Combermere Abbey wedding – Dan and Eva
I always say I don’t do any ‘cheese’ in my wedding photography but this Combermere Abbey Wedding was a little different and there are exceptions of course – and Dan, well, Dan is ALL about the cheese. He works ‘in cheese’ and he put together the incredible cheese tower you’ll see later in this blog. Basically, cheese is a pretty big feature of this wedding and that’s ok with me. It’s the right kind of cheese!
Of course, Dan and Eva’s wedding wasn’t just an excuse to eat cheese (delicious as it was). It was a pretty amazing celebration of two lovely people. This is their day…
Combermere Abbey wedding photography
This was my first visit to Combermere Abbey, a beautiful, historic abbey on the border of Cheshire and Shropshire.
Originally founded as a Cistercian Monastery way back in the 12th century Combermere Abbey has seen many, many changes through its centuries. From the dissolution of the monasteries by Henry VIII to civil war and family tragedy it has had a turbulent history. However, over the last few decades it has entered a much more peaceful and happier chapter, as a tranquil weekend escape and award winning wedding venue.
That morning I joined Eva, who was getting ready in Stone Cottage, one of Combermere’s many onsite holiday cottages. It was a gloriously hot and sunny day – one of the hottest days of 2022 – but the fans were whirring away, the windows were wide open and everyone was all smiles. Even if we were all slightly melting in the heat!
Eva’s dress was amazing. Absolutely amazing. Blush pink and covered in intricately embroidered flowers she looked stunning in it. I knew Dan was going to be blown away when he saw her walking down the aisle towards him.
Their ceremony took place in Combermere’s Glass House, an Edwardian structure set amongst a fruit maze in the Walled Garden. It’s a great space, filled with natural light and I love the blossom tree that sits in the centre of the room. There’s a real sense of bringing the outdoors indoors.
Dan was waiting rather nervously for his bride, and his smile lit up the room when he set eyes on her. After they’d said their vows it was straight outside for confetti, drinks and canapes. Always my favorite time of the day, I’m a sucker for hugs and smiles!
Weddings at Combermere Abbey
After a few hilarious group photos involving cheese testers, Dan and Eva’s guests spent the afternoon playing lawn games in the sunshine. I took this opportunity to whisk Dan and Eva off for a little stroll around Combermere’s stunning gardens. After a very relaxed portrait session it was time for their wedding breakfast in the Pavillion. Much to the bride and groom’s surprise, undercover singing waiters kicked off the celebrations and soon everyone was singing along, dancing on their chairs and waving napkins. It was a great atmosphere.
After cutting the enormous cheese tower it was time to kick the party up a notch. The Score took to the stage and everyone filled the dancefloor.
What a day! Here are just a few of my highlights…
