Hi everyone! Once again I find myself apologising for the radio silence on my blog. But in fairness I do have a good excuse!
2022 has hands down been my busiest year yet. This is largely due to all the weddings that were postponed due to a certain pandemic (You may have heard of it). These postponements plus my couples already booked in for 2022, has made this year absolutely flat out. But you know what? I’ve absolutely loved it.
I’ve had the pleasure of visiting so many new venues this year, two highlights include Grangefields & Shustoke Barn. Cripps & Co really do pull it out of the bag with their venues. And as always I can’t get enough of filming at a favourite of mine, The West Mill. I honestly think no matter how many times I shoot there I’ll just never run out of beautiful shot ideas.
Being added to the supplier list for some great venues has been unbelievable too! I have the pleasure of calling myself a recommended videographer for Norwood Park, and featured on the website of Tissington Hall.
I’ve just been engrossed in shooting and editing so many special days, I’ve just struggled to find a second to keep my social media and blog up to date.
2023 is set to be a lot calmer, but no less exciting that 2022. I can’t wait to see all my couples and be a part of their incredible day.
To all my 2022 couples, thank you so much allowing me to capture those special memories for you. Thank you for your patience whilst I worked through my editing queue.
To my 2023 couples, bring it on! I can’t wait for your wedding day.
Set at the breathtaking grounds of Stubton Hall, Nottinghamshire, Beth and Matt tied the knot with true class and style. I was booked to cover the wedding videography, and what I treat I was in for.
During our pre wedding meeting my excitement levels shot through the roof when Beth told me there was going to be fireworks. A videographers dream, there’s nothing more beautiful than capturing a bride and groom stood watching a vibrant fireworks display.
So the big day arrived and it was to Beth’s parents home for part one of the bridal party preparations. Lots of shots of hair, makeup and all the little inbetween details in a stunning open plan kitchen-diner. Loads of natural light, just how I like it.
It was then over to see Matt and the groomsmen at their home. I was met with an Aston Martin parked on the drive and a gang of impeccably dressed gents. These guys were doing it in style. Some quick shots of nerve settling drinks and general chit chat was all I needed, quick and easy so I wasn’t cramping their style.
To my third and final destination, the main location, the absolutely gorgeous Stubton Hall. This was my first time shooting at the venue but I’d already benefited by lots of research and planning my time down to a tee. Beth and Matt had opted for some drone footage of their venue (You’d be crazy not to at a location like this!), so out came the Mavic 2 Pro to capture some jaw droppingly good looking aerial shots of the ground and hall. These shots really add the wow factor to the videos and since offering drone coverage in summer 2019 my couples have been absolutely loving it.
Beth and her bridal party arrive shortly after I’ve got some additional shots of the venue, and it’s time for part two of the bridal preparations. The bridal suite at Stubton Hall is nothing short of beautiful, with majestic paintings and exquisitely furnishings, this again is a videographers dream! Last minute touch ups to the bridesmaids and it was onto to one of the most anticipated moments of the day, Beth getting into her dress. One of my absolute favourite shots of a wedding day is the father of the bride seeing his daughter in her dress for the first time. There’s not often a dry eye in the room, it still gets me after all the weddings I’ve filmed over the years. Myself and the photographer will typically ask the dad to wait outside, with the bride facing the door, and calling him in for the big reveal. I’d highly recommend leaving time for this on your day, and making sure your dad is well out the way until the big moment.
On to the ceremony, and a very emotional groom as he sees his bride walking up the aisle. Matt earnt massive brownie points by shedding a tear at that moment! Beth and Matt chose a really sweet reading which was fantastic to use for their Highlight video. I try to capture crystal clear audio from anyone doing readings during the ceremony, so it’s not just the registrar and groom getting in on the action.
Post ceremony saw some drinks, canapes and cool music on the main patio of the Hall. This is where I tend to zip round and get really nice candid, natural shots of people relaxing and having fun. I know from my own wedding that these were the shots I valued most, the moments where people are their true selves and not posing awkwardly for a camera.
Food and speeches were next. This is why I love capturing video and sound, because the speeches were amazing. Carl, Beth’s dad, delivered a truly funny and touching speech. Matt had most of his guests in stitches during certain parts, particularly when recalling how his proposal nearly turned into a disaster. And the best man wasn’t totally ruthless in groom roasting, but happily handed out photographs to all tables of Matt wasted on a night out, with a caption featuring their new married name, “Lets get Dillon’d”.
The evening brought about sparklers, drinking dancing and lots of fun. Not to mention the cutting of the cake and first dance.
But the pièce de résistance, the grand finale, was the fireworks. Oh my goodness, they were incredible. What a way to end the night than with a full on display in the sky. Wedding videography doesn’t get much better than this.
That about wraps up this blog post, but I need to end on saying that Beth and Matt’s day was amazing. Have a watch of their Highlight video and see first hand how much of a lovely couple they are and how beautiful Stubton Hall is.
Now to link in to the wonderful suppliers of this wedding:
Photograph of me, taken by Adam Lowndes Photography
Well, it’s been a while since I last touched my blog! It can be very difficult juggling shooting, editing and updating my social media and website. I always prioritise looking after my couples and turning round their videos as quickly as possible, so unfortunately blog and social media posts often suffer as a result. This doesn’t mean I’m not here or active, it just means I’m so busy in the background focusing on the stuff that matters. With 2019 being busier than ever, this is even more true!
The last 12 months has seen me shoot weddings all over the country in some spectacular venues. I’ve filmed in locations I’ve been at many times before, but have had the pleasure of exploring places totally new to me and meeting some lovely people along the way.
More importantly than everything else, I have had another year full of amazing couples. Having the privilege of being part of their amazing day and capturing it for them.
As 2020 starts I can’t wait for another busy year of filming beautiful weddings. I absolutely love what I do, so to start the year with an almost full calendar is the best feeling I could imagine. Thank you to my amazing couples!
Over the next few weeks I’ll be sharing some of my latest work and highlights from the year. Stay tuned, and hopefully it won’t be this long again until the next blog post!
The Farmhouse at Mackworth is a Wedding venue very close to my heart. The reason being is that it played host to my own Wedding reception in 2016! Whenever I’m booked to film there I know it’s going to be a very special day indeed.
The Farmhouse is located just on the outskirts of Derby, just 10 minutes from the heart of the city. And in spite of it’s close proximity to the city, beautiful sprawling countryside is the setting for this lovely venue.
I met Jess and Luke before the big day and I knew they were on the same wavelength as me. Relaxed and up for a good laugh. This was going to be such a fun and beautiful day.
Jess and Luke at The Farmhouse, Mackworth, Derby
The morning bridal prep was at the couple’s house in Oakwood. I met up with Mamad from Twig and Vine photography and said hello. I’m struggling to think back to a more relaxed atmosphere for a bridal party getting ready in the morning! A videographers dream was their front room. Lot’s of natural light and space, so once Jess had her dress on it was time to grab those gorgeous shots.
I paid Luke and his family a quick visit in the morning too to grab some video of the final preparations. The suits were absolutely on point. And the mood was equally chilled. All good so far!
Then over to The Farmhouse. Luke welcomed some of his earlier arriving guests in the library room. The venue is full of character with a great mix of rustic and modern influences.
The ceremony room was dressed to perfection with some giant pastel coloured balloons.
The beautiful Bride arrived soon after in a classy vintage car. Not even a quick spot of rain could dampen the Jess’ beaming smile!
Jess then made her grand entrance, throwing Luke a loving smile as she glided up the aisle. What a pleasure it was to film them both smiling ear to ear through the whole thing, and nailing their vows. It all built up to that o-so important kiss and thunderous applause!
The relaxed and fun feel of the day turned out to be the theme, as after the ceremony there was so much laughter and happiness from everyone there. Myself and Mamad then had our time to shine and got some beautiful shots of Jess and Luke on their own, and then some lovely shots of their family.
The speeches were great to listen to. I never tire of getting a glimpse into the happy times people have had, the love between the two families was clear to see.
Then onto an evening of even more fun, consisting of drinking and dancing! I grabbed some cracking shots of people properly unwinding and throwing some mega shapes on the floor.
With all the footage I needed I then said my goodbyes and left everyone to party well into the night.
Jess and Luke were an absolute joy to be around and it was also a pleasure to be back again at a venue I love so much.
Congratulations once again to the Bride and Groom!
Is there any better Wedding venue in Derby than the West Mill? You’d be hard pressed to find one that offers a Wedding videographer like me such beautiful scenery to capture, both a mix of gorgeous nature and the rustic charm of the Mill itself. Located in Darley Abbey, Derbyshire, this is one of Derby’s premier award winning Wedding venues.
Beautiful wedding videos shot at the West Mill, Derby
In August I paid the West Mill yet another visit for Michaela and Daniel’s Wedding day. I was there to capture their big day in all it’s glory on video and as always it was an absolute pleasure to be back.
Bridal Prep
The morning started at Michaela and Daniel’s home, just a few minutes from the West Mill. The short journey no doubt took a lot of pressure off the couple when it comes to getting to the venue. I got footage of some lovely bridal prep at the house and then shot over to a friend of the Groom’s house to video some of his preparations too.
Then off to the West Mill to capture the final bridal prep. I never tire if seeing the beautiful Wedding dresses and Michaela’s was no exception. Michaela and Daniel’s little baby was also in on the preparations and looked as cute as anything.
Ceremony
Then on to the ceremony on the top floor of the West Mill. What a gorgeous setting for a Wedding, it really is. Big bright windows lighting up the lovely rustic colours, this is a Wedding videographers dream.
After the vows we’re onto the celebrations and speeches. Some beautiful words delivered by the Groom, there was barely a dry eye in the room. Emotion, love, saying nice things, with a hint of humour is without doubt the key to a fantastic speech and one that will look and sound fantastic on your Wedding video in years to come.
The day was topped off with a beautiful cake cutting and first dance, with an evening of partying!
Having filmed at the West Mill on a number of occasions in the past this really does make the day run so much smoother for me.
Getting married at the West Mill or at another venue in Derby or Derbyshire? Drop me a message! Contact
I had the pleasure of filming the Wedding of Katrina and Phil at the absolutely stunning village of Tissington, Derbyshire. A beautiful setting like this makes being a Wedding videographer all the more enjoyable! Certainly as venues go this has to be one of the prettiest in Derbyshire.
Tissington Hall was open for the pre-Wedding Bridal preparations in the morning, with a gorgeous Bridal suite full of character from the old Hall setting. In addition, a large mirror and lots of natural light bursting through the windows made for a lovely setting for Katrina to get ready. Also to build up the excitement for the upcoming ceremony at St Mary’s church! The setting made for some beautiful video shots.
Church
St Mary’s Church is a short walk across the road from Tissington Hall and sits proud on a hill overlooking the village. It’s a picturesque setting for such a special ceremony. Plenty of seating inside the Church ensured all of Kartina and Phil’s closest were able to witness them make their commitment to each other. The vicar was extremely accommodating to myself and the photographer. It’s really refreshing to get this kind welcome as a Wedding videographer. You got a sense of the incredible history of the church with it’s beautiful windows and murals. What an honour it was for Katrina and Phil to be part of this.
A short walk back to the Hall and drinks were served to all the guests inside the Hall as well as the simply gorgeous grounds. A July Wedding has its benefits in that the sun was shining gloriously!
A few photographs and drinks later and we’re over to the Marquee which is almost in a secret location. Hidden by beautiful trees and greenery on the grounds of the Hall. In addition Katrina and Phil opted for a lovely theme of rustic hessian on the tables, matched by the gentle pastel coloured flowers.
Beautiful wedding videography at Tissington Hall, Derbyshire
Speeches and food out the way, and just a few more photographs, we’re on to a real highlight of the day. Evening guests arrive and the party gets going! The location of the Marquee allows your guests to enjoy the gorgeous views and dance the night away without the fear of bothering anyone else.
Tissington Hall was an absolutely fantastic setting for Katrina and Phil’s Wedding. As a result I’d highly recommend it to anyone looking for a real gem of a venue.
Links
Finally, some other great suppliers at the Wedding were:
Marvellous Videography is a company dedicated to shooting and producing beautiful wedding videos that you can treasure forever. Covering Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Staffordshire and the Midlands region
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