If you’re looking for wedding venues Cumbria then you’ll love this rustic day in Barrow-in-Furness. Our WED2B Real Weddings feature reveals more…

Ashlely kissing Charlotte's forehead while ther sitting on a bench on their wedding day.

Charlotte and Ashley met when they both worked at McDonald’s. “We were just 16 and 18,” says Charlotte. “We started dating in 2009 and our first date was at a Chinese restaurant."

Charlotte on the morning of her wedding have her bridal hair done

A proposal in the Lake District

Ashley proposed on the 17th December 2017, while the couple were away for their eight-year anniversary.

“We were staying at a lovely hotel in the Lake District and he proposed while we were out on a walk in the woods,” says Charlotte.

Close up image of Charlotte's personlised pendant on her bridal bouquet and Charlotte on the morning of her wedding day in her dress and veil

Shopping for the dress

“My experience at WED2B’s Liverpool store was amazing,” says Charlotte.

“I saw my dress the second I walked in, as it was displayed on a mannequin."

"The girl who helped me also got me other dresses to try on, but I just knew my Elise dress was ‘The One’ from the minute I saw it!”

Charlotte in her waterfall wedding dress twirling around and a back view in her organza wedding dress and tulle bridal veil

“The waterfall skirt and sweetheart neckline were stunning. I also loved how the detail came from the shape and the fabric, rather than lace and sparkle.” (For similar styles try Elliana, Amabel or Rylee)

Charlotte posing with her 4 bridesmaids all holding their wedding bouquets

“I also bought a veil with teardrop beading, a Solstice belt and Khloe flower girl dresses with matching waterfall skirts.”

Charlotte and Ashley's wedding ceremony room set up for their wedding vows

Wedding venues Cumbria

The couple chose Abbey House Hotel, in Charlotte’s home town of Barrow-in-Furness, for their big day. "The venue itself is stunning and the staff are amazing,” she says. “The wedding was on 21st Aug 2022."

The big day

“I stayed at the hotel the evening before with my bridesmaids and mum, and my husband stayed with our son,” says Charlotte. “In the morning, we all got ready together in our bridal suite with the sun shining and music playing. My step dad walked me down the aisle to a beautiful rendition of ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’, which was a surprise for my husband as he’s a big LFC fan!”

Ashley and Charlotte holding hands and looking at one another during their wedding ceremony

Dinner and dancing

“After the ceremony there was a three-course, sit-down meal,” says Charlotte.

“This was followed by a night of dancing, with music from a local DJ and a saxophonist."

"Our first dance was to ‘Forever' by Chris Brown, a song that’s been ours since the start of our relationship."

Charlotte and Ashley's naked wedding cake and their welcome sign for all their wedding guests

Beautiful flowers and greenery

“The theme for the day was rustic with lots of white flowers and greenery everywhere,” says Charlotte.

Ashley twirling Charlotte round outside their wedding venue
Black and white image of Charlotte smiling while dancing on the grounds of their wedding venue

The best bits…

“It’s hard to pinpoint thing, as the whole day was amazing,” says Charlotte.

“Probably playing football in my wedding dress, which was a stand-out moment!”

Ashley and Charlotte standing close together while staring into eachothers eyes.
Back view of Charlotte twirling in her waterfall wedding dress

My top tips…

“If I could advise one thing, it would be to book a videographer,” says Charlotte. “There really isn’t anything better than being able to watch your day back, it’s just beautiful.”

Ashley and Charlotte smiling and holding hands while performing their first dance infront of their wedding guests
Ashley twirling Charlotte round on the dancefloor infront of their wedding guests

Charlotte and Ashley’s Dream Team 

Photographer: Becky Goligy Photography

Wedding Venues Cumbria: Abbey House Hotel & Gardens 

Videographer: CW Film Productions 

Flowers: Bluebell and Ivy 

Cake: Lucie’s Cakes 

Hair: Jess Gill from Evissa Salon 

Makeup: Kay Booth MUA and Raphaelle MUA 

DJ: Dan Hayes 

Saxophonist: James Bell

If you would like us to feature your big day, then please click here to share your story and photos with us and we’ll be in touch, Alternatively, if you’re also looking for wedding venues Cumbria, then try our suppliers section. Your nearest WED2B is closer than you think, click here for your nearest store and here for what to expect when you visit.