I’ve photographed elopements before, but this day was a complete first for me and one I’ll never forget. Four friends, two elopements and a beautifully unique setup where each couple served as the other’s witnesses. It was intimate in the truest sense, filled with connection and so much love.

Set on a gloriously hot and sun soaked day in May, this elopement took place at the stunning Storrs Hall, with the ceremony unfolding at the luxurious boathouse overlooking Lake Windermere. The light danced across the water, the lake stretched endlessly behind them and the whole scene felt calm, private and incredibly meaningful, a perfect setting for such a personal celebration.

There was something profoundly special about this day. With no distractions and only the people who mattered most present, emotions ran high and I don’t think there was a dry eye among us. Capturing moments this intimate is such an honour and experiences like this remind me exactly why I love elopement photography. I truly hope I’m lucky enough to photograph many more like this in the future.

Here's what Hannah & Cheryl had to say about their day....

1. Why did we choose this wedding venue?

"We chose this wedding venue because it offered the perfect blend of privacy, style, and exceptional service. We wanted an intimate, exclusive space where we could truly relax and enjoy the day with our closest friends, without distractions or feeling like we were sharing the space with anyone else.

 Its beautiful design and overall aesthetic matched exactly what we had envisioned. It was elegant, charming, and full of character. A big part of our decision came down to Julia. From our very first meeting, she made a lasting impression. Her experience was evident, and she had such a calm, confident presence that gave us complete trust in the process. She really understood our needs and made us feel supported every step of the way."

2. Tell me about your theme vibe/style for the day

"The overall theme and vibe for our day was very relaxed, intimate, and full of good energy. We didn’t want anything too formal or over-the-top just a warm atmosphere where we could feel comfortable and truly enjoy ourselves. It was important to us that the day felt personal and authentic, like a celebration with our closest people rather than a big, structured event. It was all about connection, laughter, and creating a chill, memorable experience for us."

3. What was your favourite moments/memories of the day?

"One of my absolute favorite moments of the day was seeing each other for the first time, that moment really hit us. Everything felt real and incredibly special. Saying our vows to each other was something we will never forget; it was emotional, meaningful, and a moment of pure connection between us. Another highlight was having fun during the photo session. It was relaxed and full of laughter, we got to be ourselves."

4. Any tips or advice for future couples planning an elopement?

"My biggest advice for couples planning an elopement is to slow down and truly enjoy every moment, the day goes by so quickly, and it’s over before you know it. Don’t get caught up in the small details; focus on what really matters: the two of you and the meaning behind the day. Embrace the experience fully, be present, and soak it all in. I honestly wouldn’t change a thing about our day, it was everything we hoped for and more."

5. What made you choose Lynette Matthews photography?

We chose Lynette for our photography because her style was exactly what we were looking for; fun, relaxed, and natural. We didn’t want anything too posed or formal, just someone who could capture the real moments and emotions of the day. We also loved that she had worked at our venue before, which gave us even more confidence. She knew all the best spots and how to work with the lighting and layout. From the start, she made us feel comfortable and at ease, and her photos truly reflect the joy and energy of our wedding day

Venue: Storrs Hall

Dress: www.bridalfactoryoutlet.co.uk

Flowers: @heavenlydarlington

Makeup: @flawlessandporeless_makeup

Shoes: www.theperfectbridalcompany.com

Here's a little look into their special day...