This happy couple’s Nottingham real wedding at a Nottingham country house wedding venue was a chilled-out day, complete with crazy golf, ice cream and also a joyful colour scheme of bold purple and bright yellows 

Bride Tracy posing with her bridesmaids and flower girls outside on her Nottingham wedding day

Key takeaways

  • Tracy and Phil’s Nottingham real wedding combined a traditional church ceremony with a relaxed country house reception.
  • St Mary’s Church in Bulwell was chosen for its personal significance, faith connection and family history.
  • The reception at Cockliffe Country House focused on fun, family-friendly celebrations and a laid-back atmosphere.
  • Tracy wore the Rosalia lace ballgown from wed2b, paired with accessories chosen to complement the dress’s detailing.
  • A bold purple colour scheme with sunflowers helped create a joyful, spring-inspired wedding style.
  • Personal touches like crazy golf, an ice cream van and relaxed entertainment made the day memorable for guests of all ages.
Close-up of bride Tracy in her lace ballgown wedding dress on the morning of her Nottingham wedding. Close-up of bride Tracy wearing her veil while getting ready on the morning of her wedding

How Tracy and Phil First Met

Tracy and Phil’s story began during an ordinary workday when Phil, an electrician, arrived to fit new fire alarms at Tracy’s place of work. What started as a professional encounter soon became something more, and the pair quickly formed a connection. 

Their first date kept things simple and relaxed. “We went to bar in the town for lunch,” says Tracy, which was the perfect low-pressure start to their relationship.

Bride Tracy walking down the aisle with her dad during her church wedding at St Mary’s, Bulwell

A Sweet At-Home Proposal

Finding the Notes

On 17th November 2011, Phil planned a thoughtful proposal at home. He hid handwritten notes around the house for Tracy to discover, each one guiding her closer to what was waiting at the end.

The Ring Reveal on One Knee

When Tracy finally found the ring, Phil was there on one knee. It was intimate, heartfelt and filled with love and Tracy said yes without hesitation. “It was a lovely moment,” she says. 

Tracy and Phil holding hands during their church wedding ceremony in Nottingham. Tracy and Phil posing with their two daughters during their Nottingham wedding day

Finding the Perfect Dress at wed2b Nottingham

The Shopping Experience

Tracy visited the wed2b Nottingham store after hearing about it through Facebook, and also getting recommendations from friends and family. She didn’t arrive with a long checklist or high expectations — in fact, she only planned to browse and get a feel for different styles.

However, that relaxed approach paid off. “I actually only went to have a look and get a feel for it,” she says. “I tried on three dresses on and found ‘The One’!”

Close-up of Tracy and Phil holding hands as they walk back up the church aisle after their ceremony

Why Tracy Chose the Rosalia Dress

Tracy chose the Rosalia wedding dress, a gown she hadn’t initially imagined herself wearing. Although she wasn’t looking for a strapless style, Rosalia’s elegant ballgown silhouette quickly won her over. “It was just so beautiful with the leafy lace and subtle sparkle. “It made me feel like a princess,” she says.

What stood out most was:

  • The delicate leafy detailing
  • Subtle sparkle that caught the light beautifully
  • A full, princess-style skirt that made Tracy feel truly special

Discover: Explore princess-style wedding dresses

Tracy and Phil outside the church as guests throw confetti following their Nottingham wedding ceremony

Accessories Chosen at wed2b 

To complete her bridal look, Tracy also chose all her accessories at wed2b, including:

These finishing touches tied her look together perfectly and complemented the detailing of her gown. 

Tracy and Phil posing on their vintage red bus wedding transport on the way to their reception

Bridesmaids and Finishing Touches

Tracy also bought her bridesmaids' dresses from wed2b, keeping everything beautifully coordinated. The wedding colour palette was Cadbury purple and sunflowers, a combination that felt warm, cheerful and perfect for their spring wedding.

Discover: Shop bridesmaid dresses to match your theme

Bride Tracy posing with her bridesmaids and daughters in front of the vintage red wedding bus

The Wedding Day in Nottingham

Tracy and Phil were married on 23rd May 2025, celebrating their love with a laid-back Nottingham real wedding surrounded by family and friends.

The Weather and Getting Ready

The wedding day was blessed with beautiful sunshine and Tracy spent the morning getting ready with:

  • Her daughters
  • Her bridesmaids
  • Her mum
Tracy and Phil posing on the vintage red wedding bus with members of their wedding party behind them

The Church Ceremony at St Mary’s, Bulwell

The couple chose St Mary’s Church in Bulwell, in Nottingham, for their ceremony. Tracy and Phil attend the church regularly, and it was where their daughters were baptised, making it a natural choice.

The ceremony was a traditional Christian service, reflecting their faith and values. Tracy’s dad walked her down the aisle and the newlyweds signed the register to ‘Marry You’ by Bruno Mars. Their St Mary’s Bulwell wedding was the perfect mix of tradition, familiarity and emotion.

Tracy and Phil holding hands with their country house wedding reception venue in the background. Tracy and Phil photographed from behind as they look at each other outside their wedding reception venue
Tracy and Phil walking hand in hand around the grounds of their wedding reception venue

Celebrating with a Cockliffe Country House wedding

After the ceremony, the celebrations continued at Cockliffe Country House, an elegant venue with a picturesque countryside setting. “We chose it as it’s a beautiful venue and it was the perfect size for us,” says Tracy.

Tracy and Phil looking at each other during outdoor wedding photos at their Nottingham reception venue
Tracy and Phil embracing outside their country house wedding reception venue

Ice Cream, Drinks & A Rolls Royce Arrival

Tracy and Phil arrived at the reception venue in a Rolls Royce, while their friends and family travelled on a classic Routemaster bus, specially decorated for the wedding. After they arrived, guests were welcomed with ice cream, drinks and canapés, as a fun way to start the afternoon.

Tracy posing with her bridesmaids and daughters as the bridesmaids blow kisses to the bride
Tracy and Phil posing outside with their two daughters on their Nottingham wedding day

Vegetarian Three-Course Wedding Breakfast

The wedding breakfast was a three-course vegetarian meal, thoughtfully chosen to suit the couple and their guests.

Tracy and Phil posing with all their wedding guests outside the reception venue

First Dance to George Ezra’s ‘Manila’

The newlywed’s first dance, to ‘Manila’ by George Ezra, was one of Tracy’s standout moments and the song that perfectly matched the laid-back, happy vibe of the day. 

Phil playing wedding crazy golf with a flower girl during the reception celebrations
Tracy and Phil posing by their vintage ice cream van at their wedding reception

Personal Touches That Made Their Day Unique

Tracy and Phil’s wedding was also filled with thoughtful details that made it feel delightfully personal to them.

Highlights included:

  • Crazy golf, which guests of all ages enjoyed
  • An ice cream van for a playful, nostalgic touch
  • Purple and sunflower décor woven throughout the venue
  • Styling that complemented the relaxed countryside setting
Close-up of the couple’s naked-style wedding cake at their Nottingham wedding reception. Bride Tracy playing wedding crazy golf during the relaxed reception celebrations
Floral garland table decoration at Tracy and Phil’s wedding reception

Tracy and Phil’s Favourite Moments

For Tracy, the memories they’ll treasure forever and the emotional highlights of the day were:

  • The church ceremony at St Mary’s, Bulwell
  • Sharing their first dance as husband and wife
Close-up of Tracy and Phil sharing their first dance as husband and wife

Advice for Other Couples

Lastly, Tracy has some simple but invaluable advice for couples planning their own wedding:

  • Plan and book early, so you’re not rushing
  • On the day, take time to let it all soak in
Close-up of bride Tracy lifting her wedding dress to reveal bright pink shoes

Nottingham Wedding Suppliers

FAQs About Planning a Nottingham Real Wedding

What venues are popular for a Nottingham real wedding?

Nottingham offers a wide range of wedding venues, from traditional churches and historic buildings to country houses and boutique hotels. Many couples combine a church ceremony with a countryside or manor-style reception.

What style of wedding dress suits a church ceremony?

The best wedding dress for a church ceremony is one that makes you feel confident and comfortable. Classic silhouettes such as ballgowns or princess-style dresses with elegant detailing often suit traditional church settings beautifully.

How do you plan a relaxed, family-friendly wedding day?

Allow plenty of time between key moments, choose entertainment that suits all ages and focus on relaxed food and activities. Simple additions like games or outdoor entertainment help keep the atmosphere informal and enjoyable.

What wedding themes work well with purple and sunflowers?

Purple and sunflowers pair well with rustic, countryside or garden-inspired wedding themes. Natural textures and relaxed styling help balance bold colour choices.

How early should you book wedding suppliers in Nottingham?

Many couples book key suppliers such as venues and photographers 12 to 18 months in advance. Booking early gives more choice, especially for popular Nottingham wedding venues.

We’d love to  hear from you! If you would like us to feature your big day, like this Nottingham real wedding, then please click here to share your story and photos with us and we’ll be in touch. And, for more inspiration for your own wedding dress, venue, or styling we have lots more stunning real wedding stories UK. Lastly, still looking for your dream dress? Click here for your local store and here for what to expect when you visit.