A Summer Wedding at Dore Abbey and The Haybarn

Some weddings stay with you because of the setting, and others because of the people involved. This August day brought both together in a way that felt honest and memorable. The ceremony took place at Dore Abbey, where the couple’s friends - all professional choristers - filled the space with music that suited the Abbey perfectly. Their voices carried through the stone arches and added a depth that shaped the atmosphere from the outset.

After the ceremony, everyone travelled to The Haybarn, a venue that lends itself well to a relaxed celebration. Its open layout and thoughtful design gave guests room to settle in and enjoy the afternoon at their own pace.

The Ceremony at Dore Abbey

Dore Abbey has a character of its own, and weddings there tend to feel naturally grounded. The layout, the light and the sense of space all add to the atmosphere. The choir’s singing made this ceremony feel quietly powerful without needing any extra embellishment, and it set the tone for a ceremony that felt personal and meaningful.

The couple kept things straightforward, choosing to focus on the moment rather than adding too many extras. This allowed the music, the setting and the people around them to take centre stage. It was clear how much it meant to those who were there, and it came through clearly in the photographs.

Reception at The Haybarn

Once everyone arrived at The Haybarn, the day opened up. The venue’s layout makes it easy for guests to move around, find their own spot and enjoy the rest of the celebration. Conversations, laughter and those small unscripted moments all played out naturally.

The mix of natural light and warm interiors worked well for photography, offering plenty of opportunities to capture people interacting and the couple stepping away for a few quieter moments of their own.

Cake and Catering

The cake, made by The Stables Pantry, fitted the tone of the day perfectly. Beautifully made, unfussy and well thought out - the sort of cake that does exactly what it needs to without trying too hard.

Catering from The Cider Barn was equally strong. Fresh ingredients, well balanced dishes and a menu that suited the relaxed style of the wedding. It was well received by guests and complemented the flow of the afternoon.

Flowers by The Cutting Garden

The floral arrangements by The Cutting Garden brought a natural lift to both venues. Their use of seasonal flowers and soft, textured foliage added colour and interest without overpowering the spaces. The arrangements worked beautifully in the Abbey’s stone setting and transitioned seamlessly into The Haybarn’s wooden interiors.

Live Music by Monico

Once the evening began, Monico took the energy up a level. They brought a genuine party atmosphere to The Haybarn and kept it going from the first song to the last. The dancefloor never emptied, with guests of all ages joining in throughout the night. Their setlist was well judged, their presence unfussy, and they played a major role in shaping the feel of the evening.

Photographing the Day

Photographing this wedding was a pleasure from start to finish. The combination of an historic ceremony venue, a well designed reception space and a group of people fully present in the day provided everything needed for natural storytelling.

From the choral performance in the Abbey to the quieter moments at The Haybarn, each part of the day offered something different to capture. Nothing forced, nothing rushed - just a series of genuine interactions and details that came together to tell a complete story.

A wedding does not need to be elaborate to be memorable. This one showed how meaningful it can be when the focus stays on the couple, the people close to them and the places they choose. The suppliers played a strong part in shaping the experience, and the two venues complemented each other well. A day that felt true to the couple from beginning to end.

"Russell was just wonderful from our first contact through to the day, showing experience, professionalism, good humour, a can-do attitude and produced for us a super set of photos from our wedding. We can't fault his fantastic work and approach on the day, and recommend him to everyone!"

Anna & Daniel