Back in the days when I worked in newspapers, I worked with Sam (the groom)’s sister at the Daily Post. Even though I was in professional photographer mode, it was really nice to be able to spend the day with her and shoot her brother’s wedding.

The Belsfield Hotel is part of the Laura Ashley hotel group, so as you can imagine, the décor and styling of this venue are good enough to feature in any glossy interiors magazine. Sat at the edge of Lake Windermere, the views from the hotel are exactly what you would expect in an area of outstanding natural beauty, sweeping landscapes and dramatic expanses of water – although there was a little too much water on the day!

Samuel and Puja at The Belsfield, Laura Ashley Hotel in Windermere.

The heavens opened from the moment the bride and groom woke up in the morning and thunderstorms were forecast for later in the day. Although the rain was pouring down, spirits were high as Puja was getting into her dress, the backdrop of the Cumbrian hillsides and the lake looking spectacular despite the heavy showers. The view truly was stunning.

Thankfully, the thunderstorms kept away, but the rain meant we were inside for the photographs. Luckily, we were in one of the most elegant hotels I’ve ever seen, and we ended up doing pictures of the happy couple on the stairwell, which actually is my favourite shot of the day!

We made our way to Puja and Sam’s room, The Grand Wedding Suite, with the intention of getting some more romantic shots. Literally, as they walked through the door, blue sky popped through the clouds and the sun started shining. We quickly went outside and made the most of the amazing location.

After all the rain, the day ended with one of the nicest sunsets you can imagine.

It was a perfect end to a perfect day and to top it all I have just found out I won a gold award with The Guild of Photographers for the image of Puja on the staircase.