Cragwood Country House Wedding Photography - Julie & Ben
Julie & Ben
01.06.18
Where do I start with this wedding? Cragwood Country House is a stunning venue in an incredible setting, a beautiful and Julie & Ben are very much an in-love couple and they have a wonderful group of close friends and family. I felt honored to capture their special day and was welcomed more like a guest with a camera rather than a wedding photographer. I laughed, I cried and I partied with everyone and it was wonderful.
Cragwood Country House is a grand Edwardian country house set on the shores of Lake Windermere and makes an exceptional wedding venue. We were rather lucky that the weather really was completely on our side all day long and gave me the opportunity to capture some wonderful wedding day moments.
It was a rather early start for me but totally worth it as on the drive up to Windermere I managed to capture the amazing moody sunrise over one of its neighbouring lakes. Once I got to Cragwood I managed to catch Ben and the guys outside on the lawn doing essential morning of the wedding activities; playing football and utilising google to work out what type of knot would best suite their ties. I then joined Julie, the girls and her incredible dress for a rather relaxed morning of preparations. After a few excited tears and an emotional moment with Dad, Julie headed down the grand stairs and into the wonderful ceremony room where Ben and all their guests were waiting eagerly. A beautiful ceremony and a few more tears later they were a very happy Mr & Mrs and ventured out onto the lawn for some glorious afternoon sun and drinks. Sometimes the afternoon wedding reception can be rather rushed but Julie & Ben had allowed ample time. This resulted in them and all their guests soaking up the glorious sunshine and enjoying a great catch up with one and other, which allowed me to grab some lovely relaxed natural moments. The heavens opened just as food was served and stopped just in time for us to wander down to the lake and capture a handful of relaxed, if not slightly wet portraits. Julie even ventured into Lake Windermere in her wedding dress which was brilliant! After a bit of Pork Pie cutting (who needs a cake anyway) and an emotional first dance, the party got well underway with "DJ Jazzy Jav" on music duties. After a little dance myself and an impromptu and informative group shot with some of the guys, I bid my farewell and let the party continue late into the night.