Katy + Joel


Hidden River Barn is an iconic Lake District wedding venue, with it's incredible architecture, beautiful windows that let in the most incredible light, being set in the most serene and peaceful landscape, and it's reputation for throwing a next level party - it was the perfect choice for Katy and Joel. They brought 100 of their friends and family for a long weekend in the lake district to celebrate their wedding and enjoy everything this beautiful place has to offer - and with the weather, it really was like a destination wedding here in the UK.


Katy and Joel are one of those couples that when you look at them together, you just know this is the real deal. Nothing, not one single thing, bothered them on their wedding day. Everything came together perfectly, but nothing was ever going to stop them from being present and savouring every moment of their wedding day, and enjoying it together. They were both so chill, and let any drama pass them by to just truly enjoy the day and take everything in, really living in the moment and letting the day unfold.


Editorial & Fine Art Photography
Classic black and white portrait showing a bare back adorned with a delicate pearl necklace.
A couple shares their first dance at a wedding reception, with the groom wearing a traditional Scottish kilt under dim lighting.

35mm film + digital, for modern nostalgia and an editorial finish. here to see you through every moment.

Intimate couple in elegant white attire share romantic moment in moody lighting against window.
A spoon with melted chocolate smears rests on a rustic wooden surface next to white frosting.
A blurred arm in motion reaches across a rustic wooden table with wine glasses and ambient lighting.

Katy and her girls got ready in Lavender House, with the incomparable Nala and Knot on hair and makeup duties. The girls all looked gorgeous, as they got changed into their powder blue bridesmaids dresses, which matched the spring white and blue florals perfectly. The guys were just a few cottages down, and enjoyed some whisky together, before Joel started with the tears as he opened presents from Katy. Joel wanted to honour his Scottish heritage by having all the lads in kilts, his which had been made specially from custom tartan, and sporran featuring a Highland Cow.


Katy looked unbelievable as her mum helped her into her super chic, minimal style wedding dress, accessorised with iconic Vivienne Westwood pearls. As Katy walked down the aisle, Joel lost it - and needed multiple tissues to contain the tears. Their ceremony was short and sweet, finished with the traditional Jewish smashing of the glass. After their legal ceremony, they head to Roe Deer cabin (with the best view of the river) to share some more personal vows and Scottish hand tying ceremony.

A couple performs a unity ceremony outdoors surrounded by wedding party members during a traditional celebration.

With the weather being absolutely mega, most of their guests got their drinks outside and soaked up the sun, as we had some fun with the bridesmaids and groomsmen portraits, before heading down to the river for some moody, atmospheric, romantic and fun portraits of Katy + Joel.


The evening commenced after their speeches, with them cutting the cake they'd made together after their M&S order got cancelled!!! They shared an emotional first dance, a slower pause to a full out day, before getting right into the partying with their Ceilidh band.


It was a joy just to be around Katy and Joel and witness how much they loved their wedding day, but also lovely to photograph a couple who each had such strong ideas for their photography, and happy to spend some time making some beautiful images. The joy and the style of the vision equally show through in the photos, I'm obsessed with their preview gallery.


Venue - Hidden River Barn

Florals - The Bloom Room

Dresses - Ava Rose Hamilton

HMUA - Nala + Knot

Videography - Marriage in Motion


A Van Cleef & Arpels perfume bottle elegantly displayed with a pearl necklace on white fabric.
A wedding welcome sign for Joel and Katy with white hydrangeas and blue ribbon floral arrangement against wooden walls.
A bride has her makeup professionally applied in warm lighting during wedding preparations.
Someone wearing a kilt sits on a white bed while gently petting a dark-colored cat.
Two people in white dress shirts adjusting their outfits while getting ready in a dimly lit room.
Black and white photo of person in formal attire sitting on bed with head in hands showing contemplative moment.
Bartender in white shirt pours drinks at dimly lit bar counter while others observe the cocktail preparation process.
A group of men in formal attire toast and celebrate together in a black and white photograph.
A person takes a mirror selfie wearing a black traditional kilt and matching formal jacket.
Black and white portrait of a bearded figure adjusting a tie while wearing a white dress shirt and formal attire.
A serene bride in a white lace gown holds a champagne flute during wedding preparations.
Two men in formal attire getting ready for an event in a black and white scene.
A person in a fitted white wedding gown gets help with the dress while standing in a warm-lit room with dark furniture.
A black and white photograph shows a figure in a white lace-trimmed slip holding a perfume bottle in an intimate moment.
A black and white photo of wedding preparations showing someone getting help adjusting a white bridal gown.
Artistic black and white photo showing bare shoulders adorned with elegant pearl necklace against dark background.
A bridal party in gray bridesmaid dresses shares a joyful moment before the wedding in an elegant indoor setting.
A bride in an elegant white wedding dress and long veil poses in a side profile in a monochrome photograph.
Elegant bridal portrait in white strapless gown with pearl necklace and veil standing by window in soft lighting.
A rustic table setting with wine bottle and delicate white rose in a small vase against a dark wooden surface.

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@esmewhitesidephotography