Real Wedding
Sarah & Tom – Summer Wedding at Combermere Abbey
August 2024 • Cheshire
Arriving at Combermere Abbey always brings a sense of anticipation, but pulling up for Sarah and Tom’s wedding felt particularly special. The sun was already high, promising the kind of perfect summer light that photographers dream about. From the moment I unloaded my gear, I knew this wasn’t just going to be a job—it was going to be a joy to document. They wanted a day that was elegant yet relaxed, and from behind my lens, the atmosphere was exactly that: effortless.
My day began in the North Wing, capturing the preparations. The energy in the room was infectious—filled with laughter and the sound of champagne corks popping. As a photographer, I live for those candid, unscripted moments between friends. Later, capturing Sarah walking down the aisle in the Glasshouse was a career highlight for me. The way the light filtered through the fruit trees created this magical, soft glow that made every shot look like a painting. I remember looking through my viewfinder and thinking, 'This is why I do this.'
As the evening approached, I stole the couple away to explore the gardens for golden hour. This is hands-down my favourite part of any wedding day. It’s a chance for me to step back, switch to a longer lens, and just let the couple breathe. The connection between Sarah and Tom was so genuine that I barely had to give any direction. I just captured them talking, laughing, and soaking in the reality of being married. It was an honor to witness such intimacy and to freeze those fleeting seconds in time for them.
The day wrapped up in the Pavilion, and the scene was breathtaking. I spent time documenting the incredible white floral arrangements and the guests relaxing on the lawn to the sound of the jazz band. By the time the candlelit dinner began, the room felt warm and cinematic. Packing up my camera bag at the end of the night, I left feeling buzzing with creativity and so incredibly lucky to have been a small part of their story.