Pink and Coral Country wedding

Thursday 9th Jan 2025

The Wedding of Mr. and Mrs. Brown

5th July 2024

Some weddings leave a lasting imprint not just on the couple but on everyone in attendance (including me) - and Mr. and Mrs. Brown’s wedding at the lovely Broadoaks Country House was one of those magical days. From their heartwarming story of childhood familiarity to reconnecting over a first date that included a surprise third wheel, to their charming country-style wedding, the day was nothing short of beautiful. I knew from first speaking to the couple, they were an ideal fit with me, with energy, joy and a genuine love. From start to finish it was a whole load of fun!

A Love That Took Its Time...

Andrew and his bride might have crossed paths at The Lakes School, but fate had bigger plans. Years later, an online reconnection led to a date at the Royal Oak in Bowness. Of course, Andrew’s best man 'Toddy' tagged along as a backup plan - just in case. Luckily, the date didn’t flop. A memorable first kiss at The Wheelhouse, Bowness sealed their connection, and, as the bride put it, “he just never left.”

Their proposal was a perfectly imperfect Sunday morning moment. Picture this: the bride in pink fluffy pyjamas and wellies, Andrew dressed in tweed and a flat cap. Walking through a meadow, Andrew popped the question. It was spontaneous, quirky, and so very them. Just genuine!

A Wedding Steeped in Personality and Sentiment...

Lauren told me she had known for years that I was their dream photographer, the Browns planned a wedding full of personal touches and heartfelt meaning. Hawkshead Church, a daily part of their lives and a picturesque cornerstone of their love story, became the perfect venue for their vows. Walking through the churchyard occasionally with their dog, and seeing the church, alongside hearing the bells from their home, they knew it was “home.”

The reception at Broadoaks Country House perfectly matched the couple’s vision. Its country charm and cozy accommodation made it an ideal choice for family and friends traveling from afar. Plus, with its stunning Lake District views and quintessential character, it added a touch of elegance to their rustic celebration.

The Service by Clare Gelderd Photography...
Lauren and Andrew went for a 10 hour coverage package from me, including a mini-film. They wanted full informal coverage, ensuring it was a day full of love and natural moments. Their package included an adventurous pre-wedding portrait at their farm including their much loved dogs and a spin on the quad-bike.

The Aesthetics of the Day...

This wedding was a perfect blend of tradition, country charm, and modern fun, with a 12.30 service a Hawkshead Church, in the heart of the Lake District. The bride’s stunning lace dress with delicate floral appliqué matched the natural surroundings beautifully. Pops of vibrant pink, coral, and orange flowers in the bouquet brought warmth and cheerfulness to the day. The groom arrived on an orange vintage tractor! The guests were treated to a bus ride, with Cumbria Classic Coaches that added a nostalgic touch to the festivities.

The day was filled with laughter, from playful moments during the vows to the lively energy of sparklers lighting up the evening. The Browns created an informal vibe that allowed everyone to relax and celebrate together. A photo booth, Photohoof ensured plenty of hilarious keepsakes, while the backdrop of rolling hills and dramatic skies offered the most picturesque settings for their couple portraits.

The Church: A Blend of Tradition and Romance

Upon arrival to Hawkshead Church, the bells rung, locals lined the entrance and the boys were present after arriving on their vintage tractors. Andrew taking pride on his very own Orange David Brown, finished just in time for his wedding! Hawkshead Church was dressed with understated yet meaningful decor that highlighted its natural beauty. Soft greenery cascaded around the entrance, complemented by a few blooms in their vibrant colour palette of coral, orange, and pink. Perfectly composed by Flower B Florist. Inside, the pew ends were adorned with small floral arrangements tied with hessian and silk ribbons, seamlessly blending tradition with rustic charm.

A couple of larger floral arrangement near the altar was the centre piece of the church decor. It was filled with seasonal flowers that reflected the couple’s warm and cheerful theme, adding life to the historic space. Elysia String Quartet played within Church, creating a serene, romantic ambiance that made their vows all the more special. They also attended the reception, playing outside in the sunshine.

Upon leaving the service, the guests really demonstrated the energy the day was going to have throughout with a show-stopping confetti throw aisle. I instantly thought, 'today's going to be a hoot!'.

The 80 day guests were only a tease for me as there were 100 guests arriving for their evening celebrations and partying!
The couples meet and greet took quite some time as everyone left for Broadoaks Country House.

The Reception: Rustic Elegance at Broadoaks Country House

The reception at Broadoaks Country House was nothing short of magical. The Browns opted for a timeless country-style theme with a modern twist, and every corner was beautifully transformed.

The Tables: Each table was dressed with crisp white linens, vintage lace runners, and centre pieces that stole the show. Colourful floral arrangements, which featured an explosion of vibrant blooms, delicate foliage, and sprigs flowers. The arrangements were set in mismatched jars/bottles, tied with twine and lace for a whimsical, handmade feel.

Lighting: Soft, warm lighting set the tone for the evening. Strings of fairy lights hung across the ceiling beams of the Broadoaks orangery reception room, adding a romantic yet fun twinkle. Twinned with the vibrant florals and enthusiasm of all the guests it was an evening to remember.

Floral Masterpieces - Flower B Florist

Flowers were the focal point of the decor, adding life and vibrancy to the day. The bride’s bouquet was a stunning arrangement of bold coral peonies, orange ranunculus, bright pink roses, and lush greenery, tied with flowing silk ribbons. This theme carried through to the bridesmaids’ smaller bouquets, Bottonholes for the groomsmen, and even the floral decor throughout the reception venue.

Outdoor Spaces: Bringing the Countryside In

Given the picturesque outdoor setting, the Browns made full use of the grounds at Broadoaks Country House. The garden area was utilised for their informal group portraits and for the children to explore and play. We had plenty of movement and fun whilst working with all the children to ensure we captured the most natural moments.

The vintage bus stayed on site a little while for the couple to have a moment and get some portraits as they unwound from the ceremony at Hawkshead Church, their long line of meet and greet after. Following this we took a little stroll down the road to take in the views, overlooking Windermere, ahead of their three course meal.

Many guests enjoyed sitting in the sun with a drink, though it was somewhat breezy. Others got comfortable inside the country houses cosy lounge area. The afternoon saw the arrival of Photohoof, a local, well known horse box Photo Booth which sat effortlessly into Lauren and Andrews day, whilst providing a fun way for guests to take home memories from their day.

Evening Magic: Sparklers and Fun

As the sun set, we headed for a brief moment of calm once again with the couple. It made absolute sense given the warmth of their wedding florals and the colours in the sky.
The Browns ensured the evening sparkled - literally. Guests were provided with sparklers to light up the night, always interesting to photograph when your guests are rather merry laid back, nevertheless what a success it was, and what joy it brought to those participating. Photohoof continued to work into the evening, allowing for a little more wild moments to be captured, then seen in print!

A Reflection of Them

Every decoration, from the hand-tied floral arrangements to the lovingly crafted signage, was a reflection of the Browns as a couple - authentic, full of fun, and deeply connected to their roots. The decor wasn’t just beautiful; it was bright, creating an atmosphere that felt warm, inviting, and unmistakably them.

Capturing the Moments...

As their photographer, it was an honour to be a part of such a joyful and unique day. From the quiet, candid moments of the bride getting ready with her bridesmaids to the sparkler-lit evening dance surrounded by friends and family. They styled their day to suit them and it shone through.

The Browns’ choice of for their wedding wasn’t just practical - it was sentimental. Its proximity to their beloved Hawkshead Church and its charm means they’ll always have a special place that they see from their home in Hawkshead, keeping the memories of their day alive for years to come.

Andrew and his bride brought their story to life in the most modern yet traditional way. It wasn’t just a wedding; it was a celebration of love, laughter, and a lifetime of shared dreams.