Our Wedding Experience
Real Feedback from our Couple
Our Wedding Experience
Real Feedback from our Couple
A Real Cote How Wedding Experience
We love to feature our couples’ gorgeous weddings in our Real Weddings at Cote How blog series. It’s a fantastic way to inspire couples like you who’d love a beautiful wedding, here in the Lakes.
Tammy and Martin had a fairytale wedding day in September. In this blog, they share their Cote How wedding experience…
A Pre-Wedding Story
Q. What sort of wedding day experience did you imagine when you first started planning?
A. We wanted to have a small, relaxed intimate wedding but did not want to compromise on the look and feel of a traditional/classic wedding day. We loved the idea of celebrating in a way that felt personal and meaningful, without the overwhelm that often comes with larger, traditional weddings.
A Natural, Intimate Lakeland Setting
Q. What made Cote How the right choice for your wedding day experience?
A. We were looking for an intimate venue without having to compromise on the experience of a traditional wedding day. Cote How was exactly that—and so much more.
The house is full of charm and character, showcasing beautiful classic features. Some of our favourites included the stunning entranceway leading to the Woodrow Reception Room, which has impressive old beams with a cosy open fireplace.
We instantly fell in love with the Fairfield Ceremony Room, especially the large windows that bring the outdoors in, the ornate mirror, and the tasteful décor. Every space within the venue carries the same thoughtful attention to detail.
Being in the Lake District and embracing the outdoors was important to us as a couple. The immaculately kept gardens and Rydal Water, literally on the doorstep, meant the decision to book Cote How felt effortless.
We were looking for an intimate venue, without having to compromise the experience of a traditional wedding day, and Cote How was exactly that—and so much more.
Tammy & Martin
The Wedding Planning Experience
Q. How did you find the wedding planning process?
A. From the very beginning, the wedding planning experience Cote How provided has been exceptional. Caroline and Rachel brought the perfect blend of professionalism and genuine warmth, instantly putting us at ease and making the entire journey feel enjoyable rather than overwhelming. Their support was consistent, thoughtful, and incredibly reassuring.
The online wedding portal was easy to use and kept everything organised, which made planning from a distance feel completely manageable.
As we aren’t local to the Lakes, the curated list of trusted, experienced suppliers was invaluable. Every recommendation we followed turned out to be fantastic. Communication was always prompt, and no question ever felt like too much trouble.
Throughout the process, we felt empowered in the decisions we were making. Caroline and Rachel guided us with their expertise while helping us stay true to our own wishes and vision for the day. Thanks to their attentive care and seamless planning, we were able to enjoy the build-up to our wedding with confidence and excitement. The entire experience was everything we hoped for and more.
your Wedding Day Experience
Q. Tell us about the atmosphere and emotions on the big day!
A. 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 the recommended suppliers they work with.
Everyone managed every detail so perfectly, which in turn allowed us to embrace the magic of our wedding day. We were able to be fully present and soak in the moment as a couple and with our loved ones.
The atmosphere felt warm, welcoming, and genuinely like home. The team were dedicated and worked hard, and discreetly guided our wedding party throughout the day.
Our family and friends who joined us also echoed the warmth and care felt by the team.
In summary, our wedding day was everything we hoped for—exciting, calming, deeply special, and truly unforgettable.
Our Cote How Wedding HIghlights
Q. What were some of the highlights from your special day?
A. It is tricky to pinpoint highlights when you feel like the whole day was a highlight! Some of our fondest memories are:
- Arriving at Cote How in the Beauford car (Cumbria Classic Cars). It was an extra special experience, followed by being warmly welcomed by the Cote How team and the Registrars.
- Seeing our stunning wedding flowers, which the Cote How team planned with Lily Lou’s to perfection. They truly understand the meaning of the perfect pink bouquet!
- The lovely scent of the home-made Cote How candles was a special touch, and also being kindly surprised with one as a parting gift.
- It felt so special to be greeted with a glass of bubbles just after our ceremony to toast our marriage in private. It was the perfect way to celebrate the first few moments as a married couple.
- The confetti shot was magical, and the canapés were delicious!
Memorable Moments
Q. Tell us more about your memorable moments…
A. The day flowed seamlessly. Walking into the barn and seeing it set up for our wedding breakfast is a moment we won’t forget. The attention to detail was like nothing else, such as the twinkly fairly lights, the tea-light candles, flowers and setting up the personal items we provided created a personal and romantic setting for our guests.
One of the most meaningful highlights came later, as we took time to hike around Rydal Water as a married couple and exchanged our vows by the lake in private. We were surrounded by nature, and with the peacefulness of the Lake District, it was an intimate moment we will never forget.
Caroline and Rachel were thoughtful in all of the arrangements. Something we appreciated was the approach to sustainability, and suggesting to gift our flowers to guests to enjoy. This created special moments with our guests, just before we departed in the Beauford car waving off our guests and the Cote How team. The whole day felt like a fairytale.
Our wedding day was everything we hoped for—exciting, calming, deeply special, and truly unforgettable.
Tammy & Martin
Wedding Day Details
Q. Tell us which details you loved the most about your Cote How wedding experience?
A. Some of the details which made our day unforgettable are:
- Tammy wearing her stunning Morilee wedding dress!
- The big roses used for the buttonholes and in the wedding bouquets were absolutely beautiful.
- The professional service provided by Dapper Dogs, who looked after Pancake, our miniature dachshund, as if he were their own.
- The magic created by Heather with hair and makeup was exceptional.
- We loved the time spent embracing our family and friends on the terrace in the sunshine as a married couple.
One of our favourite moments was seeing our little nephew take his “role” as ring security so seriously, complete with his briefcase and glasses. It brought so much joy and laughter.
We were also incredibly grateful for the kindness and professionalism of Sharon from Cumbria Classic Cars, making our arrival and departure in style, feel seamless and special.
And, of course, the wedding cake was absolutely delicious!
Add short headline quote here
On Reflection...
Q. What would you do differently, if anything?
A. Nothing!
Our wedding planning Advice
Q. What advice would you give to couples planning their own wedding experience?
A. Our advice to couples planning their wedding is simple: follow your wants and wishes. When you stay true to your vision, you can never be disappointed.
If you’re considering Cote How, know that putting your full faith into the team is absolutely the right decision. Their expertise and experience are unmatched, and every piece of guidance they offer is designed to help you create the wedding day you’ve always imagined. You will benefit immensely from their advice, support, and attention to detail.
Trust yourself, trust your vision, and trust the Cote How team. Together, it will make your wedding day an unforgettable and truly magical experience.
And Lastly...
Thank you so much to Tammy and Martin! We so appreciate their time and care in providing such detailed feedback about their Cote How wedding experience (and all in their own words too!)
Thank you also to our fabulous recommended suppliers who helped create a wonderful, fairytale wedding day for our couple!
- Photographer – Jo Greenfield
- Stylist – Hair & Makeup by Heather
- Flowers – Lilylous of Ambleside
- Wedding Cake – Homebakers of Grasmere
- Catering – Karen Healy Outside Catering
- Dog Chaperone – Dapper Dog Weddings
- Wedding Car – Cumbria Classic Cars
For details about getting married in the Lakes, contact the Registrars Team for Westmorland & Furness.
FURTHER INFORMATION
If you have enjoyed this blog, please leave a comment to let us know or share it with someone who may find it helpful.
Here are some further blogs to enjoy…
- A Fairytale Wedding in the Lakes
- A Small & Intimate Lake District Wedding
- Read more on our Day Wedding Packages here.
