Lake District Wedding Photographer at Town Head Estate

The morning began with relentless rain sweeping across the fells either side of Lake Windermere. Torrential, sideways, the kind that makes you question every outdoor plan. I remember Sophie telling me she was up at 3am, sitting on the side of the bath praying the weather to clear so she could have the outdoor ceremony she was dreaming of. When I arrived and began wedding preparation portraits, how were Sophie and Andrew?
They were taking it completely in their stride. Totally calm, smiling, and full of hope that the forecast might just turn.

Given the gift of the typical August Lake District weather, their wedding ceremony was in the rustic wedding barn on the shores of Windermere. With the wind and rain hammering on the original restored window panes, inside the barn was cosy, calm and very considered. The venue and the stylist pulled off back up plan B, successful and streamline. It never felt like a back up plan, and the couple never treated it like one either, which allowed smiles all round.

Eventually … We were blessed.

Between the heavy spells, we managed confetti, group shots, and even smoke grenades - yes, in the rain yet not quite as bad thankfully. It was chaotic in the best possible way, full of laughter and determination, from both the couple and all the suppliers involved.

This wedding had everything:
A classy Harry Potter theme throughout - subtle whilst noticeable. A quill sat on the table for signing the register, Favours with a quidditch twist.
A surprise singing waiter (thank you Sophie’s mum, Su-per move), seeing Sophie and Andrews faces was fantastic!
An incredible sweet shop, also created by Su (seriously next level with a hint of Harry Potter, too!)
Non-stop laughter and energy from start to finish.
Adjustments made in the planning, build up and execution of the day by all involved, resulting in a delightful day of magic at this Happy Potter styled wedding.

Not overdone. Not gimmicky.
Just beautifully detailed, subtle, and honestly one of the most tasteful alternative themed weddings I’ve ever seen.

Sophie and Andrew’s story started at work as Andrew opening a bistro in a newly built building, Sophie transferred there to support the people within it.
Seven years later (yes, seven!), Andrew finally proposed. Sophie, naturally, responded with:
“I’ll get back to you in 5–7 working days.”
The train on Sophie dress was at least a foot for each year she waited for that proposal, too! Her gown filled the aisle and some.
Now 11 years strong, they’ve built a beautiful life together with their little boy, Reuben August. Named in part for the month they married. August - Sophie told me, "That's when we created our future together, where nothing matters as long as our little family is ok".

Whilst finding a Lake District wedding venue that could cater for 120 guests, selecting a venue was a huge part of Sophie and Andrews wedding planning process.
She has visited many venues looking for that perfect feel for them, as she wanted a certain look.
Sophie described Town Head Estate as their happy place and a venue that instantly felt right.
She told me, "The courtyard reminded her of Italy" - and I totally agree. On a sunny Summers day that courtyard in the nearest thing to Italy in the Lake District. The barn, the views, the atmosphere…It all just clicked and worked pleasantly alongside their tastefully presented Harry Potter theme.
Andrew and Sophie knew it was the venue for them when they could easily picture themselves getting married at Town Head Estate.
Even now, they return and feel exactly the same as they did before their wedding day. They visited again on their 1st anniversary and again with their three week old little boy, Reuben.

Sophie shared something every couple needs to hear:
From sideways rain to last-minute dress stress. None of it mattered in the end.

"It sounds like a cliché but just enjoy it, if something goes wrong and it doesn’t massively affect the day don’t worry about it. We were supposed to get married outside which I loved and the weather the day before and day after was stunning however on our day the rain was that heavy it was side ways. I sat on the edge of the copper bath in the bridal suit at 3am and just kept thinking it will clear soon. It didn’t clear until much later on we ended up getting married in the barn but it kept us all together which was lovely and then people went off to explore. They messed our brides maid dresses up which were olive green to match the wedding so I had to run out 3 days before and buy blush ones and incorporate blush through the wedding. I also didn’t see my dress until 10 days before. It wasn’t the colour I had ordered and there was still lots of little bits that needed doing to it, I had my final dress fitting an hour before we travelled up to the lakes, but it was still perfect. So just don’t worry about it, I stressed so much about trying to get it all perfect and I look back now and it took a little bit of the journey away from me so try your hardest not to sweat the small stuff. Also if you are making anything yourself start early, it doesn’t matter how much time you think you have."

Venue: Town Head Estate
Photographer & Film: Clare Gelderd Photography
DJ: Gary Mills Wedding DJ & Host
Saxophonist: Spencer Sax
Catering: Karen Rhodes Weddings & Events
Lighting: Emma Jane Events
Makeup: Sophie Jakeman MUA
Flowers: Made in Flowers
Dog Attire: Woofs Weddings
Dog Chaperone: Ambleside Dog Walkers