DS Wedding Photography

One of my most memorable weddings was Kirt & Della’s emotional autumn wedding at Wildes Inn Chesterfield.

Their day had everything, laughter, happy tears, and pure joy. From the buzzing bridal prep to the emotional ceremony (with a groom who couldn’t hold back his tears), it was packed with unforgettable moments.

What made it so special was the realness of it all, a love story that started at a race track, family and friends who cheered them on, and the warm autumn colours that gave their portraits a fairytale vibe.

It reminded me exactly why I do what I do, to capture raw emotions and genuine memories that couples can hold onto forever.

Timeless fell, vibrant photos, relaxed vibes!

I’m most proud of the trust my couples place in me, especially those who say they don’t feel confident in front of the camera, yet leave loving their photos.

Building that connection, helping people feel at ease, and capturing real moments they’ll treasure forever means everything to me.

I’m also genuinely proud (and grateful) that I get to do what I love for a living. I don’t have to wake up and go to a job I hate, instead, I spend my time capturing memories, meeting amazing people, and being part of some of the most important moments in their lives.

And when couples come back for family sessions or recommend me to their friends… that’s the best feeling of all!

My number one wedding planning tip? Get to know your photographer beforehand, not just their style, but also their vibe.

You’ll spend a big part of your day with them, so it’s important you feel comfortable and get along. Treat them like a friend or even an extra guest, and you’ll feel so much more relaxed in front of the camera.

That connection always shows in the photos, the more at ease you are, the more natural and beautiful the memories we’ll capture together.

One of my favourite personal touches was when one of my brides wore a garter with a one-penny coin from 1920 sewn into it, the same garter her grandma had worn on her wedding day.

I love when couples include little touches like that, it makes the day feel even more special and personal.

My process is all about keeping things relaxed, personal, and easy for the couple.

It always starts with a Zoom call before they make any decisions — I think it’s really important to make sure we’re a good fit. It gives us a chance to chat, get to know each other, and make sure they feel comfortable with me (and my style) before booking.

Once they’re ready, I send over the contract, deposit details, and a short questionnaire to find out more about their plans.

About a week before the wedding, we’ll have a second Zoom call to go over all the details, timings, and any last-minute questions.

On the day itself, I focus on capturing natural, candid moments with a relaxed approach — blending in with the guests but stepping in when a bit of gentle direction is needed.

After the wedding, they’ll get a sneak peek within 72 hours, and once the full gallery is ready, I’ll send it over with all the download details.

And if they need anything at any stage — I’m always here for them!

Honestly? It has to be the family group shots.

As a candid wedding photographer, I’ll admit, they’re not the most exciting part of the day for me! But I know how much they mean to couples and their families, especially when it comes to albums or framed photos at home.

So yes, I think they’re really important, they’re part of your family story. But my advice? Keep the list short and sweet so you don’t spend too much of your day standing in rows. The less time on group shots, the more time you’ll have for natural, relaxed moments… and that’s where the magic happens.

One of the most original photos I’ve been asked to take was during a traditional Greek wedding dance.

The energy, the movement, and the joy on everyone’s faces made it such a unique moment to capture. The couple were dancing while all the guests pinned money onto their clothes, it was such a fun and unforgettable tradition to photograph!

My advice for a rainy wedding day? Don’t stress about the weather, it’s the one thing none of us can control.

I always come prepared with creative ideas for energetic group shots indoors or cosy, fun couple portraits. And honestly… rainy photos can be absolutely beautiful, if you’re up for it and not made of sugar!

Some of my favourite shots have been in the rain, with umbrellas, reflections, and that moody atmosphere you just can’t fake. Embrace it, enjoy your day, and leave the rest to me!

I think I started like most of us, taking photos of my family, dogs, bugs, butterflies… basically anything I could point a camera at!

After a while, I realised how much I enjoyed photographing people, so I started doing TFP shoots with Instagram models. Then one day, a friend of mine, an experienced wedding photographer, said, “Damian, why don’t you give weddings a try?”

And it just clicked! Fast forward a few years, and here I am, loving every moment of capturing real people, real stories, and all the big (and small) moments of a wedding day.