Stacey & James’s Wedding at The Mill at Stone, Staffordshire
Stacey and James were married at The Mill at Stone in Staffordshire on a bright June day, and I had the pleasure of photographing every minute of it. If you’re looking at The Mill as your wedding venue, or you’re hunting for a wedding photographer who knows it, here’s how their day looked.
A venue full of old-world charm
The Mill is a collection of old brick buildings covered in ivy, with courtyards, archways and gardens tucked in between them. For a photographer, that means variety. Within a few steps you have warm brickwork, a stone archway, a footbridge over the water and a weeping willow, all without needing to leave the grounds.
The morning started at The Mill, with Stacey’s dress hanging on the door beneath the old wooden sign. It’s one of my favourite detail photographs from the whole day.
An outdoor ceremony in the courtyard garden
Stacey and James said their vows outdoors, in a garden courtyard lined with rustic wooden benches and surrounded by old brick walls and the mill buildings. It feels intimate, with all of their guests close enough to share every smile and tear.
When they were pronounced married, the sun came through at exactly the right moment and I caught their first kiss with the mill building behind them.
Portraits by the water, the willow and the wildflowers
After the ceremony we slipped away for a few quiet minutes. The Mill’s grounds are perfect for relaxed, natural couple portraits. We used the little footbridge over the water, a white garden bench under the weeping willow, and a patch of long grass and wild daisies at the edge of the grounds.
The first dance
Inside, the reception room has exposed beams, soft light from the windows and plenty of space for round tables. Later in the evening it comes alive for the dancing, and Stacey and James’s first dance was the perfect way to start the party.
Planning a wedding at The Mill at Stone?
I love photographing here. If you’re getting married at The Mill, or you’re still choosing your venue, I’d be so happy to hear about your plans. I travel across Staffordshire and the Midlands, and you can read more about wedding photography in Staffordshire or see more of my real weddings.