My Best Friends Wedding I Lake Windermere I Cambridge Wedding Photography

Broadoaks Country House, Lake Windermere was the amazing setting for Gari and David’s perfect day. Gari and I have been best friends for more years than either of us would admit to and we know we will both be there for each other come what may. When Gari mentioned he was getting married I was torn between the desire to be his best man or his photographer. Knowing that I wanted to do an amazing job for him and that his brother would, for sure, do a better job than me as best man the choice was easy. Gari’s brother Chad had always been around for him so it was obvious he was the best man for the job. Besides that I’m not sure I would have done it justice when it came to the speeches. I get a tad emotional and surprisingly tongue tied at times like that.

Close friends and wine glasses

The celebrations kicked off with a meal the night before in the dining area at this wonderful venue. Several of the guests, close friends and family gathered and chatted over a glass of vino before heading back for a good night relaxation ahead of the big day itself. The accommodation provided on site was perfect to recharge the batteries and thoughts for what lay ahead. The day started following a hearty breakfast as I headed off to the boys suite and started the groom prep.

For the ladies

Before the start ceremony we had time to capture some pictures with both mums. Shooting your best friends wedding means you know all of the family too and it was amazing to be around them again. Gari’s mum Diane & Dave’s mum Jill had a crucial role to play in the proceedings as they were walking the boys into the ceremony and down the aisle. A fitting tribute to the most important ladies in their lives. It was lovely to see Diane surrounded by her boys and her close family.

Dance floor classics

Gari & David shared equal priorities for the day and that was to have time to celebrate their union with their family and friends. They certainly did not fail on this part which lived up to all expectations. With winter weddings the light fades so quick but that didn’t stop us doing all the photos that we’d allowed for and after the wedding breakfast it was soon time for the evening shenanigans to begin. The live entertainment was supplied by the amazingly talented Ashleigh Wood. Singing a repertoire of dance floor classics and hits to ensure the floor was never left unattended.

Having the luxury of staying over night at the venue the day before and the day of the wedding I always love the breakfast the morning after. Hearing the recollections the day before, some jaded but all fun. It’s strange to think that in the flashiest of flashes the day is over and life returns to normal all too soon.

If you are planning your big day please do get in touch via my Contact Me page at Mark Nortcliffe Photography or by calling 07982 077883. Check out my review of 2019 here.

Suppliers

Photography Mark Nortcliffe Photography

Grooms Suits ASOS and Moss Bros

Florist Dalton Square Florists arranged by Rachel and Helen Hamilton Southward

Cake Tasty Bakes

Venue styling Purple Swan

Entertainment Ashleigh Wood

Venue Broadoaks Country House

& other stories

How did you meet?

On an online dating site.

Who proposed to who and where?

Gari proposed to me in Mallorca.

How long were you planning your wedding?

It had been in the pipeline for a few years but the actual planning only started when we booked the venue six months before the wedding day itself.

What was your favourite parts of the day?

It was really hard to choose as the whole day was perfect but I think the part where we were pronounced as married takes some beating.

Any advice for people planning their big day? Tips you learnt along the way?

I’d say that six months is not long enough. I would certainly give yourselves about a year to plan which seems more sensible. And, do as much preparation as possible in advance. Leaving things to the last few weeks is not advisable.

Where did you go on honeymoon?

We took our touring caravan to Keswick with our dog for 3 nights. We took our cards and gifts to open and it gave us some much needed time to relax.