The West Mill wedding photographer

Wedding Photography at The West Mill

I’ve heard great things about The West Mill over the years but had yet to work there, finally last year I was booked to photograph the wedding of Kirsty and Alex there. It was a pleasure to be Kirsty and Alex’s photographer on their big day.  The West Mill is in Derby which is in the county of Derbyshire.  The place oozed with fresh inspiration for photography. Set over 4 floors in a converted mill theres character on every corner.

Stunning locations for Indoor Portraits

Being a wedding photographer in Derbyshire offers fun opportunities to work with lovely couples like Kirsty and Alex in awe-inspiring locations like this one. One of my favourite moments of the day was when I was shooting Kirsty getting ready at prep room at The West Mill. The details, the atmosphere, the smiles; bridal prep is abundant in moments. Family and friends present at the venue witnessed Kirsty and Alex exchange vows in an heartwarming ceremony.

West Mill Wedding Photographer

I took photos of Kirsty and Alex as well as the guest at the reception. There was a lot of socialising at the reception. Capturing the dynamics, moments and stories of the day is my main goal. It can be a challenge to capture photographs in a crowded space when there’s a lot of rain, but the atmosphere at the wedding was buzzing so I was able to do my thing.

The season can really have an impact on a wedding and I find Winter weddings are some of my favourite. We had a lot of rain on the day, but Kirsty and Alex did not let it affect their day, everyone carried on without any care for the weather. Picking a place like the West Mill for a winter wedding is a great idea because all your wedding photographs can be done indoors without negatively being affected.

Industrial locations for awe inspiring wedding photographs at The West Mill

Speakers made their speeches immediately after the wedding breakfast. Photographing the speeches is a challenging part of the day because it’s all about the words, so as wedding photographers we have to do our best to tell the story of the words with our pictures.

As the evening drew in, some epic tunes invited the newlyweds and their guests to rock the dance floor. It was a long time in the planning but Kirsty and Alex pulled off an awe-inspiring wedding and I won’t forget that one in a long time.

Suppliers

Jenn Edwards – https://jennedwards.com

Captain Atlantic  – http://www.captainatlantic.co.uk

Elle Flowers – https://www.facebook.com/elleflowers

 

West Mill Deryshire
indoors at the West Mill
bride having hair done at the West Mill
bride having lipstick at West Mill
wedding photography at the West Mill
bride getting reading at the West Mill wedding photography
the brides hair in the prep room
the wedding party having photos at the West Mill
bride and her father walking down the aisle at the West Mill wedding photography
the ceremony at the West Mill
wedding ceremony at the West Mill
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confetti throw at the West Mill
couple hugging at the West Mill
wedding reception at the West Mill wedding photography
bride and groom portraits at the west mill
West Mill wedding photography
West Mill wedding photographer
West Mill wedding photography
West Mill portrait of bride and groom
the sppeches at the West Mill
groom speech at West Mill
bridemaid laughing wedding photography at the West Mill
the grooms speech at the West Mill
frist dance at the West Mill
the couple kissing at the West Mill
party time at the West Mill
kissing couple
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party time
man happy at the West Mill
The West Mill wedding photographer
The West Mill wedding photographer

 

Wedding Videography at The West Mill

As well as capturing the photographs for Alex and Kirsty I also captured the video. Here’s their highlight

Wed at the West Mill and Experience Riverside History

Sitting among Darley Abbey Mills on the River Derwent, the West Mill is a truly unique Wedding Venue. A Grade 1 listed property that is part of a larger World Heritage Site, the majestic West Mill offers a beautiful Wedding Venue as well as an outdoor courtyard, garden and river walkway.

Amenities and Accommodation at the West Mill

Invite your guests to step back in time in this lovingly restored mill property. Host your civil ceremony in the Cotton Quarter, which retains much of its original charm, featuring painted brick floors, exposed brick walls, a cast iron ceiling with cast iron beams, and a plethora of Georgian windows. The simplicity of the setting allows your ceremony to shine. This Wedding Venue is licensed for civil ceremonies and can accommodate up to 160 seated guests. 

You will have exclusive use of the West Mill and its grounds on your wedding day, including the Dressing Room, the Breakfast Room which seats up to 160 for a formal wedding breakfast, and the Spinning Room, an ideal location for revelry after the ceremony. Your guests can mingle amidst small tables and comfortable sofas, or they may wish to dance the night away to your live band. To cater for a grand evening, the Spinning Room features an industrial bar and a spacious dance floor. 

Work with the West Mill’s professional staff to craft the best menu for your wedding. Whether you desire tasty evening bites such as fish and chip cones or light Mediterranean antipasti and cheese boards, you will be able to design the menu of your dreams. In warmer weather, invite your guests to wander to the courtyard and enjoy views of the River Derwent as well as the Darley Park countryside. 

As an added bonus, if you so desire, your wedding party or closest family members can stay onsite in a luxurious setting. Adjacent to the West Mill is the Mill House, a newly renovated accommodation with eight en-suite bedrooms, including an elegant Honeymoon Suite. The Mill House was built in 1799 and has been carefully restored to offer stylish comforts, vintage furniture, a shared living room area, garden and breakfast buffet.

Location of the West Mill

The West Mill is a part of Darley Abbey Mills, a World Heritage Site. Darley Abbey Mills lies just north of the town of Derby in Derbyshire. The mills are easily accessible from throughout the United Kingdom, lying between the A6, A38 and A61. The nearest train station is located in Derby. Those flying in for the ceremony will be delighted that the Birmingham Airport is merely 44 miles and a 50-minute drive away. Driving from the Manchester Airport takes around one and a half hours, but guests won’t regret choosing a scenic route through the Peak District National Park. Guests driving from London can reach the West Mill in just under three hours. 

History of the West Mill

A former cotton mill, the West Mill dates to the 1800s. The industrial foundation of the building has been upgraded and complemented by modern amenities that make the venue an ideal space to celebrate both the past and future. Located in Darley Abbey in Derbyshire, the West Mill is part of a region which birthed modern industry mills through the use of waterpower. In fact, harnessing waterpower allowed the mills to continuously produce cotton, thus greatly enriching the area.

The name Darley Abbey dates from when the property was a part of an Augustinian monastery. Due to the strategic topography of Darley Abbey, which sits by the River Derwent, the site was an ideal location for water-powered mills. These mills have produced everything from  paper and leather to flint, corn and cotton. Given the industrious nature of the Midlands region, Derwent Valley Mills, of which Darley Abbey is a section, has been designated a World Heritage Site. 

Nearby Accommodation

Your guests will have a whole host of options when it comes to accommodation in the Derby area. A mere half a mile from the West Mill, the Coach House Bed & Breakfast is a unique boutique  option. The Coach House offers seven individually styled rooms in a fully renovated main house and stables. Guests can enjoy a meal in the in-house restaurant, the Troff, or unwind with a nightcap. For a comfortable stay in the countryside, only ten minutes’ drive from the West Hall, guests can choose the Kedleston Country House Hotel. This Georgian property boasts lovely views of the Derbyshire countryside and the historic Kedleston estate. Its five spacious bedrooms offer surprises such as champagne and chocolates in the room. 

Those wishing to stay on a budget will have many choices, including a Premier Inn – Cathedral Quarter and a Holiday Inn – Riverlights in the city centre. The Premier Inn offers a variety of rooms as well as breakfast in its onsite restaurant, Thyme. Parking is available in a lot across the street. The Holiday Inn is a modern hotel with a 24-hour bar and over 100 rooms. It even offers pet-friendly accommodation for guests traveling with a furry friend.

Finally, the elegant Morley Hayes is an option for travelers looking for a hotel with more facilities. Morley Hayes is also a mere ten minutes from the West Mill; however, its setting feels like a world away from the charming bustle of Derby. Morley Hayes has over 30 rooms and its own golf course as well as three restaurants: the Dovecote, Roosters and the Spike Bar. No matter where your guests choose to stay, the Derbyshire area promises to entertain them.

Explore Derbyshire

Derbyshire is a beautiful area of the UK, with many sights to entertain your guests. For a touch of history, you can recommend visits to the seventeenth century Chatsworth House or the medieval Haddon Hall. For those enjoying nature, Dovedale Nature Reserve, the scenic trail and lookout at Mam Tor or the Ladybower Reservoir should provide ample opportunities to explore the countryside. Families may enjoy the Peak District Mining Museum or Gulliver’s Kingdom, a family-themed amusement park. Derby is the largest town in Derbyshire and features many attractions of its own, including the Derby Museum and Art Gallery, the Derby Silk Mill Museum and Derby Cathedral.