If you’ve been following this blog for awhile, you’ll perhaps remember that eight years ago my husband and I eloped at a teeny-tiny converted windmill on the edge of Blakeney Point. Our witnesses were staff members from the inn, we played The Maccabees off an iPod and finished the night with a jean jacket over my wedding dress drinking champagne straight from the bottle. For us, it was perfect. And what made it so much more special was that both of our families were fully aware of what we were doing and supported us with arms outstretched. It may not be super common but it was the wedding of our dreams and I cannot imagine doing it any differently.

When I took Kate McCarthy Photography full-time 5 years ago, I knew that I wanted to pay back the kindness of our own wedding photographer - Liz came for a couple of hours, quietly capturing the vows and preserving what was a very private celebration. I wanted to design a package solely aimed at couples like my husband and I - couples who, due to financial restrictions or family complications or just because it’s their day and it’s what they want to do, still wanted beautiful images from their wedding day, however small & intimate that may be.

Over the past year, I’ve been so so privileged to capture the memories of several ‘teeny-tiny’ weddings and elopements and I cannot tell you just how special they are. Whatever your wedding style is - and the beauty of getting married these days is that the sky is literally the limit! - what remains is a marriage and the start of a new adventure together so always stay true to who you are as a couple. That could mean a MASSIVE party with a dance-off and street-food feast, a classic and elegant celebration in a stunning stately home, a DIY village hall wedding or just you two in a beautiful place with the sun on your face, saying your vows into the wind. I want to be there to photograph them all!

And this all leads to the WONDERFUL Jasmin & Lewis who tied the knot yesterday to the sounds of their 7-month-old baby Henry’s gorgeous giggles under the pavilion of the epic Storrs Hall on Lake Windermere. Jasmin & I got to know each other last year when she was a bridesmaid for the equally lovely Hayley at Great John Street Hotel. As it turns out, Jasmin & Hayley were actually both pregnant at Hayley’s wedding and just a few weeks before Henry arrived, Hayley gave birth to beautiful baby Imogen! I love hearing these stories, getting to know friends of friends and archiving so many momentous events in familiy’s lives. When Jasmin & fiance Lewis got in touch with me, they described their wedding as so similar to my own that I knew it was going to be incredibly special. They chose the very grand Storrs Hall as their venue and the ceremony was sweet and simple. A wander through the woodland, stopping for a quick dip in the chilly water and a snack from mama for Henry in the temple rounded out our time together.

I loved yesterday so much and am so honoured to have been included. Jasmin & Lewis, thank you so so much for having me along (and letting me have ALL of the baby snuggles haha!) Here’s your sneak peek…

Lake District Wedding Vendors

Venue - Storrs Hall https://www.storrshall.com

Hair/MUA - Gemma Louise at Hair for a Wedding https://www.hairforawedding.com/

Florals - Brackens of Bowness https://www.brackensofbowness.com/

Dress - Dorothy Perkins Wedding Shop https://www.dorothyperkins.com/