Date: Friday 25th October 2019
Venue: Storrs Hall, Bowness-On-Windermere
There is no denying that the Lake District is one of the most beautiful places in the UK to visit and makes a truly spectacular setting for a wedding. One draw back…RAIN! Ask any local and they’ll tell you that without the rain we wouldn’t have the green so it’s always going to be a gamble on the weather.
The first time Ellen, the bride, and I met we immediately addressed the elephant in the room…Cumbria in October? Best have some umbrellas on standby then!
Fast forward 12 months and the big day arrived…along with black clouds, torrential rain and strong winds!
The mood in the bridal suite however couldn’t have been sunnier!
Ellen, along with her crew of bridesmaids were having a ball. The champagne was flowing. Hair was being styled, and there was lots of laughter.
Since the venue, Storrs Hall, which is located right on the banks of Lake Windermere
has such a beautiful interior there were no worries about capturing fantastic images indoors so there really was nothing to worry about.
Once the girls had completed their hair and make-up the bride left to get in to the dress. Only her mother and Maid of Honour Lucy had seen the dress so she wanted to surprise her bridesmaids and father with a big reveal.
While the ladies did their final preperations, and I think popped open one last bottle, the Groom along with his Best Man and Groomsmen arrived.
Thomas and the boys set to making sure all the final details were ready before guests started arriving.
The ceremony went perfectly and in such a romantic setting (the ceremony room offers a view straight over Lake Windermere) the mood was wonderful.
Following the marriage ceremony all the guests were led out for a drinks reception, which was full of congratulatory hugs, kisses and lots of laughter.
We gathered a number of family and friends for some group photos while everyone enjoyed catching up over a few drinks.
During this time we noticed that the wind has eased and although still bucketing it down, the bride and groom wanted to attempt a few outdoor shots of them together. So with umbrellas in hand we had a quick walk to the garden bandstand where we could capture the beautiful lake in the background but remain undercover too!
I know it meant the world to Ellen to get just one photo outside so I was very happy that we managed to get a nice series of images that captured a little of the beautiful setting we were in.
Once the room was ready all the guests took their seats for the wedding breakfast, which was to be followed by speeches.
I always look forward to the speeches because it’s a time when everyone has fully relaxed and lets their natural expressions come out.
The speeches were full of embarrassing stories and giving thanks to their nearest and dearest.
After the speeches everyone had time to relax in the sumptuous lounges and enjoy a bit of time before the night do guests would arrive. It was a lovely time to capture a few more relaxed photographs while everyone was enjoying themselves in their family and friend groups.
Before we knew it it was time to welcome night do guests and cut the wedding cake.
The cake had been on display throughout the afternoon and with its real Lavender sprig adornments had been creating a beautiful smell in the hotel lobby.
After a few posed photographs the bride and groom got on with cutting it so everyone could finally get a taste before the dancing began.
Thomas and Ellen then took to the floor for their first dance as their friends and family circled the dance floor.
It wasn’t long before the floor was full with more dancing couples and as soon as the live band started the evening was off to a rocking start!
It was a real pleasure to be a part of this wonderful day and it just proves that you don’t need good weather to have a really wonderful wedding day.
A final word from Mrs Balmer….
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