Indian Summer

Having met in 2010, Umesh and Hayley knew they wanted to combine both Indian and English traditions for their wedding. Their dream venue checklist included: an elegant, versatile space big enough to welcome their sizeable guestlist and with scenic grounds to make for those incredible pictures.
They couple knew Combermere Abbey fit the bill at first sight. With rolling countryside encircling the grand venue, the Abbey is an idyllic setting for a wedding party. Sitting at the apex of six walled gardens, the striking Edwardian Glasshouse provides a serene backdrop for exchanging vows.

Hayley says: “We wanted to get married somewhere a little different, with simple décor, that would accommodate our fairly large guest list but still feel intimate. Combermere Abbey ticked all the boxes. It really is a stunning venue and we were so lucky to have such great weather on the day, which meant our guests could enjoy drinks in the beautiful gardens”.
Hayley says: “With Umesh being Hindu and having a lot of family attending, some of whom travelled from India, we wanted to make sure there was something for everyone. We also had a harpist who played some traditional Indian songs and our DJ played a mix of genres including Bhangra. I think our wedding was quite unique for that reason.”Going for a ‘romantic glamour’ theme, a stylish colour palette of deep pink, silver and white dominated the ceremony. Roses and hydrangeas adorned the venue, and the four-tier wedding cake was decorated with silver leaf and dusky pink hand-made flowers. Each layer had a different flavour sponge, including red velvet, coconut and lemon.
They had a separate Hindu ceremony where they wore traditional Indian outfits, before the registry. Hayley opted for a Pronovias gown for the ceremony at Combermere Abbey, in-keeping with the chic pink and white colour scheme.Hayley comments: “I wore a white Pronovias dress with a tulle frilled skirt and train and the bridesmaids wore a pink dress from Reiss. Umesh opted for a dark blue suit from Hugo Boss.”

What makes Combermere Abbey special is that the venue offers accommodation. There's several luxury cottages for guests and use of the resplendent North Wing Honeymoon Suite for the newlyweds after the ceremony. This makes it perfect for guests who might have travelled from the other side of the world. 

Wedding venue hire at Combermere Abbey starts at £6000. 

For more information, visit • www.CombermereAbbey.co.uk 

All photography by The Crawleys