The weather here in Cumbria is anything but predictable but I can officially say I had more outdoor ceremonies in December last year than I did in August. Natalie and Ben managed to squeeze in an outdoor ceremony at their winter Lodore Falls wedding just before the clag dropped and ultimately the rain came in. Read more about tips for rainy Lake District weddings here!

Never ready to be defeated by the weather Natalie had bought the most wonderful jacket to keep her warm and we made it out for portraits despite the weather turning on us, and of course after dinner we made the most of the incredible display of twinkly lights that adorned the hotel for the festive season; I don’t think any hotel does Christmas quite like Lodore Falls!

Congratulations Natalie & Ben, I loved my time with you all, roaring like dinosaurs and all!!

If you’re planning a winter wedding at Lodore Falls, I’d love to chat some more. Do get in touch!

How did you meet?

I was friends with his little sister first, we used to work in a wallpaper shop on a Saturday together. Fast forward a few years, Katie started doing nails from her mums dining room as she dreamed of being a beautician. I had just broken up with my ex and had moved back to Keighley and got back in touch with her and said I would help her build up some content. One day when I went for my nails doing Ben was there (19 at the time) and WOULD NOT LEAVE ME ALONE, he was a proper flirt. I pied him off for weeks as funnily enough my ex was called Ben so I swore off Bens. But we actually got on really well so after a couple of weeks chatting I went to meet him, and we have been inseparable ever since!

Tell me your proposal story

It was June 2023. We had planned to walk to Cathedral Caves in the Lakes, which we did and it was beautiful. I didn’t know at the time but this was where Ben was planning to propose however it was too busy for him (he’s shy) so we ended up driving through Grasmere up to Thirlmere which we used to do a lot in the early years of our relationship. We climbed up the hill with the dogs and George (who was 3 months old at the time!) and I turned round and he was down on one knee!

Why did you choose a winter Lodore Falls wedding for your day?

We went to view Lodore at Christmas as we liked the look of it from their Instagram etc. As soon as we walked in we just felt a warmth and a comfort that we just knew it was the place for us.

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

Ben and George’s ties were made from a liberty fabric of a William Morris print which ties in to the wallpaper shop where I met his little sister. We have always loved print and pattern so this was a no brainer. My dress and cape felt very magical and christmassy which fit in with the time of year. I also had a fur coat which I’m so glad I bought as everyone thats seen the pics said I look like an ice queen, which is a vibe!

Tell me about the vision you had for your wedding including your theme/colour scheme/styling/flowers

Because of the time of year we wanted it to feel quite wintery but not christmassy. We settled on dark green early on for the bridesmaids and we used fir trees on our invites with gold text. So I guess the theme was gold & green! I wanted the flowers to stand out, I had some inspiration from Pinterest and was drawn to plums/pinks/blue berries etc which looked so good against the green dresses! We didn’t have much styling to do we kind of let the venue do the talking.

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

We haven’t had a first dance yet, will be doing that at our happily ever after party, but we’ll be dancing to Space by Biffy Clyro, we both love Biffy and it was an important song for us when I was pregnant with George.

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

The whole day! Specifically seeing George in his suit, walking down the aisle with my dad, having everyone we love in the same place and there being no arguments.

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

We loved her style, when you look at her images you can really feel the heart and the emotion of the day. I mean this in a good way, but I didn’t even notice her for the ceremony she just blended in! She was absolutely fantastic and I would recommend her to anyone. Everyone we have shown the images to have been blown away with how good they are

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

Don’t sweat the small stuff, it doesn’t matter at the end of the day.

Natalie & Ben’s winter Lodore Falls wedding happened with the help of the following suppliers

MUA Ashby Artistry / Hair Bowness Bridal Hair / Venue Lodore Falls

Dress The Bridal Boutique Baildon / Flowers Rustic Garden Florist