Film Wedding Photography in the Lake District
A Stylish Black Tie Party at Askham Hall, Penrith
There’s something about a black tie celebration that always feels a little bit magical — the sharp tailoring, the sparkle, the way the whole evening builds from quiet drinks to full-on dancing. This party at Askham Hall in Penrith had all of that, wrapped in an effortlessly stylish setting.
Askham Hall is such a great space for this kind of gathering. Its warm, understated elegance meant that even with the black tie dress code, the whole event still felt personal and relaxed. Guests arrived to drinks in the courtyard, taking in the golden evening light as they mingled and laughed together. It was the perfect balance between grandeur and intimacy.
Shooting Film & Digital for a Modern, Stylish Look
For this event, I shot a mix of digital and film to really capture the mood of the day. The digital gave me flexibility for fast-paced moments and the low-light evening scenes, while the film added that extra layer of texture and depth — perfect for the formal wear, the warm stone backdrops, and those fleeting in-between moments.
I worked with both 35mm and medium format film, focusing on candid, stylish frames. The softness of Kodak Portra film paired beautifully with the crisp black tie aesthetic, adding a timeless quality to the portraits and group shots. The combination of digital sharpness and film’s natural grain gave the final gallery a really modern yet classic feel — elegant, but not stiff.
There’s something really special about shooting events like this on film. It slows the pace. You observe more. You frame more intentionally. And you get those beautiful imperfections — a little softness here, a bit of movement there — that bring a genuine, editorial edge to the story.
A Party Full of Energy and Style
The evening flowed effortlessly — drinks, speeches, beautiful food, and then onto the dancefloor where the black tie loosened, heels came off, and the energy really lifted. Shooting this part of the night on 35mm felt right — a little chaotic, a little raw, but full of life.
It was the kind of celebration where style came naturally — no forced posing, no overthinking, just people fully enjoying themselves in an incredible space.
Black Tie and Film: The Perfect Match
If you’re planning a black tie wedding, birthday, or private event in the Lake District, Penrith, or anywhere across the UK, and you’re looking for documentary-style photography with a mix of digital and film, I’d love to hear from you.
Film brings something extra to these stylish, high-energy celebrations — a sense of texture, honesty, and timelessness that digital alone can’t quite replicate. Whether you’re hosting in a grand country hall, an intimate garden marquee, or a unique private venue, I’ll capture it in a way that feels real, stylish, and true to the spirit of the day.
If you’re planning a wedding in the Lake District, you already know how naturally beautiful and relaxed the area feels. It’s the perfect setting for couples who want to escape the rush and celebrate somewhere meaningful, surrounded by mountains, lakes, and wild open spaces.
The Lake District is made for film wedding photography. The soft, changing light, the textured landscapes, and the quiet, in-between moments suit the gentle pace of shooting on film. Whether you're having a small outdoor ceremony by the water, a laid-back marquee in a meadow, or a family gathering at a country house, film captures these moments with a timeless, honest feel.
I offer Lake District wedding photography on both film and digital, blending medium format and 35mm film to give you a collection that feels warm, textured, and completely you. I work in a relaxed, documentary style — nothing staged or overly posed — focusing on real moments as they naturally unfold.
If you’re looking for a film wedding photographer for your Lake District wedding who will blend in, keep things chilled, and create photographs that feel like home, I’d love to hear from you.
