Katie & Joe’s Joyous Summer Wedding at Combermere Abbey

When Katie & Joe described their wedding in three words –joyous, family, togetherness –it couldn’t have been more fitting. Their day was a true celebration of love, filled with heartfelt moments, personal touches, and an atmosphere that reflected exactly who they are as a couple.

The Date

Choosing the right date was important to them. With Joe being a teacher, a summer wedding made perfect sense, and when they realised the 8th of the 8th was available, it felt like fate. The date had a beautiful simplicity to it – memorable, neat, and a little symbolic.

The Proposal

Joe’s proposal was intimate, heartfelt, and perfectly them. In the comfort of their own kitchen, he asked Katie to marry him. What Katie didn’t know was that he had planned a surprise celebration afterwards—gathering their closest family for a party at a bar near their home. It was the perfect start to their journey toward marriage.

The Wedding Vision

Katie & Joe wanted their wedding to be timeless yet modern, striking the perfect balance between tradition and individuality. Both coming from big families, they were inspired by the nostalgic feeling of the weddings they grew up attending -filled with tradition, family, and connection -while weaving in modern styling, music, and design that reflected their own taste. The result was a day that felt both familiar and refreshingly unique.

The Day Itself

From the emotional service to the walk out of the church as newlyweds, every moment felt significant. They then headed to Combermere Abbey on the Cheshire/Shropshire border for their reception. The speeches were moving and deeply personal, bringing tears and laughter in equal measure. And when the band started playing, the dance floor came alive—everyone together, dancing, celebrating, and sharing in the couple’s joy.

Their first dance was to Take Care by Florence + the Machine, a song that set the tone for the evening and carried their guests into a night of unforgettable energy and togetherness.

The Photography

Katie & Joe found me through Instagram and glowing recommendations from friends in both the wedding industry and their own circles. They loved the style of photography that felt natural, emotive, and in the moment—something that would allow them to relive the atmosphere of the day for years to come.

Advice for Future Couples

Their advice is simple but so important: focus on the key areas and how you want people to feel. For Katie & Joe, that meant prioritising great food, endless drinks, brilliant music, and making sure the flow of the day kept the energy alive.

The Honeymoon

After the celebrations, Katie & Joe jetted off to Hawaii and Las Vegas for three weeks of adventure and relaxation. Katie described it as “the best three weeks of my life” – a perfect start to married life together.

Suppliers:

Videographer: richardsonvideo

Hair / Makeup: zoehughes_mua, sarahdunnmua & daniellebroughtonevanshair

Wedding attire – Designer / Shop: lulubrownsbridal legendbridal

Florist / Venue Dresser: _annaflora_

Entertainment: northernhousebanduk & dolce_strings_uk

Cake: georgiafayebakes

Design & styling: Soireestudiouk  
Jess