Once upon a time, on the hottest day of the year…
Let me start by telling you a little something about Lauren and Phill…this is one immensely cool couple. I mean, they’ve got style, they’ve got grace. They’ve got creativity, and flawless taste (hey, that rhymed!) So when they asked me to shoot their wedding in Abbeywood Estate, I knew it was gonna be right up my street!
And I wasn’t wrong! On the HOTTEST day of the year, something seriously special went down.
An idyllic woodland ceremony. Gorgeous late-summer styling. Lawn games, Prosecco and cornhole. And all of that in one of the most beloved wedding venues in Cheshire…
If you’re thinking of having a wedding in Abbeywood Estate, come take a look. This epic day is your one-stop-shop for inspiration…
Is Abbeywood Estate the best wedding venue in Cheshire?
Abbeywood Estate call themselves “the perfect Cheshire wedding venue”. And you know what? I’m kinda inclined to agree!
It feels like a family home, because it is. You walk through the grounds, and you feel like you’re visiting a really welcoming, exceptionally wealthy friend.
The rooms are stylish, and cosy. The ceremony options are varied, and beautiful; the grounds magical, lush, and endless. There’s on-site accommodation, and an on-site florist. And (if you’re super popular) there’s space for almost 200 guests.
If you’re looking for somewhere to get married in Cheshire, look no further. Abbeywood Estate wedding venue has everything you could ever need.
OK, now back to our story…
The morning was wonderfully slow, intimate, and horizontally relaxed. And since L&P chose to invest in a second shooter, it meant we got to capture both sides of the story…
Cufflinks, autumn buttonholes, and amber ties for the boys. Prosecco from the bottle, and a stroll in the summer sun.
More Prosecco for Lauren and the girls (from glasses though obviously, the girls are classy!) Lauren’s sister chatting to us over her shoulder, still finishing up the table plans.
The way they all gathered around and helped her with her dress (*insert teary-eyed emoji!*)
We laughed, we chatted, we listened to the birds through the open window. It was just *the best* way to start a wedding day.
And oh my, Lauren looked stunning! Natural hair and makeup, and a classically stylish off-the-shoulder gown. And to complete the look, a gorgeous white and toffee rose bouquet. Relaxed, elegant, and naturally beautiful- the perfect look for a wedding in Abbeywood Estate.
A woodland wedding in Abbeywood Estate
There are plenty of ceremony options for your Abbeywood Estate wedding (the glasshouse, the pavilion, the house itself). But you just can’t beat the timeless, movie-worthy romance of a woodland ceremony.
The sound of birdsong, cascading from the branches; sunlight pouring through the leaves above. It was like something out of Robin Hood!
Lauren began her walk through the woods with her brother and sister. And then (like the absolute boss woman she is!) took the aisle alone.
Now I’ve always been a bit of a hopeless romantic. But honestly, the way they looked at each other just broke me! They never stopped holding hands, never stopped smiling. Just so in love, so happy, and so contented to be with each other.
The celebrant made it official, and a huge cheer filled the woodland. And-still holding hands- Lauren and Phill skipped off through the sun-dappled forest as husband and wife.
Confetti o’clock & Vanity Fair group shots
The next hour or so was a wonderful blur; Prosecco bubbles, lawn games, and warm summer sun.
It all began with a flurry of dried-petal confetti, in the same amber accent as Phill’s tie. Then it was Prosecco and Peroni on the sun-warm grass. Stories and laughter, and long-overdue hugs.
And then (while the guests were playing lawn games and endless games of cornhole!) I found a quiet patch of shade for some Vanity Fair group shots.
L&P had said right from the start they’d always wanted their group shots to be a little bit different, a little more stylish. So we set aside some extra time to make it happen. And you know what? I’m bringing group shots back!
Some levels, some chairs, some badass posing…you know you want a little bit o’ that on your walls!
Reception in The Glasshouse
The reception styling was a beautifully-considered, DIY masterclass. The dreamy light of the glasshouse, the warmth. The yellows, whites, and amber hues…it felt like a celebration of that perfect time of year-
Summer, on the cusp of autumn.
Vibrant florals filled the glasshouse. And between the tables, potted birch trees softened the modern glass, and brought nature inside. There were rustic knotted napkins, amber tumblers, and mini Old Fashioned wedding favours. And as the final touch, a personal message for each guest on their place setting.
I loved the nude buttercream cake, with mini ‘Lauren and Phill’ cake-toppers. And (in a stroke of genius!), the wedding phone guestbook- “lift the receiver and leave a message”.
They’d thought of everything. It was flawless.
Portraits among the pines (an Abbeywood Estate wedding MUST!)
A little while later, we poured out of the glasshouse and into the evening sun. And with golden hour upon us, I disappeared with Lauren and Phill for a stroll around the grounds.
L&P said they chose me because they “loved the depth and interest of my composition” (*puts on sunglasses, brushes shoulder*).
But honestly, I can’t take full credit for this one…Abbeywood Estate is a wedding photographer’s paradise!
The pristine English gardens; the ancient pine forest; the lush, tropical plants. You stroll from Delaware, to Bali, to the Cotswolds, and back. And you never see a single soul.
If you’re having your wedding in Abbeywood Estate, please (please!) set some extra time aside for your couple’s portraits. I promise it’ll be your favourite part of the day!
Looking for a wedding photographer in Abbeywood Estate?
The evening ended in a glorious haze.
A champagne tower (my first, and hopefully not my last!) Tasty cake, cold beer, and sweaty shapes. And the golden light of the sun filling the glasshouse, until it finally gave way to night.
If you’re having your wedding in Abbeywood Estate, and you’d like for me to tell your story, I’d be so excited to hear from you.
Get in touch today and let’s chat.
What Lauren and Phill had to say
“We had our wedding in September 2023 and Viola captured the day perfectly. Viola is a very relaxed, professional and very talented photographer and the photos really are incredible. Viola captured the amazing colours from the gardens and had some amazing ideas for some shots that will be loved by us forever. The group shots were enjoyed by everyone and we loved everything about the planning, the day and even the beautiful gift box with our 5 top picks. Viola made us both feel really special and we couldn’t be happier.”
