This real wedding inspiration story follows a wed2b bride who had a completely different vision for her dream dress until she tried on the ‘wild card’ dress her wed2b stylist suggested. The stunning A-line wedding dress she fell in love with was the perfect choice for her modern elegant wedding day, full of thoughtful and personal touches.

Sophie and Dean holding hands in a field looking back at the camera

Key Takeaways

  • Being open to trying a ‘wild card’ wedding dress can lead you to your perfect gown.
  • An A-line wedding dress with bold floral detailing can create a modern yet elegant bridal look.
  • Personal touches, such as voice-recorded vows and polaroid memories, add meaning and individuality to your wedding day.
  • Surprise moments, like a choreographed family dance, can become the most memorable part of your celebration.
  • Taking time to be present and enjoy each moment is one of the most important pieces of advice for any bride.
Close-up of bridal gown buttons being fastened on the back of Sophie’s wedding dress

How Sophie and Dean met

Sophie and Dean met in March 2019 at a friend’s get-together. What began as a casual introduction quickly turned into something much more.

Their first date was at a small restaurant at the end of Corporation Street in Chesterfield. “I got glammed up and he suited up, and we had a lovely meal together getting to know one another,” says Sophie. From that evening on, their connection only grew stronger.

Back of Sophie’s lace wedding dress with buttons being looped and fastened

The proposal story 

Dean proposed on 26th April 2024, exactly five years to the day since they started dating. 

A group of friends had organised a birthday weekend getaway to Sherwood Forest, but Sophie had no idea that the timing was intentional. “We spent the first day relaxing, enjoying the hot tub and settling in,” she says. “As the evening drew in, the girls suggest we take a walk around the grounds with the dogs. Little did I know, this was all part of the plan.”

Sophie in her lace wedding dress before leaving for her wedding ceremony

When she returned, Sophie still suspected nothing. Dean helped her take off her jacket and led her into a room filled with rose petals and candles, where he presented her with a memory book filled with photographs from their five years together. “I genuinely thought it was just a lovely anniversary surprise,” she says.

On the final page were the words, ‘Will you marry me?’. Sophie immediately burst into tears and, of course, said yes.

Dean with his groomsmen outside the wedding venue

Wedding dress shopping at wed2b

As a real wed2b bride, Sophie visited wed2b Rotherham after hearing about the store from a friend’s daughter who had also bought her dress there.

Her wedding dress shopping experience was everything she hoped for - relaxed, welcoming and completely pressure-free. “I wasn’t pushed at any point,” says Sophie. “Everyone was so wonderful and made me feel completely at ease.”

Sophie laughing with her bridesmaids wearing grey dresses

Sophie originally had a clear idea of the type of dress she thought would suit her. But, during her appointment, her stylist gently asked if she could suggest something different, a dress she felt would look beautiful on her.

Trusting the stylist’s expertise changed everything. “When I tried the dress on, it was an instant realisation,” she says. “I just knew that this was ‘The One’, this was my dress.”

Sophie walking down the aisle with her mum and dad

The wed2b wedding dress & accessories

Sophie chose Lilium by Viva Bride, a striking A-line wedding dress with bold floral detailing and a long, dramatic train, which worked delightfully with her modern elegant wedding vision.

Ironically, it was also completely different to the kind of dress she’d imagined wearing. However, thanks to some expert guidance and being open to trying something new, an unexpected option turned out to be her perfect dress.

To complete her look, Sophie also chose:

Sophie and Dean smiling at each other during their wedding ceremony

Real wedding inspiration: A modern elegant wedding near Sherwood Forest

Sophie and Dean married on 26th April 2025, exactly one year after their engagement, and on their anniversary date.

Sophie and Dean holding hands and looking at each other outside their wedding venue

A meaningful venue and date 

Their venue, Wildes Inn, a classic country house hotel near Sherwood Forest, stood out immediately when Sophie discovered it online. Its décor matched her red, grey and white colour scheme perfectly. Also, the room they chose was called the ‘Sherwood Suite’, which was a subtle but special nod to their Sherwood Forest proposal. 

“As luck would have it, the date they had available was also exactly a year after our anniversary and engagement date,” says Sophie.

The big day

Sophie got ready at her mum’s house, surrounded by her mum, bridesmaids, close friends, her mother-in-law, and her glam team. The weather was just right, warm but not too hot, with just a few clouds in the sky.

Later, her mum and dad walked her down the aisle, while her father-in-law gave a reading during the ceremony. Sophie walked in to a cover version of ‘Truly, Madly, Deeply’, by Sidney.

Wedding reception styling with grey chair sashes and red floral details

After the ceremony, guests were greeted with champagne and beer at the end of the aisle before heading outside for canapés and photographs.

For the wedding breakfast, they served:

  • Tomato soup with croutons
  • Roast chicken dinner
  • Chocolate brownie with ice cream

The newlywed's first dance was to ‘Lose It All’ by Sam Tompkins. “This was the song playing when Dean proposed,” says Sophie. “So, it felt perfect.”

Dean and guests performing a choreographed dance wearing cowboy hats

Real wedding inspiration: Details that made the day unique

Sophie and Dean filled their day with unique wedding ideas and meaningful, personal touches that fitted their modern elegant wedding style:

  • A large LED ‘Mr & Mrs’ sign.
  • Mini polaroid photos from throughout their relationship, displayed on guest tables.
  • A voice recording of Sophie’s personalised vows, made before she walked down the aisle.
Sophie and Dean cutting their wedding cake together
  • A surprise choreographed dance from Dean and his family, complete with cowboy hats, to officially welcome her into the family.
  • Centrepieces of candles and red and white flowers, arranged by Sophie.
  • Large hurricane lanterns filled with candles.
  • Grey chair sashes fixed with a single red rose.
  • A three-tier, white-iced cake decorated with red roses.

Read more: wed2b brides share their red and white real wedding inspiration

Sophie and Dean kissing on the dance floor during their wedding reception

For Sophie, the highlight of the entire day was the surprise dance from her in-laws. “It was a moment I’ll never forget!” she says.

Sophie’s advice for future wed2b brides

“Take every single second of the day in as much as you can - it goes in a flash!”

Sophie and Dean outside their wedding venue at night with dramatic lighting

Derbyshire Wedding Suppliers

Dean lifting Sophie outside their wedding venue in the evening with strong lighting

FAQs

What wedding dress did Sophie wear? 

Sophie wore Lilium by Viva Bride, an elegant A-line wedding dress featuring a long train and striking floral detailing. She found her gown at wed2b and knew instantly it was ‘The One’.

Where did Sophie buy her wedding dress?

Sophie purchased her dress at wed2b Rotherham. She described her experience as relaxed, supportive and completely pressure-free, with expert styling guidance that led her to make an unexpected dream dress choice.

What was the wedding style? 

Their day was a modern elegant wedding at a classic country house hotel. The red, grey and white colour palette, contemporary florals and Sophie’s statement A-line gown all contributed to the sophisticated look.

How did Sophie personalise her wedding day?

The couple incorporated several unique wedding ideas, including personalised vows, a surprise family dance and polaroid memories, adding warmth and personality to their day.

What advice did Sophie give future brides?

Her simple but heartfelt advice is to “Take every second in, it truly flies by.”

Modern elegant wedding ideas to inspire your day

If you’re planning a similar style, Sophie and Dean’s wedding offers plenty of real wedding inspiration. From their bold floral dress choice to their personalised décor and emotional moments, this modern elegant wedding shows how thoughtful details can transform your day.

We’d love to hear from you! If you would like us to feature your big day, share your story and photos with us here. For more real wedding inspiration, explore our real wedding stories, or find your dream dress at your nearest wed2b store. You can also discover what to expect at your appointment.