Once-Upon-A-Time-Studio in Huddersfield offers boutique, contemporary luxury wedding photography. Melanie Westhead captures romantic, story‑led moments with calm, creative direction across West Yorkshire.
Once-Upon-A-Time-Studio is a boutique wedding photographer based in Huddersfield, led by artist-photographer Melanie Westhead. Rooted in the golden triangle of West Yorkshire, the studio marries contemporary luxury with a love of nature — a setting Melanie uses to craft romantic, story-driven wedding imagery that feels both timeless and personal. Why choose Once-Upon-A-Time-Studio? Melanie brings a design-led eye and real empathy to every wedding. Her background as a creative designer informs a considered approach to composition, colour and styling, while years of photographing couples across West Yorkshire, North Yorkshire, the Peak District and the Lake District have honed her calm, problem-solving presence on wedding days. She’s patient, adaptable and meticulous — qualities that help keep your day flowing and your memories beautifully documented. What makes the approach special is the balance between styled portrait moments and natural storytelling. Melanie listens to what matters to you, then gently directs and shapes images so you and your guests feel relaxed and authentic in front of the camera. Whether it’s an intimate exchange at a country chapel, dramatic lakeside portraits or informal celebrations in a contemporary venue, the goal is the same: capturing emotional, nostalgic photographs that you’ll treasure. How we work with clients: your experience begins with thoughtful pre-session planning and a friendly phone call to understand your vision. On the day, Melanie blends creative direction with unobtrusive documentary observation, creating a warm atmosphere so everyone can enjoy the moment. The studio’s curated backdrops and styling sensibility are available for portrait sessions, and Melanie is happy to travel to your venue to capture the full story of your wedding day. While weddings are a core speciality, Once-Upon-A-Time-Studio also supports families and maternity photography, making it easy to continue your photographic story beyond the big day. If you’re planning a wedding in Huddersfield or West Yorkshire and want contemporary, heartfelt images with a boutique, artful touch, Melanie offers a professional, tailored service that celebrates your story.
Choose the perfect package for your special day
45 minute studio hire option (listed as 1 hr 15 min booking total on site) for small groups up to six people. Portable studio setup requires minimum space and 30 minute setup time.
2 hour outdoor photoshoot within 20 miles of HD8 (additional travel charge beyond). Includes 25 edited images to choose from and any five images supplied as JPEGs.
2 hour studio hire (portable or studio set) for your own photoshoot. Maximum 15 people; minimum space 3m x 3m for portable studio; setup time approx 30 minutes; images included in price.
2 hour newborn photoshoot; use of all props; up to 25 edited images to choose from; five images saved to memory stick; one framed 10" x 8" print; pre-session planning call. Travel to home available where needed.
2 hour studio photoshoot. 30 edited images to choose from, 10 edited images saved to memory stick, one 8" x 10" framed print. 1-5 people in immediate family. Pre-session planning call. Option to buy prints/canvas art or extra images.
Commercial photography sessions on location or in studio for businesses, priced from £600. Tailored to brief, including interiors and product work.
Full-day wedding photography with comprehensive coverage and creative, natural storytelling. Contact for full package details and bespoke options.