These newlyweds chose a 17th century coaching inn for their sunny pub wedding in late April…

Catherine and Mike met on Tinder in 2021 and they met in real life in June that same year. “We shared an amazing end-of-date kiss at a bus stop and the rest was history,” says Catherine. “Mike proposed to me out of the blue at his house a year later. We were in our pyjamas and he put on ‘One Day Like This’ by Elbow, which ended up being our wedding exit song. He intended to propose on our first holiday but was worried about losing the ring and couldn’t wait!”

Shopping for the dress

“I live near to Wrexham but the wed2b store there was closed the day I wanted to go with my mum, so we headed to the Liverpool store instead,” says Catherine. “I was only going to browse but ended up buying the first dress I tried on. The staff were brilliant.”

Catherine chose Byron, a beautifully draped Mikado ballgown by Sofia Cruz. “It was pure tailored glamour,” says Catherine. “I’m an older bride (47) and it was just so classy. I felt amazing and nothing compared after trying her on. I also bought a Mikado belt, which complemented the dress perfectly.”

A countryside pub wedding venue

The couple married at the Cock O’ Barton Pub and Restaurant, a 17th Century coaching inn, in South Cheshire. “We had been to a wedding there before and loved it, so we booked it for 17th April,” says Catherine.

The big day

“I had four adult bridesmaids and my Dad walked me down the aisle to ‘Away With Words’ by Beans on Toast,” says Catherine. “After two to three weeks of lovely weather we were hit by rain but, on the day, it was glorious. The stars had aligned. The next day it rained all day!”

“During the ceremony we had ‘Bring Me Sunshine’ by Morecambe and Wise when we signed the register, as well as ‘Caravan of Love’ by The House Martins and ‘I’m Home When you Hold Me’ by Beans on Toast. The readings were ‘The Giraffe and the Monkey’ and ‘All I Know About Love’.

Party time

“After the ceremony we had a singer and guitarist while canapés and drinks were served,” says Catherine. “There was a choice of food for the wedding breakfast followed by burgers and fish and chips in the evening. Our first dance was to ‘Sunshine’ by The Lottery Winners. They’re a band we love and have seen SO many times. It’s one of our songs.”

A soft pink colour scheme

“Our wedding cake was from M&S with a personalised toper,” says Catherine. “We also had a venue decorator but I added additional flowers of my own, and I made my own bouquet.”

The best bits…

“The most memorable moment of the whole day was dancing with everyone I love,” says Catherine. 

My top tips…

“Don’t spend money on unnecessary things,” says Catherine. “Our wedding was brilliant but we spent a lot on favours and sweets, which no one acknowledged.”

Catherine and Mike’s Dream Team 

Photographer: Richard Miller Photography

Venue: Cock O' Barton Pub and Restaurant

Wedding dresses Liverpool: wed2b

Decor: Marley Magical Creations 

Makeup: Made Up By Cathryn

If you would like us to feature your big day, like this delightful pub wedding then please click here to share your story and photos with us and we’ll be in touch. Your nearest wed2bis closer than you think, click here for your nearest store and here for what to expect when you visit.