So, let me tell you about Dani and Stu and their Derby wedding – two absolute legends who tied the knot and gave me one of the most joy-filled, laid-back weddings I’ve had in a long time.

From Lockdown Chats to “Let’s Get Married”

I met up with them for a free coffee consultation in Birmingham City Centre. I’d met Dani before, but I like to sit down and gossip with everyone before they book me. If you’re booking a wedding photographer, you need to be sure you’ve found the right one!

These two met online during lockdown (remember those endless Zoom calls and banana bread experiments?). They spent months getting to know each other virtually before finally meeting in person – and boom, sparks flew. Fast forward to a casual meal where Dani casually drops, “We should get married,” and Stu’s like, “Yeah, alright!” And that was it. No dramatic proposal, no flash mobs – just two people who knew they were right for each other. Love that.

Saying “I Do” at Derby Registry Office

Not gonna lie – I did my usual thing, and had to dab my eye during the ceremony at Derby Registry Office. Dani’s mum doesn’t speak much English, but you don’t need to understand the words to understand the love in the room. Laughter, love, and gloriously geeky elements. From a stick of celery on the lapel (Peter Davison fans rejoice!) to the tree of Gondor. Definitely my type of Awesome People.

Now, if you’ve ever been to Derby Registry Office, you know it’s not the most portrait-friendly place in the world for big group shots. Big concrete square and not much else. But we snuck around the back to find a small green courtyard. Perfect. Lots of laughs, hugs, and the kind of smiles that make your cheeks ache. The sun shone down, but there was more warmth in the crowd.

Wandering Derby for Portraits

After the ceremony, we took a stroll through Derby town centre and down by the river for some couples portraits. These two were naturals –  no awkward posing, just genuine connection and a few cheeky giggles. The city gave us some gorgeous backdrops, from old stone walls to leafy riverside paths. Honestly, Derby was showing off.

Museum of Making Magic

Later on, I popped back for an hour of their drinks reception at the Museum of Making – such a cool venue with industrial vibes and loads of character. No one got away without a photo with the happy couple. And the team at the museum were amazing. They gathered over a hundred people onto the main staircase, where (of course) I made everyone do jazz hands, and cheer on masse when the latecomers arrived. We snuck up to the clock tower for some final portraits, and let me tell you, the light was pretty cool! Moody, romantic, and totally them.

A Doctor Who Surprise for Stu

Now here’s the fun bit – Stu is a massive Doctor Who fan. I told you he’s my type of Awesome Person. So, with a little help from the lovely folks at Fantom Events, I managed to collect a bunch of cast autographs and tucked them into a wedding card. His face when he opened it? Pure joy. Time Lord-level happiness.

Shooting a Photographer’s Wedding

Oh, and did I mention Dani is a wedding photographer himself? No pressure, right? But honestly, it was a dream. He knew the drill, trusted the process, and let me do my thing. It felt more like hanging out with friends than working – which is exactly how I like it.

Planning Your Own Derby Wedding?

Thinking about tying the knot in Derby, arranging a wedding in Birmingham or the West Midlands? Whether it’s a registry office bash, a museum party, or something totally offbeat – I’m here for it. Get some inspiration from the photos below or the Visit Derby website, and let’s have some fun.