Jade and Sam - WHAT a way to end the year!

A few days after Christmas I headed over to the beautiful Lake District to shoot at Low Hall near Cockermouth for the first time. My sister has booked this as her wedding venue for next July so I was even more excited to see this beautiful barn wedding venue for the first time and also just to be back in the Lakes - it always makes such a beautiful setting for a wedding.

From today’s dusty wedding archives is Lucy and Andrew’s absolutely beautiful Lake District wedding at Underlay Grange (a venue at which the co-ordinator ‘could neither confirm no deny’ that Prince William celebrated his stag do, incidentally). I loved their wedding so much so that it became one of my sample albums - you may have spotted these two if we’ve met about your wedding plans or come along to a wedding fair that I’m showing at!

So! You've booked your photography, your date is confirmed in the diary.. that's another thing ticked off the list.. True! But there are still a few things to consider between now and your wedding..

Tessa and Paul and a wonderfully intimate wedding in the Coppermine Cottages near Coniston in the Lake District where they said their vows in front of immediately family and friends. The weather wasn’t what they’d hoped for (100% chance of rain and a possibility of thunder and lightening..) but these two didn’t let it dampen any spirits at all.

I was completely over-the-moon-excited to be asked to be part of an elopement. I adore the busy chaos of wedding so much, and in the middle of the chaos is where I’m most comfortable, there’s so much going on, so much interaction, so many faces, so much to photograph.. I’ve always wanted to be part of an elopement to see the other side. The calm. The two people sloping off and celebrating quietly together. Savouring the quiet of the day and just spending some ridiculously special and sacred time together..

2017 was another busy, exciting and special year for so many reasons.. My work has taken me all over the UK and abroad, I've met and worked with truly wonderful couples, laughed and cried through speeches and unscripted moments, tried to push myself creatively more than ever, charged and packed my kit, shot, then charged and packed again (ad infinitum), and really tried to push and bring myself and my own approach to my work more than ever before..

I do *love* a Lake District wedding, and Fiona and Ashley's day was just perfect. The had full run of beautiful Morland Hall, and dozens of friends and family stayed for a few days to celebrate with them in the days before and after the wedding too. The sun shone, they both looked amazing and the whole day was a mix of emotions, joy and love. Here are their previews..

I really love shooting in the Lake District - I always come away from the Lakes feeling 'I *have* to go back soon. It's such a beautiful place that just feels so soothing. I was excited to be back for Ella and Rob's wedding at quirky and colourful venue The Swan Hotel and Spa. These two said their vows in front of family and friends and their two beautiful little ones, Sissy and Barney - it was a day to celebrate these two and it was a relaxing day with everyone hanging out on the river bank before dancing the night away. I can't wait to work on this wedding and put their stop motion video together but, for now, here is a little selection of preview pictures from heir day - meet Ella and Rob <3