Helen & Andy, Langdale Chase

I once overheard a wedding guest say, “You can feel your blood pressure drop when you come up here.” At the time we were on a boat on Coniston Water, but whichever lake you choose, it’s got to be a good way to spend the afternoon or evening.

So, after a ceremony and meal at the Langdale Chase on Windermere, Helen & Andy took their guests out on ‘Silverholme’ for an hour or so.

Anna-Kate tunes up before the ceremony

Don’t drop the camera, Don’t drop the camera, Don’t drop the camera…

Bride & Groom in the gardens at Langdale Chase

It’s like waiting for a bus…only nicer. And how many buses have bars on board?

It’s no use, she asked for Guinness

Off to the bar…probably

Anita & Dan, Cartmel Priory & Racecourse

USA-based Anita & Dan were married in the States in August, but came over to Dan’s parents’ home in Cartmel for a blessing a couple of weeks afterwards. It was effectively a wedding without the ‘I now pronounce you husband and wife’ bit. Because they already were.

The weather looked ominous, so we did some shots in the grand setting of the Priory before the ceremony took place

Followed later by the ceremony itself

Which was watched over by these guys

And their carriage to take them to the reception…

Liz & Paul, The Hydro, Windermere

On the day when the Great North Swim came to Windermere, it was lucky to be able to walk to work, about a quarter mile down the road at the Hydro hotel. Even luckier was the weather – a proper scorcher, in September.

Liz & Paul chose some instantly recogniseable music for the ceremony which raised a chuckle or two.

Confetti…gets everywhere

Not a bad backdrop, just a short walk (or drive) up the hill behind the hotel.

A walk in the woods on the way back.

Karen & Simon, Beech Hill, Windermere

Normally when someone asks if I’m available in August, they mean next August. Not Karen & Simon. They meant ‘in three weeks time’. And why not?

It was a Monday and thankfully I was free because it was  a lot of fun.

Cute kids, a good start…

Forget ‘Bownessie’, this is photographic proof that August wasn’t a washout.

…which made the trip on the lake even better.

Although you do get chased by random strangers

Anshul & Chris, Broad Oaks, Troutbeck, Windermere

The Beautiful gardens at the Broad Oaks hotel in Troutbeck near Windermere gave us a great backdrop, but first things first…

This could almost be a checklist: Make-up – check, Hairdresser – check,  Shoes – check, Jewellery – check.

Please don’t drop her, Please don’t drop her, Please don’t drop her….

The post-confetti clean-up begins

Andrea & Paul, Birkdale & Castle Green, Kendal

A trip down to Birkdale in Southport for me at the end of July. Andrea and Paul got married at their local Methodist church, before heading up the motorway to the Castle Green Hotel in Kendal for the reception.

An unusually spacious church was a real pleasure…

This was a joyful ceremony. Live music and lots of proper singing!

A wander through the grounds with the family at the Castle Green hotel…

One way to work up an appetite for your wedding brerakfast is to put your trainers on and walk up a hill…apparently.

Kendal Castle is a favourite spot for Andrea & Paul.

Caroline & Sandy, Old England, Bowness

There are a few more smaller weddings happening these days, and they’re usually very relaxed affairs. Caroline & Sandy decided to do it all by themselves and marry at the Old England Hotel in Bowness.

Sometimes the best way to photograph a nervous groom is through the mirror…

Some all-important details…

The lush green grounds outside the hotel…

Iselin & Christopher, Langdale Chase, Windermere

Iselin & Christopher’s wedding was in international affair at the Langdale Chase in July. Most of the wedding party originated from either Norway or the United States. Many live and work in the UK, and most had travelled long distances to be at the ceremony in the Lake District.

Good job then that the weather did its bit to show off the scenery.

Every bride has to open a bottle of Champagne with her bridesmaids. It’s the law…

 

The customary Cravat- Check just before the ceremony…

The reason they chose the Lake District…

I think they liked the cake…

Suzanne & Andrew, The Swan, Newby Bridge

Thank you to Suzanne and Andrew, whose wedding took place at the Swan Hotel at Newby Bridge on Friday 26th June. It wasn’t just sunny, it was HOT and humid. Luckily, the ballroom where the ceremony was held is air conditioned!

Bottles of essential, life-giving liquid on a day like today…

Not many people actually look good when they’re wearing the wrong jacket, but kids just know how to do it…

I don’t need to know ‘why’ to know that it’s worth taking a photograph…

Anyone work out who the groom supports?

A few quiet minutes amid the fun…

Wedding Venue: Merewood, Windermere

I seem to be getting a lot of enquiries for weddings at the Merewood Hotel just lately. I’ve done four weddings there since the end of June, ranging from photos on the lawn in front of the hotel, to indoor winter weddings. I’ve always managed to get outside at some point, if only for a few minutes.

There are lots of options at the Merewood for layouts, and I don’t think I’ve ever been to any two weddings that have been the same in that respect – great for the customers.