When your first call with a couple is less about the wedding and more about true crime podcasts and the best places to eat (with a little bit of trivia to test your local knowledge, eg “how many lakes are there in the Lake District?” Hint – just one! you know you’re onto the start of a winning relationship, and honestly I could have gassed for hours with Sara and David as they started planning their super fun wedding at Ghyll Barn.

Our planning call was much the same (to the point that I knew nothing of the tractor confetti entrance until Chris told me about it when I arrived on site!) and I knew their day was going to be brimming with joy… which of course it was.

And after I delivered the pictures, I got this text from Sara…

“Ummmm it doesn’t ever happen but I am speechless. We’ve just done the ceremonial photo viewing and… sobbing, laughing, snot out of my nose! We feel like we are reliving every second and could not be more in awe or delighted with your absolute craftsmanship.”

So if you want photos that make you cry and laugh very hard… I could be the photographer for you. You can check out another Ghyll Barn wedding here, or get in touch to check my availability. I can’t wait to hear from you.

How did you meet?

Tinder! Our first date was mainly spent talking about food and serial killers so both knew early on we were well suited.

Tell me your proposal story

David proposed on Rocky Beach in Trevone, Cornwall. A very special place to us and where spend as much time as possible. The sun was shining and it was utterly magical. Followed by a sunset candlelit picnic looking out over the sea. A special appearance from Ben, the Best Man, who had driven all the way down to set it all up. Truly the most incredible proposal I could ever have dreamt of.

Why did you choose a fun wedding at Ghyll Barn for your wedding day?

David grew up in Appleby and actually went to school with Chris who owns Ghyll Barn so to have that even more personal connection meant a lot. We only looked at Ghyll Barn and the second we got there knew it was the venue for us, I mean it doesn’t get more perfect than that.

What was it you loved about your outfits and accessories that made you choose them?

For me my dress felt perfect for the rustic Cumbrian setting nothing too formal but still elegant and beautiful. I knew David would love it. David has always worn a suit well and blue is always his colour so that was fairly easy. The tie choosing was harder than we thought it would be!

Tell me about the vision you had for your wedding

We wanted relaxed but still stylish and wanted to bring out the natural beauty of the Cumbrian setting and venue. We really didn’t have to do much but really enjoyed all the personal little touches. David made alcoholic wine gums for all the tables, the place names were slate from Rocky beach in Cornwall and of course had to have some glow sticks for the first dance. We kept colours/flowers neutral with whites and greens and for us it was so important for it to feel relaxed and ready for a party.

What was your first dance and why did you choose it?

Purple Rain by Prince. It’s always been a very special song to the both of us. It has to be one of our top moments of the day as we had two of our very close friends perform it. Jenni on vocals and Chris on guitar – fair to say it was memorable for everyone!

What were the most wonderful parts of the day for you?

Honestly all of it. The entrance on the tractor, the speeches, the food, the first dance, having our photos up on the fell, the pizza and the partying. It was our guests that really made it and we were on cloud nine for the entire day.

Why did you choose Hannah Hall Photography as your photographer, and what was your experience of your photography on the day?

Hannah was recommended us by the venue and the minute we saw her work we knew she was the photographer for us. We didn’t want lots of formal shots and wanted someone to capture the vibe naturally. When we first chatted it felt like we’d been friends for years and just made us feel so comfortable.

She was utterly epic on the day. So calm so much fun and just felt like a guest but that was also capturing the most incredible photographs of our day. Cannot recommend Hannah enough. She is a Wonder Woman.

What would be your best bit of advice to other couples planning their wedding?

Enjoy every minute and make sure everything feels authentic and personal to you as a couple.

Sara & David’s fun wedding at Ghyll Barn happened with the help of the following suppliers

Hair Hair by Emma Kelly / MUA Jess Kelly / Venue Ghyll Barn / Flowers Wild Ivy / Caterer Foray Catering

Drapes Willow & Fig in the Lakes / Entertainment Mike Bradford Music & Fusion of Melody / Videographer YSD Media