Sam & Josh
Storyteller: Sam Hodgkinson-Cooke, United Kingdom
Some stories deserve more than a swipe or a scroll. They deserve space, weight, and the permanence that only archival printing can offer. For newlyweds Sam and Josh, preserving their wedding milestone meant creating a keepsake that felt as considered and expressive as the moments themselves. Sam reflects with us on how he designed his MILK Magazine, the images that hold the deepest meaning, and why thoughtfully crafted photo books remain one of the most powerful ways to document love, family, and time. From editorial layouts to emotional details, his story is a reminder that the best memories are meant to be held tactile in your hands.
What format did you choose for your wedding keepsake, and why did you choose it?
I chose a Large Wedding Magazine to present all my favourite wedding photos. I wanted to create a luxurious, editorial style wedding book with large pages to allow for the smallest of details to be visible. These are photos that’ll be cherished forever, so they deserved to be enlarged.
What inspired you to preserve your wedding photos in a physical keepsake?
I knew from the get-go that I didn’t want an ordinary wedding album. As a photographer myself, I have a natural eye for design so I had to create something special that not only will allow me to remember this day in every detail, but will also be a wow factor for those I share it with. However, I must give most of the credit to my amazing photographer Helen. This album wouldn’t be anywhere near as magical without the beautiful wedding photos she produced.
What image do you love most from your keepsake?
It’s so tricky to choose just one! Out of the many options, including the front cover and our confetti shot, I would say my favourite is the double-page spread of the ceremony kiss. Both sets of parents can be seen in their stunning outfits, grinning from cheek to cheek after we said the “I do’s”. It was an incredible moment and a beautiful angle of everyone, so it absolutely had to be spread across both pages.
What is the best story or memory you have behind a single shot in your keepsake?
Any photo of our gorgeous canine daughter Mac, being escorted down the aisle with the rings attached to her collar. Despite getting married to the love of my life, I remember the rush of emotion when the registrar announced that Mac was about to make her grand entrance. Sorry husband, she took the cake when it came to my tears.
What does your wedding keepsake mean to you and your family?
First and foremost, this custom wedding album means the world and more to just me and my husband, that’s the main thing. It allows us to relive such a beautiful day over and over again. In an age of digital screens, being able to flick through physical pages makes memories come to life even more. I envision my future children flicking through the pages, guessing who’s who of family members as they looked 10+ years prior. So, I know it means the world to our family now but also the family that are yet to arrive.
What inspires you to take photos in general?
My amazing wedding photographer Helen, of Helen Elizabeth Photography, took all of the amazingly candid photos within this book. Being a photographer myself, I can’t wait to create another book of my own imagery. The only inspiration that I have for taking photos in my day-to-day life would be the desire to look back on the past with fondness. We need to document the now to share our history with future generations. These images are a window into what life is/was like.
What inspires you creatively?
I go through peaks and troughs with my creativity. I take photos on a daily basis for my job so it’s sometimes hard to enjoy it recreationally, I find I need to escape it when off the clock. Simply picking up my camera and not taking anything too seriously is what feeds my joy and inspiration. Inspiration can’t be forced; it comes to me when there’s no pressure to perform.
What bit of advice would you offer to someone creating their own wedding memento?
Take your time! I was lucky enough to have so many images to choose from, so I wanted to take the time and make sure I chose the best of the best. I also gave a lot of attention to the layout of each page, making sure it flowed well and complimented each image. There’s no need to rush when these images will be cherished for years to come.
Sam’s wedding book is more than a record of a single day - it’s a reflection of intention, creativity, and lasting connection. Through considered design, meaningful imagery, and the tangible beauty of print, his MILK Wedding Magazine transforms special yet fleeting moments into something enduring. Creating a photo book or album isn’t about rushing the process, but about taking time to treasure the memories that matter most. Whether enjoyed now or rediscovered years from now, a carefully crafted wedding keepsake with MILK becomes a timeless way to relive love and share it across generations.