The Villa in Levens is quickly becoming my most popular wedding venue to shoot at, and last month I was there yet again for the lovely intimate wedding of Val & Geoff. The Villa is a great location only 5 minutes drive out of Kendal, and although it is just off the dual carriageway it is surprisingly peaceful within the grounds and feels like a secret haven within the woodland. After a small ceremony in the converted chapel known as the Brettargh Suite, the bride, groom & guests spilled out into the bar area for celebratory drinks, followed by some fun group shots outside. While the guests continued the drinks reception I stole Val & Geoff away for some private couple photos, starting on the swing which seems to be a new addition in the grounds as I've never seen it there before! We then wandered down to the small well at the end of the lawns, strolled down the beautiful tree-lined driveway, then had some lovely shots in front of the wedding car before the happy couple were whisked away for a romantic drive. Meanwhile, I snapped the guests enjoying themselves plus I managed to sneak into the Brettargh Suite again as it was being turned around for the wedding breakfast, and captured some of the gorgeous decorations around the tables. Some fun but also emotional speeches followed the couples return to the Villa, along with the cake cutting (made by the fabulous Bespoke Cake Creations) and then I left the wedding party to enjoy the rest of their celebrations in peace. It was a lovely day with a great couple, surrounded by a very loving group of family and friends. The rain even managed to stay away for us - perfect! Some highlights from the day are below...

Last month I had the pleasure of shooting Harriet & Kyle's wedding at the beautiful Abbey House Hotel in Barrow. It was my first wedding at this venue and it did not disappoint! The building itself looks lovely from the outside with a good sized function room complete with a large fireplace and plenty of character. The ceremony took place in the function room followed by drinks on the patio area outside, and the sun even made an appearance which was a welcome surprise! We had confetti throwing and group photos outside with the Abbey as a backdrop and I then took the bride and groom for a romantic walk into the stunning gardens for their couple shots. The gardens have so much to offer including a lovely secluded bench surrounded by flowers, and some nice areas to stroll and capture the bride and groom at their most natural. After spending time outside with friends and family on the patio again, speeches began back in the function room followed by the wedding breakfast. After the meal the room was changed around for the third time to be transformed into a dance floor, ready for the wonderful cake to be cut (made by the talented Bespoke Cake Creations) and the beautiful first dance to take place. Overall, it was a great day and a lovely venue which I hope to work at again some day. See below for some highlights from the day...

Last month I had the pleasure of shooting Julia and Alistair's gorgeous wedding in Kendal. Although I live in the town it was actually my first time doing a wedding at the Kendal Parish Church , so it was a really fun experience for me. I spent the morning photographing Julia and her bridal party getting ready, along with her beautiful little girl Willow who had fun trying on high heels and watching Peppa Pig while the adults had their hair done! Once the bridesmaids were on their way to the church I decided it was time for me to leave too, and on arriving at the church I wasn't disappointed! The vicar Ashley was  lovely and really relaxed, letting me stand wherever I wanted and giving me total freedom to get the shots I needed - this was such a relief after experiences with very strict vicars who often don't allow you to move around at all!

The ceremony itself was lovely and the church made a gorgeous backdrop for the photos afterwards. We then all headed over to Carus Green where I spent some time photographing the table decorations and the cake before whisking the newlyweds off in a golf buggy for some bride and groom shots. The grounds of Carus Green are great - we headed up onto the golf course which gave lovely views of the building in one direction and the mountains in the other. After racing around in the buggys we then got back to the rest of the group, where speeches took place before everyone settled down for the wedding breakfast.

After the meal the party really began, with little Willow being the first one on the dancefloor! As the drinks flowed and the music started, everyone began to relax a bit more and let their hair down making for some lovely natural shots. After staying for the first dance I finally packed up and left the party to enjoy the rest of their night!

Overall it was a lovely wedding for a lovely couple, and I wish the new Mr & Mrs Allen all the love and happiness for the future! See some of my favourite images from the day below...