This happy couple did things their own way with a church wedding followed by a reception at their local pub. Our WED2B Real Weddings feature reveals more…

Samantha and Keith holding hands while walking out of their church to their wedding guests throwing confetti

Samantha and Keith met through a dating app. “It was Christmas 2018 and we went for drinks locally in Nottingham,” says Samantha. “My dad died a few months before, unexpectedly, so our original date got cancelled. Keith sent a sweet message every day, even though we hadn't met.”

Close up image of Samantha's buttons on her Mikado wedding dress
Close up image of Samantha's Vivienne Westwood wedding shoes

A 50th birthday proposal

The couple had been together for three years when Keith proposed. “We moved in together just before the pandemic,” says Samantha. “Our holiday with friends that year got cancelled, so we changed it to the October to celebrate my 50th. So, it was a gorgeous casual proposal in a villa in Lanzarote with our best friends, while celebrating both my birthday and 50th.”

Close up image of Samantha's beautiful wedding bouquet

Shopping for the dress

“After searching online I came across WED2B,” says Samantha. “I went with my mum, my two daughters and latest grandson to the Nottingham store. The assistant was super helpful with choosing dresses, suggesting how I could wear them. I felt so comfortable as an older bride.”

Close up image of Samantha's hairclip which had 'Mrs S'

Samantha chose the Gina dress, a modern strapless A-line.

“I had an idea in my head of the dress I would like... I especially wanted pockets!” says Samantha. “It was a close call between two completely different dresses, but the Gina dress was definitely the one for me.”

For similar styles take a closer look at Elton, Amalfi and Ravenna.

Samantha walking to the church with her mum holding up her wedding dress for ease to walk
Samantha and Keith's Church for their wedding ceremony

A church wedding and pub reception

“We wanted to be in total control of our wedding, and wanted it to be glamorous but casual at the same time,” says Samantha. “So, we chose not to have a formal sit-down reception and got married at the local church (I walked across with my mum and my bridesmaids)."

Samantha walking down the aisle arm in arm with her mum
Samantha and Keith at the end of the aisle ready to walk back up the aisle as husband and wife

"We’re also close friends with Zach who has a local pub, The Royal Oak, where we had the reception. Zach closed the pub and we decorated it simply. There was a live singer and the sunshine was beautiful, even though it was late September and had rained every day previously! We married on the 23rd, our lucky number.”

Samantha and Keith holding hands while walking outside their church wedding ceremony
Samantha and Keith posing together outside the church holding her wedding bouquet

The big day

“My daughters and their best friend since childhood stayed with me at our house the night before,” says Samantha. “Keith, the best man and his side of the family stayed at a local hotel. My two boys and all my ‘grandboys' were at our house. Keith's son, family and grandchildren arrived in the day.”

Samantha and Keith holding hands and smiling while their wedding guests throw confetti at them both
Black and white close up image of Samantha and Keith holding hands and confetti floating around them

“My mum gave me away, which was perfect. I walked down the aisle to our song, which is ‘I Get To Love You’ by Ruelle.”

Close up image of Samantha and Keith looking at one another
Close up image of Samantha and Keith moments from a kiss as husband and wife

Let’s celebrate!

“The Royal Oak supplied all the food, including canapés on arrival,” says Samantha. “Our live singer was fantastic in the autumn sunshine and we sang and danced outside before the disco began

Samantha walking out of the Church with someone holding her wedding dress train to help her to walk with ease
Close up image of Samantha smiling to her wedding guests

A rustic celebration with family and friends

“As we had both been married before, we didn't want anything too flamboyant,” says Samantha.

Black and white close up image of Samantha smiling while holding a glass of bubbles

“We just wanted to celebrate with friends and family and, most of all, to represent us. The theme was rustic, with hessian tablecloths, lots of gypsophila and floating candles.”

Black and white close up image of Samantha and Keith's wedding cake topper

“Our cake was three tiers of chocolate cake with a buttercream edging,” says Samantha. “There were also beautiful canapés, sweet shots (with signs saying, ’We've tied the knot so take a shot!’) and an open buffet with hot meat, salads, couscous, etc, basically something for everyone.”

Samantha and Keith's red post box for their wedding cards

The best bits…

“The most memorable things were the beautiful weather, everyone’s smiles all day and how enjoyable and easy it all was. The groom’s speech was also definitely one to remember.”

Close up image of Samantha and Keith's wedding rings entwined

My top tips…

“Go with what you decide, not how you think a wedding should be,” says Samantha.

Samantha and Keith’s Dream Team

Photographer: Photographed by Olivia 

Venue: The Royal Oak

Wedding dresses Nottingham: WED2B

Florist: Bees Flowers

If you would like us to feature your big day, like this church wedding, 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.