George & Emily’s wedding at Lakeside Hotel & Spa, Cumbria
George & Emily's Dreamy Lakeside Hotel Wedding in Cumbria
George & Emily’s dreamy lakeside hotel wedding in Cumbria was a day full of emotion and love, set at the comely and tranquil Lakeside Hotel & Spa. As their wedding photographers, we were fortunate enough to witness their beautiful day unfold, from bride prep to the ceremony and vows, to the cutting of the cake. It was an incredibly special day, and one that will be remembered for years to come. This peaceful haven is an idyllic setting at the southern tip of Lake Windermere, a stunning backdrop for all images. Licenced for civil wedding ceremonies, Lakeside allows you to host the wedding entire day in just one location. Picture your wedding in the traditional surroundings of a 17th century coaching inn, with its original oak panelling, open fire and stained glass windows, whilst saying your vows overlooking the breath-taking view of Lake Windermere. Lakesides dedicated, professional team leave nothing to chance, to ensure a magical experience for you and your guests. The unique location combined with superb food and great hospitality will make your occasion unforgettable.
Upon arrival we were greeted by stunning entrance to the Lakeside hotel and the astounding staff who were polite and professional at all times. It wasn't long before we bumped into George who we catched up with regarding some ideas for images around the building. The setting and grounds are to die for and although the weather wasn't on our side the low fog rolling over the hills integrated so much to the scene. Before heading up to Emily's room to capture bride prep we caught up with Bethany the wedding coordinator who was exceptional at her role and was nothing but helpful all day, her bubbly and fun personality made her a pleasure to work along side and we couldn't praise her enough. A few knocks on Emilys bedroom door and we were greeted by the bridesmaids, each one smiling from ear to ear albeit you could feel the nerves in the room they were soon overshadowed by the emotion building, from nervous laughs to smiles, deep breaths and clock watching which all lead to the sureal notion that "im getting married in a hour" ! Emily's hair and make up was absolutely stunning, very elegant and classy, the makeup and hair artists did an incredible job. Emily looked beautiful as did all her bridesmaids. As always we endeavor to stay out of the way and just capture the little details and the preperations in a candid and natural way. It wasnt long before It came to Emily putting on her dress and the big reveal and reactions from everyone was a sight to behold! We always capture the maid of honour fastening up the dress and this time it was an incredible shot that we just love because of the emotion shown from both Emily and her maid of honour, more tears and more embraces. It wasn't long before mum and dad came to see their stunning daughter on her wedding day and the reaction was so heart warming, with tears still streaming down everyones cheeks it felt like the moment was frozen in time. After capturing these emotional moments it was time for us to take a breath and head off to greet the guests outside the ceremony room ready for when the bride and groom arrived. We soon met back up with George as he was waiting for his beloved bride, there was a surprise gift handed over by George’s brother from Emily to George which was a lovely personalised set of cuff links engraved with “Love Nan” in his nans handwriting it was a very sweet and personal gesture which got George a little teary and finished off his attire perfectly. Then there was a second gift which was a Bracelet from George to Emily which was handed over and placed on her wrist by her maid of honour on the stunning staircase just before Emily made her way down with Dad before entering the ceremony room.
The ceremony set-up was simply beautiful with a large glass double door leading into the conservatory that created perfect natural light. The warm traditional 17th century solid oak panelling encapsulated the room. This inspiring lakeside wedding was sure to be a hit on any wedding blog or Instagram account providing inspiration for those wanting their own cumbrian lakeside wedding. The moment was electric and all eyes were on the groom and his groomsmen as they entered the ceremony room. George and his groomsmen fitted with a grey check suit with a teal waistcoat and tie looked as sharp as a tack! Emilys bridesmaids in beaufitul emerald green dresses, each one looked a million dollars. Then came the moment for beautiful bride and her Dad to enter the ceremony room, George's reaction to seeing Emily was humbling and one of true love. The most immense thing i feel i needed to input into this blog was that albeit we have shot an abundance of beautiful weddings men are inclined to put on the macho persona and endeavor to avoid showing any emotion and tears. George didnt hold back those emotions and he got huge respect from both of us! it makes all the difference to express that emotion, not just in your images but also to the people around you. The first look of your bride on your wedding day is nothing like you’ve ever experienced before. You see your partner everyday, see them dress up for nights out and special occasions and are in awe at her beauty and question how am i so lucky? But at your wedding it hits hard, reality strikes and you realise this woman you’re about to marry is yours for the rest of time. Your legally creating a bond of commitment and duty to this woman and that is not only beautiful but also terrifying, don't be afraid to show that emotion and how much they mean to you. Men cry too and in this case it is not a sign of weakness but a sign of true love. This was only the start of an incredibly special day for these two amazing people. That emotion never ceased all throughout the ceremony, nervous laughs and smiles and the look of awe on each other faces was astounding to see and be a huge part of. The couple exchanged vows and embraced with love, exhibiting their commitment to one another as husband and wife with george smilling as he looked down at his new shiny wedding band! This intimate wedding celebrated by friends and family members was truly a dream come true for George and Emily.
As always after the ceremony the guests and couple have a moment to relax, all get drinks and canopes and just take a breather knowing that they are finally married. Within this time we capture the moments as they unfold in our usual candid and natural way. The guests laughing and simply enjoying the day. The bride and groom sharing some intimate moments with parents and family, overall letting them enjoy their special day. Once George and Emily were ready we decided to gather everyone up and quickly get the group shots out the way so everyone could go back to enjoying themselves and we can steal the beautiful couple for a few moments for those all important intimate couples shots. It was hard as photographers to create that balance between getting amazing images for the bride and groom but also not taking up too much of their time with with it being such an intimate wedding. The setting in the lakes is so beautiful and there are so many possibilities of creating such amazing images but you have to remember that the couple want to get back to their guests and enjoy their day so we have to work quickly, choose the best areas and speak to the couple themselves to see if they are happy to carry on or get back to their guests which is why we feel that it is super important to have that level of communication with your wedding photographers upon booking.
After the couple images and a little time mingling with their guests it was time for speeches, George was up first and he didn’t disappoint he spoke about how he and Emily were destined to be together since day one, first batting eyes on her in a local farmfoods brought a roar of laughter all around and as we live local to George and Emily we know the location well so this gave us a laugh also. George gave sizably large admirations to his family and his second true love Dixie before finally fixating on his brother. The profound appreciation and respect between the two brothers George spoke with a tremble in his voice and shortly after, both had an emotional embrace. Georges brother/best man was up next and gave everyone a genuine insight to George growing up - those special recollections and comical times are always amazing to hear on a wedding day and there was no shortage of embarrassing moments for the bride and groom! Just as a best man should! Both speeches gathered numerous laughs alongside numerous tears too a true sight to behold.
Shorlty after the wedding breakfast it was time to cut the cake, a moment we love as after a few drinks throughout the day you never actually know what to expect. 90% of the time somone ends up with cake on their face! But for George and Emily it was a far more sophisticated and traditional approach, a lovely moment to seal the marriage with a few laughs and jokes alongside. Cutting the cake symbolises a married couples first task together and brings luck to their new lives together.
Due to this being a secret wedding until the following week in which the couple had organised an evening gathering for all family and friends to share the big news of their wedding there wasn’t a first dance for us to capture as they decided to wait and have all family and friends present at their celebration witnesd their first dance as a married couple. Sadly this was the end of the day for us but not before one last shot! The one image that both Emily and George wanted above anything else was an images of them both with their beloved dog, Dixie up front and centre during their vows but unfortunately this wasn’t possible as the whole event got Dixie a little too excited! We knew this was a special moment for them so we just had to get atleast one image of all three of them together on their special day so we headed up to the room where Dixie was staying and after a small battle and a lot of bribery with a packet of shortbread biscuits we managed to get an image of all of them together.
We can only thank George and Emily for choosing Lux to capture their big day by providing them with amazing images and a friendly professional service. We wish nothing but a long and happy marriage to them both and as always your not just clients but lifetime friends!
Adam & Rebecca
