The Cragwood Country House Hotel has to be one of the finest hotels in The Lake Disctrict, with by far the best view down to Lake Windermere we've come across at a wedding venue. Philip and his team work incredibly hard to make every wedding day run smoothly, and this was no exception.
When Claire & Steve first mentioned they may have an outdoor ceremony, we weren't sure whether it would happen as the good old British weather isn't usually that kind in April. However we were to be proved wrong, and the day was absolutely glorious with hardly a cloud in the sky. (and we've had 2 further outdoor ceremonies this April as well!!). Bright sunlight isn't the photographer's best friend, but we work around it by positioning people so that they aren't squinting from the sun, and we can use fill in flash to compensate for any harsh shadows.
There was plenty for us to photograph on the day, starting with Claire's bridal preparations right through to the launch of sky lanterns in the evening. Cragwood has a private jetty, and so at 6pm all the wedding guests (and us!) were treated to a cruise on the lake. Claire & Steve were happy to have a good wander around the grounds with us, and so we made the most of a lot of the features including some gorgeous daffodils.
Claire & Steve had booked the hugely talented Tom Wardle to perform on their big day. When we arrived back from the lake cruise, Tom was outside playing the guitar and singing The Verve's Lucky Man - an absolute perfect and spinetingling choice as the sun was setting behind the Cumbrian fells. Tom and his band will travel nationwide, and we would wholeheartedly recommend checking them out.
Claire's mum and sister did a great job of lacing the back of Claire's beautiful dress.
Some of the groom Steve's preparations - if the groom is getting ready in the same location as the bride we always try and get a few photos.
Steve waiting for his bride in the hotel grounds.
A magnificent view down to Lake Windermere - what more could you ask for!
Capturing an intimate moment between Claire & Steve.
The view of the lake from the other side of the gardens.
Absolutely hilarious speeches, as you can tell by the expressions (and hands!)
A more contemporary shot taken outside a boathouse by the lake.
Out on the cruise on the lake.
Tom playing as the sun set behind the fells.
Claire launching the first sky lantern of the evening. (If you're having lanterns please buy the cow friendly metal-free versions like Claire & Steve did)
Labels: wedding photographs cragwood windermere
