Highlights from Jane & Gary’s intimate wedding at this Michelin Star Lake District wedding venue

wedding photography at the forest side in grasmere

Perfect Lake District Wedding Venue

The Forest Side is a perfect Lake District Wedding Venue. Perfectly situated, perfectly designed and, should you be looking for a quiet, intimate setting for your wedding, a perfect choice. A stunning, classic Lake District style Manor House, made from slate, with stunning interiors and accommodation for up to forty guests, this Grasmere-based wedding venue is totally understated. It’s a stunning hidden gem of a venue. I have photographed more than one wedding at the venue (they don’t host many!) and feel privileged to have been a Forest Side wedding photographer, and to have this venue on my C.V.

Michelin Star Restaurant in The Lakes

The Forest Side is a Michelin Star rated restaurant too. Award-winning Head Chef Paul Leonard joined The Forest Side in 2019, and is in charge of all things food and wine at The Forest Side. Like some magician from Harry Potter, Michelin-Starred Paul creates the most exquisite dishes, with all ingredients sourced locally. Paul’s menus are totally awesome, as I have witnessed being a Forest Side wedding photographer, be it a ‘simple’ three or four course menu, or a full eight course ‘Taster’. And…he is a very friendly guy too! When I first met him, he was more interested in looking after me with the offer of a brew…but being a Forest Side wedding photographer, I tend to stick to my Extra Strong mints till the afternoon, when the guests are seated. Thanks anyway Paul.

Here’s what the lovely people at Michelin have to say about Paul & The Forest Side…

“An engaging team welcome you to this substantial Lakeland mansion; start with drinks in the lounge and take in views over the surrounding fells. The team say that ‘Forest Side is designed to be a reflection of the landscape in which it sits’ and that’s true of both the restaurant and the menu. The room has a rustic feel and a glass-topped table crafted from a wind-blown tree takes centre stage.
Provenance and sustainability play a major role in this natural philosophy too. Ingredients come from their Victorian kitchen garden and local suppliers, as well as being foraged for by the team and, as such, menus are micro-seasonal. Skilfully prepared, creative dishes are full of vibrant colours, textural contrasts and sublime flavours. Come at dinner for the full 3hr+ experience”.

Wedding Photos in The Lake District

Jane & Gary booked me to be their Forest Side wedding photographer over a Zoom call one evening. I was recommended by the venue to be their Forest Side wedding photographer. Theirs was to be a family-oriented intimate wedding at this stunning Lake District wedding venue. As with all wedding photos in the Lake District, each venue has it’s own charm and style. The Forest Side is no exception. As Jane & Gary’s Forest Side wedding photographer, I spent the whole day with them. Jane didn’t want any preparations photos taking, preferring her privacy for the morning. I respect this, as I do at all weddings when asked to leave the bride alone to steady any pre0-wedding nerves, or to simply relax before the ceremony. Gary and his son, however were up for a few getting ready photos as part of my being a Forest Side wedding photographer. A few minutes was all it took, and I left them to their own space.

Lake District Wedding Videos

I was working alongside videographer Jordan Greenwood and his second cameraman for the day. It was the first time I’d worked with Jordan, who had travelled a similar distance to me, as he’s based in Halifax. We quietly worked together capturing Jane & Gary’s big day as a Forest Side wedding photographer and videographer respectively. We had a lot of fun too as the wedding day was SO relaxed and undemanding. Jane & Gary were just brilliant to work with, as were their family and friends. As their Forest Side wedding photographer, I wish all weddings could be this relaxed. The ceremony went perfectly with lots of laughter and happy tears… and perfectly run by the Registrar (and my new West Brom mate…you know who you are sir!) Then the surprise. As Jane and Gary went to turn to walk down the aisle, the wedding guests mobbed them with hugs and kisses for a while. Beautiful, emotional chaos…giving me lots of opportunities to capture the love as a Forest Side wedding photographer.

Here’s some of my favourite photos from the day…

Wedding Guitarist Owen H

The evening entertainment came in the form of uber-talented Owen H, who sang and played Jane & Gary’s first dance, then thoroughly fired the party up, giving me more photo opportunities as a Forest Side wedding photographer. I had everything covered by the time the evening buffet was due, so thanked Jane & Gary for a brilliant day, and headed home back down the M6…