On 7th August 2020, it was Rachael and Phil’s turn to tie the knot, and after a tumultuous few months of uncertainty, their story is a true fairy-tale ending…
- Photography by Chris Freer
- Makeup by Alex Steel
- Hair by Hollie Stockton
- Cake by Champagne Cakes
- Flowers by Wildes of Windermere
He asked for her hand…in sand
After a manic week in Hong Kong, the couple flew to the Philippines for some much-needed bathe-and-bask-by-the-beach time.
After hiring a scooter, the pair were en-route to find their very own deserted bit of paradise, which, luck would have it, they found.
Whilst Rachael took some time to soak up the sun, Phil went to soak his shorts in the sea.
Fully relaxed and enveloped in the sandy heat, Rachael’s blissful zen was interrupted by Phil’s eager request to show her something in the sand, to which the sunbathing beauty was adamant she wasn’t going to move for.
Unperturbed, Phil lifted his lady and forced her to follow him to the patch where, there, written by hand in the sand, were the words “will you marry me?” to which Rachael, of course, said yes.
It was official; they were to be wed, and nothing in the world could stop them…or so they thought.
From locked-in to lock down
After both deciding that a ‘destination wedding’ was their style, they chose Broadoaks Country House because of its combination of total exclusivity, stunning location and exquisite charm, opting for the 48-hour package that would allow their guests to truly enjoy the 2-day celebration.
And so, 15 months before the big day, the day of Saturday 25th April was locked in.
…and then, lockdown happened.
As the restrictions were put in place, Rachael and Phil were devastated to learn their wedding wouldn’t be allowed to go ahead as planned, and they were unfortunately forced to rearrange, however, they were grateful to Broadoaks staff, who, Rachael said “were amazing” in keeping them informed on their options.
Thank goodness then, that on the day of the 25th, they were showered in flowers and wine to take the edge off!
A rollercoaster of emotions
Fortunately, due to the kindness of another couple who had learnt about Rachael and Phil’s situation and had offered their date of the 7th August, the pair were delighted to have another go.
Of course though, in the weeks leading up to the new date, there was still so much uncertainty over how many guests were allowed to attend, never mind the threat of another lockdown.
So, riding the ups and facing the downs, Phil and Rachael conceded to playing it as safe and opted for a small and intimate wedding, rather than their original plan to have 110 guests present.
The day finally arrived
Despite enduring so much uncertainty on the lead up to their wedding day, Rachael and Phil were determined to ensure every single second of their rearranged do was every bit as spectacular, and it certainly was.
And so, on Friday 7th August, the Cumbrian sun came out to celebrate the wedding of this beautiful pair, and as such, the outdoor ceremony was primed and ready for service.
With the limited guests in place, Rachael, a vision of bridal chic perfection holding a brilliant bouquet from Wildes of Windermere, walked down the grass aisle to a violin version of Ed Sheeran’s Perfect, a highlight Phil would later describe as his favourite part of the day.
As the sun continued to shine on the happy couple, the day went without a glitch.
Though the restrictions meant some of the quintessential wedding charms, such as evening entertainment and dancefloor weren’t allowed, the couple did a fabulous job adding their own unique flair and personality to the place with their witty ‘travelling’ themed. The theme was carried through their centrepieces, favours and wedding cake (by Champagne Cakes), and showed off the couple’s love for travelling.
A truly happy ending
And so it was, even though they were true victims of circumstance, Rachael and Phil let love take over and had what they could only describe as “the fairytale wedding”.
On behalf of all the team at Broadoaks Country House, we wish Rachael and Phil a lifetime of happiness and the warmest of ‘thank yous’ for choosing us for their special day, and of course, being forever known as our first ‘post-lockdown’ couple!
Broadoaks Country House is the perfect Lake District exclusive use wedding venue with wedding packages starting from just £2,995.