Town Head Estate October wedding
Sean & Ellie’s Unforgettable Wedding at Town Head Estate...
I remember weddings for a multitude of reasons...Sean and Ellie’s big day at Town Head Estate on October 12th, 2024, was energetic, and full of warmth.
A challenging one for me on a recently broken ankle! Given my reduced speed situation, I hired in a reliable assistant for the day (thank you Photohoof - Photo Booth), guaranteeing Sean and Ellie would not be affected by my position.
The day offered a perfect blend of natural beauty, heartfelt moments, and an epic celebration with their closest friends, family, and their beloved dog, Maverick. I met Maverick on Ellie and Seans very WET pre-wedding portrait session at Coniston Coppermines, another day I'll always remember aside this fun filled couple.
From the breathtaking Autumn hues of the Lake District, teamed with cohesive fresh florals, to the warm, rustic, yet modern charm of their venue, every detail of this day was a dream for my photography style and edit.
Each and every vendor was hand picked by Ellie and Sean, building their day exactly how they wanted it, fun, informal and full of warmth.
A Journey That Started on Two Wheels...
Sean and Ellie’s love story is one of adventure. They first met at Sean’s bike shop, The Ark Cycles, thanks to a mutual cycling friend. What started as a visit to check out Sean’s new business venture soon became something much more - the start of a lifetime together.
Their engagement was nothing short of an epic tale. High up in the Dolomites, in the middle of a grueling bike-packing adventure, Sean popped the question. Despite being completely exhausted and under the weather, Ellie said yes - a moment shared with their two best friends, who were just as surprised as she was!
It was this shared love for adventure, the outdoors, and, of course, cycling that set the tone for their wedding day - relaxed, fun, and full of energy.
The couples outdoor adventure side shone through as we undertook their wonderfully wet Lake District engagement / pre-wedding portrait at another favourite venue of mine, Coniston Coppermines. This session fell on one of the wettest weekends of 2024, resulting in us all being soaked and achieving a wholesome worthy gallery of wetness.
A Venue That Stole Their Hearts...
Choosing Town Head Estate was an easy decision. Nestled in the heart of the Lake District, upon Lake Windermere, this idyllic lakeside venue was the perfect match for Sean and Ellie’s love of nature and adventure.
The couple, who spend many weekends hiking and biking through the Wainwrights with their dog, Maverick, wanted a venue that reflected their passion for the great outdoors. With sweeping views of Lake Windermere, golden Autumn trees, and a stunning barn for the reception, the couple had considered the time of year, understanding Town Head provided the most practical and dreamiest setting for their special day.
Autumnal Traditional and Modern – The Wedding Aesthetic
The couple embraced the beauty of Autumn with rich, earthy tones, deep greens, burnt oranges, and warm golds scattered throughout their décor, florals, and wedding attire.
Their wedding at Town Head Estate wasn’t just a celebration of love - it was a masterclass in beautifully curated details, from the florals to the attire and the rich, organic textures woven throughout the day.
Every visual element reflected the season’s natural beauty, with warm, earthy hues, lush florals, and a stunning mix of fabrics and materials that made the entire wedding feel effortlessly elegant yet deeply personal.
The styling settled snugly within Town Head Estates wedding barn that is the perfect combination of traditional and modern. Exposed stone walls and beautiful oak beams are brought to life by modern twists in terms of LED lighting. For practicality and cosiness, an inbuilt sound system and full underfloor heating.
No one is disappointed when they attend Town Head Estate.
The wedding morning...
A calm cool, wedding morning was upon me with awesome stylists, Bowness Bridal Hair and Blusch Make-up.
The ladies were very organised, allowing us to go for a quick wedding morning wonder into the gardens to open the champagne. Given the clash-y weather forecast for the day ahead, we used the opportunity to get outside whilst it was dry.
The gents, not quite as organised, were over in the cottage in the beginnings of getting changed. The planned 1.30pm wedding allowed for a comfortable prep morning without stress. It was evident that the wedding day ahead was going to be a relaxed one full of genuine connection and love.
Florals - Bluebell & Ivy – A Wild & Romantic Autumnal Dream
The florals were truly one of the standout elements of the wedding, transforming the venue into an Autumnal wonderland. With a mix of deep reds, burnt oranges, warm rust tones, and soft neutrals, the arrangements were bold, textural, and completely mesmerizing.
The Bridal Bouquet
Ellie carried a stunning, hand-tied bouquet that perfectly captured the untamed beauty of the season. It featured:
Lush, deep red dahlias – adding a rich, velvety texture
Warm burnt-orange roses – the perfect autumnal bloom for a wild, organic feel – creating movement and elegance, a photographers dream!
The only thing I felt was missing, was trailing ribbons, nevertheless it very much suited the couples no fuss approach.
It was as if the florist had gathered the essence of autumn itself into a bouquet - perfectly in tune with the venue’s rustic charm and the golden hues of the surrounding Lake District landscape.
The Wedding Attire – Timeless Elegance Meets Rustic Romance
The wedding attire was perfectly in sync with the setting and season, combining classic elegance with a relaxed, countryside aesthetic.
The Bride – Effortlessly Elegant with a Bohemian Twist
Ellie looked absolutely breathtaking in a dress that was both timeless and unique. A delicate lace bodice with intricate floral appliqué – adding depth and detail. Soft, flowing chiffon skirt – moving effortlessly with the autumn breeze. As a photographer, I love movement in a gown!
Subtle puff, full length sleeves – giving a romantic look, whilst adding much needed Autumn coverage.
A simple yet dramatic veil – trailing softly behind her as she walked down the aisle.
Her hair was styled up with loose waves, effortlessly natural, with delicate pearl hairpins decoratively within a bun to the back of her head.
Ellie chose minimal jewellery, letting the textures of her dress, hair and florals take centre stage.
The Groom – Rustic Tweed with a Modern Edge
Sean’s earthy-toned tweed suit was the perfect balance of rugged countryside charm and sharp tailoring.
A soft brown herringbone tweed jacket – rich in texture and warmth
A soft gold tie – a perfect nod to the season’s colours
A crisp white shirt & tailored waistcoat – adding structure and elegance
His buttonhole was a miniature version of the bride’s bouquet, featuring a single orange rose, sprigs of eucalyptus, and red berries wrapped in rustic twine.
The Bridesmaids – Deep Green
The bridesmaids wore sleek, floor-length dresses in a deep forest green colour - a stunning contrast against their bold, Autumnal bouquets.
These halter neck no-sleeve style, allowed each bridesmaid to feel comfortable while maintaining a cohesive, elegant aesthetic. The girls braved the October snap, keeping warm with all the energy they brought to group portraits.
For accessories, they kept it simple with:
Gold and perl statement earrings. Then for a touch of warmth, softly draped shawls in neutral tones for the cooler evening temperatures.
The Groomsmen – Co-ordinated but Relaxed
The groomsmen matched Sean’s style with tweed waistcoats, white shirts, brown trousers, and those gold ties.Their buttonholes mirrored the groom’s, with tiny pops of colour from the florals adding a subtle yet cohesive detail.
Energy...
The energy throughout the day from the bridal party was outstanding, enabling me to be super productive even in challenging weather conditions.
Textures to treasure, a photographers dream!
One of the most striking things about this wedding was the incredible mix of textures throughout the day.
Soft & Flowing Fabrics - the bride’s chiffon skirt swayed effortlessly with the wind, Bridesmaids’ dresses moved freely under the soft Autumn light.
Linen napkins and fabric runners added a soft, tactile element to the simple table settings upon the rustic wooden table tops.
Rough & Organic Textures - the herringbone tweed of the groom’s suit provided a rustic, tactile contrast The barn’s exposed stone walls and wooden beams added warmth and authenticity.
A touch of Sean and Ellie, with a bicycle welcome sign - yes, a bike with a welcome sign on!
From the wild, romantic florals to the soft and rich textures woven throughout the day, Sean and Ellie's wedding wasn’t just about looking beautiful - it was about feeling authentic, warm, and deeply connected to nature.
Every choice, from the earthy tones of the attire to the tactile details of the reception, told a story of a couple whose love is as adventurous, grounded, and breathtaking as the season they chose to marry in.
It was a day of Autumnal magic, and it was an absolute joy to capture every stunning detail.
A Wet Knot Ceremony...
We all know wet knots are harder to undo, right? Nearing the ceremony the heavens seemed to open, worse than it had been prior. Thankfully, no one was phased, Town Head staff were on hand with umbrellas and everyone strolled with purpose, to the stylish barn for a cosy ceremony lead by Cumbria registration service.
The ceremony was a breathtaking focal point, played in by a splendid string quartette, as rain ran down the wooden framed glass windows, the barn upheld its welcoming and cosy ascetic. The room, filled with love and glee. Not 'joy', but 'glee' as it held much more energy than 'joy'. There was no need for a lot of decorative faff in this comforting space, the pop of Autumnal colours from the florals was enough.
It created a romantic, organic frame for the couple as they said their vows, mirroring the wild beauty of the landscape around them.
Working with the weather...
Exiting the ceremony, we jumped at the opportunity to get all the guests outside while the weather was on our side, with the children handing out the confetti, it allowed myself and my wingwoman to capture those authentic moments. During the confetti aisle, guests mixed, laughed and enjoyed meeting one-another, ahead of warming up in the adjoining marquee to the wedding barn. Serving up a treat - Karen Rhodes had hot canapés of deliciousness on offer as friends and family of the couple got to know each other.
Following this, we (in my words), 'bashed out' formal portraits because the weather was playing ball, and I could see everyone was itching to let their hair down and enjoy all of what was to come. Even Maverick made an appearance, stealing hearts as the couple’s furry guest of honour, in a short yet joyous visit he brought so much energy and got more fuss than the newly weds!
Mr and Mrs Townsend took everything in their stride, it was clear all the vendors they had chosen to work with were, efficient, productive and switched on. Not a stone was unturned. I'll list this reliable vendors at the bottom of this blog.
Flares, Laughter & Epic Energy...
Sean and Ellie knew they didn’t want a stiff, overly formal wedding.
Instead, they wanted a day that felt natural, fun, and full of joy - and they got exactly that!
Next, we ventured out for action packed bridal party portraits, using orange smoke grenades, that only added to the enthusiasm present. The photos captured their energy perfectly - from epic shots with orange smoke flares to candid moments of guests laughing, socialising, and enjoying every second.
A collection of October wedding portraits that I will always hold close to my heart. Looking at the images, even now, I can hear everyone laughing and cheering as the moments unfolded.
Adventures together...
Ellie and Sean knew they wanted couple portraits that spoke volumes about the space they chose to get married and their love for the Lake District, so we headed to the jetty for their private moments as a couple. This time - giving them a moment of peace and to soak up all of their day so far. They enjoyed a calm walk along the jetty, that boasted a slight breeze only picking up the moments I love to capture during a wedding day.
Moving into the top of the boathouse to benefit from Autumnal views up Lake Windermere towards some memorable Wainwrights, we caught some stunning informal treasures of them both.
It.was also important to Sean and Ellie that they were present and made memories with their wedding guests, so we didn't take hours away from them. Ensuring I'd taken all the 'money shots' as such, we headed back up the track in good time.
Given the weather wasn't the warmest, I still kept this outdoor couple moving and active. Lots of walking, skipping, dancing and laughing.
The lighting for the day was perfect, in my opinion as a photographer, overcast yet bright, a sprinkling of wild to aid movement and a crisp clean feeling in the Lake District air.
Streamline and Soulful...
Given this October wedding had a cold snap, it was essential the flow of the day was smooth, ensuring all elements were efficient as well as enjoyable.
Ellie and Sean had communicated effectively with everyone their expectations for the day and how they hoped it would unfold.
It was clear they'd invested in reliable vendors in order to have a smooth and successful day, whatever the weather.
The co-ordination of the Town Head Estate staff was second to non (I always find them wonderful to work alongside), resulting in a streamline, soulful celebration.
Mouthwatering and Meaning...
The reception was held in Town Head’s charming barn, where guests dined under a waterfall wall of twinkling fairy lights and exposed stone walls - a setting that felt warm, intimate, and effortlessly romantic. The long wooden tables were adorned with lush floral centre pieces, and touches of rustic elegance.
The food? Absolutely incredible. Karen Rhodes Catering outdid themselves with a delicious beef dinner that left everyone raving, followed by a mouthwatering cheesecake that was the perfect sweet ending to the meal. At least this is what I recall eating - I couldn't elaborate on the full menu. Thank you to the Karen Rhodes team!
Speeches were heartwarming, reminiscing and most importantly displayed humour, allowing me to capture the most candid wedding photography moments. I love capturing the rawness during deep and heartfelt speeches, I often find it is an ideal time of day to see the 'real' in guests as they've finally relaxed into the day of celebrations.
Rain and Rave...
No one is stopping us now, in true British style the party was underway! Not that this celebration needed adding energy to, but DJ Craig Howarth arrived with it all, setting the tone for the evening ahead. An abundance of light sticks filled the dance floor and everyone showed off their awesome moves.
Rain or shine, this wedding party was there for it all.
One of the most memorable moments? The whole wedding party holding sparklers, lighting up the night with joy and celebration, even in the pouring rain.
Maybe it was drink fuelled (?), I don't know, nevertheless everyone wholeheartedly participated to bring the couples vision to life.
As the celebrations progressed, Mr and Mrs Townsend welcomed everyone to take a shot with them, it was all hands on deck for the Town Head staff as they served them up.
A final feed, perfectly fitting, pizzas thanks to Karen Rhodes staff once again - a much needed top up to keep those dancing feet moving for the rest of the evening.
A Love Story That Continues...
As the night wound down and the last song played, it was clear that Sean and Ellie had created something truly special - not just a beautiful wedding but a day that reflected their personalities, their love for adventure, and their deep connection with their family and friends.
Their next adventure? Completing all the Wainwrights with Maverick by their side. But no matter where life takes them, one thing is for certain - their love story, much like their wedding day, will always be one for the books.
To Sean & Ellie; may your love always be as wild, adventurous, and full of joy as this incredible day!
Laid back, and genuine...
When Sean and Ellie reached out, they had one request: no stiff, posed photos - just fun, relaxed, and real moments - my ideal couples often say this!
They loved my laid-back approach to photography and my ability to capture the genuine emotions of the day. From the spontaneous moments between the couple to the wild, celebratory shots with their wedding party, every image tells the story of a day filled with love, adventure, and so much fun.
This wedding was an absolute dream to photograph, and I feel so honoured to have been part of it.
________________________________________
If you’re looking for a relaxed, fun, and natural wedding photographer,
I’d love to capture your special day, too!
Get in touch, and let’s make magic together.
An Autumnal arrangement of vendors...
Venue - Town Head Estate
Photographer and film - Clare Gelderd Photography
Florals - Bluebell and Ivy
Hair - Bowness Bridal Hair
Make-up - Blusch make-up
Catering - Karen Rhodes Catering
DJ - Craig Howarth
Venue Styling - Emma Jane Events
String Quartett - What the Pluck
Wedding Dress - Rosa Clara
bridesmaid dresses - Six Stories
Suits - Debonair formal hire suits
Glutten free cakes - sponge
Client review...
5 STARS
Positive: Professional, we absolutely love her style, she went above and beyond
We knew as soon as we saw Clare’s Instagram page, she was the photographer we wanted for our wedding! We absolutely love her style and how much fun she has with her photography. We’re not serious people so wanted natural and exciting wedding photos. We definitely got this!!
She was so professional, helpful and made us feel at ease straight away. We loved the fact we had pre-wedding photo shoot because it made everything so much easier and more relaxed on the day. We cannot thank Clare enough, every single picture she took is just incredible and we’re finding it so hard to pick our favourites.
We had our highlight gallery the day after our wedding which was just incredible! Really shows how hard working and committed she is to her work
We also asked Clare to create a highlight video, she went above and beyond on this and we’ve ended up with the most special keep sake reminder of our day.
Pure magic cannot recommend her enough!
Thank you, thank you, thank you - Mr and Mrs Townsend
12th October 2024
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