Jen and Adam’s wedding at Calke Abbey in Derbyshire was one of those joyous family celebrations where the children almost became the stars of the show.

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I was thrilled when Jen and Adam asked me to capture their special day. Calke Abbey, a stunning National Trust wedding venue, offered the perfect backdrop. I had faint memories of visiting the house as a child and knew its fascinating history—it had been preserved almost exactly as it was when it was handed over to the National Trust, giving the venue a timeless charm.

Ahead of the big day, I attended a wedding open day at Calke Abbey. The ceremony was to take place in the beautiful Riding School, run by Ivy House Weddings—a venue that is as photogenic as it is elegant.

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Getting Ready

On the wedding morning, I photographed Jen and her family getting ready. The morning was lively, full of excited children running around, anticipating the day ahead. Jen was calm and composed throughout, which made capturing those natural, joyful moments even easier. Once the children were dressed and ready, I spent some time photographing them outside—one nearly took off on a skateboard, which would not have been ideal for the outfit!

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The Ceremony

The ceremony itself was full of warmth, laughter, and love. Surrounded by friends and family, Jen and Adam exchanged their vows in the picturesque Riding School, which offers endless opportunities for natural, candid wedding photos.

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Portraits Around the Estate

After the ceremony, Jen, Adam, and I hopped into a golf buggy to explore the Calke Abbey Estate for their wedding portraits. With the sun shining and an avenue of dahlias in full bloom, we captured some beautiful natural walking shots amidst the vibrant colors.

One of the must-have spots for photos at Calke Abbey is the Orangery. Its natural light, big-leafed foliage, and charming faded blue paint create a magical backdrop. On this particular day, it was over 30 degrees inside, so we didn’t linger too long—but the photos turned out beautifully.

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Celebration and Dancing

A wedding is nothing without a little dancing, and Jen and Adam’s reception did not disappoint. After the wedding breakfast, the singer led a lively singalong that quickly turned into dancing around the tables, on chairs, and with napkins waving in the air. These joyful, spontaneous moments are exactly what make wedding photography so special—capturing the energy and personality of the day.

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Embracing Family Fun

The real takeaway from Jen and Adam’s wedding? Embrace the children. Let them play, laugh, and be themselves. Their energy is infectious and creates wedding photographs that feel full of life, warmth, and genuine family connections.

Calke Abbey provides a stunning setting, but it’s the laughter, love, and little moments of fun that truly make the day unforgettable.