Wedding Photographer Nottingham: 15 Years of Experience Capturing Love Stories

Capturing Hundreds of Weddings. A Journey Through Love, Laughter and Light

After 15 incredible years behind the camera as a wedding photographer in Nottingham, I’ve had the joy of photographing hundreds of weddings, from rustic barns in Chesterfield to elegant city celebrations in Sheffield, Derby and even as far as the Devon coast.

Every wedding carries its own rhythm, its own magic, its own heartbeat. And my job? To capture it all.

If you’re newly engaged and looking for tips to help you plan your dream wedding photography, you’re in the right place. This guide shares the wisdom I’ve gathered from over a decade of shooting love stories all across the UK, filled with practical insights, emotional moments, and the kind of details that turn your photos into lifelong memories.

Choosing the Right Wedding Photographer in Nottingham, Derby or Beyond

Your wedding photographer isn’t just someone who takes nice photos; they’re someone you’ll spend your entire day with. From the nervous excitement of getting ready to the laughter on the dance floor, they’ll be right there beside you.

So, choosing the right fit is about trust, comfort and connection, not just budget or style.

When you meet a photographer, ask yourself: Do they listen to what matters to you? Do they make you feel relaxed and understood? Do their images make you feel something?

After fifteen years capturing weddings across Nottingham, Derby, Chesterfield and Sheffield, I’ve learned that the best photos come when couples feel like they’re spending time with a friend, not posing for a stranger.

And that’s exactly how I approach every wedding day: a relaxed, storytelling experience where you can be yourselves while I quietly document the real moments unfolding around you.

Wedding Photography Across Chesterfield, Sheffield, Nottingham, Derby and Devon

Every location has its own beauty, and I love tailoring each shoot to its surroundings.

In Chesterfield and Sheffield, the mix of countryside charm and old-stone architecture gives a timeless feel to wedding photography. A sun-kissed walk through the Peak District or a first look in a quiet garden makes for dreamy, cinematic imagery.

In Nottingham and Derby, I often photograph elegant estates, vibrant city venues and lakeside gardens — each offering different light and energy. The golden glow filtering through trees or bouncing off stone walls creates some of my favourite frames.

And then there’s Devon, with its dramatic coastlines and soft sea light, perfect for romantic, windswept portraits at sunset.

Wherever you’re planning your day, I bring local knowledge and fifteen years of experience working with all kinds of venues and weather, ensuring that every photo feels personal and effortless.

How to Plan Your Wedding Day Timeline for Perfect Photos

Here’s a simple truth: light changes everything.

Whether your ceremony takes place in a rustic Chesterfield barn, a Nottingham manor, or a seaside chapel in Devon, the timing of your day will shape your images.

Morning prep brings soft, emotional tones, perfect for storytelling. Midday can be bright, so I’ll look for shaded areas or indoor spaces with diffused light for portraits. Then comes golden hour, that magical time just before sunset when everything glows warm and golden.

That’s when I like to whisk my couples away for ten minutes of calm. Not a photoshoot, but a pause, a breath in the middle of the chaos where you get to just be together. Those are always the images that feel the most real.

Candid Wedding Photography That Tells Your Story

After capturing hundreds of weddings, I can tell you this: the best photos aren’t the perfectly posed ones.

They’re the unscripted moments, the laughter mid-vow, the proud tear in your mum’s eye, the glance you share across the dance floor.

As a wedding photographer in Nottingham, I specialise in blending in with your guests to capture these natural, in-between moments. I’ll give gentle direction when needed, but the real art lies in observation, letting emotions unfold naturally.

When you look back, I want you to remember not just what your day looked like, but exactly how it felt.

How to Feel Relaxed in Front of the Camera on Your Wedding Day

If you’ve ever said, “We’re not great in front of the camera,” trust me, you’re not alone. Almost every couple says that!

The key is comfort and connection. When you trust your photographer, you can forget the camera and focus on each other. That’s why I spend time getting to know you before the big day, learning your story, your personalities, your vibe.

By the time your wedding arrives, it feels like a friend has turned up with a camera, and that’s exactly when the magic happens.

Why the Great British Weather Makes for Beautiful Wedding Photos

Rain? Bring it on.

I’ve photographed enough weddings across Derby, Nottingham and Devon to know that British weather has a mind of its own. But here’s the secret: some of the most breathtaking photos I’ve ever taken have been in the rain.

Clouds create beautifully soft, even light. Reflections on wet ground can look cinematic. And those clear umbrellas I always bring? They look romantic and timeless in photos.

Whatever happens, I’ll have backup plans, extra gear and a smile, because every kind of weather tells its own story.

Your Wedding Photos: Delivery, Albums and What Happens Next

After the last dance, the real excitement begins, seeing your story come to life.

Within a few days, I’ll send a handful of sneak peeks (because who can wait?!). Then, a few weeks later, your full gallery arrives, hundreds of photographs that bring every laugh, tear and dance move flooding back.

Many couples choose to turn their favourites into luxury albums or wall art. There’s nothing quite like holding your memories in your hands and reliving your wedding day all over again.

Why 15 Years of Wedding Photography Experience Makes a Difference

Experience doesn’t just mean I’ve taken thousands of photos; it means I’ve seen everything a wedding can throw at you.

Tight timelines, unexpected weather, nervous groomsmen, tricky lighting, I’ve handled it all. That calm confidence is what lets me anticipate moments before they happen and adapt without stress.

When you hire an experienced wedding photographer in Nottingham or Derby, you’re not just paying for photos. You’re investing in peace of mind, knowing that no matter what, your memories are safe in expert hands.

From my very first wedding in Chesterfield to the stunning Devon coastlines I photograph today, my mission has never changed: to tell your story beautifully, honestly, and timelessly.

Bringing It All Together

Whether you’re planning a countryside wedding in Derbyshire, a chic city celebration in Nottingham, or a romantic coastal ceremony in Devon, your photos should feel like you, authentic, emotional, and full of life.

So take your time choosing your photographer. Look for someone whose images move you, who listens, and who cares deeply about your story.

And if you’re looking for a wedding photographer with 15 years of experience, hundreds of weddings under his belt, and a passion for storytelling that never fades, I’d love to hear about your plans.

Because your love story deserves to be captured by someone who knows how to make every moment count.

Ready to chat? Drop me a message on Instagram @jordanwadephotography.