Ellisha & Miriam
A summer wedding in a restored cotton mill on the banks of the River Derwent. Two brides, two bridal parties, plenty of laughter and a few happy tears.
- Venue
- The West Mill
- Location
- Darley Abbey, Derby
- Season
- Summer
- Style
- Industrial, riverside
Two brides, one historic mill
The West Mill is a genuinely special place to photograph a wedding. It’s a restored early-1800s cotton mill in Darley Abbey, just outside Derby city centre, sitting right on the River Derwent beside the old weir. Inside it’s all exposed brick, iron columns, vintage furniture and huge industrial windows, and outside you’ve got the river, the gardens and the mill buildings towering over everything.
Ellisha and Miriam filled it with their people. Two bridal parties, one in green and one in blush, a page boy who took his ring duties very seriously, live guitar through the ceremony and a group photo so big I had to get up high to fit everyone in.
What I’ll remember most is how much fun it all was. Lots of laughter, a few happy tears, and two brides who clearly couldn’t stop smiling at each other from the moment they met at the front.
“From start to finish Rob was on hand to answer any of our questions even down to calling us to go through things that were on our mind. On the day Rob captured the most amazing pictures that we will be able to look back on forever.”
Getting ready at the mill
Both brides got ready on site, each with their own bridal party: matching green pyjamas on one side, blush pink on the other. The mill’s getting-ready rooms are full of character and big windows, which made for lovely light. Then came the dresses, family seeing the brides for the first time, and a few happy tears before anyone had even left the room.
Vintage touches, big personality
The West Mill already has plenty of charm, from the gramophone and leather armchairs to the light-up letters on the dark floorboards. Ellisha and Miriam added their own: dried pampas on the tables, wax-sealed menus and a personalised sign with their names in lights.
Saying it, in style
The ceremony room is beautiful: exposed brick, tall arched windows and warm lights hanging from the ceiling. Both brides walked in to live guitar, and the moment they saw each other at the front set the tone for the whole ceremony. The page boy delivered the rings, the guests cheered the kiss, and the confetti was waiting outside in the courtyard.
Riverside portraits
Darley Abbey gives you so much to work with: the riverside path, the weir, the trees along the bank and the mill itself as a backdrop. We did the big group photo and some fun with both bridal parties on the lawn, then wandered along the river for some time with just the two of them, heart-shaped sunglasses and all.
The party
They danced their way into the wedding breakfast and pretty much didn’t stop. We finished down by the river as the light faded, then a last few frames outside the mill at blue hour.
Getting married at The West Mill?
A few things worth knowing, and some photos to consider when you’re planning your day at The West Mill.
Visit The West Mill- Where it is
- Darley Abbey Mills, Haslams Lane, Darley Abbey, Derby (DE22 1DZ), on the banks of the River Derwent. Around 40 minutes from Lichfield.
- The building
- A Grade I listed cotton mill from the early 1800s, part of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site. Restored and opened for weddings in 2015, with exposed brick, cast iron columns and barrel-vaulted ceilings across four floors.
- The spaces
- A separate room for each part of the day: ceremony, wedding breakfast and an evening bar, plus riverside gardens. There’s accommodation nearby in the old Mill House.
- Good to know
- It’s exclusive use for the day. Check the latest details, timings and guest numbers directly with the venue.
Photos worth planning for at The West Mill
The ceremony room
The big arched windows give soft, flattering light. If you’d like a photo of everyone turning to see you walk in, ask your guests to stay seated and phone-free.
The courtyard
Enclosed by the old mill, it’s ideal for confetti. Buy plenty (check the venue’s rules) and ask guests to throw it at the same time.
The lawn and riverside path
Plenty of room for a group photo of everyone. Let me know if you’d like one, and we’ll fit it in straight after the ceremony.
The weir
The breeze off the river is brilliant for veils. If you’re wearing a long one, keep it on for the portraits.
The mill at blue hour
Save five minutes just after sunset. The mill windows against a deep blue sky make a lovely final photo of the day.
The people who made the day
- Venue
- The West Mill
- Photography
- Rob, RE7 Photography
Planning your own wedding?
Tell me your date, your venue and a little about your plans, and I’ll let you know if I’m free.
No pressure. No obligation. Just a friendly conversation.