A Relaxed, Story-Led Wedding Day in the Derbyshire Countryside
From the Very First Call
I first met Han and Simon virtually on their consultation call, and I knew straight away we were going to get on like a house on fire. They both told me they felt super awkward in front of the camera (a sentence I hear all the time), and I reassured them that they would be absolutely fine.
Not long after, we met in person for the first time on the day of their pre-wedding shoot at Mam Tor. That same evening, we were lucky enough to catch the most gorgeous golden hour - perfectly timed. The moment I got my cameras out, any nerves completely disappeared… despite them insisting they were still awkward (they absolutely were not).
My approach is always gently directed and never overly posed, so they very quickly relaxed into it. By the end of the shoot, they felt so much more confident, and it was the perfect way to head into their wedding day knowing exactly what to expect.
Getting Ready in the Countryside
Hannah got ready on the morning of the wedding in the most gorgeous countryside cottage, tucked away in the middle of nowhere and surrounded by her wonderful bridesmaids. The whole morning was calm, relaxed, and full of laughter - a feeling that honestly carried through the entire day.
Hannah’s hair was styled by Amy Elliott Hair, with makeup by Charlotte Mallinder, and everything came together beautifully.
Han and Simon also had a second shooter included in their package, so while I stayed with Hannah during the morning, my second shooter joined Simon as he got ready and enjoyed a few drinks at the pub before the ceremony.
First Looks at Foxtails Barns
Before heading to the ceremony, Hannah travelled from the cottage to Foxtail Barns to slip into her stunning dress from Ivory Fox. This was where she shared some incredibly special first looks - first with her bridesmaids in dresses from Six Stories, and then with her dad.
These quiet, emotional moments before the ceremony are always some of my favourites to photograph.
A Church Ceremony at St Edward’s
The ceremony took place at St Edward’s Church, just a short drive from Foxtail Barns. It was heartfelt, emotional, and the perfect setting for Han and Simon to become husband and wife.
After the ceremony, we had a huge confetti line followed by a big group photo with all of their guests. My lovely friend and videographer, Oliver Mitchell, even captured a drone photo of everyone, which he kindly let me edit and include in their final gallery.
Drinks Reception & Autumn Wedding Styling
After plenty of hugs, mingling and congratulations, everyone headed back to Foxtail Barns for welcome drinks. I stayed behind briefly with Han and Simon to capture a few quiet moments of them as newlyweds before joining the drinks reception.
The décor was unreal - beautifully autumnal and thoughtfully styled by Sass Weddings. The colours, textures and details tied the whole day together perfectly.
While my second shooter captured candid moments with guests, I documented family photos, natural interactions, and the relaxed atmosphere of the afternoon.
Couples PortraitS
We snuck out for couples portraits just before everyone was seated for the meal. The Foxtails team were amazing, transporting Hannah and Simon to different portrait locations while me and Oliver ran after them (which was honestly hilarious).
Not once did they show any nerves - they trusted the process completely, had fun with it, and absolutely smashed it.
Speeches, Surprises & an Incredible Evening Party
The speeches were brilliant - emotional, funny, and full of love. After the speeches, guests were treated to a surprise performance from Undercover Waiters, which brought so much energy and laughter to the room.
After the cake cut (made by a very talented friend), Hannah and Simon shared their first dance to Real Love Baby by Father John Misty. From that moment on, the dance floor stayed packed - the band The Indianas were incredible, the limbo pole made an appearance (with hilarious results), and the photobooth from Oh! Photobooth was busy all night.
A Perfect Autumn Wedding Day
What an absolutely incredible day from start to finish. Han and Simon, you were an absolute dream to work with - so fun, so kind, and full of love. Thank you so much for trusting me with your memories 🤍
Wedding Suppliers
Styling & Flowers - Sass Weddings
Hair - Amy Elliott Hair
Makeup - Charlotte Mallinder
Dress - Ivory Fox
Cake - Friend
Rings - Beaverbrooks
Band - The Indianas
Photobooth - Oh! Photobooth
Bridesmaid Dresses - Six Stories
Confetti - Han’s Mum Viv
Catering - Jenkinsons
Videographer - Oliver Mitchell
Singing Waiters - Undercover Waiters
Planning a Wedding Like This?
If you’re planning your own wedding at Foxtails Barns - or anywhere in Derbyshire or the Peak District - and are looking for a photographer who captures real moments in a relaxed, natural way, I’d love to hear from you.