Michelle and James’s rustic Nottingham wedding venue

These newlyweds said ‘I do’ at a rustic Nottingham wedding venue that held lots of memories for them. Our WED2B Real Weddings feature reveals more…

Michelle and James and met through mutual friends around 12 years ago.

“Our paths kept crossing but we didn't get together until 2018,” says Michelle.

“However, by then we had built a beautiful friendship. We both came with children from previous relationships but our two boys are as close as brothers could be. Our first date was at Rufford Abbey, where Jim would later propose. We then got married at Rufford two years’ later, so it holds so many special memories for us.”

A romantic proposal

“As we had our first date at Rufford Abbey, it has always been a special place for us,” says Michelle. “So Jim took me back there on my birthday in 2020. He was so fidgety and kept trying to find a quiet spot, on a Saturday of all times! He kept stopping to look around, only to move us on when people started approaching. However, I still didn't cotton on to what was happening.”

“We eventually came to a really quiet little hideaway on the lake. Jim suggested I take some photos, as I love photography. I was snapping away when I started to notice he was very quiet and not stood next to me. When I turned around I found him on one knee."

" I can't remember but I’m pretty sure I threw my camera on the floor in excitement!"

" It was a really magical moment and it was just amazing to go back and have our wedding day there.”

Shopping for the dress

“I heard about WED2B through a friend and, to be honest, I thought it sounded too good to be true,” says Michelle."

“How can dresses that affordable be that nice? "

"However, when I arrived, the ladies at the Rotherham store were so lovely and helpful and the dresses were stunning! I tried on five in total and, honestly, I would have happily walked out with any of them. Since my visit I have recommended WED2B to anyone wedding dress shopping, including one of the wedding planners at my venue.”

Michelle chose the Winona dress. “I loved the off-the-shoulder sleeves and the mermaid style,” says Michelle.

“Also, I loved how versatile the dress was."

"I wore it with a low-back Wunderskirt and a Willa a veil. For the evening I removed the sleeves and added a diamanté belt to change up the look.” (For similar styles try Iana, Damiana or Jonah)

A lovely Nottingham wedding venue

The couple married at Rufford Mill in Ollerton on the 26th November 2022. “The venue holds so many memories and moments for us, so it was a no brainer,” says Michelle. “It’s everything we wanted and more, and the wedding coordinators were the nicest ladies in the world.”

The big day

“My bridal party and I got ready at a little cottage nearby,” says Michelle. “Our two boys were also very involved in the day, which was important to us, as it wasn't just a joining of two people but of us as a four. My gorgeous 10-year-old son walked me down the aisle to a violinist playing ‘Can't Help Falling In Love’ by Elvis Presley. My eight-year-old stepson also read out a beautiful poem."

"Walking down the aisle and seeing James looking emotional was a memory I will never forget."

"Saying our vows felt like no one else was in the room.”

Warming drinks and photographs

After the ceremony, guests enjoyed glasses of mulled wine. “Luckily it stayed dry all day but it was cold, so I think it helped warm people up,” says Michelle. “We had photos by the lake, then Jim and I had photos taken at the Abbey. Our photographer Rachel London was incredible, she made us feel so comfortable and she was hilarious!”

A burgundy and blush theme

“Our theme was burgundy and blush,” says Michelle. “We made a few DIY pieces but the venue was truly made stunning by our florist and venue dresser, Touch of Charm. They were so helpful, friendly and so, so talented.

"They went above and beyond for us every step of the way and the flowers they created were beautiful.”

“For favours we had smores and gave each guest a quilt square to sign, which will later be made into a patchwork memory blanket,” says Michelle. “Affinity DJs came in the evening and they were also amazing. Our lovely rustic, three-tier, wood-effect wedding cake was made by a family friend.”

The best bits…

"There are too many memorable moments to choose from!” says Michelle.

“The vows were one of my favourites bits, as it felt like it was just us. My son standing up and doing a speech had the room in tears, as he’s very shy and I know how much courage it took for him to do that. It meant more than we could ever say."

"Also, we had a last dance at the end of the night. It was just me and James and it felt magical and the perfect way to end the day.”

My top tips…

“When it comes to your vendors, do your research,” says Michelle.

“We did a lot of research on everyone we used and it paid off, because the whole day went without any issues. Every single person was phenomenal.”

Michelle and James’s Dream Team 

Photographer: Rachel London Photography

Nottingham wedding venue: Rufford Mill

Wedding dresses Rotherham: WED2B

Florist and venue dresser: Touch of Charm Weddings

Makeup and hair: Belle Beauty Newark 

DJ: Affinity Weddings

If you would like us to feature your big day, like this wedding at a Nottingham wedding venue, then please click here to share your story and photos with us and we’ll be in touch. Your nearest WED2B is closer than you think, click here for your nearest store and here for what to expect when you visit.