Belle & Matty’s wedding was a beautiful celebration full of family, emotion and some wonderfully personal touches, set around the stunning scenery of the Lake District. From their pre-wedding shoot around Grasmere and Lake Windermere to a boat ride across the lake on their wedding day, every part of their story felt completely personal to them.
Their pre-wedding shoot was a lovely way for us to get to know each other before the big day. We explored the forest around Grasmere and Lake Windermere, taking in the scenery while capturing some relaxed photographs together. It gave us a chance to get comfortable in front of the cameras and meant that when the wedding day arrived, everything already felt familiar.
On the morning of the wedding, bridal preparations took place at Town Head Estate, surrounded by Belle’s bridesmaids as everyone got ready. There were plenty of emotional moments, including a beautiful letter from Matty that brought tears to Belle’s eyes. Her mum then helped her into her dress, creating another incredibly special moment between the two of them, before Belle had a wonderful first look with her dad downstairs.
From Town Head Estate, everyone climbed aboard a vintage bus to make their way to the church ceremony. The church held a particularly special place in Matty’s mum’s heart, making the ceremony even more meaningful. After the service, we captured confetti outside the church before taking some relaxed family and formal photographs inside.
The celebrations then moved to Lake Windermere, where everyone boarded two boats for the drinks reception. This was such a brilliant way to enjoy the Lake District scenery and spend time with their guests. Halfway across the lake, the boats stopped at a jetty so Belle and Matty could cut their wedding cake with a sword - a wonderfully personal nod to Matty’s military background. The couple then swapped boats, giving them the chance to mingle with all of their guests before eventually arriving back at the reception venue by boat.
One of the most memorable traditions of the day involved a bottle of bourbon. A month before the wedding, the couple had buried the bottle as a good-luck tradition to keep the rain away and bring them good weather. Once everyone returned to the venue, they dug it back up and shared a drink together - and thankfully, the sunshine had certainly done its part!
Back at Town Head Estate, we took the opportunity to capture some beautiful photographs of Belle and Matty walking back towards the venue together. The speeches followed, with an especially emotional moment when Belle’s dad, having lost his voice, was unable to give his speech and Belle’s brother stepped in instead. The best man and maid of honour followed with speeches of their own, creating plenty of laughter and a few more tears around the room.
As the evening continued, the celebrations finished with a spectacular firework display before Belle and Matty took to the dance floor for their first dance. The evening ended with a particularly beautiful father-daughter dance, accompanied by a song specially written by one of their friends for that moment.
It was an unforgettable Lake Windermere wedding, filled with meaningful details, incredible scenery and the people who mattered most. We loved being there to capture Belle and Matty’s wedding photography, from the quiet emotional moments in the morning to the boats, fireworks and celebrations late into the evening.
Venue: Town Head Estate; Photography: The Newtons Film & Photography; Videography: GMV Weddings; Florist: Rose & Bloom Lytham; Catering: Karen Rhodes Catering; Stylist: Emma Jane Events; Make Up: Alice Marie Bridal & Emily Miller Makeup; Hair: Gareth Lambert; Travel: Cumbria Classic Coaches; Cake: Cakes from The Lakes; Ceremony Music: Arty Margit
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