A Fairytale Wedding in the Lake District

A Real Wedding Diary

A Fairytale Wedding in the Lake Disrict

I remember the first time we met Tammy and Martin. When we took them into our gorgeous Lakeland wedding barn, Tammy’s reaction melted our hearts. She was so moved that she shed a little tear. She’d found ‘the one’ — and not just Martin! The same magic happened again at their final planning meeting. We were chatting in the ceremony rooms, picturing that aisle moment, when a flicker of movement outside caught our eye. Standing in the garden were two roe deer, quietly watching us. It felt like they were giving their seal of approval, and Tammy and Martin’s fairytale wedding at Cote How was meant to be!

A Weekend Gathering in Rydal

Tammy and Martin wanted to be close to family and friends, and so all their guests stayed nearby in Rydal. The family rented ‘Stepping Stones’, a charming Lakeland house once owned by the son of William Wordsworth. It enjoys an idyllic location on the River Rothay and is within walking distance of Cote How. Tammy spent a beautifully relaxed morning getting ready with her stylist, Heather, whilst Martin and his best man braved an alfresco photoshoot on the stepping stones with photographer Jo.

Soft Summer Florals and Subtle Details

The couple arrived in style (one at a time!) in their classic vintage Beauford car. Watching them drive through the gates felt like we’d stepped onto the set of Downton Abbey — it was gorgeously cinematic! Tammy had fallen in love with a rose she’d spotted in one of our earlier weddings — the palest pink, soft and romantic. It became the inspiration for her bouquet of roses, lisianthus, and astilbe. That subtle summer floral theme ran throughout the day, from Martin’s tie and the delicate embroidery on the bridesmaids’ dresses to their fairytale-like invitations.

The atmosphere on our wedding day was incredible, filled with excitement and pure joy. One feeling we are both thankful for is the sense of calmness we experienced. We genuinely believe this could not have been achieved without the Cote How team and recommended suppliers they work with.

Tammy & Martin

The One with the Dress

If Tammy and Martin’s wedding were an episode of Friends, it would be The One with the Dress. Honestly, it was breathtaking — the epitome of timeless elegance. A lace bodice, long sleeves, and a high neckline were all modern-day princess. The full tulle skirt, layered with embroidered floral lace, made Tammy every inch a classic, fairytale bride.

Drinks on the Terrace (and A Dashing Dachshund)

After their ceremony in our light-filled Fairfield garden room, drinks and canapés were served outside on the terrace. Guest of honour Pancake, their dachshund, arrived in style with Nigel from Dapper Dogs (who’s something of a legend). Pancake looked dashing in his bowtie, behaved impeccably, and soaked up the attention before heading home for a well-earned nap.

Private Vows by the Lake

Tammy and Martin slipped away to the lakeshore to read their personal vows, just the two of them. It may be a cliché, but after all the waiting, wondering, worrying and hoping your wedding day goes by in the blink of an eye! After all the planning and excitement, it’s worth pressing pause during the day just to take it all in. Sometimes the quiet, unscripted moments are the ones that stay with you long after your fairytale wedding day has ended.

The whole day felt like a fairytale...The atmosphere felt warm, welcoming, and genuinely like home.

Tammy & Martin

Dinner, Cake and Golden Light

Dinner followed in the barn, without any standing on ceremony and lots of love and laughter. After indulging in the white chocolate and raspberry wedding cake, guests wandered out to the terrace and enjoyed the sunset. There’s something about that time of day at Cote How and the feeling that you’re part of the landscape — it makes a wedding here feel so relaxed and easy.

Thank you for the most Perfect Day...

A Sunset Farewell in the Rydal Valley

As the sun dipped behind the fells, the wedding car pulled up once more. We don’t often see a traditional “going away”, but it was such a lovely touch. Tammy and Martin led everyone up to the house, surrounded by hugs, waves, and happy tears, before driving off — quite literally — into the sunset. For a wonderful couple who became part of our Cote How family the moment we met, it was the perfect end to the happiest of days.

Thank you

Huge thanks to the dream team of suppliers who helped to create Tammy & Martin’s magical wedding day:

Photography – Jo Greenfield; Wedding Flowers – Lilylous of Ambleside; Wedding Cake – Home Bakers Grasmere; Catering – Karen Healy Outside Catering; Dog Chaperone – Dapper Dog Weddings; Stylist – Hair & Makeup by Heather; Wedding Car – Cumbria Classic Wedding Cars.

If you would like information about marrying in Westmorland and Furness, contact their team of Registrars.