Sandra and Matt’s Wedding at The Wild Boar, Crook


Let's start by saying, I've been a wedding photographer in the Lake District for a long time and some weddings just stay with you. Sandra and Matt’s was one of them. It was June, and it rained like mad from morning to night, but none of it mattered. The whole day was full of warmth, laughter and those little moments that remind you what weddings are really about.


The Wild Boar has this lovely rustic charm that makes bad weather feel almost welcome. The fires were going, guests huddled together with drinks in hand, and there was a relaxed, happy atmosphere from start to finish. Sandra and Matt brought their little dog along too, who stole the show more than once and didn’t mind the rain in the slightest.

A bride in a white strapless wedding dress stands in soft lighting with elegant dangling earrings.
Close-up of green rose leaves with water droplets and pink stems in soft focus garden setting.
A bride in a flowing white wedding dress twirls gracefully in a sunlit room with vintage decor and curtains.
A bride in a strapless wedding dress holds a beautiful white and yellow bouquet inside a rustic cottage interior.
Close-up of white calla lily and yellow floral boutonnieres with twine wrap on black tuxedo lapels.
Rustic wooden garden furniture set arranged on a lush green lawn with blooming flowers and natural landscaping.
Orange petunias and small pink flowers bloom in decorative hanging baskets along a garden wall.
Close-up of vibrant pink rhododendron flowers blooming against blurred green foliage in natural light.
A bride in a strapless white wedding dress holds a lush bouquet of white flowers and greenery against a neutral background.
A rustic wedding reception venue with warm lighting and dried floral arrangements hanging from wooden beams.
Black and white panoramic view of a wedding reception venue with twinkling lights and silhouettes of guests.
A groom in a black tuxedo and bowtie smiles during a wedding ceremony with warm lighting and decor in the background.
A series of black and white wedding reception photos showing guests mingling and celebrating.
Wedding ceremony taking place in a rustic indoor venue decorated with dried floral arrangements hanging from above.
Close-up shots of hands exchanging wedding rings during a formal ceremony.
Couple exchanging vows during an intimate indoor wedding ceremony beneath dried floral ceiling decorations.
Wedding party posing against rustic stone wall backdrop with floral decorations.
Wedding guests dancing and celebrating under hanging floral decorations at an indoor reception venue.

After the ceremony, we made our way up to the tarn in the Land Rover that is stationed on site. It was a short drive but completely added to the experience. That is where they exchanged their own personal vows, just the two of them, while I quietly photographed from a distance. It was one of those moments where you feel genuinely lucky to be doing what you do, simple, private and full of feeling.

A couple shares a romantic moment in their wedding attire against a backdrop of lush green trees and cloudy skies.
A happy couple shares romantic moments during their outdoor wedding photoshoot in a natural setting.
A groom in a black tuxedo and bowtie smiles during an outdoor wedding ceremony.
A romantic wedding couple shares intimate moments in a natural outdoor setting with lush greenery and wildflowers.
A fluffy Finnish Spitz dog with a fox-like face and reddish-brown fur sits in tall grass on a sunny day.
A bride in a white wedding dress sits gracefully in a sunlit meadow surrounded by lush green grass and trees.
A couple shares a romantic moment in a scenic meadow surrounded by lush green trees and overcast skies.
A rustic wedding bouquet with white flowers and greenery rests on a wooden surface in an outdoor setting.
A romantic wedding couple poses with a vintage green military truck in a rustic outdoor setting.
Wedding party guests pose for group photos outside a traditional English pub with white exterior walls and dark trim.

Back at the venue, the food was unbelievable. They insisted I join them for the full three courses, and I waddled out of there afterwards, completely worth it. The speeches were another highlight. Sandra is Polish, so everything had been translated ahead of time. It made for some brilliant moments where the room would erupt in laughter twice over, a few seconds apart.

Black and white photo montage shows people riding on public transit buses in the 1950s era.
Delicate white and yellow daisies with dark centers arranged in a natural garden setting.
A sequence of hands holding a silver ring against a white marble background shows different angles of the jewelry piece.
Elegant dining room with long wooden table, crystal chandelier and rustic dried floral arrangements hanging from ceiling.
Place setting with silver cutlery and handwritten name card on wooden table.
Place card and silverware setting on rustic wooden dining table.
Formal dinner party gathering around an elegantly set table with floral decorations and candlelight.
A person in a black sleeveless top smiles warmly while seated at a dining table with glassware.
A person in a floral print dress laughs joyfully at a dining table with decorative elements visible.
A joyful couple shares a candid moment during their wedding reception at an indoor venue.
A joyful moment shared between a senior woman and her small brown dog at an elegant dinner table setting.
A wedding guest in a black tuxedo and bow tie raises a glass of champagne during a celebration.
A guest wearing a decorative hat and glasses smiles while holding a wine glass at a formal event.
Gourmet plated dish featuring a sunny side up egg garnished with microgreens on a rustic ceramic plate.
Homemade meringue dessert with whipped cream topping served on rustic wooden table.
A couple in formal wedding attire toasting with wine glasses in front of a rustic stone wall.

The whole day felt like a reflection of them, natural, funny and completely unbothered by the weather. The rain just added to the story.

Planning your own Wild Boar wedding?

If you are getting married at The Wild Boar and are looking for relaxed, genuine photography that captures the real atmosphere of your day, I would love to hear from you. Discover other venues in the Lake District here.