I always like photographing at Castle Green Hotel. I literally live across the road so whatever the weather, flood, snow, ice, fog, I can always get there. Fortunately we didn’t have any of these at Julie and Calum’s wedding a few weeks ago and the summer sun shone so that the couple could be married outside.

I arrived early and did the makeup for Julie and her friend before the ceremony and then got some pictures in the room which was overflowing with bridesmaids and laughter. It was great to see everyone from Debonair hair salon.

Beautiful flowers were provided by ‘Floristry by Carmen‘.

It must be 25 years since I was last at The Drunken Duck on the west side of Windermere and it was lovely to revisit again last week when Patricia and Ross celebrated their marriage. The ceremony was held at Kendal register office, where I attend wedding very frequently and the registrars are always friendly and put couples at ease on the big day. The two mothers attended as special guests and also witnesses, which made it very personal.

After the ceremony, was a pleasant drive to the drunken Duck. It was a lovely summer day and Patricia and Ross were so relaxed together, making for some lovely shots with stunning views.

I particularly liked the courtyard area as it had some really interesting features for the photography.

Smaller weddings are so relaxed and I love these as much as the hustle and bustle of a large wedding.

After a tranquil trip across Windermere on the car ferry, I arrived early at Sawrey House  on the morning to do Adele’s hair and makeup and also her Mum’s hair and Daniel’s Mum’s hair and makeup. It is a great way for people to get to know me before I start taking pictures and we all had a lovely relaxed morning. I like providing all 3 services and creating the whole look to then capture it on camera.

After an emotional ceremony, (Adele walked into an Elvis Presley tune which was a favourite of the groom and he had not expected it). we got some great images in the garden and walked up the lane to Beatrix Potter’s cottage – Hill Top. It was lovely to photograph here and the guide who was dressed as Beatrix potter was very helpful and accommodating, to let us use the garden.

The mother of the groom made an absolutely beautiful wedding cake which she should be very proud of.

I left the wedding party at 5pm and enjoyed coming back to edit their images.

I grew up on the lane where The Villa, Levens is situated, so it is a very special place to me. I remember it as a convent, run by The Salasian sisters, until the last few years when they sadly left. The building has been tastefully upgraded and still has the beautiful staircase which is the centrepiece of the building.

Stephanie and Daniel had a wonderful day and Stephanie looked beautiful. I loved her Jimmy Choo shoes!!

I arrived at The Villa in the morning to photograph the preparations and meet everyone, then it was off to St Charles’ church in Grange-over-Sands for a lovely ceremony.

The couple were announced back at the Villa by a lady piper!

Flowers: Bluebell and Ivy, Ulverston

Hair: Kacuzi

Wedding season is getting into full swing now that April has arrived and after a busy morning of makeup and hair trials last Saturday, I then went to Dale Lodge in Grasmere to photograph the beautiful wedding of Catherine and Steven. I do like smaller weddings as they have a different feel and atmosphere to the larger occasions.

Catherine’s son Leo did a splendid job as best man and you could see what a lovely family they make.

The weather cleared up and Steven’s father kindly drove us up to Grasmere Youth Hostel at High Close for a bit of fell walking. (Not easy for me in a suit and heels)! The views were absolutely breathtaking and it was well worth the effort getting to the top.

Flowers by Flowers by Arrangement

It is always very special to attend a wedding of just Bride and groom who have eloped to The Lake District. Sandra and Jason did just that in September this year and celebrated at The Briery Wood Country House Hotel. I had met this lovely couple previously, when Sandra had her hair and makeup trial with me, so we felt like we knew each other on the day. After the ceremony, we strolled around the gardens for some relaxed photographs. You know when you see a couple who really suit each other and this couple were one of them.
Hair and makeup: Massage and Beauty Kendal
Photography: Rachel Winter Photography

Helen and Matt were married at St Bees Priory in August 2017 which at the time of catching up with my blogs, seems such a long time ago!

The reception was held at Helen’s parents farm on the west coast of Cumbria.

Two spectacular Teepees made a fantastic backdrop to the wedding venue and also a welcome shelter (It was soooo windy)!

I really enjoyed photographing around the farm and having the use of the beautiful garden and fields which showed off the glorious fells in the distance.