Peak Edge Hotel Wedding

A Wedding at the Peak Edge Hotel in Derbyshire

In March this year, I woke my cameras from their winter slumber to help me photograph Louise and Tom’s Peak Edge Hotel wedding in the Peak District of Derbyshire. Louise had a room at the hotel already, so I started the day off with her and her bridesmaids.

Lou and her bridesmaids were in the process of having their hair and make-up done, taking it in turns between being sat in ‘the make-up chair’ and lying on the bed with a tasty looking selection of croissants. I know where I’d rather be!

The appearance of an usher tipped me off that Tom had arrived, so I left the girls to it for a bit while I went to see just how nervous the groom was feeling. Well, not very, it seemed. He was busy greeting friends and family outside the venue, all hugs and smiles. And right up to before the ceremony, he was still keeping it together, even taking a quick selfie with one of his mates.

All that ended when Louise and her dad walked down the aisle. Seeing Louise in her dress for the first time was clearly a little too much for Tom and he had to dab away a tear and take a moment to compose himself. He managed to get through the rest of the ceremony without the need for a tissue. I don’t think I can say the same for some of the guests though. I noticed a handful of sniffles and the wiping of cheeks!

Then it was out into the chilly yet sunny afternoon to throw the confetti and to make a few relaxed portraits of Louise and Tom. From the start, they mentioned how they loved the natural, documentary style of photography, and weren’t looking for hours of formal group shots, so after one photo with their parents, we were done and the guests were free to enjoy the day!

After the wedding breakfast and speeches, it was on to the evening reception, which was filled with fancy dress, tequila shots and dance floor craziness! A great start to my 2014 wedding season and a big thanks to my good friend Andy for helping out with some stellar second shooting skills!