Didn’t Get the Wedding Photos You Dreamed Of? Why a Styled Wedding Photoshoot Is the Perfect Way to Celebrate Your Love
Not everyone gets the big wedding day they envisioned, and that’s more common than you might think.
Maybe you eloped quietly with just the two of you. Maybe you had a registry office ceremony during lockdown with no photographer allowed. Or maybe you did have the big day, but the photos just didn’t quite capture the magic.
Whatever the reason, if you missed out on wedding photos that truly tell your love story, it’s never too late to create those memories, and that’s where a styled wedding photoshoot comes in.
Editorial Wedding Photoshoot Nottingham by Marley & The Wildlings Photography
As a Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire wedding photographer who specialises in relaxed, meaningful imagery, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful it can be for couples to reclaim this part of their story. Whether it’s five months or five years after your vows, you deserve to have beautiful photographs that celebrate your connection.
What Is a Styled Wedding Photoshoot?
A styled wedding photoshoot is like a mini wedding day, but with no pressure, no huge guest list, and no timeline to stick to. Just the two of you, dressed up in whatever feels right, in a stunning location, creating the kind of images you always dreamed of.
These sessions can be anything from simple and intimate, to creative and editorial. Whether you’re revisiting your wedding outfits or trying something completely different, the point is: it’s all about you.
Why You Might Not Have the Wedding Photos You Hoped For…
Life happens. And sometimes, plans change.
You eloped: A quick ceremony with no frills, and no photographer.
COVID weddings: Lockdowns and restrictions meant many couples had to scale back drastically.
Budget constraints: You couldn’t afford a wedding or professional photographer at the time.
Disappointing photos: You hired someone, but the photos didn’t reflect your love or style.
Family or cultural pressures: You had a traditional ceremony that didn’t reflect who you are as a couple.
Second time around: You’ve remarried and want to celebrate this chapter in a way that feels right.
None of these reasons should stop you from having stunning, emotive photos of your relationship.
Why a Styled Wedding Shoot Is Worth It
1. You Get to Celebrate Your Love, Your Way
There’s no rulebook for love, and there’s certainly no expiration date on celebrating it. A styled shoot lets you honour your relationship without the stress of a wedding day. It can be deeply emotional, joy filled, and even healing.
2. No Pressure, No Timeline
Unlike a wedding day where you’re pulled in a million directions, a styled shoot is calm and relaxed. You can slow down, be present, and just enjoy being together.
3. A Chance to Wear Your Wedding Outfits Again (or Try Something New)
Got your dress or suit still hanging in the wardrobe? Why not bring them back to life! Or use this as an excuse to wear something you really love, vintage, colourful, bold, or barefoot in the woods. It’s your story.
4. Capture Photos That Truly Reflect You
As a documentary style wedding photographer based in Nottingham and Derbyshire, I focus on real moments, gentle direction, and emotional connection. Whether you’re dancing on a moor, walking hand in hand through woodland, or curled up by a fire pit, your love deserves to be seen and felt through imagery.
5. Derbyshire Is the Perfect Backdrop
From the rolling hills of the Peak District to hidden ruins, quiet woodland, and wildflower meadows, Derbyshire offers endless romantic locations. Whether you want something rustic, elegant, or full of earthy wildness, this county is a dream for couples who want meaningful photos in beautiful settings.
Ideas for Your Styled Wedding Photoshoot in Derbyshire
Need a little inspiration? Here are some beautiful ways couples have reclaimed their love stories:
Anniversary session in the Peak District, wearing their original outfits
Sunrise elopement style shoot at Curbar Edge with handwritten vows
Boho woodland shoot with a vintage dress, dried florals, and an intimate picnic
Winter fireside portraits at a cosy Airbnb, just the two of them with mulled wine
Romantic farm shoot with DIY florals and a reclaimed bouquet from their original day
Each session is as unique as the couple at the heart of it.
Real Love Stories, Rewritten
I’ve photographed couples who cried seeing their new photos, finally feeling seen. I’ve worked with people who never thought they were “photogenic” until they saw themselves wrapped in real laughter and love.
That’s the power of treating yourself to this experience.
Ready to Create the Wedding Photos You Deserve?
If your wedding day didn’t go as planned, or you’re simply craving a deeper, more authentic celebration of your love, I’m here to help you create something beautiful.
At Marley & The Wildlings Photography, I specialise in relaxed, soul filled wedding photography across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. My goal is to capture the connection, softness, and fire that make your love unique, whether that’s on your wedding day, or years after.
Let’s plan a shoot that feels like you.
📍 Based in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire | Documentary Wedding & Elopement Photography | Wildly in Love
Lauren x
Want to chat about ideas for your own styled shoot in Derbyshire?
Get in touch here – I’d love to hear your story.