A Beautiful Wedding at The West Mill
During Covid-19
It’s safe to say this year brought challenges that none of us could have predicted. The impact of Covid-19 affected weddings across the board, with many couples forced to postpone or cancel their plans altogether.
Ellie and George’s wedding, however, went ahead—and it was one I had been looking forward to for a long time. Having previously photographed Ellie’s sister’s wedding, it meant a lot to be asked back to capture another important family moment.
A Covid-19 Wedding with Meaning
Due to restrictions at the time, the wedding was limited to just 15 guests (excluding staff), creating a much more intimate atmosphere than originally planned.
There were, of course, safety measures in place throughout the day:
Social distancing within the venue
Masks worn where required
Adjustments to the structure of the day
Despite this, the wedding never felt restricted in spirit. If anything, it felt more personal, more emotional, and incredibly meaningful.
A Relaxed and Joyful Atmosphere
What stood out most throughout the day was Ellie and George’s energy. From start to finish, they were smiling, laughing, and fully enjoying every moment.
The smaller guest list created a relaxed environment where everyone present played an important role in the day. Combined with perfect weather, it made for a wedding that felt both calm and full of life.
Why The West Mill is Perfect for Wedding Photography
As a West Mill Derby wedding photographer, this venue is always a favourite to work at.
Industrial Style with Character
The West Mill offers something completely different from traditional venues. Its industrial aesthetic, exposed brickwork, and large windows create a unique backdrop that works perfectly with my photography style.
Versatile Spaces Across Multiple Floors
One of the biggest advantages of the venue is its layout. With multiple floors available, it allows for a variety of setups and opportunities to use different lighting techniques creatively throughout the day.
Stunning Outdoor Backdrops
Just outside the main building, the riverside setting provides a fantastic space for relaxed portraits and guest interaction. It’s a great contrast to the industrial interior and adds variety to the final gallery.
Capturing the Day from Start to Finish
I covered Ellie and George’s wedding from the morning preparations right through to the evening.
While some traditional elements—such as speeches and the first dance—weren’t possible due to restrictions, we still made the most of the time available.
As the sun set, we focused on creative indoor photography and finished the day with a sparkler walkout, which always adds a strong, visually striking end to the story.
A Wedding That Proved What Really Matters
This wedding was a great reminder that, regardless of circumstances, what truly matters is the connection between the couple and the people around them.
Even with limitations in place, Ellie and George’s day was full of genuine moments, emotion, and joy—everything that makes a wedding worth capturing.
Kind Words from Ellie & George
“Highly recommended!
Booked Dave on a recommendation and we don’t regret it. He photographed our friend’s wedding and the photos were amazing. Dave made us feel so at ease from the start, spending time to talk through the options and the running order of the day, going above and beyond any other offers we had.
He was great on the day and helped us and guests feel at ease, and the photos were incredible. Couldn’t be happier with our photo album as well!”
Planning Your Wedding at The West Mill?
If you’re planning your wedding at The West Mill in Derby and are looking for a photographer who understands the venue and how to make the most of its unique features, I’d love to hear from you.
Below is a small selection of my favourite images from Ellie and George’s wedding day.
2 responses
Lovely coverage. I really like the low-light images.
Thank you