Why Choose Ian Petrie's Photography for Your Wedding Day?
Choosing your wedding photographer is one of the most personal decisions you'll make. You're not just hiring a supplier; you're inviting someone into the heart of your day, trusting them to see the quiet glances and capture the joyful energy without ever feeling intrusive. The fear of feeling awkward in front of the lens or receiving images that don't truly reflect your personality is a real concern for many couples. This is precisely why you should consider booking Ian Petrie's Photography-an experience built on empathy and authentic connection from start to finish.
In this article, we invite you to discover the difference an award-winning, storytelling approach can make. We'll explore how a focus on genuine moments and an unobtrusive style ensures you feel comfortable and completely yourselves. You’ll learn how we create warm, emotive, and timeless images that tell your unique story, all while providing a professional, transparent service from your first enquiry to the final delivery of your beautiful memories. Read on to see how we can capture the unique emotion of your wedding day forever.
Key Takeaways
Learn how an authentic storytelling approach focuses on capturing the genuine, unscripted moments that truly reflect who you are.
Discover the empathetic and unobtrusive style that helps even the most camera-shy couples feel completely relaxed and at ease.
Understand why you should consider booking Ian Petrie's Photography for the peace of mind that comes with a trusted, award-winning professional.
Explore the flexible, tailored packages and full-service support designed to perfectly match your unique wedding vision and budget.
Table of Contents
An Authentic Storytelling Style That Reflects Who You Are
Your wedding day is far more than a series of planned events; it's the beginning of a new chapter in your life, filled with genuine emotions, fleeting glances, and unscripted joy. It’s a story that deserves to be told with honesty and heart. My approach moves beyond generic, stiffly posed shots to create a timeless and personal narrative that feels uniquely yours. This focus on authentic moments is a core reason why you should consider booking Ian Petrie's Photography.
What is 'Authentic Storytelling' Photography?
Authentic storytelling is about observation and anticipation. While the history of wedding photography began with formal portraiture, my style blends a documentary, unobtrusive approach with beautifully guided portrait sessions. This means I am there to capture the day as it naturally unfolds-the real laughter during the speeches, the happy tears of a proud parent, and the quiet, intimate moments you share when you think no one is watching. It’s about creating a true reflection of your day, not a manufactured version of it.
The laughter during the wedding ceremony can tell the story of happiness - image at Eastwood Hall Wedding venue by their recommended photographer Ian Petrie’s Photography
Capturing Real Connection, Not Forced Smiles
The most powerful photographs are born from genuine connection. My empathetic and relaxed approach is designed to put you and your guests at ease, creating a comfortable atmosphere where you can truly be yourselves. I focus on the heartfelt interactions between you, your family, and your friends. Often, it's the small, in-between moments-a reassuring squeeze of the hand, a shared joke with a friend, or a loving glance across the room-that hold the most meaning and become the most cherished memories.
A Warm, Emotive, and Timeless Aesthetic
The final gallery you receive will be a cohesive collection of warm, emotive, and storytelling images. My signature visual style is defined by rich, warm tones and bold, thoughtful compositions that draw the eye to the heart of the moment. Every image is professionally edited with a delicate touch that enhances its natural beauty rather than altering the reality of the memory. The goal is to deliver a gallery that not only looks stunning today but will continue to evoke the same powerful emotions for decades to come.
An Award-Winning, Professional Experience You Can Trust
Choosing your wedding photographer is one of the most significant decisions you'll make for your special day. You're not just hiring someone to take pictures; you are entrusting them with preserving your most precious memories. This is a responsibility I take to heart, and it's why my entire service is built on a foundation of proven professionalism and award-winning quality. It's a core part of why you should consider booking Ian Petrie's Photography-for the complete peace of mind that comes from knowing your story is in safe, experienced hands.
From Authentic photos to quirky photos can be requested
Multi-Award-Winning and Recognised Quality
Being recognised with accolades such as 'Best Wedding Photographer East Midlands' is an honour, but more importantly, it's a reassurance for you. These awards are not just for beautiful imagery; they represent a third-party validation of exceptional client service, creativity, and a consistent standard of excellence. This industry recognition means you are choosing a photographer whose work is held to the highest professional standard, wedding after wedding.
Proven Experience Across the East Midlands and Beyond
My portfolio is a testament to years spent capturing unique love stories. With extensive experience at wedding venues across Derby, Nottingham, and South Yorkshire, I have an intimate knowledge of the best locations for stunning, authentic photos. From the low light of a historic chapel to the bright sunshine of a garden ceremony, I am adept at handling any lighting or weather condition, ensuring your images are flawless no matter what the day brings.
Drone photo of the chapel by Ian Petrie’s Photography
Clear Communication and Reliability
True professionalism extends far beyond the camera. It’s about creating a seamless and stress-free experience for you. From your very first enquiry to the final delivery of your beautifully edited gallery, you will be kept informed and supported. Prompt replies to emails normally with 48 hours, clear timelines, and an organised presence on the day are all part of the service. These are key professional photographer duties that ensure your focus remains on enjoying your celebration, confident that every detail is being managed with care and expertise.
This commitment to reliability, backed by industry awards and extensive experience, is precisely why you can trust me to capture your day perfectly. It’s the assurance that your memories will be preserved with the artistry and professionalism they deserve.
Award-winning wedding photographer Ian Petrie’s Photography
An Empathetic Approach to Make You Feel at Ease
For many couples, the thought of being in front of a camera all day can be a source of anxiety. You want beautiful photos, but you worry about feeling awkward, stiff, or overly posed. This is a completely normal concern, and it’s a fundamental reason why you should consider booking Ian Petrie's Photography. Ian’s greatest strength lies in his calm, friendly, and empathetic approach, designed entirely around making you feel comfortable and relaxed from the very first hello.
This focus on your comfort isn’t just about providing a pleasant experience; it’s the secret to creating the warm, emotive, and authentic images that tell your unique story. When you feel at ease, your genuine personalities shine through, allowing for photographs that are truly timeless.
Wedding day has come and the ceremony is underway - natural moments will show your true connections and commitments to each other - image by Ian Petrie’s Photography at Newstead Abbey Wedding venue
Overcoming 'Camera-Shy' Nerves
Ian’s unobtrusive shooting style is at the heart of his method. He operates with a quiet professionalism, allowing you to forget the camera is even there. By blending in seamlessly with your guests, he captures the day from the inside, documenting the laughter, tears, and spontaneous moments as they happen. He acts less like a director and more like the trained visual reporters and storytellers who document events authentically. You will never hear him shouting commands or disrupting the flow of your day; (besides during group photo sessions to organise people when needed), instead, he offers gentle guidance only when it’s needed.
Group photo with the bride and groom and their family at Eastwood Hall Wedding venue with their horses and cart wedding transport - image by Eastwood Halls Recommended Wedding Photography, Ian Petrie’s Photography
From Complimentary Consultation to Your Big Day
Building a sense of ease begins long before your wedding day. The journey starts with a complimentary, no-obligation consultation where the focus is simply on getting to know you. Ian takes the time to listen to your story, understand your vision for the day, and learn what makes your relationship special. This process is crucial for building a genuine rapport, ensuring that when he arrives on your wedding day, he feels less like a stranger and more like a trusted friend who is there to celebrate with you.
Gentle Guidance for Stunning, Natural Portraits
Even during the portrait session-the part many couples dread-the atmosphere remains relaxed and enjoyable. Forget stiff, formal posing. Ian uses simple prompts and gentle directions to encourage natural interaction between you and your partner. The goal is to create a space where you can simply be yourselves. Whether it’s sharing a quiet joke, a gentle touch, or a heartfelt look, he is there to capture the genuine connection and love that defines you as a couple, resulting in portraits that are both stunning and authentically you.
The wedding couple having a romantic moment together capture authentically whilst walking around Newstead Abbey Wedding Venue - image by Ian Petrie’s Photography - learn more about our work
Flexible Packages Tailored to Your Unique Wedding
Your wedding day is a reflection of you, and no two celebrations are ever the same. From a grand country house affair to an intimate city elopement, your photography coverage should fit your vision perfectly. We believe in complete transparency, offering a range of clearly defined packages with no hidden fees, ensuring you can choose the right investment for your budget. This commitment to creating a service that truly works for you is a core reason why you should consider booking Ian Petrie's Photography.
Full-Day Coverage: Your Entire Story Captured
For those who don't want to miss a single moment, our full-day coverage is the most popular choice. We are there from the nervous excitement of the morning preparations right through to the energy and emotion of the first dance and evening celebrations. This package is designed to tell the complete, authentic story of your day, capturing all the candid moments and key events that make up your unique wedding narrative.
Partial-Day Options for Intimate Celebrations
If you are planning a smaller wedding, an elopement, or a simple registry office ceremony, our partial-day options provide the perfect solution. These affordable packages offer a few hours of dedicated coverage, ensuring you still receive stunning, professional photographs of the most important parts of your day. We focus on capturing the ceremony, family portraits, and beautiful couple’s shots, preserving your key memories with timeless, emotive imagery.
Bespoke Solutions and Optional Add-ons
Your photography package should be as unique as your wedding. We offer the flexibility to build a bespoke solution tailored to your exact needs. You can enhance any package with a variety of popular add-ons to create your perfect coverage:
A Second Photographer: Ideal for capturing multiple perspectives and larger guest counts.
Stunning Videography: Bring your day to life with a cinematic wedding film or Drone.
An Engagement Shoot: A wonderful way to get comfortable in front of the camera and get beautiful, relaxed portraits.
Wedding couple at Newstead Abbey wedding venue for their special day - image by Ian Petrie’s Photography
We are here to help you design a package that fits your plans and priorities. Let's build the perfect package for your day.
The Complete Service: Beyond Just Taking Pictures
When you choose a wedding photographer, you're investing in more than just a gallery of images; you're investing in a complete experience. The support you receive, from our first consultation until your beautiful album is in your hands, is a crucial part of why you should consider booking Ian Petrie's Photography. My commitment is to provide a comprehensive, supportive, and seamless service that allows you to fully immerse yourself in the joy of your wedding day, confident that every detail is being captured with care and artistry.
Wedding couple on the hill at Eastwood Hall Wedding Venue during Sunset golden hour - image by Ian Petrie’s Photography
Pre-Wedding Planning and Timeline Guidance
Your photography experience begins long before the big day. I work closely with you to help craft a timeline that ensures a relaxed flow and makes the most of the beautiful natural light. We’ll discuss everything from the ideal time for your couple portraits to creating a plan for group shots that is efficient and enjoyable for your guests. My goal is to offer professional guidance that makes the entire process feel effortless and stress-free, ensuring we capture every authentic moment without rushing.
Professional Editing and Your Private Online Gallery
After your wedding, each photograph is given meticulous, professional attention. Every image is individually edited to reflect my signature warm, emotive, and storytelling style, creating a timeless and cohesive collection that tells your unique story. Your final images are delivered via a beautiful, secure online gallery, which you can easily share with family and friends. From here, you and your loved ones can:
View your complete wedding story in stunning detail.
Download your favourite high-resolution images without watermarks.
Order professional-quality prints directly from the gallery.
Example of some of Ian Petrie’s Online Galleries for past Wedding couples
Beautiful Wedding Albums and Wall Art
While digital images are wonderful for sharing, there is something truly special about a tangible heirloom. I offer a stunning range of high-quality, professionally designed wedding albums that transform your memories into a timeless storybook you can cherish for generations. These bespoke albums are crafted to last a lifetime. We can also create beautiful, gallery-quality wall art and prints, allowing you to display your most cherished moments proudly in your home.
This complete, end-to-end service is designed to deliver peace of mind and a final product that exceeds all expectations. To learn more about this bespoke experience, feel free to get in touch.
Wedding album can be plain or have an acrylic photo on the cover, engraving and even a protective case
Your Wedding Story Deserves to Be Told Beautifully
Choosing your wedding photographer is one of the most personal and important decisions you'll make for your special day. It’s about finding a professional you can trust to capture the very heart of your story. From an empathetic, storytelling approach that ensures your photos reflect who you truly are, to the complete peace of mind that comes with a multi-award-winning photographer, the benefits are clear. This unique combination of authentic artistry and proven reliability is precisely why you should consider booking Ian Petrie's Photography.
Collections of Ian Petrie’s Photography images
Your celebration is unique, and your photography coverage should be too. With flexible full-day and partial-day packages available, we can create a bespoke collection that perfectly suits your plans and priorities. Your wedding photos are the memories you will hold onto and cherish for a lifetime, an investment in preserving every laugh, tear, and heartfelt glance for generations to come. If you connect with a warm, emotive, and timeless style of photography, I would be honoured to hear about your plans.
Let's start the conversation about capturing your perfect memories. Check my availability and let's chat about your day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if it rains on our wedding day?
Please don't worry about the weather! As an experienced UK wedding photographer, I am always prepared for rain. My professional equipment excels in low-light conditions, and we can create stunning, emotive images indoors. Often, a bit of rain adds a wonderfully romantic and dramatic atmosphere to your photos. We can capture beautiful shots with umbrellas or find sheltered spots with gorgeous light, ensuring your day is captured beautifully no matter what.
How long after the wedding will we receive our photos?
I know you'll be excited to see your images! You can expect a sneak peek of a few highlights within 48 hours of your wedding day. Your full, beautifully edited online gallery will be delivered to you within 6-8 weeks. Each photo receives my personal, meticulous attention to ensure it meets my award-winning standards and perfectly tells the authentic story of your day. This focus on quality delivers a timeless collection of your memories.
Are you fully insured as a wedding photographer?
Absolutely. I am fully insured with both Public Liability and Professional Indemnity insurance. This is a crucial aspect of running a professional photography business and provides complete peace of mind for both of us. Many venues in the UK now require this cover, so you can rest assured that all professional standards are met. I can provide the necessary documentation to your venue upon request, ensuring a smooth and worry-free process.
Do you offer videography services alongside photography?
I specialise in photography to ensure I deliver the highest quality, storytelling images possible for your wedding day. However, I can video your special day along side my photography or as a stand-alone service upon request.
But for those cinematic wedding videos as well as my photography then an additional videographer is required, I have worked alongside many incredibly talented videographers over the years. I am more than happy to provide you with a list of trusted professionals whose style complements my own. This ensures you receive a cohesive and beautiful visual record of your day from a team that works together seamlessly.
We're very awkward in photos. How can you help with that?
This is a very common concern, and my empathetic, unobtrusive shooting style is designed to help. My goal is to capture the authentic connection between you, not to force you into stiff or unnatural poses. I provide gentle guidance rather than strict direction, creating a relaxed environment where you can simply be yourselves. This is a key reason why you should consider booking Ian Petrie's Photography; we focus on your interactions, capturing those genuine, emotive moments that truly reflect you.
Authentic wedding photograph of the wedding couple kissing amongst their friends and family as they walk from their wedding ceremony held at Carr Bank Park bandstand towards Carr Bank Park wedding venue for their Reception afterwards - image by Ian Petrie’s Photography
What is the booking process and how do we secure our date?
Securing your date is a simple and straightforward process. First, get in touch via my contact form to check my availability. We will then arrange a complimentary consultation to chat about your plans. To officially book, I require a signed contract and a booking fee of £250. Once these are received, your date is exclusively reserved in my calendar. The remaining balance is spread over a payment plan with the final balance then due 60 days before your wedding day.
Do you recommend having an engagement shoot before the wedding?
I highly recommend an engagement shoot! It is a fantastic way for us to get to know each other and for you to become comfortable in front of the camera before the big day. The experience helps to ease any anxieties about being photographed and provides you with a beautiful, relaxed set of authentic images. It ensures that on your wedding day, you feel completely at ease, allowing me to capture your story more naturally.
Katie & Nick on their engagement shoot at West Bridgford Registry office where they got married later on. image by Ian Petrie’s Photography
