Curtis and Jade’s Wedding at The Riverside Hotel, Branston
West Midlands Wedding Photographer
Curtis and Jade’s wedding at The Riverside Hotel in Branston was such a beautiful reminder of why I love being a wedding photographer in the West Midlands.
From the moment I arrived, I knew this gallery was going to be special. My vision for their day was clear in my head. I wanted to create something that felt real and completely them, but elevated. Documentary at its heart, with a soft editorial edge woven throughout.
Bridal Preparations at The Riverside Hotel
Jade’s morning was full of light, laughter and those quiet little in between moments I am always watching for.
The window light in the bridal suite at The Riverside Hotel was honestly a dream. That soft natural light wrapping around Jade’s face as she stood by the window is exactly what I mean when I talk about documentary with an editorial touch. Nothing forced. Nothing overly posed. Just gently guiding her into the light and letting the moment unfold naturally.
Her dress hanging in the wardrobe with that dramatic shadow and texture felt almost cinematic. I am always looking for contrast, depth and shape in a space. I do not just document what is there. I look for ways to elevate it while still keeping it honest.
The black and white portraits of Jade by the mirror are some of my favourites from the whole gallery. Timeless. Emotional. Soft but strong. That balance is something I am really leaning into as my style continues to grow.
A Relaxed and Emotional Ceremony in Branston
Curtis and Jade’s ceremony was full of genuine emotion. The kind that does not need direction. There was so much heart put into their day, Curtis’ sister, Jodie, had co-ordinated and planned the entire day for them, hand making decorations and even Jades bouquet, which made the ceremony room so much more personal for them.
As a documentary wedding photographer, I am constantly scanning the room. Reactions. Hands squeezing tighter. Little glances. The cheeky nervous laughter from parents and grandparents. Those are the moments that matter.
Their ring exchange and those first moments as husband and wife were captured from the end of the aisle, I was working alongside Amarsi & Co who was on video during the day, so our plan was for their wedding film to be uninterrupted, and I’d utilise seamlessly moving around the back of the aisle for unique angles and perspective. My aim is always to let you live your day fully while I preserve it quietly in the background, I never want to interrupt key moments or get in the way of suppliers working as my colleagues on the day.
Creative Couple Portraits with a Soft Editorial Edge
When we stepped outside for couple portraits, this is where that vision really came to life.
I do not believe in stiff posing. I gently guide. I prompt movement. I encourage interaction. The spinning shot of Jade and Curtis is a perfect example. It feels playful and full of life, but it is still beautifully composed. The slight motion blur gives it that artistic edge while keeping the emotion front and centre.
The close up of their hands against Curtis’ jacket is another intentional detail. Texture, connection, intimacy. Those are the small storytelling elements that elevate a gallery.
And then there are the natural portraits of them laughing together outside The Riverside Hotel. That joy is real. Nothing manufactured. Just space to be themselves.
Group Photos That Still Feel Natural
Even the family portraits were approached with intention.
I always make sure group photos are efficient and relaxed. No one wants to stand around for ages. But I also want them to feel cohesive and clean. The backdrop at The Riverside Hotel worked beautifully, adding structure without distracting from the people in the frame.
My Vision for This Gallery
Going into Curtis and Jade’s wedding, my aim was to create a gallery that felt:
• Honest and documentary
• Softly editorial in composition
• True to colour with depth and richness
• Timeless in both colour and black and white
I am really intentional now about blending storytelling with subtle direction. It is not about turning your wedding into a styled shoot. It is about elevating real moments with an artistic eye.
That window light.
That movement shot.
Those intimate close ups.
The emotional black and whites.
Every part of this gallery reflects where I am creatively right now, and I feel so proud of it.
Looking for a Wedding Photographer at The Riverside Hotel, Branston?
If you are getting married at The Riverside Hotel in Branston or anywhere across the West Midlands, I would absolutely love to hear from you.
My approach is relaxed, documentary led, with gently guided portraits that never feel awkward. You get a gallery that tells the full story of your day, but with that polished, editorial feel that makes it timeless.
You can view more of my work and full pricing by viewing my portfolio or by exploring The Wedding Experience!
Curtis and Jade, thank you for trusting me with your day. It was such an honour to capture your story.
Supplier Credit:
Photography: Georgia Anne Photography
Videography: Amarsi and Co
