Charlotte and Drew played an absolute blinder. They got in touch with me two years ago to ask if I could shoot their diy wedding, which was being held on an animal sanctuary in the Peak District. Not only did they manage to bypass every single COVID restriction, they also managed to get the words DIY, animal sanctuary, and Peak District into the description of their wedding in a single sentence. How amazing does that sound!

The wedding took place on a kind of cloudy but warmish Saturday at the end of July. I arrived at Lower Damgate Farm wondering if I’d arrived in animal paradise. Rescued alpaca, goats, chickens, geese, dogs, cats…you name it, they call it home. I took a few shots of them all getting ready then it was time for a ceremony led by the funniest registrar I’ve ever met. She immediately put everyone at ease and even worked the room, which never usually happens. The food was provided by street food style stalls, and the speeches were hands down hilarious. But this wedding was about the party.

Charlotte and Drew booked an amazing band called Fraudio, who really knew how to get folks up and dancing. After 18 months of no dancing, masks, distancing and nerves, it was wonderful to see everyone up and enjoying themselves. I might have even got a little emotional!

The suppliers

A lot of the details and decor were a DIY effort, but Charlotte and Drew had some wonderful suppliers

Cake by Scrumbles, in Leek

Dress by Shikoba Bride, from Serendipity Bridal in Stockport

Band - Fraudio

Flowers by The Tiny Leaf in Leek

Food by Let’s Go Street Food

Props and games by Big wOw Events

Stationery by Illustrations by Sarah

The Photos