LODORE HOTEL | WEDDING story of Jemma & Mark

How did you both meet?

We met on a night out by chance as i was not meant to be out in Workington. We only started talking as i recognised one of his friends who i used to get on the bus with to school, and he introduced me to him. We started talking and we have never stopped!!!!

Tell us about the proposal?

The proposal was amazing. I don’t think my description will do it justice!

I was whisked away as a surprise on my birthday in 2012. Everyone knew apart from me, as there was a lot of planning on Mark’s behalf to do.

Basically, we went to see my Mum and Dad on my birthday. While we were there, Mark got a phone call from his mum about a plumbing problem in her house and she could not get anyone to help her. Mark then went off to help his Mum. I stayed and waited at my Mum and Dad’s. Mark eventually returned- 2 hours later!

We headed off into the Lakes, as i thought we were just going to go for a nice lunch somewhere. We ended up at the Samling- a place i had always wanted to go, so i was chuffed to be just having lunch there. Mark went in to sort out lunch. He came back about 20mins later, and we drove round towards the car park, but stopped behind a little building.

We got out of the car, then we enjoyed the view of Lake Windermere. We turned and walked back to the hotel, at which point Mark walked into the little building! I was so embarrassed as i thought it was someone else’s room and he was just being nosey! Then i found out the little building- ‘The Bothy’ was our room- he had me in tears at that!!! I then went into the bedroom as was told to read the note on the biggest bunch of flowers i have ever seen! As they say- the rest is history!!! The ‘plumbing problem’ was just a front so he could sneak back to our house and pack all of my clothes. I was absolutely blown away. I think my proposal was better than the movies!

Why a lake district wedding?

Its where we live!

Tell us about your wedding venue, The Lodore Hotel and why you chose that location?

We chose the Lodore as Mark’s daughter makes a regular appearance in the Christmas performance with Starkey’s School of Dance, and it looks amazing at Christmas!

What was your colour scheme or wedding theme?

The colour scheme was a deep red- claret and a deep purple, aubergine. These are the colours of some Christmas stockings my sister gave to me before she and her husband moved to Australia- it seemed fitting.

Tell us about your dress?

It was the first one i saw in a magazine, i did try about 20 on. As people had told me you will probably not choose the type of dress you imagine. This dress fitted like a glove and needed no alterations- it was meant to be!

The dress was a Justin Alexander creation.

Did you have ‘something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue?’

I did! My old was the antique lace used in my headpiece so beautifully designed and created by Jean Ellis. My new was my dress. My borrowed was the lipstick from Kerry and Sam at Solo Beauty who did my make up. My blue was on my garter.

What was your favourite photograph and why did you like it?

I can’t say i have a favourite, there are many i like for various reasons. I do, however, like the picture of the top table where my Dad, Mark’s mum, Claire my bridesmaid, and myself are in stitches- Mark isn’t though. I know what was being said by his best man at that time!!!!

What was your most useful source of wedding ideas and information?

Just talking to lots of people, and looking through lots of magazines, and my own ideas. I was clear on what i wanted, it was just a case of doing it!

Tell us about a supplier who provided a first-class service.

They all did!! The Ladore, Solo Beauty, Jean Ellis Designs, Ambience, Derwent Photography. I would like to mention especially Tom Little and his wife Maria, as we were their last wedding before they start to close their business. We feel very privileged to be their last wedding.

Do you have any advice for future brides?

Go with your gut instinct. Remember it is your day!!

What was the best part of your wedding day?

I wouldn’t say i had a ‘best’ part of the day. One of the most special moments was when i walked in with my Dad and saw my husband-to-be at the end of the isle with a huge smile on his face. It was mirrored by my smile!

Was Steve from Derwent Photography the right wedding photographer for you?

Yeah. I think the photos prove it!

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