Sally and Russell’s Hiking wedding at Knipe Hall Cumbria, featuring a cruise on Ullswater and a hike up Wainwright Fell

A hike up a hill, a cruise on a lake, a laid back and lovely reception, pops of colour and lots of big grins, Sally and Russell’s Hiking wedding at Knipe Hall Cumbria was unlike any wedding I have ever shot before, or likely ever will again! The entire day reflected all of the things that Sally and Russell love – each other, their family and friends, the great outdoors… There was nothing wedding by numbers about their gorgeous hiking wedding at Knipe Hall Cumbria – it was as unique and wonderful as they are!

Working with Lifeline Photography

We saw your previous wedding photography work at Knipe Hall, and other venues. The way you capture relaxed, informal and beautiful moments is why we love it. We loved having you there on the day. It felt like you and the wonderful Jen were wedding guests. Fun, relaxed and laughing with friends and family.

A family church, a lake cruise, a fell hike and a DIY wedding venue

The church was where Sals parents were wed 40 years previous. A stunning church setting in the heart of our Lake District playground. The cruise on Ullswater reflected Sals love of sailing and all things water sports. The Wainwright Fell, Hallin Fell, reflected Russells love of hiking and vantage points. Knipe Hall offered a DIY venue with a rural flavour that we could personalise.

Jenny Packham, hiking boots and Levi jeans

We loved spending a few days with friends and family, making bunting out of old maps and personalising place settings. The decor made our guests smile! Sal wore a Jenny Peckham dress (bought second hand on eBay! YEY!) and hiking boots for the hill climb. Russ and the boys opted for the less traditional Levis jeans and homemade waistcoats with hiking boot buttons! Sal’s father is the king of the corduroy, so getting him in denim was a triumph (he hasn’t worn them since!). The bridesmaids wore burnt orange dresses from high street shops. Greg Malloy in Penrith styled Sally’s hair. Keseme Bridal Make-up put the face on! Russ brushed his own head and chin with a comb.

The wedding styling

The legendary Laura at Greenwheat Flowers made the bouquet. The brief was orange and natural. Laura did a fabulous job of the bouquet and table flowers for the wedding breakfast. They were arranged in hiking drinks bottles.  Anna, Sals old housemate made a stunning cake. Some of the cake came on honeymoon with us and Russ reckoned it was the best part of our trip 😉 We did all the stationery ourselves with personalised rubber ink stamps (hiking boot-shaped, obviously!).

We cut up maps to make bunting and name places were Polaroid pictures taken of guests over the years. The tables were named after Lake District summits we have climbed and lakes we have swam in. Hiking water bottles filled with flowers formed the table centres, created by Greenwheat Flowers. We gave the children little windmills made from maps of the Lake District to play with which proved a big hit!

The music

Cumbrian singer and songwriter Pete Lashley performed our first dance, “Home” by Scouting For Girls, during the lake cruise. South Cumbrian rock/pop band Ulpha 590 got everyone up and dancing at the evening party.

The food

I Do wedding catering were flipping brilliant. Fabulous capes served when guests arrived. Then a two-course sit down meal. The trio of desserts was delicious and included sticky toffee pudding. The catering team did a brilliant job and made a real effort for guests with special dietary requirements. Pies were served later in the evening. What’s not to love about pie?!

Advice for engaged couples

Don’t go bling if you’re not bling! Make your day reflect you as a couple and don’t worry about the minutia. Don’t spend too long on the posed photos, the natural ones are SOOO the best with the right photographer. Thank you Hannah and Jen!

Our favourite bits

Our favourite moment of the day was the ceremony – it was electric. When I reached the end of the aisle with my dad, I couldn’t help but do a little happy jump and shouting ‘yay!’ Saying our vows in front of the people who we love the most was such a rush and the promises we made to each other were so powerful. Seeing our favourite humans help and support each other to the top of Hallin Fell for some prosecco with a view was immense. Singing at the top of our voices to Pete Lashley on the boat cruise and looking round at so many happy faces was a BIG joy!

If you’re looking for a photographer for your Elms Barn wedding, I’d love to chat so get in touch. Keep scrolling to check out all of the pictures from Sally and Russell’s Hiking wedding at Knipe Hall Cumbria!