"We turned our love of weddings into a business helping couples to have a stress-free day"

Realising they made a good team, they branched out on their own to create Kate & Charley Weddings, which is based in Shropshire.

“It was built on the belief that weddings should feel deeply personal, thoughtfully curated, and effortlessly run,” explains Kate.

“We believe that every love story is unique, and we’re passionate about turning couples’ dreams into a reality.”

They both share a fondness for weddings and for helping couples celebrate this important milestone in their lives.

“My love of weddings comes from the magic that is love and how beautiful it is seeing people show their love through the vows and commitment,” says Kate, 27.

“It also comes from a work placement I did when I was a teenager and saw the glamorous world of weddings, the florals, the dresses, the creativity, the design, all very inspiring.

“Weddings bring together people, stories, and moments that are genuinely meaningful.

“From that age, being surrounded by weddings, watching how atmosphere, details, and careful planning could transform a space, it sparked a deep appreciation for how powerful a well-executed day can be.

“I studied events management at university, so I knew I always wanted to be in the event industry.

“I started my career in a hotel 10 years ago and had my first dealings with weddings and quickly realised, this is what I love and what I want to do in my career,” says Charley, 32.

“From there I went into exclusive-use wedding venues and that became my career for over eight years within a venue environment.

“I love seeing two families come together, to celebrate the love of two individuals – it’s just such a magical thing and I feel it’s an honour to be part of someone’s very special day.”

The experienced planners offer three packages to their couples.

These range from on-the-day coordinating for DIY weddings to full planning service for those who would like full assistance from booking all the way up to their wedding. They can also tailor-make a package to suit any couple’s needs.

“When a couple first contacts us, we begin with a consultation to familiarise themselves with us.

“Wedding planning can be stressful for couples, so it’s important you trust the team around you and rely on them for those moments of support,” says Kate.

“The consultation is also a chance to understand couples’ visions, priorities, and how they want their wedding to feel. From there, we create a clear plan – sourcing suppliers, building timelines, developing the design, and managing logistics.

“As the day of the wedding approaches, we refine every detail so that when the wedding arrives, our couples can be fully present, knowing that everything is taken care of.”

They believe that there are many benefits to hiring a wedding planner who can take care of everything from talking to suppliers and managing issues to keeping an eye on the clock on the big day.

“Wedding planners can take on your stress for the day and not need to pass it onto your guests,” says Charley. “We will organise logistics, guest management and just ensure a smooth run-through of your day.”

Preparing for every eventuality is an important part of being a wedding planner.

“Every wedding brings its own challenges, whether it’s changing weather, last-minute adjustments, or tight timelines.

“Experience, preparation, and calm problem-solving are key. We always have contingency plans in place and approach challenges with flexibility and confidence.

“For example, wardrobe malfunctions are common – so we bring our wedding emergency kit with essentials like safety pins, a sewing kit and stain remover, make-up remover, baby wipes, blister patches, hair bands, etc for the big day itself,” says Kate.

“A successful wedding planner needs far more than organisation and an eye for detail – those are a given.

“Being personable, calm, and genuinely fun to work with is just as important, as couples are trusting you with one of the most emotional days of their lives.

“Creativity allows each wedding to feel personal rather than cut and paste, while a reassuring presence helps couples feel supported at every stage. Above all, empathy and understanding are essential; every wedding carries its own story, emotions, and meaning, and being able to truly listen is what turns a well-planned day into something deeply personal and unforgettable,” she adds.

As part of their work, they witness a lot of changes within the wedding industry and see different trends come and go.

“We’re seeing a move towards bold décor and dramatic spaces, with a focus on draping, storytelling, and creating events that feel unique and personal,” explains Kate. “Editorial, fashion-led weddings are very popular, with an emphasis on texture, atmosphere, and intentional design.

“Couples are favouring meaningful details over excess – thoughtful tablescapes, candlelit settings, relaxed timelines, and celebrations that feel authentic rather than overly traditional.

“Trends we’re seeing include corsets, chandeliers, and an ‘old money’ aesthetic. Regency romance influences, inspired by Bridgerton and Wuthering Heights, are also making a big comeback.”

For Kate and Charley, seeing all the hard work come together on a perfect wedding day is very rewarding.

“The thing I enjoy most about planning and styling weddings is the storytelling – creating an atmosphere that truly means something to each couple. I love translating ideas into tangible experiences, taking inspiration, emotion, and personality and weaving them into a beautiful celebration. Styling allows me to tell a story visually, while planning ensures that story is executed flawlessly.

“Just as importantly, I love getting to know our couples, hearing their love stories, and bringing their personalities to life throughout the day,” says Kate.

“Me and Kate bring different strengths to our business which is what makes it work so well.

“Kate has that creative eye and is amazing at advising on styling tips and decor which she’s really passionate about.

“Myself, I have a logistical brain which works on timings, flow and maximising use of the time throughout the day,” adds Charley.

They have been delighted by the positive feedback they have received from happy couples since starting their business.

“A highlight for me has been meeting some truly amazing couples, each with their own beautiful – or sometimes challenging – stories,” says Kate.

“At the end of the day, their reviews tell the story best. Often, reading reviews brings back moments I’d forgotten were such a big part of the day but clearly meant so much to that couple.

“I’ve also ​loved collaborating with incredibly talented local suppliers across Shropshire and the country. Seeing our work recognised and receiving heartfelt feedback is always incredibly rewarding.

“We very much treat others how we want to be treated and always want to be relatable and easy to talk to,” adds Charley.

For more information, see www.kateandcharleyweddings.com or www.instagram.com/kateandcharleyweddings