Yesterday I joined the lovely Amy & Dan for their simply brilliant wedding at Combermere Abbey on the Cheshire/Shropshire border!
I’ve never been to Combermere before and in spite of the overcast weather, it was so breathtaking, Clare said it was her new favourite wedding venue!
And we’ve seen a few!
I hope you enjoy this story of a very special day!
Both Dan & Becky were getting ready in the cottages at Combermere.
In case they forgot their names or roles, Becky had ordered bespoke dressing gowns for the wedding party people!
Guess who this one is, having her makeup done by the window.
Becky’s gown by Ian Stewart might be the best wedding dress I think I’ve ever seen!
She’d even had it customised to have the shoulder strap put in, so not only was it different and brilliant, but one of a kind!
There were plenty of classy labels around, including these pups by Chanel…
…and a beautiful bracelet by Dior
They’d had their flower girl’s dress and all the gents ties specially made in matching heavy cotton
The vintagey flora were wonderful as ever, from arguably my fave florist in the world: the magical Fiona from Firenza Floral Design.
I can’t get enough of her work, and they suited this wedding down to a tee.
Check out this little dude, Luke!
Amy & Dan had some strategically place balloons around the grounds…
…helped into place by the flower girl and page boy!
Meanwhile, in a nearby cottage, Dan celebrated nailing his bow tie first time round with a wee nip!
Dan and his Dad Rob own an ace photography business called Beautiful Photography
It’s always super flattering to be asked to photograph photographer’s weddings (I’ve done a good few, thinking about it!), but the pressure is always on to deliver!
Dan’s pocket watch belonged to his Great Granddad!
Downstairs the best man, John, helped calm Dan’s nerves (and his own about his impending speech) with a few bubbles!
It’s always worth checking the best man has the rings!
Dan & John, ready to rock!
A quick shot of the chaps at the gates.
Again, they weren’t messing about with their styling. Â That bow tie, wing collar & waistcoat look amazing.
The ceremony was held in the Glasshouse, locked in by a fruit tree maze!
Inside it was a photographer’s delight, with windows everywhere and a massive diffused roof canopy! Â Sorry to look at this room like a geek!
Here’s Amy being helped into her dress by her sister and Bridesmaid Claire!
And here’s a little reflection of Mum helping the flower girl into her floral wristband
Claire & “Abi Fabby Dabby” take a moment by the window.
Amy looked amazing in her gown, as she fixed her hair.
and slipped on those Chanels!
A nice moment between sisters.
We had a few minutes spare, so I did a few portraits of Amy in her wonderful frock.
The combo with Firenza’s flowers looked SO good.
As did Dan, all dressed up and good to go!
That is one perfect bow tie and buttonhole combo, right there.
Dan waited on expectantly, doing his best not to look nervous.
He told me his legs almost stopped working and he thought he was going to faint. Â It’s funny what you go through waiting at the front!
Dad and the mini people waiting on expectantly
…for the arrival of the bride!
Love this image.
Walking down to the glasshouse
Here comes the bride!
Smiles and tears
A life-long family friend did a wonderful reading of the famous poem ‘The Owl and the Pussycat’
I remember singing this in school & never stopped to heed its meaning. Â Check it out here, it’s about different people coming together in marriage!
Making it official, and sealing it with a kiss!
In a moment of wonder, as Amy slipped that ring on Dan’s finger, the sun literally, that moment, came out! Â A few people later mentioned those no longer with them looking down in blessing, which is a beautiful notion.
Some excellent fake signing skills, surrounded by fabulous flora
Down the aisle as man and wife
The details were everywhere, even in the music paper confetti cones!
Which were soon bombed onto our newlyweds!
Beers and champs circulated as well wishers meeted and greeted
I like this one of Dad and Amy having a cuddle in the melee 
A quick wave from the gang!
A few family shots
And deeper into the beautiful Abbey grounds we delved for a few wedding party portraits.
This little flower girl had a certain Alice in Wonderland quality, don’t you think?
The dudes!
I rather liked their group shadow on in the sunshine.
I like this casual shot of the whole wedding massive.
Then we got cracking on the portrait shoot, which I’d really been looking forward to, as these guys were great at their pre-wed we did at Oakwell Hall (check out the blog post here) and were as excited about getting great images as I was.
It make such a difference when a couple are game for the portraits and want to remember how great they looked on their big day
Though it doesn’t help when one of the team is a saboteur! 
Love this one.
Stunning
American Gothic stylings!
This was one of my faves of the day, under a bright white blossom tree
A few details of the rings.
A cheeky peck!
A causal stroll…
…AND BALLOONS!
It’s all about balloons.
When was it not?
The permanent marquee was also bursting with vintage detailing, from bunting, to old suitcases & milk jugs full of flowers.
Alice’s tea party much!
(I’d take Eastery mini eggs over sugared almonds any day of the week!)
A member of the family made their beautiful cake!
It’s always a mission getting a good shot of the bride and groom walking in, but I rather like this one.
A cracking moment of Dad doling out embarrassing memories!
It was nice to see the father of the groom getting up and laying down a few words too.
I don’t know why it’s not seen more to be honest, as it’s equally touching.
Dan’s speech was lovely too.
The best man had spent a good while combatting his speech nerves with booze, and lets say, was a little worse for wear when the time came! Â 
But after abandoning his speech (and having his champagne replaced by water for his toast!), he still made the room laugh and cheer!
The official cutting the cake!
First dance to Pixie Lott’s ‘When Love Takes Over’
I love having guests gather around the dance-floor, so they make a background to our happy couple.
Then the party really started!
And we took it as our turn to leave
And let these guys enjoy the celebrations!
What an awesome day all round! Â One of my fave weddings in a long time.
Thank you Dan and Amy throwing such a cracking party and for being such wonderful models! Â We had a blast and it was such fun watching it all unfold for you and your friends. Â We hope you have a brilliant time on your honeymoon in the Maldives!
x B&C x