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A Pre-Wedding Shoot at Bamford Edge in the Peak District

  • Writer: dan beall
    dan beall
  • Sep 18

If you’ve never been, Bamford Edge is one of the most iconic spots in the Peak District. It’s famous for its dramatic gritstone edge, sweeping views over Ladybower Reservoir, and incredible sunsets that light up the whole valley. It’s a favourite with walkers, photographers, and adventurous couples – which makes it the perfect location for a romantic engagement shoot in the Peaks. A Pre-Wedding Shoot at Bamford Edge in the Peak District


I absolutely love it when my couples opt for a pre-wedding or engagement shoot! It’s such a great chance to meet in person before the big day, which is often quite a while away in my calendar. It gives me a little insight into the vibe you’re going for on your wedding day, and honestly, the locations my couples choose are usually really special to them – which makes them even more fun for me to photograph.


This shoot with Louise & Alex was brilliant. I’ve been to Bamford Edge more times than I can count, but there was something about this evening that felt unique. We’d had sunshine all day and were buzzing at the thought of an incredible golden-hour finale. But as we climbed higher up the peak, the clouds rolled in and completely covered the sun!


No problem at all – I love embracing whatever the Peak District throws at us. And Louise & Alex were so chilled about the whole thing that it made my job easy. They were absolute naturals in front of the camera, which meant I could focus on capturing their connection and having fun experimenting with different settings. The photos definitely show how relaxed and in love they were.


This shoot made me even more excited for their wedding day at Whitley Hall Hotel in Sheffield a few months later – I already knew it was going to be an amazing one.



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Tips for Planning a Peak District Engagement Shoot


Thinking about booking a Peak District engagement shoot? Here are my top tips to make sure you get the most out of it:

• Time it right – Early morning or late afternoon works best for soft, flattering light. If the sun shows up, golden hour is absolutely magical at Bamford Edge or any of the Peaks’ stunning viewpoints.

• Be prepared for all weather – The Peak District has a mind of its own! Bring layers, comfy shoes (you’ll likely be walking uphill), and a waterproof just in case.

• Choose a location that means something to you – Bamford Edge is iconic, but there are loads of beautiful spots like Stanage Edge, Mam Tor, or Curbar Edge. Pick somewhere that feels like you – it’ll make your photos even more personal.

• Relax and enjoy the process – The best photos happen when you’re just having a laugh together, rather than worrying about posing. I’ll guide you, but the magic is in capturing how you naturally interact.


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If you’d like a pre-wedding shoot in the Peak District, they’re included in my Platinum and Diamond wedding photography packages, and I can easily add one to the Gold package for a little extra. They’re such a great way to get comfortable in front of the camera, get to know me and my approach, and set the tone for relaxed, natural photos on your wedding day.


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Ready to Plan Your Shoot?


Whether you’re dreaming of a golden-hour hike at Bamford Edge, a cosy woodland session, or a fun city-centre engagement shoot, I’d love to capture this chapter of your story. Get in touch here to check my availability and start planning your pre-wedding session.


Thanks for reading



 
 

Carr Bank Wedding Photography — A Photographer’s Take on This Hidden Gem in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire

  • Writer: dan beall
    dan beall
  • Jul 17

Getting married at Carr Bank Wedding Venue in Mansfield? Here’s my take on this beautiful venue from a wedding photographer’s perspective — real insight into the space, lighting, and moments that make this place shine.




Bridal Prep in the Perfectly Lit Suite


I arrived at Carr Bank bright and early to photograph the bridal party getting ready. L and her besties were tucked away in the gorgeous bridal suite — a dream space for wedding prep photos! It’s spacious, full of natural light, and ideal for capturing those calm, joyful moments before the ceremony kicks off.


On the way up to the suite, I was met with the most stunning staircase — think timeless elegance with a touch of grandeur. I knew straight away I’d be coming back to this spot for bridal portraits and detail shots later in the morning.



The Groomsmen Arrive: Candid Moments & Great Light


When D and his groomsmen arrived, I headed down to meet them at the bar entrance area — a spacious and well-lit spot, perfect for relaxed group shots and candid interactions as guests began arriving. There’s plenty of room here to mingle, chat, and soak in the atmosphere before the main event.



The Ceremony Room – Intimate and Beautifully Lit


The ceremony room at Carr Bank is a hidden gem. With large side windows letting in soft natural light, it’s perfectly balanced — bright enough for crisp, clean imagery but subtle enough to preserve the emotion and ambience of the moment.


L & D’s ceremony was small, intimate, and absolutely beautiful. A genuine pleasure to photograph.



Confetti Time + That Traditional Backdrop


Confetti out front? Always a yes. The exterior of Carr Bank gives you that classic, historic backdrop that feels both timeless and full of character — a perfect setting to let your guests throw confetti in celebration! I made the most of this space again later for a few relaxed couple portraits, and I’d absolutely recommend it for any couple wanting that mix of editorial and traditional in their photos.



Drinks, Laughter, and Candid Moments


Once the ceremony wrapped and the confetti settled, I stepped back to let the natural magic happen. This part of the day is one of my favourites — people congratulating the couple, laughter echoing around the garden, drinks in hand… it’s where documentary wedding photography really comes to life.



Couple Portraits in Carr Bank Park


Once everyone was fully relaxed and enjoying the atmosphere, I snuck L & D away for some couple portraits in Carr Bank Park — and wow, what a setting. There’s a beautiful bandstand, open greenery, and loads of tucked-away corners that give variety and interest to your gallery without needing to go far.



A Relaxed Wedding Breakfast + Golden Hour Perfection


Inside, the wedding breakfast was chilled, just like the rest of the day. A few short speeches, lots of happy faces — a pleasure to photograph.


Then came golden hour. We stepped back out for a second round of couple portraits, this time with the sun dipping low behind the trees and spilling gorgeous golden light across the house and gardens. These are the kind of moments that editorial-style photography dreams are made of — and L & D absolutely smashed it.



Evening Vibes and a Packed Dancefloor


As the sun set and the lights came on, the energy shifted. First dance? Magic. The perfect mix of romantic and real, followed by more food, more drinks, and some very enthusiastic dance moves. My camera barely had a break — exactly how I like it.



Local Love — One of My Favourite Nottinghamshire Wedding Venues


As a wedding photographer who travels all over the UK, Carr Bank Park is one of the most local venues I’ve worked at — and I absolutely fell in love with it. From the layout to the decor, the lighting to the friendly staff, it’s got everything you’d want for a relaxed yet stylish wedding day.


So if you’re getting married at Carr Bank in Mansfield and looking for wedding photography that feels a little more you — a mix of documentary storytelling, creative editorial portraits, and all the unmissable in-between moments — then I’d love to chat. Drop me a message and let’s talk about your plans!



Dan x

 
 

Carlton Towers Wedding Photography – A Historic Yorkshire Venue with Editorial Elegance

  • Writer: dan beall
    dan beall
  • May 7

Carlton Towers Wedding Photography.


When Kaya first got in touch about her Carlton Towers Wedding, I knew straight away it was going to be something special. As a UK-based documentary and editorial wedding photographer, venues like Carlton Towers are a dream. With its Victorian Gothic architecture, grand interiors and castle-like presence, it offers endless opportunities for creative, story-driven wedding photography.



Kaya and Gabriel live in Los Angeles and were planning a UK destination wedding with an international guest list. Around six months before the big day, they made a trip across the pond to see the venue – which gave us the perfect opportunity to meet and shoot a relaxed pre-wedding session in London. Pre-wedding shoots are a brilliant way to break the ice and get comfortable in front of the camera, especially when working in a more natural, documentary-style approach. And these two? Total naturals.



Once I delivered their pre-wedding gallery and received their lovely feedback, the countdown was officially on. As the wedding date approached, I felt the same excitement I used to feel as a kid before Christmas. The anticipation was real – and Carlton Towers did not disappoint.



I arrived on the morning of the wedding to the sound of laughter and the hum of conversations in various accents. With many guests flying in from the US and beyond, the atmosphere was full of warmth and excitement. Even though the rain was persistent, the mood was electric. As a documentary wedding photographer in the UK, I’m no stranger to wet weather – but when you have a venue like Carlton Towers as your backdrop, it honestly doesn’t matter. There’s so much texture and atmosphere indoors that it only enhances the editorial quality of the images.



The venue is packed with rich details – sweeping staircases, antique-filled drawing rooms, and dramatic lighting that gives everything a cinematic feel. I headed upstairs to document the bridal preparations, capturing the quiet, in-between moments that often end up being favourites in a gallery. When my second photographer arrived, we explored more of the venue, then dropped into groom prep – a completely relaxed space where the party had clearly already begun.



One of the highlights of the day for me was the first look. Kaya and Gabriel met on the venue’s grand central staircase for a private moment before the ceremony. As a UK editorial wedding photographer, I live for these kinds of scenes – natural light, emotional reactions, and beautiful surroundings all coming together. Afterward, we photographed the bridal and groom parties indoors, capturing a mix of refined editorial portraits and relaxed, candid moments.



The ceremony itself was held in one of the most ornate rooms in Carlton Towers. The light, the energy, the personal vows – it was full of emotion. These are the moments where my documentary photography style really shines, capturing real expressions and connections as they unfold.



The rest of the day followed with incredible food, emotional speeches, and an atmosphere full of love and laughter. Despite the rain, the entire celebration took place indoors – and honestly, no one even noticed. With editorial-style wedding photography, sometimes all you need is a beautiful room, interesting light, and people who are fully present in the moment.



Just as we thought the day would end without stepping outside, the skies cleared in time for a firework-filled exit. It was the perfect, cinematic ending to a day full of meaning, joy, and elegance.



This wedding at Carlton Towers reminded me why I love being a documentary wedding photographer in the UK. It wasn’t just the beauty of the venue – it was the trust, emotion, and realness of the day. Even without outdoor portraits, I knew I was delivering one of my strongest galleries to date, full of authentic moments and timeless editorial imagery.



It was also a joy to work alongside an incredible team of suppliers who brought Kaya and Gabriel’s vision to life. The décor was nothing short of perfection – every detail thoughtfully styled, every space transformed. A special shoutout to Blonde and the Blooms, whose floral designs added so much texture, colour, and elegance to the day.


I also had the pleasure of working alongside James Tracey Films – a total pro behind the lens. I can’t wait to see the finished video and relive the magic all over again. And as always, a huge thank you to my trusted second shooter, Kas , for capturing the day so seamlessly and bringing their calm, creative energy to the team.


To Kaya and Gabriel – thank you for your trust and for allowing me to tell your story honestly, creatively, and with full freedom.


If you’re planning a Carlton Towers wedding, or looking for a UK-based editorial and documentary wedding photographer, I’d love to hear from you. Whether your day is sun-soaked or rain-soaked, I’ll capture it with emotion, creativity, and care – just as it deserves.


 
 
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