An Amazing Very Small Wedding
By CAROLINE LANGHAM
Clare and Indie's Very Small Lake District Barn Wedding
It was the end of July 2020, and although Clare and Indie had planned an intimate family wedding right from the start, their plans were scuppered by the dreaded Covid Pandemic. They decided that despite this, they were determined to still go ahead as planned on the day that they had originally chosen over a year before.
Instead of their intimate all-inclusive mid-week wedding with all the inclusive drinks reception with canapes followed by a three-course family meal, they decided to trim it all to this very simple but classic Very Small Wedding.
The Arrival of the Bride and her Father
Clare arrived with her father in a splendid cream Beauford wedding car. What a sight as it entered the garden and drove along the driveway to the house.
This was one of three classic cars that the lovely couple had organised as a treat for the main bridal party. All were provided by family-run Cumbria Classic Cars based in north Cumbria.
Waiting Attentively
Clare and Indie had opted to have their very small wedding ceremony in our rustic barn, and so as Clare arrived, we ushered the guests from the house to the barn where they waited for the arrival of the bride.
Clare and her father entered Cote How from the end ceremony room. Here they could meet the registrars and check over a few final details before the ceremony could begin. Mia, Clare and Indie’s daughter, was watched everything with great concentration!
The Rustic Barn Wedding Ceremony
Clare and Indie had decided to have their wedding ceremony inside the barn, as the fairy lights sparkled, creating a truely magical atmosphere.
When everyone was in place, Clare made her entrance to the traditional and very familiar strains of “Here comes the bride” – I have to say that in seven years of hosting weddings at Cote How, this is the first time we have heard this traditional entrance song!
With the spacious barn and a very small wedding party of 15, we could easily host the wedding with 2m spacing between household bubbles. We could even add the luxurious touch of padded armchairs for the guests! A bit of added luxury wouldn’t you say?
Clare decided that she didn’t need flowers (apart from her bouquet and Indie’s buttonhole) as she loved the lighting and felt this was just perfect!
After 11 years together Clare and Indie finally became husband and wife with their two gorgeous children as best man and flower girl. They are a beautiful family and love oozed out of the barn.
Barn and Lakeside photographs
The registrars departed, and the wedding party enjoyed some time in the gardens having their pictures taken, enjoying the moment and congratulating the happy couple. Soon it was time for heading down to the lake for a few couple portraits with their photographer.
The lakeside location is part of the magic of Cote How. Surrounded by unspoilt panoramas, these beautiful views of the stunning natural scenery are the reason why so many choose to marry here. Described as a hidden gem, we are surrounded by river, fell and lake… Steeped in history, typically Lakeland in style and all part of the idyllic charm that IS the Lake District.
Photos in the gardens at Cote How
Once back in the terraces at Cote How, Clare and Indie took the time for a few more photos on the love seats scattered around the gardens.
I captured this lovely one next to their fantastic Beauford wedding car. Doesn’t it make a beautiful picture having our historic house, with its Lakeland round chimneys and Tudor porch as the backdrop?
Time to Depart
Sadly, it was soon time to leave. What a blissful two-hours this very small wedding turned out to be.
We were not able to serve food and drinks on this occasion, but Clare and Indie were over the moon with their stunning barn ceremony, glorious photo opportunities, and relaxed family-focused time, all topped off with oodles of love.
But now it was time to leave us…and head back to their holiday accommodation to continue their family celebrations.
The Classic MICRO WEDDING Ceremony
This three-hour wedding is an excellent option if you are looking for a relaxed, worry-free ceremony in a stunning location with your nearest and dearest. You can even extend it to include drinks and grazing table and take advantage of this gem of a venue. Check out our MICRO WEDDINGS here
If you can’t stand to leave us and are looking for a longer, more traditional style of wedding, then check out our other small wedding options here.
Suppliers Links:
Photography by: Caroline’s Samsung Note 8 Phone
Flowers by Lily Lous of Ambleside via Cote How
Guest Transport By: Cumbria Classic Cars
Entertainment By: Spotify Playlists
Venue Styling By: Caroline@CoteHow
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You may also enjoy this blog all about How to Plan the Perfect Small Wedding
