A Relaxed Country Wedding at Donington Park Farmhouse | Derbyshire Wedding Photographer
Some weddings stay with you because of big moments.
Others because of how they felt.
Stacey and Nathan’s wedding at Donington Park Farmhouse was one of those days that felt calm from the inside out. Relaxed, unforced, and centred around the people who mattered most, exactly the kind of wedding I love photographing as a Derbyshire wedding photographer.
From quiet nerves in the morning to golden light in the fields and a room full of laughter by the evening, their day was less about perfection and more about presence.
And that’s always where the best stories live.
Stacey & Nathan’s Story
Stacey and Nathan first met doing what they both knew best, working as chefs at what was then the Derbyshire Hotel near Alfreton and Mansfield. Long shifts, shared pressure, and plenty of teamwork laid the foundations for something that slowly grew into more.
Their proposal was the complete opposite of a grand gesture, and all the better for it. On Boxing Day 2022, at Stacey’s parents’ house, surrounded by familiarity and comfort, Nathan asked the question. Simple. Personal. Completely them.
The Vision for the Day
From the beginning, their priorities were clear.
They wanted all the traditional elements of a wedding day, but without the stiffness that sometimes comes with them. A relaxed pace. Space for everyone they loved. And a venue that allowed everything to happen in one place, without being rushed from room to room.
A country-inspired feel suited them perfectly, pretty and understated, with nods to the September season and the rural life they both live and work in now.
Donington Park Farmhouse gave them exactly that.
Why They Chose Donington Park Farmhouse
There’s a reason Donington Park Farmhouse is such a strong choice for couples planning a Derbyshire wedding.
It isn’t just the size, though having room for everyone mattered hugely to Stacey and Nathan. It’s the flow of the place. The way the buildings, courtyard, grounds, and surrounding countryside all work together without feeling formal or intimidating.
Everything happened in one location, which meant no stress, no travel gaps, and no feeling pulled away from their guests. For photography, that matters more than most couples realise, it allows the day to breathe.
Planning the Wedding
Like many couples, the hardest part wasn’t making decisions, it was knowing where to start.
Who do you book first?
What suppliers disappear quickest?
What actually matters most early on?
Once they had their venue secured and a plan in place, everything else began to fall into line. They used the Hitched app to stay organised, manage budgets, and share ideas, and once the momentum started, planning became something they genuinely enjoyed together.
Their advice to other couples planning their wedding is refreshingly honest:
Do what you want to do.
Listen to opinions that matter, and let the rest go.
And when it comes to dress shopping, keep the circle small and supportive.
Finding the Dress
Stacey’s dress journey took a little time, and that’s often how it goes.
The first appointment helped her narrow down what felt right.
The second never happened.
The third? That’s where everything clicked.
After trying on 25–30 dresses, adjusting styles, adding accessories, and giving herself space to feel it properly, she found the one. Comfortable. Confident. And unmistakably bridal.
Sometimes, you just know.
The Ceremony: “We Have Done It”
The moment Stacey and Nathan saw each other was surreal in the best way.
They’ve helped plan weddings for other people for years, and suddenly, it was their turn.
There were tears. Quiet smiles. And as they stood together for the first time, the words that summed it all up slipped out naturally:
“We have done it.”
The ceremony itself was filled with stillness and anticipation, especially during the registrar’s pause, when the entire room (including the children) fell silent. A rare moment, and one Stacey still remembers clearly.
A Celebration Full of Connection
The reception wasn’t about spectacle. It was about togetherness.
Mingling. Catching up. Letting the day unfold naturally while soaking in the atmosphere of having everyone they love in one place.
Their first dance to 100 Miles by Nathan Evans brought in subtle country vibes that fitted the venue perfectly, meaningful lyrics, relaxed energy, and no pressure to perform.
Exactly how it should be.
Personal Details That Mattered
Stacey and Nathan put so much care into the details, especially the ones that carried meaning.
A small memorial chair display honoured loved ones who couldn’t be there, quietly acknowledged and deeply felt.
Throughout the venue were gentle nods to Lord of the Rings, woven in thoughtfully rather than loudly, from the seating plan and signage to Nathan’s wedding band and Stacey’s necklace. These weren’t gimmicks. They were personal touches that told their story.
Photographing the Day | Donington Park Farmhouse Wedding Photographer
When Stacey and Nathan first got in touch, they were honest, they’re not people who love being photographed.
They wanted someone relaxed. Someone easy to be around. Someone who wouldn’t turn the day into a photoshoot.
That approach shaped everything.
Their gallery tells the story in full, hundreds of images, but never rushed. Some of their favourites came from the fields surrounding Donington Park Farmhouse, where they had a few quiet moments together, away from the noise, just being themselves.
Those images feel calm because they were calm.
Even the same-day slideshow brought comments from guests about how natural everything looked, not staged, not forced, just real.
Three Words to Describe the Day
Perfect.
Relaxed.
Magical.
And really — one big celebration.
A Quiet Note From Me
Stacey and Nathan’s wedding is a perfect example of what happens when couples give themselves permission to slow down.
Donington Park Farmhouse gave them space.
Their people gave them warmth.
And the day unfolded exactly as it needed to.
If you’re planning your own wedding at Donington Park Farmhouse, or anywhere across Derbyshire — and want photography that feels calm, natural, and story-led, I’d love to chat.
No pressure at all.
Just a conversation to see if it feels right.
Suppliers
No wedding day comes together without an incredible group of people working quietly behind the scenes. Stacey and Nathan were surrounded by suppliers who cared deeply about the feel of the day, not just how it looked, each playing a part in creating such a relaxed, meaningful celebration.
Venue – Donington Park Farmhouse
Stacey’s Dress – Prestige Bridal
Bridesmaid’s Dressess – Maya Deluxe
Suits – Blidworth Menswear
Make Up Artist – Kylie Hutsby
Hair Stylist – Bec Storer Unique
