Cote How Elopement - Whatever the weather
Debbie and Steve met in 2007 met at work, as both emergency ambulance staff.
With being a laid back couple they took another 3 years getting to know one another before finally getting together as a couple in 2010. Mr and Mrs Snow have been together for nearly 15 years!
As Emergency workers Debbie and Steve rarely get Christmas off, however in 2023 that changed and they made the most of it by booking a Christmas package at Keswick in the Lake District.
On Christmas morning this outdoorsy couple went for a walk down to Derwent water. Budding photographer Steve was hoping to get some lovely photos of the lake.
Whilst on the jetty Steve asked Debbie to reach into his camera bag for his other lens. As she reached into the bag and pulled out what she thought was a camera lens… It was actually a jar of Marmite (Debbie adores Marmite!) this had been personalised with the words "Debbie will you marry me?"
Debbie was totally shocked by his proposal, she even forgot to say yes! Her answer was a complete no brainer though!
They soon got to work looking for a venue where they could get married with the least amount of stress and found Cote How in the Lake District. Where the couple were able to have a very small (just the 2 of us) elopement.
I (Clare), am on Cote How recommended photographers list, after the couple viewed my website and loving my work they decided I’d be perfect to capture their special day. Not only that but they jumped right on board with wanting additional coverage to allow us all to go on an adventure up Blea Tarn, a location that both Debbie and Steve love.
Before you go please click here if you are looking for a wedding photographer in Cumbria.
After a whirlwind 6 months Mr and Mrs Snow said yes on 4th July 2024, at Cote How.
Debbie was a very hands on bride, doing her own hair and make-up, after some trial and error at home. Also she created her own dusk pink and cream bridal bouquet, that will be a lifelong reminder of their special day.
Upon my arrival, Debbie was opening the most wonderful surprise that her friend had sent to Cote How directly. It was a beautiful ring and a lovely message along with it, resulting in overwhelming tears of love.
Debbie and Steve then continued to tell Steve, Caroline and Rachel that I was without a doubt their choice of photographer, which really caught me off guard. It is also extra special when couples sing your praises!
The ceremony was perfect, with many touching moments, delicate glances and giggles between the two of them. Steve wore a Marmite pin, which was a nod to Debbies love of the food and Steves quirky engagement.
Once the ceremony was complete, Steve (Cote How) and Rachel, threw confetti…A confetti throw which failed due to unpredictable wind conditions. Fail not, as Rachel was well equipped to do again with more confetti, second time around we nailed it!
Great British summer 2024, wasn’t all sunshine and warm, this mid-week wedding was all weathers! Nevertheless, as we intended we wondered on down to the waters edge, Rydal Water. Debbie, being a cow print lover had cool, cow print wellington boots, boots that cost more than her wedding dress, oh and a matching umbrella! Yes, we had brollies, which was kind of ridiculous given the wind speeds, but with that came a load of laughing and windswept photographs. Mr and Mrs Snow absolutely embraced every moment of their couple portraits before returning to Cote How for a last beverage.
Next up we ventured over to Blea Tarn. The positive thing was, Blea Tarn certainly wasn’t going to have a busy car park due to the serious weather conditions. In fact, I think there was only two other vehicles there. After waiting a short while for the rain to again stop, we gave up and headed out of our cars, over to the tarn. Initially, with jackets on but I was please Mr and Mrs Snow were keen to continue embracing the weather. From thunder rain through to warm sunny spells, we got soaked and dried and repeated for a few hours as we took some gorgeous scenic photographs.
Throughout the whole of the day, I cannot fault Mr and Mrs Snows energy, enthusiasm and understanding given the joyous Lake District Weather. As a photographer, the ever changing conditions kept me on my toes, and certainly gave me some fun during the edit process.
These are the kind of free spirited, outdoorsy couples I love to work with. We may have come home, wet and muck up, but it was definitely worth it. Debbie and Steve, then returned to Keswick for their wedding evening, a lovely warm end to their damp day and very fitting giving their Marmite engagement.
If any of the above resonates with you, I’d love to hear from you,
Clare Gelderd
