A Midsummer Wedding at Laura Ashley's,

The Belsfield Hotel, Windermere.

A midsummer's wedding for Jon and Rachael at Laura Ashley's, The Belsfield Hotel, Windermere. As a wedding photographer in Cumbria, I'm used to travelling about all over the Lake District to photograph wedding stories. I visit lots of really beautiful hotels but the Belsfield Hotel is and to this day, remains to be one of my favourite wedding venues. Set back and overlooking the hustle and bustle of Bowness-on-Windermere, this Windermere hotel offers stunning views across the lake and towards the Langdales. In the summer, it's blessed with the evening sun which offers opportunities for beautiful backlit romantic portraits, and as far as places go in the Lake District, there's fewer I'd rather be.

The day started at Rachael's Mum's house over in Kendal where we took some candid photos of the bridal preparation. When I arrived, Rachael was incredibly calm and composed, in fact, I've never seen a bride less nervous! I photographed all the important little details and took some candid photos of the bridal party before finally departing for The Belsfield Hotel where Jon was anxiously waiting.

On arrival at The Belsfield, things were a little bit less relaxed! Jon was nervous but very happy to see me; it seemed the reality was setting in and before long we were making our way downstairs to await the arrival of Rachael. Some time went by, and then some more time went by, and then news broke! The wedding car had broken down on the way to pick Rachael up. Oh no! Jon tucked into his hip flask as we nervously waited for what seemed like an eternity.

Finally, Rachael arrived, looking absolutely stunning! Obviously a lot more nervous than when I left her, and understandably so! It was full steam ahead from this point as the registrars didn't have long before they had to be somewhere else. The ceremony was perhaps shorter than normal but no less beautiful. After the ceremony, we had a few photos at The Belsfield and then escaped the main wedding party for some more intimate wedding photos at Blackwell House.

What an amazing day it turned out to be; full of love, emotion, sun, smiles and laughter! Although, I must say (and I'm sure Jon will agree with me) that it was a trifle hot to be wearing a full suit! Still, one can't complain; the weather was on our side for once, which is a rarity in this part of the world!

A massive congratulations to you both! Thanks for choosing me to do your wedding photography, it was a real privilege; I've not stopped smiling all the way through the editing process of your photos and I'm super excited to receive your photo selections for your wedding album.

Below is a very small selection of some of my favourite photographs from your beautiful wedding day.