These easy-going newlyweds married at a picturesque Cheshire wedding venue on a lovely sunny day in May…

Rachel and Tom meet each other when they both worked at The Hollies Farm Shop, near Liverpool. “We knew straight away that we would have a happy ever after,” says Rachel. “He is just perfect and we couldn’t be happier. For our first date we arranged to meet up for a drink outside of work, at The Leigh Arms pub near to us both, and we just chatted non-stop.”

A holiday proposal

Tom proposed when the couple were on holiday in Egypt. “The proposal was so perfect,” says Rachel. “Tom gave me his great grandmother’s ring, which is over 100 years old. On the second night of our holiday he popped the question while we were relaxing on the balcony. It was just so special. I was just on cloud nine with excitement and joy and the thought of planning my own wedding was so exciting!"

Shopping for the dress

Rachel discovered wed2b on Facebook. “I visited the Liverpool store and both the assistants were very helpful and lovely,” she says. “The dress I chose was Roan, a Mikado ballgown by Sofia Cruz. I loved the simplicity of it and the bow just made it extra special. I also bought a beautiful pearl veil and hair comb.”

A Cheshire wedding venue

The couple married on 2nd May at St John’s Hartford Church followed by a reception at the Abbeywood Estate, a 45-acre estate with beautiful gardens. “We live in Hartford village and wanted to get married at the local church,” says Rachel. “Then Abbeywood was perfect for the afterparty, as it’s a family-run venue and the personal touches just shone through.”

The big day

“I got ready with my bridesmaids and family at Abbeywood Estate,” says Rachel. “The weather was absolutely beautiful, with blue skies and sunshine. My dad, Jeff, walked me into church and it was such a special moment. We walked in to Pachelbel’s Canon in D and my dad wrote his own poem, which he read out. Tom’s dad also read a passage from Corinthians.”

After the ceremony there were drinks and canapés in Abbeywood’s stunning grounds. “Then, for the wedding breakfast, we had salmon fishcakes for starters, followed by chicken and then lemon tart for dessert," says Rachel. "Our first dance was to ‘You’re The Inspiration' by Chicago.”

Calming blues and cream

“Our colour scheme was soft blues and cream,” says Rachel. “We also had photos of friends and relatives throughout the years on display, which was a great talking point. Plus, a sweet cart, which went down really well. There wasn’t really a specific theme, we just wanted it to be relaxed with a calm vibe and everything very natural.”

The best bits…

“One of the standout moments was when we spent some time just on our own, looking around the room we had set for the wedding breakfast, which looked incredible.”

My top tips…

“Just remember that the day is about you both,” says Rachel. “Feel the love, relax and enjoy every moment. It really does fly by!”

Rachel and Tom’s Dream Team 

Photographer: Stella Kurek Photography

Cheshire Wedding Venue: The Abbeywood Estate

Wedding dresses Liverpool: wed2b

Florist: Alison at Abbeywood Estate

Cake: Soph Bakes

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