There are too many things I love best about today’s gorgeous couple Samantha and Lee: the fact they found out the day before the wedding that Samantha was pregnant (wow!); their budget advice to simply “blow it!” and the beautiful, enchanting images of their day by my friend Jamie from Vickerstaff Photography.
The venue is wonderful (and not far from English Wedding Blog Towers!) with views over Lake Windermere; a little boy almost steals the show with his hobby horse (adorable!) and the entertainers clearly had everyone enthralled.
With huge thanks to today’s very beautiful bride and groom, Samantha and Lee, and to Jamie from Vickerstaff Photography for sharing his images with us all. You’ll love them.
Find out more about Vickerstaff Photography:
Our wedding report: Samantha & Lee
Your wedding photographer’s website:
www.vickerstaffphotography.co.uk
Were you pleased with your wedding photographer?
Over the moon!
Wedding venue:
The Merewood Country House Hotel, Windermere
Can you describe your wedding in a single sentence?
A noisy, joyful day with family & friends
What was your reaction to seeing your wedding photos for the first time?
They were exactly as I had hoped, Jamie made sure he captured all the little moments that I was unaware of & also all the moments that I asked for
Your wedding style and theme:
Traditional, classic elegance.
Any happy tears on the day?
We’re a family of criers so there are too many ‘moments’ to list however finding out I was pregnant the day before the wedding made our marriage even more special.
How did the two of you meet?
Live in a small area so had seen each other around a few times but finally ‘met’ in a local nightspot.
How long did you spend planning your wedding?
18 months
Best bit of budget advice?
Blow it!!
Wedding invitations and on the day stationery:
Save the Dates & Invitations Designed by the bride & produced by a local printer.
Table stationery provided by the Merewood.
Did you fall in love with your wedding dress?
At first sight
Wedding dress designer and bridal boutique:
Day Dress: Ian Stuart ‘Bombshell’ in Blush from Eleganza Sposa in Glasgow
Evening Dress: True Brides Chiffon wedding dress with flattering pleats across waist and draped cowl at back. Zip up back with button trim. in Wintermelon from Sarah Louise Bridal in Glasgow
Glitz and sparkle: the bride’s accessories:
Earrings & Bracelet from Glitzy Secrets; Cathedral 2 tier veil in Oyster Pink with Swarovski crystal detail & bugle bead edge.
The groom wore:
Ted Baker Charcoal Suit with a French Connection Ivory Shirt & blush pink tie. Shoes from Jeffrey West.
Beautiful bridesmaids: what did your best girls wear?
3 of the bridesmaids wore True Brides Chiffon wedding dress with flattering pleats across waist and draped cowl at back. Zip up back with button trim in Ivory with shoes from Debenhams. 2 of the bridesmaids wore pale pink tulle strapless dresses from Coast with shoes from Dune. All jewellery from Swarovski.
Hair and make-up – did you DIY or hire a professional?
Hair by Rachel Taylor of Metier in Whitehaven
Make Up by Oxleys @ Underscar
Wedding flowers:
Peonies; Rununcula & Roses in hand tied posies from Valerie Ann’s in Windermere
What do you remember most about the wedding ceremony?
The laughter; emotions & having everyone we love all in one room.
General styling – did your venue need much decoration?
Chair Covers & top table swagging from Purple Swan.
The wedding cake: traditional or quirky?
No cake, selection of whole cheeses, fruits & accompaniments.
Entertainment:
Music & DJ by The Northern Monkeys.
Stilt walking; fire eating; juggling & general entertainment throughout the day & evening from Simon & Obby of Nova Entertainment.
On the day tips and advice:
We have lots of iphone videos from friends which are excellent but my advice to other brides/ grooms would be to hire a videographer as I would love to watch the wedding back.
Make sure you click with your wedding planner, mine (Lorna) had me down to a tee & made notes at every meeting so I felt like I’d known her for years – She really helped calm me on the day!
What’s the best thing about being married?
We’ve been together nearly 10 years & now with a baby due in January we’re building our own little family unit.
Recommended wedding suppliers
what do you think?