Fantastic food, their favourite people and alfresco vows were top of this couple’s wedding wish list. They found it all and more when they married at Combermere Abbey…

The Dream

Helen and Sam set their hearts on an intimate wedding and began their hunt for the perfect Cheshire wedding venue to make it happen.

“We visited quite a few venues that all seemed to offer the same style of outdoor space however many wouldn’t cater to our small party of 13 guests. Combermere Abbey, on the other hand, has a beautifully unique outdoor setting with an equally stunning indoor option if needed. They were so accommodating of our requirements and made everything feel effortless.”

A Taste of the Tropics

“We couldn’t take our wedding to the tropics, so we brought a little bit of it to Combermere Abbey,” the couple explain.

Channelling an orange theme, the Combermere Abbey was decorated beautifully with exotic blooms, which included orchids, hibiscus and calla lilies. “I also created decorations incorporating cacti and succulents and added sand to hurricane vases. Coconut and lime scented candles really set the theme off.”

Aisle Style

It was at Knutsford Wedding Gallery that this bride found ‘the one’ – a Pronovias gown.

“I’d been imagining something soft and Grecian,” Helen reveals, “I didn’t initially think my dress would suit me. I tried on five or six before trying mine and I just fell in love with it. I knew Sam would love the silhouette, too.”

To tie in with the tropics theme the bride added burnt orange stilettos, an elegant tennis bracelet and matching earrings from Chisholm Hunter to her outfit.

The Wedding Day

On the lead up to the big day the bride spent her last single night at Stone Lodge, whilst the groom headed to one of the on-site cottages to get ready.

“We had planned to get married in the heart of the fruit-tree maze at Combermere Abbey, but rain meant we exchanged vows in the Glasshouse instead. It was as good as being outdoors – we had the same views.”

The couple chose to write their own vows for each other and the first time they heard their promises was at the ceremony itself. “It was really emotional and special, and lovely to discover we’d written very similar things!”

Kicking off the reception, the newlyweds and their guests enjoyed prosecco, beer and homemade lemonade in the gardens, alongside a selection of canapés created by Olive Tree Catering.

“We sat down for our wedding breakfast at around 6pm, so we didn’t have separate day and night elements to the wedding. We relaxed together with drinks, then enjoyed a fireworks display before dessert was served.”

Words of Wisdom

“It’s your wedding – the one day that’s especially for you and your partner – so make sure it’s the day you want it to be.”

“Nothing matters other than you getting married – everything else is just an added benefit. We enjoyed every minute of our wedding and would do the same over and over again!”

If you’re looking for an unforgettable Cheshire wedding venue, find out more about weddings at Combermere Abbey and get your planning underway.