Lydia and Adam tied the knot at the beautiful Cragwood Hotel, a stunning Lake District venue nestled among the trees with sweeping views over Lake Windermere. It’s one of those places that feels like its own little world — peaceful, scenic, and full of character. Once the rain arrived, it really set in, and plans for their outdoor ceremony were quickly shelved. But honestly, Cragwood is the dream venue for a rainy-day wedding. With its warm interiors, huge windows, and plenty of indoor ceremony options, everyone stayed comfortable and dry. And this is the magic of the Lake District: even in heavy rain, it’s absolutely breathtaking. Lydia and Adam embraced every drop, and their day unfolded beautifully.

A bride and groom stand under an umbrella at Cragwood Hotel in the Lake District.

Bridal Prep at Cragwood: Calm, Excited, and Full of Emotion

I joined Lydia for the final stretch of her getting-ready moments, where she and her mum were having the last touches of hair and makeup done. The atmosphere was a perfect blend of calm and excitement — the kind of energy that makes a wedding morning feel so special. Lydia’s dress was a complete surprise to her family and friends. It wasn’t what she originally imagined herself choosing, but the moment she stepped into it she looked incredible. The first looks with her family were emotional, joyful, and so lovely to document — the sort of moments that become long-lasting core memories.

The mother of the bride looks out the window on her daughters wedding morning, the view from the window is of Lake Windermere.

The mother of the bride is sits in a chair in a dressing gown as she gets her make up and hair done.

Bride getting ready in cosy Lake District wedding venue on a rainy morning

The brides dress hangs from the bed at Cragwood Hotels bridal suite in the Lake District.

The bride is wearing her dress and is ready to get married in the Lake District.

The reactions of the brides friends during a first look are surprised and happy.

The reactions of the brides friends during a first look in the Lake District.

The brides family react to seeing their daughter and sister for the first time in her wedding dress.

Family members wipe their tears as they see the bride in her dress for the first time.

A Personal and Intimate Lake District Wedding Ceremony

When it came to the ceremony, Lydia and Adam chose to do things their own way. Instead of following tradition, they walked down the aisle together — a powerful, symbolic moment that felt incredibly meaningful. Their ceremony was intimate, with just immediate family and a few close friends gathered in one of Cragwood’s beautiful indoor spaces. And then, in the sweetest twist, they surprised everyone by announcing a brand-new shared surname. Rather than Lydia taking Adam’s name, they chose to start this new chapter as Mr and Mrs Rose. It was such a unique, thoughtful touch and a moment filled with happy tears.

The groom waits for his bride at Cragwood Hotel.

The bride and groom enter their ceremony room together at Cragwood Hotel.

The bride and groom enter their ceremony together in the Lake District.

A bride and groom stand together during their ceremony in the Lake District.

Guests watch the bride and groom during their ceremony in the Lake District.

The bride and groom hold hands during their ceremony at Cragwood Hotel.

The bride wipes a tear during their ceremony in the Lake District.

A bride and groom share a first kiss during their ceremony in the Lake District.

The guests react to finding out the bride and grooms new second name.

Colourful Confetti Magic in the Rain

As they were announced as Mr and Mrs Rose, the rain eased just enough for confetti — perfect timing. We gathered guests outside, umbrellas in hand, and made the most of the moment. With colourful paper confetti flying everywhere, Lydia and Adam walked through a blur of laughter, cheers, and vibrant colour. Even with the wet ground and cloudy skies, these photos turned out beautifully chaotic — a real highlight of the day.

A bride and groom walk through their confetti tunnel in the Lake District.

A bride and groom walk through their confetti tunnel at Cragwood Hotel.

Pink and yellow paper confetti falls as a bride and groom walk together in the Lake District.

A bride and groom laugh as they walk through their confetti tunnel in the Lake District.

A bride and groom hold hands and walk through their confetti tunnel in the Lake District.

A bride and groom walk through their confetti tunnel on a rainy day in the Lake District.

A Rainy Boat Trip on Lake Windermere

Lydia and Adam had another surprise planned: a private boat trip on Lake Windermere for their family and friends. As everyone headed toward the boat, the rain turned from drizzle into a full downpour, but spirits were high. Umbrellas went up, dresses were lifted off the ground, and everyone embraced the moment. Onboard, guests enjoyed bubbles and canapés while watching the mist roll over the lake. Despite the rain (or maybe because of it), the boat trip felt incredibly atmospheric and romantic. We stepped out onto the deck for some portraits under an umbrella — a quiet moment for the newlyweds to take everything in together.

A bride wears a clear poncho as she walksin the rain in the Lake District, she has flower sunglasses on and is holding her flowers.

Two guests walk under and umbrella in the Lake District.

Their guests walk together under umbrellas and ponchos as it rains in the Lake District.

The brides father wears a poncho and flower sunglasses in the rain in the Lake District.

Bride and groom look out at the views under an umbrella during a rainy Lake District wedding.

The grooms kisses the brides cheek under an umbrella during a rainy Lake District wedding.

Bride and groom under an umbrella during a rainy Lake District wedding.

A detailed shot of the bride and groom sharing a drink on their wedding day in the Lake District.

Romantic Rainy Portraits Around Cragwood Hotel

Later in the afternoon, after speeches and dinner, we popped out for a few more portraits. I always check whether couples want rainy-day photos — and Lydia and Adam didn’t hesitate for a second. We headed outside into the soft evening rain, and I’m so glad we did. The misty hills, glistening pathways, and gentle soundtrack of rainfall created the most magical backdrop. Some of my favourite images of the whole day came from this little portrait session.

A black and white image of a bride and groom under an umbrella during a rainy Lake District wedding.

Bride and groom under an umbrella during a rainy Lake District wedding at Cragwood Hotel.

A bride and groom cuddle under an umbrella during a rainy Lake District wedding.

The groom kisses the brides cheek under an umbrella during a rainy Lake District wedding.

Bride and groom under an umbrella during a rainy Lake District wedding, with Cragwood Hotel in the background.

With Cragwood hotel in the background, the bride and groom stand under an umbrella during a rainy Lake District wedding

Evening Celebrations and a Sparkly Outfit Change

As evening arrived, guests gathered for cake cutting and the first dance, which set the tone for a night full of energy. Lydia then surprised everyone with a sparkling outfit change — a dress made for dancing — and she fully lived up to being the dancing queen of the evening. Even as the rain continued outside, the atmosphere inside was warm, lively, and full of joy.

The bride and groom enter the dance floor together, the bride wears a sparkly sequin dress.

The bride and groom cut their wedding cake in the Lake District.

The bride and groom cut their wedding cake at Cragwood Hotel.

The bride and groom dance on the dance floor at their Lake District wedding.

Bride and groom on the dance floor at their Lake District wedding.

The bride dances on the dancefloor at their Lake District Wedding.

The bride and her friends dance on the dance floor at their Lake District wedding.

The bride spins in her sparkly dress on the dance floor at their Lake District wedding.

The bride and her father hug on the dance floor at Cragwood Hotel in the Lake District.

The bride and groom dance together at their Lake District wedding.

Lydia and Adam’s wedding is the perfect reminder that the weather doesn’t define your day — your attitude does. Even with constant rain, their Lake District wedding was romantic, fun, meaningful, and completely unforgettable. If you embrace whatever the weather brings, the magic will follow. Their day was such a joy to document from beginning to end, and I left with a full memory card… and an even fuller heart.

“From the moment we saw Carys' style, we knew we wanted her to capture our day, which was confirmed during our correspondence in the lead up. We're a touch sad that we won't chat again! On the day, Carys was a calm and happy presence, giving just the right amount of direction but largely 'disappearing' so we didn't feel conscious of the camera. It rained constantly but Carys popped a coat on, covered her camera, and wasn't at all fazed, and the result is amazing, atmospheric photos that both ourselves and our guests are in love with. Overall the combination of talent, creativity, professionalism, and warmth made Carys one of our very best wedding investments and we think of our beautiful photographs as a gift to our future selves to look back on.”