Wedding on the Rutland Belle: Viva Las Rutland Water
Who needs Las Vegas when you can have a wedding on the Rutland Belle!? Certainly not Nicola and Brad, whose celebrations really rocked the (party) boat last September! After getting engaged in 2019 they had to postpone and finally cancel their wedding plans in the US, but this brilliant bunch of people were un-belle-ievably fun and chilled out as they boarded the Rutland Belle at Rutland Water. Life jackets on folks, we’re setting sail…
Talking to Nicola and Brad, we quickly found out we all share a not-too-serious approach to life - they told me they chose me to take their pictures because I take fab pictures and I’m great fun, and who am I to argue!? On their pre-wedding shoot, we found a balance of candid, natural shots interspersed with some with more direction, which worked well for them both as Brad loves having his picture taken while Nicola hates it! Since we met at the pre-shoot, I looked forward to seeing this fun-loving couple again and capturing their wedding on the Rutland Belle.
Getting ready for a Wedding on the Rutland Belle
On the morning of the wedding I met Nicola at a venue I love in Stamford, The William Cecil - you can check out another wedding I captured there! Nicola and her bridesmaids got ready with bubbles, matching pink PJs and lots of laughter with help from The Boho Bridal for hair and makeup, and it was important for Nicola that this part was well captured as she was so looking forward to it. The whole bridal look was beautifully boho, from the hair and makeup to the lovely lace Whistles dress. Once everyone was ready we hopped in a vintage car and headed to Normanton Church for the wedding ceremony, whilst Brad and the guests set sail across Rutland Water on the Rutland Belle to get to the wedding.
After a Rutland Belle wedding
Nicola and Brad’s ceremony was emotional with lots of tears, and I loved their quirky choices of readings; one, a quote from the US Office and another from Winnie the Pooh - always a tearjerker! Harriet Flather played the harp, and one of their choices was the US Office theme song. The real star of the show at this wedding, however, was the boat trip they had booked on the Rutland Belle for after their ceremony. The weather was glorious with only a few showers as guests boarded the boat, and everyone enjoyed drinks and canapes. We even managed to get up onto the top deck for some photos, and their playlist got everyone into the party spirit! Their wedding on the Rutland Belle was full of fun and the fun continued at their reception venue in Stamford with additions like a mini-games machine and dartboard, and I absolutely loved their way of celebrating in style.
Nicola and Brad’s evening reception continued in a rustic, boho style with lots of dried flowers, candles and natural decorations. Their party was like a can of Pringles - once it started popping, it just didn’t stop! I genuinely struggled to tear myself away from the fun at the end of the night, and thoroughly enjoyed capturing every minute of this joyful couple’s big day. Here’s to a lifetime of Brad and Nic brunching and eating Thai food!
Having a wedding on the Rutland Belle is a brilliant way to add a unique element to your Rutland Water wedding day, and it makes the time between your ceremony and your reception so much fun for your guests! Drop me a line to anchor me for your wedding on the Rutland Belle, and let’s make a splash with some natural and creative photography!
The Dream Team
Venues: The William Cecil | The Rutland Belle // Venue Dressing: Miss Carlysle & Co Events // Catering: Stamford Masonic Centre // Cake: Love Life Eat Cake // Florist: The Artisan Dried Flower Company // Outfits: Whistles | Next // Hair and Makeup: The Boho Bridal // Transport: Peterborough Wedding Cars // Entertainment: Brightstar Events DJ // Harriet Flather
