From Swipe to “I Do” – A Laid-Back June Wedding Full of Laughter, Love & Personal Touches
A Rustic, Heartfelt Wedding Full of Laughter, Love & Sausage Dog Details
Some love stories start with fireworks. Others begin with a swipe. For Phil and Amelia, their journey started on Tinder — and it led to the most joy-filled, rustic wedding day in the heart of the East Midlands.
They met for the first time over food, drinks, and endless conversation. Fast-forward to December 2023, and they’d just moved into their first home together. Just days later, on 5th December, Phil proposed — right there at home, just the two of them. No grand gestures. Just real love. Exactly what Amelia had always wanted.
Their Wedding Vision: Romantic, Relaxed and So Them
When asked about the inspiration behind their big day, the couple didn’t pin down a strict theme. Instead, they let their ideas evolve naturally, following their hearts — and a few Pinterest boards — to land on a rustic style with soft autumnal tones. Their top priorities? The venue, the photographer (I’m flattered!), and making sure everyone had a genuinely great time.
The location they chose ticked all the boxes — rural, beautiful, and totally them.
Planning With Personality
Planning a wedding always comes with its highs and lows, and for these two, the biggest challenge was narrowing the guest list. A set package meant they had to be strict with numbers — cue the classic “evening invite” juggle.
But on the flip side, planning was a joy — especially choosing colours, suits, flowers, and the dress. Speaking of the dress… it was the first one she tried! Others followed, but none could beat it. That’s how you know.
As for helpful tools? She swears by the Hitched website, 2025 Facebook wedding groups, and (thank you again!) my own tips shared on Instagram.
Amelia’s advice to future couples?
“Take your time and don’t make rash decisions. I changed my mind about a few things a few months before the big day — and by then, it was too late to switch. So pause and reflect before committing!”
The Big Day: Laughter, Love and a First Look Amelia will Never Forget
The moment they first saw each other at the ceremony was pure magic. All the tension, the nerves, the months of planning? Gone in an instant. Phil’s smile said it all. Amelia remembers the love in his eyes, the way he told her she looked beautiful — and how everything just melted away.
Their favourite part of the ceremony was saying their vows — heartfelt, emotional, and totally them. A chance to speak from the heart in a way they rarely do in everyday life.
The reception? A joyful blur of togetherness. Family, friends, food, and laughter.
Their first dance song was Everything I Do by Bryan Adams — Phil’s choice. He told her, simply: “Everything I do, I do for you.” (I know — I’m not crying, you’re crying!)
Not everything went perfectly — a couple of songs didn’t play as planned — but as Amelia said, “It was still a perfect day.”
Personal Touches and Unforgettable Details
This was a wedding packed with personality, from the rustic styling to a sausage-dog-themed seating plan and signage. Flowers were another highlight — created with care alongside their florist to match the exact tones and textures they imagined.
A special shoutout (and thank you!) from the couple went to their videographer Tom and to yours truly:
“David definitely exceeded my expectations, from booking him to the actual day! Beautiful photos that captured every loving and happy moment.”
Favourite Photos and Unexpected Gems
Their first kiss as newlyweds took the top spot — a beaming, love-filled moment.
A creative evening shot under glowing balloons is going to be framed and up on their wall.
And a spontaneous flask-drinking photo? Calming the nerves – after the ceremony!!
Final Words of Wisdom
And if there’s one thing they’d want others to know?
“The preparation and planning can be stressful, but when the day comes and you get to marry your person, surrounded by the people you love most, it all melts away. It’s absolutely worth it.”
When Amelia’s Dad Turned Around – My Favourite Moment of the Day
One of my absolute favourite moments from the whole day was Amelia’s reveal to her dad. These are the moments I live for — completely unscripted, full of emotion, and over in the blink of an eye. You could see the pride welling up before he even turned around… but the moment he saw her? Pure joy. The smile, the tears, the hug — it was everything. It’s these quiet in-between moments that tell the real story, and I feel incredibly lucky to have been there to capture it all.
Planning Your Own Relaxed, Rustic Wedding?
If you’re planning a relaxed, rustic wedding in the East Midlands — whether you’re imagining autumn colours, sausage dog table signs, or a first dance under fairy lights — I’d love to hear all about it.
I’m based in Derbyshire and capture weddings across Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire and beyond. If you’re looking for emotional, artistic storytelling and a photographer who’ll help you feel totally at ease — let’s chat.
Get in touch or browse my portfolio to see more.
Venue: Makeney Hall Hotel
Flowers: Upside Down in a Flower Bed
Cake: Sally’s Baked with Love
Hair and Make Up: Lucy Elliot
