With their hearts set on a white wedding with a twist, Zoe and Junior planned a stylish wedding at Combermere Abbey following their church ceremony.

The Venue

Bride Zoe’s career as a makeup artist had taken her to many Cheshire wedding venues before even becoming engaged. So, when the time came to choose a venue for her own big day, it wasn’t easy. “The biggest thing that made us choose to have our wedding at Combermere Abbey was my grandpa. It’s his favourite place and he cried when we told him the news!”

“I’d never worked a wedding at Combermere Abbey, which made it special, and the gardens had an amazing feel to them. The Glasshouse and Pavilion also really suited my white with greenery colour scheme and I loved the idea of the North Wing Honeymoon Suite with butler service.”

Style It Up

Having always wished for a white wedding, that’s exactly what this couple created for their wedding at Combermere Abbey.

“I didn’t want our white wedding to be too rustic or too classic – we both have a quirky side so we added subtle touches of forest green throughout.”

Prosecco-scented candles filled the Pavilion with a delicious fragrance, while white lanterns created a dreamy effect suspended from the ceiling. Romantic centerpieces topped the reception tables, with the top table taking center stage with a cascading display.

Aisle Style

Finding one dress can be tricky enough, but Zoe fell in love with two! The first was an Enzoani fishtail design from Along Came Eve Bridal Boutique in Chester.

“I’d always said I’d choose a lace fishtail dress without a sweetheart neckline. My Enzoani dress gave me the fishtail but surprised me by having the sweetheart neckline and no lace in sight! I absolutely loved it.”

Zoe’s second dress was as sentimental as it was stunning. “It was the real show-stopper for me. My sister, who recently launched her own fashion brand Leisa Hughes, created my white sequin gown with drape panel detail and a low back. It was exactly what I wanted!”

The bridesmaids joined Zoe in white dresses with cowl necks and a small train.

The Day

The bride loved that she and her bridesmaids could get ready on their wedding morning at Combermere Abbey, even though their ceremony would be held at a church in Nantwich.

“We used one of the larger cottages, rather than Stone Lodge, for our preparations because there were so many of us. It was perfect – there was plenty of room to get dressed and take photos.”

Zoe and Junior said “I do” in a religious ceremony at St Mary’s Church. “One of our best friends read a poem and my grandpa read from the Bible.”

Ready to celebrate, the couple continued their wedding at Combermere Abbey with prosecco and Peroni in the Edwardian Glasshouse. The newlyweds also booked a magician to wow their guests.

A three-course feast of chicken pate, roast chicken and dauphinoise potatoes and decadent chocolate brownie followed the drinks reception.

“The food was incredible. We had people coming up to us to say so before we’d even finished the meal! I’m quite a fussy eater, so we felt more relaxed after we’d had a tasting with the chef. He was so helpful and understood everyone’s dietary requirements,” says Zoe.

Want to see more real weddings at Combermere Abbey to show you what’s possible for your big day? Check out Hayley and Umesh’s stunning celebration.