Ellen and Matt's Beautiful Summer Wedding at The West Mill, Derby

The West Mill – A Beautiful Venue for a Dream Wedding

For couples looking for a unique and rustic wedding venue in Derby, The West Mill is hard to beat. Situated on the banks of the River Derwent, this industrial-chic location offers a stunning backdrop for both the ceremony and reception. The exposed brick walls, and large windows create an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere, making it the perfect setting for a wedding that feels both modern and timeless.

As a Derby wedding photographer, I’ve had the pleasure of capturing many stunning weddings, but Ellen and Matt’s summer celebration at The West Mill was truly something special. From the relaxed vibe to the intimate moments shared with close friends and family, this wedding was the perfect blend of joy, love, and simplicity.

A Relaxed and Candid Approach to Wedding Photography

When Ellen and Matt first reached out to me about their wedding photography, they were clear about what they wanted: a relaxed, candid approach. They didn’t want anything too posed or stiff – they just wanted to capture the real moments of their day as it unfolded naturally.

As a wedding photographer, this is exactly the kind of approach I love. There’s something so beautiful about those quiet moments of laughter, those candid exchanges, and the joy of family and friends being present to witness such an important day. With Ellen and Matt’s wedding, I had the privilege of documenting these authentic, heartfelt moments without the need for lots of direction.

It's all in the details

Ellen and Matt's wedding had a unique yet subtle skiing theme, beautifully complemented by soft blues and vibrant florals. The decor featured ski-inspired touches, like ski passes for place names and ski resorts for the table names.

Rustic wooden crates and board setup in dark industrial venue space.

Elegant table setting with colorful floral arrangements and white taper candles.

Wedding reception table with floral centerpiece, candles, and menu card display.

Ellen and Matt’s wedding reception was the perfect blend of fun and relaxation, featuring some unique and memorable touches. Guests were treated to an outdoor drinks reception, where they could enjoy the fresh air and sunshine while sipping on beer and champagne. A standout feature was the "booze bath," a quirky and fun way to keep the drinks flowing throughout the day, offering a playful twist to the usual bar setup. The talented wedding singer, Libby, set the tone with live music, creating an intimate and lively atmosphere.

A wedding celebration inside a rustic venue with wooden ceiling beams and string lights.

Wedding guests shower the newlyweds with confetti outside a historic brick building.

Rose petals scattered across a white wedding dress train on stone pavement.

A bride lifts her dress while descending outdoor wooden steps.

Aerial view of wedding guests gathered in a brick courtyard during a celebration.

Wedding celebration gathering outside historic brick building.

Wedding guests celebrating outside traditional brick architecture.

Guest in patterned dress posing against rustic brick wall.

Wedding celebration scene in courtyard of historic brick building.

Wedding guests enjoying drinks during outdoor reception.

Wedding guests celebrate and cheer during an outdoor celebration.

A couple dances together on a brick patio outside a historic building with large windows.

A flowing white wedding dress billows out on stone steps of a rustic brick building.

A couple walks along a scenic path with white fencing and lush greenery in the background.

A romantic moment shared between newlyweds on a bridge overlooking water.

Capturing the Memories

As a wedding photographer in Derby, I’m always honoured to be entrusted with documenting such an important day. For Ellen and Matt, their wedding at The West Mill was a true reflection of who they are as a couple – fun, loving, and down-to-earth.

From the quiet moments to the big celebrations, I’m so grateful to have been there to capture it all. If you’re planning a wedding at The West Mill, or any other beautiful Derby venue, and want a relaxed, candid approach to your photography, don’t hesitate to reach out.