A Relaxed & Rustic Celebration | Real Wedding at The West Mill with Hannah & Gareth

Some love stories begin in the most everyday places—and that’s exactly what makes them so special. For Hannah and Gareth, it all started at work, when they met while both working at Derby City Council. Fast forward to Christmas Day 2022, and a cosy kitchen proposal turned an ordinary morning into a forever memory.

As a Derbyshire Wedding Photographer, I have the privilege of capturing so many incredible love stories—but this one at The West Mill was extra special. A blend of rustic charm, relaxed vibes, and plenty of laughter made it a day to remember.

Hannah & Gareth’s Vision for the Day

From the start, Hannah and Gareth knew they wanted a wedding that felt personal, relaxed, and autumnal. Their style was rustic with a vintage twist—think warm tones, natural textures, and a laid-back atmosphere where guests could simply enjoy the moment.

Their top three priorities while planning? The venue, the food, and making sure their guests had an amazing time. Once they visited The West Mill—on the recommendation of the brilliant David Kinsey—they were sold. It was the only venue they saw because it ticked every box.

The Journey to “I Do”

Like many couples, they found the most challenging part of planning was working out how much food and drink would be needed for their guests. But the most enjoyable part? Without a doubt, the food tasting!

They leaned on Pinterest for inspiration and had most of the planning wrapped up early, which made the final lead-up to the big day smooth and stress-free. Their advice to other couples: “Try and enjoy every moment and don’t let it become too much of a stress.”

Hannah’s dress search was short and sweet—she just knew when she’d found the one. No second guessing, just love at first sight.

A Beautiful Autumn Wedding at The West Mill

Their big day was filled with emotional, joyful moments. Seeing each other for the first time, surrounded by their closest friends and family, with the music building in the background—it was truly something special.

The ceremony highlight? Meeting at the altar. A moment so simple, yet filled with so much meaning.

Later, at the reception, it was all about soaking in the love and laughter. Their first dance was to Cedar Lane by First Aid Kit—a song they both loved and one that felt beautifully fitting for their day.

And of course, no wedding is complete without a little bit of light-hearted chaos… just before the ceremony, Gareth and his best man had a tiny wardrobe emergency. They hadn’t cut the threads on their jackets, so the registrar had to swoop in with scissors to save the day!

DIY Details & Favourite Moments

Hannah and Gareth added their personal touch with handmade signs and invitations, giving the whole day that extra bit of rustic character. While they didn’t go heavy on personalised décor, everything still felt unmistakably them.

When it comes to standout suppliers, I was beyond honoured that they mentioned myself and my second shooter, Lee. It was such a joy to document their day, and capturing all those candid, real moments is exactly what fuels my creative fire.

Speaking of favourites—one of my favourite moments of the day was during their couple portraits. We were shooting against a beautiful brick wall, creating some dramatic silhouettes… and then Gareth, absolute legend that he is, pulled off the most perfect Bruce Forsyth pose. It was unexpected, hilarious, and totally brilliant—a moment that summed up the fun, relaxed spirit of their day.

Their verdict on the photos? “Too difficult to choose… the candid photos were brilliant.” That’s the dream feedback for a Derbyshire Wedding Photographer like me!

Reflecting on a Magical Day

When asked to sum up their wedding in three words, Hannah and Gareth chose: relaxed, unforgettable, fun. They credit their stress-free experience to early planning, a fantastic venue team, and supportive suppliers who helped bring their vision to life.

This West Mill wedding was everything a wedding should be—beautiful, meaningful, and totally personal. Hannah and Gareth created a day that felt true to them from start to finish, and I feel so lucky to have been a part of it.

If you’re currently planning your big day and looking for a Derbyshire Wedding Photographer who captures those genuine, joyful moments (and maybe a cheeky Brucey pose or two!), I’d love to hear from you. And if The West Mill is your dream venue, I’d be thrilled to create your own set of gorgeous West Mill wedding photos.

Let’s make some magic.

• Venue – The West Mill
• Flowers – Eliza’s Emporium
• Cake – Derby Cake Maker