Windermere Motorboat Racing Club Wedding

When the covid pandemic threw everything in the wedding world high in the air, there were a lot of things lost…but one little silver lining for me was that this gem of a wedding ended up fluttering my way. As couples rescheduled (and then often again, and again) sometimes it was impossible to align dates and we had to refer weddings we desperately wanted to do on to other photographers. Elena and Matt had originally booked the fabulous Jo Greenfield, but she kindly ended up sending them my way and I’m forever grateful.

A beautifully designed wedding day in every way. Bridal prep was at the family home in Windermere, while the boys stayed on site at Windermere Motor Boat Racing Club to combine getting ready with last minute jobs! Broad Leys, home of the club, is considered the architectural masteriece of CFA Voysey and is a true gem of the Arts and Crafts movement. Hosting only a small number of weddings, it has a wonderful charm. It’s packed full of character and history but not overly manicured in any way. It really does have everything you need for a Lake District wedding. Accommodation on site (and lots more nearby), a terrace with fabulous views, private lake frontage (or course…it’s a boat club!) and a perfectly placed lawn for a marquee. Adding one will allow you to extend guest numbers up to 200.

Anyway I digress!! Their ceremony took place at the lovely St.Martin’s Church in Bowness. It’s always fun to shoot a wedding here as it’s literally right in the heart of the bustling village and everyone loves to see a wedding unfold in the middle of their holiday. You’ll always gather a crowd of excited onlookers. The church itself is beautiful too and unusually large and light-filled for a Lakeland church.

I loved the next part of their plans – we all took the short walk down to the lake sure where a boat was ready and waiting to taxi us all to the venue – what a great way to show your guests the scenery and arrive in style!

Back at Broad Leys the reception was soon in full flow, with everyone so excited to finally be able to spend time with family and friends again. Drinks on the terrace, tables laiden with cakes and traybakes, everyone free to wander and explore the gardens and shore, then LOTS of live music and dancing. What a brilliant wedding day!

Photography: Tiree Dawson
Venue: Windermere Motor Boat Racing Club Broad Leys
Boat Trip: Windermere Lake Cruises
Make up: Polly Winder
Dress: Jesus Peiro at Fellside Brides