Sarah + Mike – where do I even start? I knew from our first call that your day would be so effortlessly cool. I loved your style, your wedding Doc Martens and your sense of adventure and I loved hanging out with your friends and family.

Sarah and Mike chose a Lodore Falls wedding; Sarah had been visiting the lakes with her family her whole life and Mike proposed on the lakeshore of Derwent Water so a Lake District wedding was the perfect choice for them. It was my first visit to Lodore Falls and it was easy to see why Sarah and Mike chose it; nestled in the Borrowdale valley, the outside ceremony area, which sits below the rocky face of Gowder Crag really feels like you’re in the heart of Lakeland. It offers easy access to the lakeshore as well as access to being close to local viewpoints and beauty spots perfect for your wedding photographs, and of course there’s plenty of accommodation (and a spa!) for all your guests to stay and enjoy their surroundings.

Are you planning your wedding at Lodore Falls? I’d love to chat more about your photography, get in touch for more info.

HOW DID YOU MEET?

Six years ago at a Stranger Things themed Halloween party, in a venue in Liverpool called Constellations (sadly, its no longer there). Sarah attended with her friends, among them was Mikes cousin, Vicky. Mike was with his brother Chris and their friends. Sarah wore a stranger things t shirt with custom fairy lights added, Mike wore a pair of, never to be seen again, light blue denim jeans… After a lot of awkward talk about Stranger Things, a mutual love of all things Emo and lots of Hooch, things ended in the Krazhyouse, and that was that.

TELL ME YOUR PROPOSAL STORY

After postponing the initial summer proposal, a winter proposal happened at the lakeside of Derwentwater. With baby Harrison in a carrier on her chest Sarah turned around to see Mike on one soggy knee. After laughing in disbelief, a yes did come eventually..

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO HAVE YOUR WEDDING AT LODORE FALLS?

Sarah and her family have a deep affinity with Borrowdale and have been visiting the area for a long time. On Mikes first visit he saw the Lodore Falls Hotel and asked “what’s in like in there?” After being told no one had stayed, it made him determined to stay… Years later it was like the perfect place for us to celebrate.

WHAT WAS IT YOU LOVED ABOUT YOUR OUTFITS AND ACCESSORIES THAT MADE YOU CHOOSE THEM?

Sarah – My dress made me feel like a princess, very unexpected of me as it was glittery!

Mike – I don’t love wearing a suit, but I found the best suit that made me look amazing.

Both – We wear Doc Martens a lot, so incorporating them into our outfits was always going to happen.

TELL ME ABOUT THE VISION YOU HAD FOR YOUR WEDDING

We wanted it quite rustic, muted greens and pink. Authentic to us, giving people a look at a different side to us (not just all black emo kids!)

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST DANCE AND WHY DID YOU CHOOSE IT?

Mike doesn’t dance so it was a hard one to choose. We chose a classic emo song, that works perfectly as a wedding song, just maybe not to dance to;  I will follow you into the dark – Death Cab For A Cutie.

WHAT WERE THE MOST WONDERFUL PARTS OF THE DAY FOR YOU?

Seeing all of our friends and family all together in a place that means so much to us. Also going to the suite to together, having a moment to take it all in, having a few shots, realising how surreal the day was, then returning to the party!

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE HANNAH HALL PHOTOGRAPHY AS YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER, AND WHAT WAS YOUR EXPERIENCE OF YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY ON THE DAY?

We chose Hannah as the quality of her work is clear to see. We never felt like awkward or like we were props being moved about a stage. She’s an amazing person with a special ability to make people feel at ease and comfortable on the most stressful (but happiest) day of their life.

WHAT WOULD BE YOUR BEST BIT OF ADVICE TO OTHER COUPLES PLANNING THEIR WEDDING?

Communicate. Remember why you’re doing this. It’s not about everyone else, it’s about you. Enjoy the buildup and the day!

Sarah + Mike’s Lodore Falls wedding suppliers

Hair Hair by Charlotte Jones / MUA Laura Brown Make up / Florist Free Range Floristry

Dress Liverpool Bridal Boutique / Grooms Suit Moss Bros

Cake Lake District Wedding Cakes / Styling Cumbria I Do Wedding Hire

DJ Dancing in The Dark DJ / Ceremony Cumbria Registration Service