Just the Couple, Their Closest Friends — and a Few Paws
Every so often, I photograph a wedding that reminds me exactly why I do what I do. This Hidden River Cabins elopement, tucked away in the rolling green of Carlisle, was one of those days — the kind that lingers in your memory long after the last frame is edited.
It wasn’t a grand affair. In fact, that’s what made it so special.
Just the couple, their four best friends, and their three beloved dogs. No seating plans, no timelines, no fuss. Just love, real, raw, and beautifully uncomplicated.
Hidden River Cabins is the kind of place that feels like it belongs in a storybook. Towering trees, a winding river, and log cabins that glow with warmth even on a crisp Cumbrian morning in Feb. The couple chose to say their vows beneath the canopy of trees, with dogs roaming freely and the quiet rustle of the river nearby. It was quiet, it was wild, and it was utterly romantic.
There was laughter, there were happy tears, and there was a lot of mud (thanks to the pups, no complaints there). After the ceremony, they gathered in the kitchen with prosecco, handmade snacks, and the kind of stories that only best friends can tell. It felt more like a celebration of life than a typical wedding, relaxed, honest, and overflowing with connection.
As a photographer, it’s these kinds of days I live for. When the pressure fades away, the real moments shine. Every glance, every hug, every muddy paw print felt like it told its own story.
To the couple, thank you for trusting me to capture your wild and wonderful day. To anyone dreaming of an intimate celebration surrounded by nature and the people (and pets) you love most, let this be your sign.
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