One of the biggest perks of this job is the way it puts me in contact with all kinds of people in every part of the country. No two weddings are the same, and I love how, 13 years into starting my wedding photography journey, I can still be surprised and awestruck by the beautiful simplicity of a wedding day when it’s stripped back to everything that matters: love, family, and fun. Rachel and James’ Peak District wedding was a case in point.
For starters, how can you not be tempted by a wedding enquiry that says, “We’re getting married near Matlock, in Derbyshire, in a garden with 30 guests, some friendly llamas, and a pizza van”?! I loved how relaxed it sounded, and after speaking to Rachel and James, I got that same feeling about the day. For a bit of background, James was once a tailor on Savile Row and now creates beautiful bespoke furniture, while Rachel works as a documentary maker, with a number of her family members working in the TV and film industry. No pressure then…
There was no bridal prep, so it was straight to the ceremony, which was held at Bakewell Registry Office. It was a quick, simple affair, with all eyes and attention being directed toward the reception, held at Rachel’s uncle’s beautiful home in the Peak District National Park. Games were played, a feast was had, a banjo player played, as did a Jazz band by the pool whilst guests dive-bombed in. It was a really lovely day with very lovely people.
And I even got this which was the icing on the cake. “You remind me of Tim Burton,” said Rachel’s mum, an award-winning TV and Film editor who’s worked with the celebrated director on one of his films. “Tim would film a number of extras walking towards the camera, shout “Cut” and get them to walk back. They didn’t know that he had a camera set up to capture them walking back, and it was that take he used because that was when they were being their real selves. The way you’re shooting today really reminds me of that.”
