slipping on the shiny new soles, I'm pretty certain those shoes could not have been returned after that!!

The atmosphere over at the Mill House was very relaxed and I spent a few minutes capturing the preparations.

The ceremony was getting ever closer so I gathered Andrew, Mike and Dom together for a few posed shots outside.

Next stop, back with the girls as it was time for Alexandra to get into her dress with some help from her sister.

Once in her dress it was a short nervous wait for the guests to fill the room ready for the ceremony. The ceremony room (The Cotton Quarter) is on the top floor of the building and has lots of natural light from the Georgian panelled windows which also provide a wonderful view of the river and weir. I'm certain that this room is a huge part of what makes this venue so special, with space to easily seat 160 guests.

Once the guests had been seated we had just a few nervous moments waiting before the ceremony to begin. One of my favourite shots is of Mike poking his head around the door and seeing Alexandra for the first time, the shock on his face is just brilliant.

Ted, the bride's father, had a few moments to himself looking at the family photographs that had been put out on display before heading in to see his daughter. Capturing these moments is what makes this job so rewarding sometimes.

Just before the ceremony I try and make time for shots of the groom and best man awaiting the bride, by this stage you can really feel the nervous tension building as the wedding is just a few moments away.

Often at civil ceremonies it is possible for me to get a perfect position for capturing the bridal party as they come up the aisle. It makes a great shot in most venues but here at the West Mill it's fantastic with light flooding the room from all sides.

The flower girls came up the aisle first. Unfortunately the youngest tripped over just at the last moment. She was immediately helped up and luckily had not hurt herself. It made a dramatic little sequence of shots that maybe when she is older she will look back on with a smile.

After the flower girls and the bridesmaids it was time for Alexandra and her father to make their entrance. You can really see what a proud father he is in this sequence of shots.

The amount of natural light available even in late January meant that I could shoot the ceremony without using any flash. This is how I love to work if at all possible. Being free from flash means I don't cause a distraction, which is especially important during the vows.

After a few brief shots of the newlyweds signing the register it was time for Andrew and Alex to walk up the aisle as man and wife. This often gives the first real natural shots of the day as the big event is now over and it's the first time couples really relax.

The guests followed the couple downstairs for much needed refreshments and the start of a few formal group shots. First on the list was the confetti photo. Guests, with handfuls of confetti, lined up either side of the main courtyard entrance. Sometimes in the chaos I only manage a couple of shots that really work but at this wedding I was spoilt for choice.

The courtyard made the perfect spot to take the big group shot. Abi the West Mill Co-ordinator kindly giving me access to a upstairs window for the picture (photographers be aware though, it's the smallest space to squeeze into but worth the effort).

One of the challenges with a winter wedding is the limited hours of daylight. Google helpfully pointed out that sunset was just after 4:30pm. Luckily it was a cold bright winters day so we had just enough time for some groups in the courtyard.

After the groups I had a chance to do some couple shots before the wedding breakfast. Set along the banks of the River Derwent the venue boasts some lovely private gardens which together with the industrial elements of the venue make for some simply stunning photography locations.

Another great feature of this venue is that because it is spread over 4 floors it has a different space for each part of the day. After we had finished with the portraits it was time for everyone to head up to the 2nd floor for the Wedding Breakfast.

Food was expertly prepared by Jenkinsons, who are experienced wedding caterers from Stafford. Andrew and Alex thoughtfully provided me with a meal so I know first hand that it was exceptional. For starters it was Mango and Brie parcels, main was a classic Sirloin of Beef with seasonal vegetables followed by a assiette of desserts. Perfection!

After the food was a round of highly entertaining speeches before the guests moved down a level for the party. A Beatles tribute band provided the music and with a photobooth on the ground floor the guests had plenty to keep them entertained. All a perfect end to a great wedding. What a start to the year and with another visit to the West Mill soon it's going to be an exciting year ahead.

Behind the scenes at the Biba Inspired Vintage Collaboration photoshoot

(Marc Dewhurst Photography) — Fri, 09 Feb 2018 11:32:34 GMT

In January, I had the pleasure of working with some very talented small businesses for a styled photoshoot inspired by the Biba Style. I must admit that when we had the initial conversation it was something I had never seen before but after some time spent on Pinterest and some helpful pointers from Lynne I was very quickly on-board.

The mastermind for this shoot was Lynne from The Beehive Vintage Hair and Makeup based in Chesterfield with dresses supplied by Vyn Johns Vintage Bridal Couture in Sheffield.

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The Casa Hotel in Chesterfield kindly gave us access to a suite and the foyer for the shoot. Those that are familiar with the hotel know its actually a very modern addition to Chesterfield's skyline but the interior has a very chic but vintage style that lent itself perfectly to this shoot.

When I arrived, the team were very hard at working making eveything look perfect before we began shooting.

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The models who kindly volunteered for the shoot were Kerri Lilly, Jodie and Sara. They all looked fantastsic in the Vyn Johns dresses. Jewelry for the shoot was provided by Lady Peacock Vintage, accessories by the brilliant Takara Crafts and Collectables, with the final shout out to Frou Frou Feathers for the very stylish feathers used in the shoot.

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A massive thankyou to the team involved and here is a quick snap taken of everybody (apart from me behind the camera)

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Watch this space for details of publications who have picked up these images for use in their forthcoming editions.

Amanda & Owen's wedding at the Gilstrap Newark

(Marc Dewhurst Photography) — Thu, 25 Jan 2018 15:47:44 GMT

When Amanda and Owen first contacted me last year about covering a small intimate ceremony at the Gilstrap in Newark I had yet to photograph at this amazing little venue but since then I have been on a few occasions and I must admit it makes my job as a photographer so much easier. The Gilstrap itself from the road looks like a small unassuming building set within the thriving little town of Newark, when you arrive inside the building opens up into one of the largest registry offices in the county with the Salvin Suite having the capacity to hold 100 guests.

Amanda and Owen had not been kidding with the words 'small and intimate', with just 20 guests the Gilstraps library room was chosen which fitted the bill just perfectly, in a break with traditions the happy couple arrived together again adding to the casual intimate feeling of the celebration.

The ceremony is often the first time you capture some geniune emotion as a photographer, the nervous laughs, tender glances between couples, for me one of the best moments is just as they are walking up the aisle for the first time as man and wife, all that pressure has been lifted and you can certainly tell on the faces of Amanda and Owen.

Once outside after the ceremony the Gilstrap reveals why so many couples love to get married here, the registry office is set in the grounds of the ruined Newark Castle, built in the 12th century by the Bishop of Lincoln from certain angles the castle looks surprisingly intact. The castle gardens are immediately behind the registry office which also has a charming band stand and on the day of the wedding a lady selling amazing ice creams!!

The gardens lend themselves to capturing some amazing photographs, for this wedding we had just a few formal groups planned before sneaking off with the happy couple for a few portraits.

Sam and Paul's wedding at the Priest House by the River Hotel Castle Donington

(Marc Dewhurst Photography) — Tue, 19 Sep 2017 12:09:26 GMT

The Priest House By The River was the location for Sam and Paul's wedding but my day started when the groom and groomsmen invited me to photograph them getting ready in their home just a few miles away in Draycott. After a large fry up to set them up for the day the guys dressed in very smart navy suits with pink ties and handkerchiefs.

The groom is a very talented road cyclist so I couldn't miss the chance to get Paul in full suit astride his pride and joy.

Next stop for me was over to the Lodge at the Priest House in Castle Donington. This was my first visit to the Lodge which is a vast detached property just along the same road as the Priest House.

The Lodge was a former gatehouse to Donington Hall but now it offers space for 10 guests with 4 double bedrooms and 2 reception rooms all set within half an acre of gardens. Its a truly amazing place for the bridal party to get ready for the big day and a dream for photography as its packed full of period charm.

The Lodge was a hive of activity with a constant stream of family arriving, the place had a real buzz about it.

Once the girls had gotten ready it was a short 2 min drive over to the Priest House, Paul and many of the guests had been enjoying the sunshine on the terrace with a drink but it was soon time to head into the Garden Suite for the ceremony. The room is long with high ceilings and exposed beams which had been decorated with amazing drapes of lace.

The room had a large mirror hanging directly in front of the groom which was ideal for capturing the moment Paul caught the first glimpse of his stunning bride for the first time.

One of the biggest advantages of a civil ceremony is that they often have such a relaxed feel to them, the registrar had agreed for me to photograph right in the thick of the action.

After the ceremony we took to the gardens in front of the hotel and by the River Trent for a few formal group shots.

Leaning out of the tower window provides a great vantage point for a group photograph.

The wedding breakfast was held in the Riverside suite, we were treated to the most amazing afternoon tea with all the tables named after different types of cakes...whats not to like? My personal favourite was the Whitebait.

After dinner and speeches it was back out onto the terrace for drinks and garden games, I took this opportunity to sneak off with the bride and groom for a few shots in this stunning location.

A hog roast on the terrace and the usual dancing bought a fantastic day to a close, the wedding had such a relaxed feel and was a genuine pleasure to photograph this brilliant couple at an amazing venue making it the highlight of the season so far.

Anton and Charlotte's Wedding Gilstrap Newark and Tom Browns Gunthorpe

(Marc Dewhurst Photography) — Thu, 14 Sep 2017 14:44:12 GMT

Anton and Charlotte invited me to document a small family wedding at the Gilstrap registry office in Newark.

The bride prepared for the big day at the family home in South Normanton, when I arrived the house was full of people all tucking into the most amazing food and drink, the wedding wasn't till 2:30pm so the atmosphere was relaxed and calm giving me the perfect chance to meet many of the guests from the afternoons celebration.

I arrived at the Gilstrap as usual around 30 mins before the ceremony, capturing the guys waiting nervously before the ceremony can often create some fantastic images and on this occasion Anton didn't disappoint. The groom's brother Macklyn was Anton's best man, he was doing a fine job of trying to calm Anton's nerves but at the same time i'm certain he was enjoying seeing Anton squirm.

The Gilstrap is located within Newark's busy town centre, its a beautiful registry office with the remains of Newark castle in the grounds immediately outside the back entrance to the building. For todays wedding the used the Salvin Suite which seats up to 100 people, the room is unusual in its very wide with large picture windows flooding the room with natural light.

The ceremony felt very tense for the first few moments till a few nervous blunders with the vows meant the entire room had a good giggle immediately lightening things. Its great to capture these moments during the ceremony as they can often be some of the most natural shots from the day.

Formal group pictures were taken in the grounds of the Castle but with the bride and groom keen to keep the organised shots to a minimum we were soon on our way to the reception.

The venue chosen for the reception was at Tom Browns Brasserie in Gunthorpe, this was my first time visiting but I was immediately impressed. The restaurant was decorated in a very understated contemporary style.

The tables had all been labelled as islands in the Caribbean.

After dinner and speeches I asked Anton and Charlotte if we could utilise Tom Browns fantastic location by the river Trent for a few photographs, Anton carried his new bride over to the riverside for the shoot, a true gentleman.

April Wedding at Masa Derby

(Marc Dewhurst Photography) — Fri, 21 Apr 2017 11:30:20 GMT

The first day in April may not be high on everybody's list of dates to choose for a wedding but for Tina and Neal the date had an extra special meaning and luck had it this year it fell on a Saturday the perfect day for a wedding.

Neal chose the stunning Cathedral Quarter Hotel to get ready for the big day, set on St Mary's Gate in the town centre its an amazing wedding venue in its own right as a converted Grade 2 listed Police station but today was playing host to Neal and the guys before heading over to Masa for the ceremony.

A flame red Ford Mustang made quite a statement as the wedding car.

Arriving at Masa in style Tina with her father.

Masa is one of those hidden gems of a location, its an old converted Wesleyan Chapel tucked away on Brook street in Derby, I suspect many people have driven past having no idea whats tucked away behind those gates. Masa has an excellent fine dining restaurant, small enclosed private gardens at the front then a courtyard to the rear making it a great venue for intimate weddings.

Neal and the rest of the guests patiently waiting for the bride.

Neal as is the case with most grooms was now full of nervous tension but Tina didn't keep him waiting for too long, its always a special moment when the groom catches sight of his bride for the first time.

The weather during the morning had given us a few spots of rain and had showed signs of getting worse but luckily we emerged into the gardens at Masa to just the hint of spring sunshine giving people the chance to relax on the lawn with a few drinks and take a few wedding 'selfies'.

After a few formal photographs it was time to relax with a few drinks, right from the start Tina and Neal had told me the plans were for a relaxed and far less formal day than the typical wedding and I must congratulate them for achieving this.

Once the guests had settled down back inside the restaurant we popped outside to grab a few quiet intimate portraits of the happy couple, I especially like the shots we did along the pathway linking the gardens to the rear courtyard, trying to get these shots when 50 guests are also standing behind me with camera phones can be a struggle so sneaking off for 10 mins when the rest of the party is distracted by canapés can create some nice intimate moments.

I must thank Neal, Tina and all the wonderful guests at the wedding for making me feel so welcome recording their special day.