A Black Tie Wedding with Pops of Pink for Jamie & Seb at The West Mill, Derby

Oh my, where do I even begin? Let’s talk about Jamie & Seb’s magical day! As a Derby wedding photographer, let me tell you, this job never gets old. It’s an absolute joy to witness two people madly in love saying “I do” surrounded by their nearest and dearest, followed by the ultimate celebration. And oh my, did Jamie & Seb know how to throw a party!

Saying “I Do” at The West Mill

First off, let’s talk about the venue – The West Mill. What a place, hey? Four floors of industrial chic, each with its own unique vibe. Whether you want to go all out on décor or let the rustic brick walls do the talking, this venue has it all. Every time I get a booking for The West Mill, you can bet there’s a little squeal of excitement on my end!

The West Mill Accommodation & Dressing Room

Jamie and her squad kicked off the festivities by staying over at The Mill cottage the night before. I met them in the dressing room on the big day, and I’m always blown away by the light and space this venue offers. Even with the rain pouring outside, the Georgian windows flooded the room with light, setting the perfect backdrop for those pre-wedding shots and the gorgeous ceremony.

Rain or Shine, The Party’s On at The West Mill

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room – the weather. But who cares when you’re at The West Mill? With so much space for guests to spread out, a little rain outside didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits. We had a backup plan for confetti and seeing the newlyweds walk down the aisle under a shower of confetti upstairs in the cotton quarter was pure magic.

Despite the drizzle, we managed to sneak out for some adorable couple portraits. With the picturesque courtyard and the river Derwent as our backdrop, the photos turned out to be nothing short of stunning.

The West Mill Kitchen

Now, let’s talk about the food – because who doesn’t love a good wedding feast? Jamie & Seb kicked things off with speeches before diving into a mouthwatering three-course dinner by The West Mill Kitchen, Jenkinsons. Trust me when I say, the duck was out-of-this-world delicious!

Putting your stamp on the venue

Let’s take a moment to appreciate the little things that made Jamie & Seb’s day extra special. From the vibrant flowers adding pops of pink to the monochrome magic of black bridesmaid dresses and bow ties, every detail was so beautiful and so them! Personalised gin bars, crossword favours, props for the dance floor all added a touch of Jamie & Seb and made for some unforgettable moments and awesome candid photos.

Be sure to scroll all the way down for the list of awesome local wedding suppliers that made this day so special.

Tips for an Epic Dancefloor

Ah, the dance floor – where memories are made and inhibitions are left at the on the ground floor of The West Mill. The Burgundy’s kept the energy levels soaring all night long, and let me tell you, it was one of the best dance floors I’ve ever witnessed. I would fully recommend adding props to you list for the evening. J&S had sunglasses, giant foam glow sticks and flip flops for when it was time to ditch the heels. It made the dance floor evening more interactive which is super fun and amazing to capture.

The West Mill Wedding Photos

As the night drew to a close, we ended with a quick portrait session in the iconic West Mill lift before letting the party continue into the wee hours. I always like to work in short burst with my couples, I don’t want to take over a whole chunk of time to capture portraits. but instead it’s nice to steal a couple of minutes here and there where the opportunity arises.

The West Mill Recommended Wedding Supplier

Jamie & Seb, what a day to remember! Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your special day. And to all you lovers planning your own wedding at The West Mill, firstly, congratulations on snagging such an epic venue! And secondly, if you see yourselves in these pictures, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’d love to help capture your love story too.

Until next time, keep spreading love + joy!

Mirl x