Cliff College Wedding Photography Hope Valley ♡ Chris & Gill

Chris and Gill’s Cliff College wedding in the beautiful Hope Valley was a day full of charm, joy, and stunning Peak District views.

“Sasha captured stunning photos of our special day. She made us feel completely at ease, and even turned the unwelcome rain into a beautiful part of our story by incorporating umbrellas into the shots in such a creative way. During the time we took for photos, she was such a calming presence – giving us quiet, meaningful moments together as we moved between locations and gently reminding us to pause and soak it all in. We’re so grateful for her thoughtfulness and talent.”

♡

○ What’s your love story?

While living in Cambodia and immersing himself in yoga training at the Yoga Barn, Christopher met Gillian, a brave and soulful traveler taking a solo journey through Asia. Drawn together by a shared love of deep conversation, mindfulness, and quiet reflection, their connection blossomed during a magical Christmas spent on a remote island – a week of sunrise yoga, ocean swims, and sunsets that felt like scenes from a romance novel. What began as a chance meeting quickly grew into something undeniable, and even when they were apart, their bond only deepened through heartfelt messages, daily gratitude rituals, and the kind of emotional closeness that defied distance. Reunited months later, they traveled side by side through new landscapes and life’s challenges, building a relationship rooted in love, trust, and joy. Christopher, wanting to mark their love in the most personal way, handcrafted an engagement ring and proposed during a quiet walk on a beautiful island – their favourite way to connect. They returned home (to a country Christopher had never been to) not just as partners, but as soulmates, and built a beautiful life in Ireland, where every step, sea swim, and sunset reaffirms that their true home is in each other.

○ Why did you choose Cliff College in Hope Valley as your wedding venue?

We feel like this venue is deeply connected to nature with such beautiful surroundings and it encompasses the relaxed vibe we are striving for. Christopher is from Sheffield and wants to share the stunning landscape with his Irish family and friends also.

○ What is the style/theme/vibe of your wedding?

We hope for it to be a a kind of a vibe where love flows freely and everyone feels completely at ease. It’s the kind of day where shoes are optional, laughter is constant, and the energy is warm, grounded, and real. Think soft sunlight, music drifting through the trees, happy tears, spontaneous dancing, and the kind of heartfelt moments that linger in people’s memories long after the last toast.

○ What music are you walking down the aisle to / first dance and why?

First dance is ‘Run Away to Mars’ by Talk. This is a song we played often when we first started travelling together. It brings memories of beaches, diving and just falling in love. I haven’t decided yet what I’m walking down the aisle to (lastminute.com). I may just have to see what takes my fancy that morning.

○ What are you most looking forward to on the day?

The speeches!

○ Describe your ideal wedding day in 3 words:

Joyful, heartfelt and relaxed.

○ Why do you like natural wedding photography?

We want to capture the energy of the day and what better way to do that than capturing organically occurring natural moments in the day.

○ Any advice for future brides & grooms planning their day?

Don’t chase “perfect.” Chase meaningful. Identify sources of stress deal with them quickly (or even better outsource) and protect your peace.

○ Kind words:

“Sasha captured stunning photos of our special day. She made us feel completely at ease, and even turned the unwelcome rain into a beautiful part of our story by incorporating umbrellas into the shots in such a creative way. During the time we took for photos, she was such a calming presence – giving us quiet, meaningful moments together as we moved between locations and gently reminding us to pause and soak it all in. We’re so grateful for her thoughtfulness and talent.”

♡

Venue : Cliff College, Hope Valley
Bride’s Dress : @sayidobridalboutique @thenextchapterbridaloccasion
Groom’s Suit : @abercrombie
Hair : @danielleos91
Makeup : @katelynnbutler
Flowers : @elizabethleach700

♡