In this post would like to feature some wedding photographs and wedding story of Gemma and Matthew, a lovely couple who I photographed last summer at Shottle Hall, Derbyshire. The wedding story and the list of suppliers was kindly provided by Gemma – thank you! Now, enjoy the story and the photographs 🙂

Shottle Hall wedding photographer – Wedding of Gemma and Matthew

How did you two meet?
When we were teenagers we met through mutual friends, but it took us five years to get together!

How did he pop the question?
At sunset at Uluru in Australia during our year travelling round in a van. He put music on and asked me to turn around pretending to take a picture. When I turn back around he was down on one knee!

What was your favorite moment(s) from the wedding?
Oh so many! I loved the ceremony and the quiet moment afterwards just the two of us a brand new married couple. The time just the two of us taking photos in the field was very special too.

How long have you been together?
Almost 8 and a half years when we got married.

How would you describe your overall wedding experience?
Rather overwhelming but beautiful and a day just full of smiles 😊

What advice would you offer to other couples planning a wedding?
Enjoy the planning experience and the build-up, it’s just as much part of the experience as the actual day.

Tell me about your dress. Where did you find it, how did you choose it, how did you know it was the one?
I had already tried on a few at a different shop so I knew what I wanted – I went to Sassy Bride in Chesterfield and picked out a few to try on. But it was the lady in the shop who picked out the one I finally chose – I think I knew when I tried it on – I tried a couple more on after that but I just kept thinking about that one. I tried it on again and just didn’t want to take it off.

How was your experience taking photos/working with us on your wedding day?
You were absolutely great – we got through the official photos with family, etc, very quickly and efficiently so there wasn’t too much standing around for everyone, and the approach to our photos together was very casual and candid, just how we wanted it. It was very relaxed and a happy moment.

We love to hear about vendors you love. List any vendors here and feel free to share your experience. Be sure to include the name of the vendor, their profession, city/state, site or Facebook page and how your experience was!
The Pantry Door, Staveley, created the most amazing cake for us – we had very specific ideas which thought couldn’t be done but she created exactly what we had in our heads!
Bells Flowers, Derby, created the most wonderful wild flower bouquets and Lego themed button holes, again, exactly as we had imagined them – beautiful!

What’s one piece of advice you would give to other couples for planning their wedding?
See above!

What kind of food was served at your reception?
A lovely traditional Sunday roast dinner and sausage and bacon buttys in the evening

What was the first song you danced to as husband and wife? Father-daughter dance? Mother-son dance?
First dance see above. Bride and father danced to the instrumental to The First Man you Remember from Aspects of Love

List of wedding suppliers for Gemma and Matthew
Location of Wedding: Shottle Hall
Location of Reception: Shottle Hall
Cake Maker: The Pantry Door
Wedding Planner: Louise (Bespoke Weddings)/Amy (Shottle Hall) and the Bride and Groom!
Venue styling: Changing Chairs/Bride and Groom
DJ: Wynch (band)
First Dance Song: Better Together by Jack Johnson
Dress Boutique: Sassy Bride, Chesterfield
Menswear Moss Bros
Makeup artist: Mia’s Hair and Beauty (Mia Collick)
Hairstylist: Same as above
Caterer: Shottle Hall
Florist: Bell’s Flowers
Limo Service: Spire Limos/Friend of a friend supplied and drove the Landrover
Shoes: JJs House.co.uk

Elena,
MPA Award Winning photographer 2015,2016,2018