Enveloped in the dramatic landscape of Winnats Pass in the Peak District, newly-wed couple Hollie and Daniel roam wildly, hand-in-hand, amongst the nature that thrives across this breathtaking limestone valley. Once beneath the sea, there’s something truly magical about the vistas that fill Helen Rose Photography’s frames. Not only does this outstanding backdrop play host to some sumptuous photographs, it allows for your focus to be really drawn to the couple themselves, and their wild love story.
Your Day caught up with wedding photographer, Helen Rose, to chat all things wild elopements and wedding photography…
Where did the inspirational for this elopement-style editorial emerge from? Where do you often find inspiration?
“The Peak District – being the UK’s first national park – I feel is really underutilized as an elopement destination. More people are choosing to elope or have a smaller intimate wedding either because of previous Covid restrictions, or alternative weddings are just becoming more popular in that there is a wedding for everyone and every size to suit the couple.”
Tell us more about the wild location – why the Peak District? What type of couples would love this location? And for what type of celebration?
“As we are seeing other UK destinations grow in popularity with wild and wonderful elopements, I have set out to prove that the Peak District National Park isn’t just an easily accessible holiday getaway but in fact a very good option to cut down travel time for an alternative elopement destination too!
What is wonderful about an elopement is that you cater them to what exactly the couple would like so that they can be as adventurous or luxurious as they want. For instance, if they like to go climbing in the Peak District then they may choose to get married somewhere they like to go visit and climb or mountain bike together then meet friends and family for a micro-wedding breakfast afterwards. Or, if they like the idea of a lovely secluded getaway with a hot tub, log burner and Michelin star chef then these options are available, depending on your preference and budget, the premise being to get married exactly the way you would like to!”
We loved the bride’s tailored look – how did this style emerge? And work with the grooms look?
“Hollie and Daniel got married a few weeks before and I really loved her outfit change when she put on her cream suit for her evening meal and knew I really wanted to take their photos again for my little Peak District elopement project. With her mini veil combination, she looks timeless and again it proves that you can look elegant on any budget.
Daniel complimented her and his surroundings in an ASOS Green tweed blazer, chinos and oversized brown velvet bowtie which matched his rustic button hole and Hollie’s dried flower bouquet.”
The flowers are stunning! Tell us more about the inspiration behind these and the florist who put them together?
Hollie wanted to have a dried flower bouquet so that not only would the muted colours look in keeping with nature for the time of year but so that she would be able to keep it intact after her wedding day (which was perfect as we were then able to use it for our shoot a few weeks later together in the Peak District).
Did the weather play a standout role in this editorial?
We chose the day and like a real elopement, it went ahead whether it be rain or shine. We did however get a little rain during the shoot which, as a photographer who photographs in all weathers (I’m extremely confident in knowing you can achieve glorious photos whatever the weather), if anything I love! A little bit of wind for instance can add a little something extra and an element of drama to the images.”
What advice do you have for couple’s looking to re-create this type of elopement? Especially when it come to the photography and what to expect?
“When choosing a photographer many of your images on your wedding day or elopement, especially the couple ones, will be taken outside so it is important for you to ensure that you like your photographer’s style. This is why I put a lot of the “couple photos” on my website and social media, so that people can see the wide range of outdoor couple photographs I have captured as these tend to be the really creative ones that get used after your wedding day on social media, for profile pictures as well as displayed in the home.
I like to make a couple feel calm and at ease as well as having a great time and laughing together, so that I am trusted to capture the feeling, emotion and day exactly how it is.”
CREDITS
Venue/location: Winnats Pass at National Trusts High Peak Estate, Derbyshire.
Photography and Planner/Stylist: Helen Rose Photography | @helenrosephoto
Hair and Makeup: Lauren Eaton MUA | @laureneatonmua
Flowers:
Bouquet: To a Mountain Daisy Floristry | @mountaindaisyfloristry
Buttonhole: Alen Petr Floral | @alen_petr_floral
Bride’s Accessories:
Veil by Indigo Daisy Weddings | @indigodaisyweddings
Rings: Jessica Flinn Jewellery | @jessicaflinnjewellery
Bride’s suit: Zara
Groomswear: ASOS
Discover more wedding photography by Helen Rose Photography.
For more elopement inspiration head back to your day.
