Claire & Chris’ Emotional Wedding Day

DoubleTree Hilton Nottingham Wedding Photographer

Some wedding days stay with you long after you’ve packed your cameras away — and Claire and Chris’ wedding at the DoubleTree by Hilton Nottingham was one of those days.

From quiet, emotional moments to a completely packed dance floor, their wedding was a perfect reflection of what matters most: love, family, and being fully present with the people who mean everything to you.

As a DoubleTree Hilton Nottingham wedding photographer, days like this are exactly why I do what I do.

A Day Filled With Anticipation

For Claire, the most anticipated moment of the entire day was beautifully simple — finally seeing the man she loves and becoming his wife.

That moment just before the ceremony, when nerves fade and excitement takes over, is always powerful. And for Claire, it was everything she’d imagined and more.

Chris had been looking forward to a very different moment — the confetti throw. Walking out together as husband and wife, knowing he’d just married the love of his life, surrounded by cheers and smiles. A small moment on paper, but huge in meaning.

When Plans Change - and Love Takes Over

Like all real weddings, not everything went exactly to plan. Their page boy sadly came down with chicken pox and wasn’t able to be part of the day.

While disappointing, it never overshadowed the joy. If anything, it highlighted something important weddings aren’t about perfection, they’re about connection. And Claire and Chris were surrounded by more than enough love to carry the day.

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Wedding Photos

A white cake topped with gold heart-shaped names "Clare" and "Christopher," adorned with decorative foliage and flowers.

Modern hotel building with large glass windows and the "DoubleTree by Hilton" sign, surrounded by greenery and a canal.

A group of eight men in light grey suits and blue ties joyfully embrace and pose playfully in a grassy cemetery setting.

A newly married couple walks down an aisle as guests throw flower petals in the air, celebrating their wedding.

A bride in a white wedding dress poses with a soft smile, while a man in a white shirt stands in the background among flowering greenery.

A bride and groom embrace under a stone archway, the bride holding a bouquet with white flowers and blue ribbons.

A group of guests dancing at a celebration, with a man in a red shirt striking a playful pose in the centre.

A bride in a strapless wedding dress smiles at her mother, who is wearing a fascinator, as they share an emotional moment in a room.

A person is getting makeup applied, smiling while a makeup artist uses a brush on her face. The setting appears to be a salon or dressing area.

A bride and groom pose together, smiling in the background, framed by a group of bridesmaids holding white bouquets in the foreground.

A bride and groom exchange vows in a church, with an ornate stained glass window and guests seated in pews.

A group of people joyfully watching a man in a suit lying on the dance floor, having fun at a celebration event.

A smiling bride and groom walk hand in hand through a tunnel of guests throwing confetti, celebrating their wedding.

A elegantly decorated banquet room with circular tables, clear chairs, and faux cherry blossom trees, illuminated with soft lighting.

A bride with long hair and a veil smiles while looking over her shoulder, standing by a large window with greenery in the background.

A three-tier wedding cake adorned with navy ribbon, floral decorations, and a heart-shaped topper with the names "Chase" and "Christopher."

A bride in a lace wedding dress smiles while sitting with a groom in a white shirt and tie, surrounded by greenery.

A newlywed couple poses together in a lush green outdoor setting, smiling at the camera. The bride wears a white dress and the groom a light grey suit.

A group of guests seated at a wedding reception, with a man in a vest speaking humorously while wearing a cap, and women in formal attire listening.

A bride in a white dress walks down the aisle accompanied by a man, while guests look on in an elegant church setting.

A woman in a green dress and sunglasses celebrates at a lively party surrounded by friends and family.

A person adjusts a blue satin ribbon around a bouquet, which has charms and a small note attached, while another figure observes in the background.

A couple gazes into each other's eyes, with a floral backdrop enhancing their intimate moment. The man wears a white shirt and tie, while the woman, in a strapless dress, smiles warmly.

A woman sits in a chair with her eyes closed as another person sprays a mist onto her face, likely during a makeup session.

A group of ten men in matching light grey suits walking together in a garden setting, with trees in the background.

A couple stands by a tranquil pond surrounded by greenery, with a goose nearby and reflections in the water.

A group of people seated at a long table, celebrating with clapping, while one person stands up to deliver a speech.

A bride in a flowing white gown embraces a groom in a light grey suit, with a backdrop of fluffy clouds and green trees.

A bride applying lipstick in a close-up shot, wearing a strapless white wedding dress with soft waves in her hair.

A bride in a wedding dress stands holding a bouquet while reading vows to a groom, with an officiant in the background.

A bride in a white gown and groom in a light grey suit hold hands, walking down the aisle of a church, with stained glass windows in the background.

A group of bridesmaids in blue dresses stands with a bride in white, holding bouquets, beside a luxury car.

A wedding reception with a man in a light suit speaking at a head table, surrounded by guests and decorations.

A man in a light grey suit and sunglasses dances energetically on a dance floor, surrounded by guests in formal attire.

A bride in a white gown and a groom in a light grey suit pose happily together at the entrance of a rustic stone church.

A printed newspaper featuring the names "Claire & Christopher" alongside a photo of the couple, with pens and a name card on a table setting.

A couple stands by a serene pond at dusk, surrounded by trees reflecting in the water.

A bride and groom dance together in front of large illuminated letters displaying "MR & MRS BARKER," with a DJ in the background.

A bride and groom share a kiss in a hotel room surrounded by bridesmaids in blue dresses and a woman in a light-coloured outfit.

A person holds a small perfume bottle with a dark blue cap, dressed in an intricately detailed white wedding gown.

A sparkling diamond ring with a square-shaped centre stone, surrounded by smaller diamonds, sitting on a reflective surface against a blue bokeh background.

A bride in a white dress walks down the aisle with her father, surrounded by wedding guests seated in a church.

A groom in a grey suit gazes affectionately at his bride, who is partially visible with a veil, against a stone wall backdrop.

A smiling woman sitting in a chair is having her makeup applied by another person, with a soft-focus background featuring cosmetics.

A bride in a white wedding dress stands by a large window, holding a bouquet of white flowers with greenery, gazing thoughtfully outside.

A man in a light grey suit and tie stands beside a stone wall, with a soft reflection of him visible on the surface.

A woman in a white robe smiles as a makeup artist applies makeup to her face with a brush.

A groom in a light-coloured suit raises his arms joyfully at the doorway, while guests, including a woman in a polka dot dress, wave.

Brown dress shoes worn by two men, each showing dark socks with personalised text; one sock reads "James, Groomsman, 03.05.2025" and the other "Callum, Groomsman, 03.05.2025".

A group of people at a celebration, with a man in a white shirt clapping and smiling, while women in blue dresses look on. A decorative tree with white flowers is visible in the background.

A group of bridesmaids in long navy dresses walks outdoors, holding bouquets, surrounded by greenery and a scenic backdrop.

A focused groom in a light suit walks down the aisle of a church, with guests seated on either side, awaiting the ceremony.

A man in a light grey suit and silver tie stands confidently against a stone wall, wearing a white flower boutonniere.

A festive group of people wearing sunglasses, posing cheerfully at a celebration, with drinks on the table and decorative features in the background.

A wedding ceremony taking place in a church, featuring a bride and groom at the altar with guests seated in pews.

A woman with long blonde hair is having an earring fastened by another person in a softly lit indoor setting.

A newlywed couple stands together outdoors, the bride in a white wedding dress holding a bouquet with blue ribbons, and the groom in a light grey suit.

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The Moments That Truly Mattered

One of the most emotional moments for Chris came when he saw Claire in her wedding dress. That first look hit him hard — emotional, overwhelming, unforgettable.

For Claire, two moments stood out deeply:

Her auntie gifting her her grandma’s bracelet to keep
Seeing her mum overwhelmed with emotion

These are the moments couples rarely plan for — but they’re the ones that end up meaning the most. As a wedding photographer at the DoubleTree Hilton Nottingham, these quiet, emotional exchanges are some of my favourite moments to document.

A Dance Floor Full of Joy

When asked about their favourite part of the day, Claire and Chris both said the same thing.

Being together with everyone they love, on the dance floor, dancing the night away.

And that energy carried through the entire evening. No forced poses. No staged moments. Just laughter, movement, and pure joy. The kind of dance floor where time disappears and nobody wants the night to end.

By the end of the evening, they felt exactly how most couples do — incredibly happy… and a little heartbroken that the day they waited so long for was already over.

Advice for Couples Planning Their Wedding

Claire and Chris shared some honest advice for couples planning their own wedding at the DoubleTree Hilton Nottingham (or anywhere else):

Take the whole day in — it goes unbelievably fast
Don’t overthink every detail
Don’t try to please everyone — it’s your day
And from Claire: consider a second outfit for the evening

Their most important reminder?

“Remember it’s a day about your love for each other.”

It doesn’t need to be more complicated than that.

Looking Beyond the Wedding Day

When asked what they’re most looking forward to as a married couple, their answer was heartfelt and hopeful — starting a family together and bringing children into the world.

Weddings are just one chapter. And Claire and Chris’ story is only just beginning.

Working With Oliver Kershaw Photography

When asked what they liked most about working with Oliver Kershaw Photography, their response made me smile:

“He was funny and got the job done.”

Exactly how wedding photography should feel — relaxed, unobtrusive, and focused on letting couples enjoy their day without feeling like they’re constantly being photographed.

Suppliers Who Helped Bring the Day Together

Claire and Chris were supported by an amazing team of suppliers:

Venue: DoubleTree by Hilton Nottingham
Wedding Dress: Brides of Bakewell
Hair: Emma Tolley Hair Design
Suits: Salters
Flowers: Best Buds Florist
Church: St Mary’s Church

DoubleTree Hilton Nottingham Wedding Photography

Claire and Chris’ wedding was a perfect reminder that the best weddings aren’t about ticking boxes — they’re about emotion, connection, and being present with the people you love most.

If you’re searching for a DoubleTree Hilton Nottingham wedding photographer who captures real moments, genuine emotion, and the story of your day as it naturally unfolds, I’d love to hear from you.

Claire & Chris — thank you for trusting me to tell your story. I can’t wait to relive it all again with you when we design your album together.