A Different Kind of Day: A Nottingham Wedding Photographer’s Experience at a Persian Wedding

A Relaxed Start at the Bride's Family Home

The day began in the bride’s family home, I tend to focus on natural, unposed moments in my photography, creating a relaxed environment where couples can be themselves, and I strive to keep things as candid as possible. But on this day I understood the couple wanted more posed photos than I would normally take.

Autumn Beauty at Nottingham's Embankment and Lady Bay Bridge

After the first look, we headed to the picturesque Embankment area of Nottingham to take some couple portraits. The autumn colors were in full bloom, with golden and amber leaves creating the perfect backdrop for their photos. I took advantage of the natural light and the vibrant surroundings, keeping the shoot relaxed and unposed, which is my usual approach. But the difference this time was in the energy and excitement—the couple’s love and joy were so infectious that it made every moment feel even more special.

From there, we made our way to Lady Bay Bridge, another stunning location that added a layer of character to their couple shoot. With the river as the backdrop and the autumn foliage surrounding us, I focused on capturing the couple’s connection and their happiness, allowing the natural environment to work its magic

A Cultural Experience: The Persian Wedding Reception

What really made this wedding stand out, however, was the reception. We made our way to the groom’s family home, where the celebration continued in full force. This was my first time shooting a Persian wedding, and I was immediately immersed in the rich traditions and vibrant energy that come with it. The atmosphere was full of surprises, from the lively dancing to the unexpected moments of joy that unfolded throughout the evening.

As a documentary-style wedding photographer, I thrive on capturing genuine, unscripted moments. The guests’ energy was infectious, and I was able to blend into the background and document the evening’s celebrations without interrupting the natural flow of the event. From the dancing to the laughter and tears, it was a beautiful and lively celebration that kept me on my toes as I tried to capture everything as authentically as possible.

Lighting Challenges and Creative Solutions

As much as I love natural light, some wedding venues, especially in private homes, don’t always provide the best lighting for photos. In this case, the lighting in the groom’s family home was a bit dim, so I brought in some LED lights tucked away in corners to help create a soft, flattering glow. I was careful not to disrupt the natural atmosphere of the event, but the lighting helped bring out the vibrancy and warmth of the evening.

Using minimal lighting equipment like this is something I’ve become accustomed to as a Nottingham wedding photographer. I always strive to keep my photos as natural as possible, but sometimes a little extra light can make all the difference in preserving the authenticity of the moment without overwhelming the scene.