Not long after Lucy and Tony’s stunning Tower of London Wedding, Lucy sent me an email. She asked if I would photograph her sister’s wedding in Cumbria, which would be held in their country home’s backyard in Reagill. That email sparked an incredible adventure with Emily and Danny, taking me through the English countryside to Maulds Meaburn. This charming village, rich in tradition, is home to friendly locals and a few wandering sheep. Just a stone’s throw away stands St Lawrence’s Church in Crosby Ravensworth – the very place where Lucy and Emily’s parents married years ago!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Hi, I’m Niki M – a destination wedding photographer with home bases in South Africa and Croatia. My work is filled with emotion, unposed moments and true-to-life colour. Unique outdoor weddings and elopements are my jam, and I travel absolutely anywhere to capture them… from nuptials in the picturesque English countryside, to tropical island weddings, elopements in Iceland, and everywhere in between!
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Waking Up In Maulds Meaburn
Both Cumbria and Lake District weddings offer breathtakingly remote locations, immersing you in pristine countryside from the start. I was lucky to stay in a charming cottage called The Brew House. Once the village’s original brew house, it now sits in the heart of Maulds Meaburn, right beside the village green and river.
Renowned journalist and author Hunter Davies once called it “one of the most beautiful villages in the country.” I couldn’t agree more!
Cumbria Wedding Bridal Prep in Reagill
Just a short distance away, Emily got ready at her family’s cottage, Town Head in Reagill. Alison, Emily’s mum, has had Town Head in her family for over a century. She and her sister renovated the farmhouse extensively, modernizing it while preserving its historic charm. Now managed as a holiday home, Town Head welcomes guests eager to explore the Cumbrian countryside.
Emily and Danny’s wedding took place in a tipi tent on the property, surrounded by rolling hills and autumn apple trees—a truly magical setting!
Shap Wells Hotel with “The Gents”
Danny and his groomsmen chose to get ready at the Shap Wells Hotel. This hotel is conveniently close to the motorways yet still secluded enough to offer a charming countryside setting. I loved the old world charm of the building and had great fun with the gents creating informal group portraits!
A Cumbrian Wedding Ceremony at St Lawrence’s Church
A teeeeny sprinkle of rain blessed Emily’s journey to St Lawrence’s Church – the same church that her parents had been married in over 40 years prior. As we wound our way back to Crosby Ravensworth for their Cumbrian wedding ceremony, the rain cleared and everything was set for a momentous moment in Emily and Danny’s lives!
Cumbria Wedding Traditions: The Tying of The Churchyard Gates
There is an age old Cumbrian tradition that still happens at this church today! Whilst the wedding ceremony is taking place, children tie up the gates of the churchyard so that the wedding couple cannot leave. The newlyweds then have to throw money or sweets over the gates to the waiting children. Whilst the children are preoccupied with picking up the coins or sweets, the best man cuts through the rope to set the couple free! This was so much fun, and an amazing tradition to carry forward!
Winding Roads of The English Countryside
On our way back to Reagill, we made a few stops and snapped some incredible photographs with the hills and dales of Cumbria, and even the Pennines in the background. Emily and Danny really wanted a photo on the Reagill swing, installed on the day of the Queen’s coronation in 1956. Everywhere I looked, there was beauty, and I am so glad I got to capture the magic and also the history of the area in their wedding photos!
Backyard Tipi Cumbria Wedding Reception
Ahhhhh this tipi tent wedding reception in the back garden was toooooo cool! Emily and Danny’s décor perfectly matched the relaxed vibe of their day, featuring all their favorite places and things. Instead of wedding gifts, they collected donations for their favorite charities – a beautiful touch. Their personalities shone through in every way, and it was gorgeous!
And The Rest Was History!
The tipi tent reception was the perfect setting for Emily and Danny’s Cumbria wedding. In a fun twist, each table had a designated guest to carve the roast, adding so much laughter and fun!
And as the speeches began, fairy lights cast a warm glow over the celebration, creating a magical atmosphere.
With the ultimate playlist and glasses clinking, Emily, Danny and their guests danced and celebrated late into the night. It was the perfect end to an unforgettable day!
The suppliers who created this beautiful wedding:
- Church: St Lawrence’s Church, Crosby Ravensworth
- Reception Venue: Town Head, Reagill
- Dress: La Sposa from Eden Wedding Boutique
- Bridesmaids Dresses: Rewritten
- Suits: Ted Baker
- Make-Up: Lauren Amy Make-Up
- Hair: Alison at Hair Zone, Appleby
- Florist: Greenwheat Flowers
- Cake: Marks and Spencer
- DJ: The Couple
- Tipi Tent: Special Event Tipis
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