Lake District Elopement


When I planned this elopement shoot, for another edition of my workshops to teach other photographers, I must admit that I wasn't planning on snow in spring. But that's what happened, and we just had the perfect conditions to be able to get some incredible, snowy shots, whilst still being able to get to the mountain location! Just a bit more snow, and there's no way we'd have been able to drive to this place, which is undoubtedly my favourite spot in the Lake District.


I wanted something really bohemian for this shoot, so got Bek from Jean Jackson Couture, arguably the bridal queen of boho, to get involved. Of course she pulled the iconic Avril dress by Rue De Seine for Jeannie, and styed Matty in some camel corduroy, and in the snow it looked like an elopement in the Rockies. I also wanted a hint of stylish elegance, which my favourite florist Emma Cox provided in the white and berry toned wintery bouquet.


When I run these workshops, the focus is on building a narrative. So we started in Ambleside with some prep - both Jeannie and Matty writing vows, using the light in the room, and getting ready together. I always love prep, it offers some time to really intentionally and authentically create in a way that feels intimate and vulnerable, and I love these images, especially of Jeannie with her faux champagne! Then we headed out into the mountains, for the Lake District elopement portion. Up in the mountains, over looking the tarn, they shared some vows and we battled the snow and harsh light to create some adventurous, raw portraits. I brought my film camera again to this shoot, and shot on it as I would a real elopement. If I'd only had the film, and no digital, I think these images alone would tell the story and show the narrative of the day, and I adore this set from the 35mm perspective.

Woman in silk lingerie admiring an elegant lace wedding dress hanging in a bedroom.
Bride-to-be touching her intricate lace wedding gown displayed on a wooden bedpost.
Woman with tattoos sitting at vanity mirror during wedding day preparations.
Candid moment of a woman with tattoos writing in journal surrounded by wedding flowers.
Bride writing in journal while sitting on bed with white floral arrangements nearby.
A cozy morning boudoir scene with floral tattoos and a book on white bedding.
Intimate portrait with delicate white flowers and a champagne glass in a sunlit bedroom.
Candid moment with white floral bouquet and vintage champagne coupe in natural light.
Dreamy window-lit scene with champagne and fresh flowers on a white bed.
Soft vintage-style photo with champagne and flowers beside a sunny window.
Romantic moment showcasing an intricate white lace wedding dress against vintage furniture.
Intimate couple portrait featuring detailed white lace gown and brown turtleneck sweater.
Artistic upside-down portrait in warm tones by a window.
Winter engagement photo with couple embracing in snowy forest setting.
Intimate winter portrait with white bouquet against snow-covered pine trees.

See More on Instagram

@esmewhitesidephotography