A newly married couple smiles joyfully as guests throw colourful confetti outside a brick building. Captured by a Nottingham wedding photographer, the bride lifts her bouquet and the groom raises his fist, surrounded by cheering friends and family.
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Cockliffe Country House Wedding, Ashton & Sam

Rachael PhillipsByRachael Phillips
A bride in a white gown and a groom in a plaid suit walk hand in hand down a sunlit, tree-lined path, smiling joyfully at each other, surrounded by greenery.

Ashton and Sam’s July wedding

At Cockliffe Country House, it was one of those days that just felt easy from the start. Sunny, relaxed, and full of little moments that actually mattered. The kind of wedding where everyone’s happy to go with the flow, soak up the weather, and enjoy being together.

First look

Their first look was incredibly heartfelt. Quiet, emotional, and just for them. No big audience, no fuss, just a moment to breathe it all in together. We did her dad, Rob, and her stepdad, Stewart, both separately, so they could both have their moment.

  • A bride in a white dress and veil smiles as she stands with a bouquet, facing an older man in a blue suit. In a light blue bedroom at Cockliffe Country House, they share a joyful and emotional moment—perfect for a Nottingham wedding photographer to capture.
  • A man in a blue suit kisses a smiling bride on the forehead as they embrace at Cockliffe Country House. The bride holds a bouquet of white flowers, and both are reflected in a decorative mirror—captured by a Nottingham wedding photographer.
  • A bride in a white gown holding a bouquet smiles as an older man in a suit reacts joyfully in a bright, elegant bedroom at Cockliffe Country House, beautifully captured by a Nottingham wedding photographer.
  • A bride in a white dress holding a bouquet smiles as she is embraced by an older man, possibly her father, in a softly lit room with elegant décor at Cockliffe Country House, captured by a Nottingham wedding photographer.

Most important request

One of the most important requests for the day was centred around their two-and-a-half-year-old daughter, who’s autistic. The big goal was a genuine smile, no pressure, no forcing it. That challenge was very much accepted. Giving her space and time and letting her take the lead made all the difference, and when that smile came, it was worth every second.

A woman with dark hair holds a young child outside in sunlight at Cockliffe Country House. The child, also with dark hair, wears a light outfit and holds a shiny metal object while the woman looks down. Trees frame this wedding venue scene.

For the love of ice cream

She was loving the ice cream and even got to scoop it

A bride in a white lace dress and hat smiles at a young child as they enjoy ice cream outdoors at sunny Cockliffe Country House, a charming wedding venue, with greenery and decorations in the background.

Yep, that’s a smile

Challenge accepted and mission completed, even though we carried on throughout the day.

The Ceremony

The ceremony itself was full of meaning. Ashton was walked down the aisle by both her dad, Rob, and her stepdad, Stewart, which was such a lovely reflection of their family and how much support surrounds them.
Those moments always hit a little harder, and this one definitely did.

A bride in a white gown walks down the aisle with two older men, surrounded by smiling guests at Cockliffe Country House, a stunning wedding venue with chandeliers and white flower petals on the floor, captured by a Nottingham wedding photographer.

After the ceremony, while the room was being turned around, speeches took place in the bar. Relaxed, informal, and actually a brilliant way to do it. Drinks flowing, people laughing, and no one worrying about sitting perfectly still.

A group of people at a wedding, some laughing and smiling, with a man on the left reading from a sheet of paper. The bride, in a white dress, stands at the center, surrounded by guests in formal attire.

Canapés in the sunshine

Guests then headed outside for canapés in the sunshine, with a real treat waiting for them. My sister and her gorgeous vintage ice cream bike from Jenni and Ice Cream. It was an instant hit. Ashton and Sam even jumped on to scoop some themselves, entertaining each other and their daughter, which honestly summed the day up perfectly.

Outdoor gathering with people and appetisers.
  • Two people dressed in formal attire smile and hold ice cream cones at an outdoor event, standing under bunting and a parasol, whilst others mingle in the background.
  • Two elderly women sit on a wooden bench outside Cockliffe Country House, enjoying ice cream cones. One wears a blue dress and jacket, the other dark clothes and sunglasses, holding a walking stick. A perfect candid moment for a Nottingham wedding photographer.
  • A group of people dressed formally stand outdoors at an event. Two women in green dresses hold drinks and talk, while a man in sunglasses stands nearby. Other guests mingle in the background under sunlight and trees.

Having everyone outside made such a difference. Kids racing on the grass, games happening naturally, people chatting without being rushed. By the time we got to group photos, everyone was relaxed, happy, and exactly where they wanted to be.

A Couple Who just wanted things chill.

Overall, it was such a chilled, happy wedding. Ashton and Sam were more than happy to be gently guided when needed, but mostly they trusted the day, trusted each other, and focused on letting their guests enjoy themselves. Those are always the weddings that feel the best to photograph.

A bride and groom stand smiling and embracing in front of a wooden gate at Cockliffe Country House, surrounded by greenery on a sunny day. Captured beautifully by a Nottingham wedding photographer, their joy shines through.

They were also completely open about wanting guidance with angles and posing, trusting me to do my thing. That trust makes such a difference, and it shows in the photos.

This was a wedding full of laughter, energy, warmth, and personality, just the way they wanted it.

Ashton and Sam, thank you for trusting me with your day. You truly were amazing.

Wedding suppliers

Wedding Venue – https://cch-hotel.co.uk/
Wedding Photographer – Rachael Phillips Photography
Hairdresser – https://milifoxmakeupartist.co.uk/
Makeup Artist – https://milifoxmakeupartist.co.uk/
Cake – https://www.instagram.com/chrispiesbakes
Room decor – https://nuptia.uk/
Ice cream – https://www.instagram.com/jenniicecream2020/
Flowers – DIY
Suits – https://www.brigdens.com/
DJ – https://xtcdiscos.co.uk/

Ashton & Sam’s Cockliffe Country House wedding gallery

Of course, no wedding blog would be complete without the photos.

Now, the good bit… Enjoy a selection from their wedding gallery below.

  • Elegant wedding ceremony set-up in a bright room with wooden floors at Cockliffe Country House; gold chairs arranged in rows, a floral arch at the front, and white flower arrangements accent the aisle. Sunlight streams in—perfect for a Nottingham wedding photographer.
  • A wooden easel holds a white sign that reads, "Please sit anywhere that makes you smile," adorned with white flowers and greenery at the base; perfect for a Cockliffe Country House event, captured by a Nottingham wedding photographer.
  • Black and white photo of an empty event hall at Cockliffe Country House, with rows of wooden chairs, flower petals on the floor, and sunlight streaming through a window. Chandeliers and wall lights decorate the room—a perfect scene for a Nottingham wedding photographer.
  • A bride in a white lace dress and a groom in a suit with a straw boater hat stand by an ice cream van outdoors, smiling and holding ice cream cones, with wedding guests mingling in the background.
  • A child’s hand reaches towards small animal figurines partially covered by a quilt, next to an adult’s hand—capturing a tender moment reminiscent of the candid style found in Nottingham wedding photography. The child wears a green chequered outfit.
  • A bride in a white dress stands smiling with four bridesmaids in matching sage green dresses, all holding bouquets and laughing together outside Cockliffe Country House—perfectly captured by a Nottingham wedding photographer.
  • Woman adjusting another woman's hair in dim light.
  • A woman in a floral dress kneels to help a bride adjust her white lace wedding dress in a softly lit, elegant room at Cockliffe Country House, beautifully captured by a Nottingham wedding photographer.
  • A bride in a white lace gown stands with four bridesmaids in sage green dresses at Cockliffe Country House. One bridesmaid playfully fans herself whilst others chat in a softly lit, elegant room—captured by a Nottingham wedding photographer.
  • A wooden ring box with two wedding rings sits on a white surface next to a bouquet of white roses and green leaves, bathed in natural light—a scene beautifully captured by a Nottingham wedding photographer.
  • A groom stands at the front of a wedding aisle in a bright, elegant hall at Cockliffe Country House, looking at the camera as guests are seated on either side and the bride walks down the aisle in the background. Captured by a Nottingham wedding photographer.
  • A bride in a white wedding dress smiles whilst two bridesmaids in light green dresses and an older woman help her get ready in a bright, elegant room. Captured beautifully by a Nottingham wedding photographer, it’s a joyful, candid moment.
  • Smiling woman holding child with cute pig plush.
  • A white lace wedding dress hangs on a mirror above a vintage dressing table at Cockliffe Country House. In the mirror’s reflection, a bride in a strapless dress stands in the softly lit room, captured by a Nottingham wedding photographer.
  • Woman holding pink object, preparing in spacious bathroom.
  • Woman adjusting clothes in a bedroom.
  • A woman in a green dress stands before a mirror as someone adjusts her hair, her reflection softly illuminated. A bouquet of flowers rests on the table—an elegant moment captured by a Nottingham wedding photographer.
  • A bride in a white gown walks down the aisle with two older men, surrounded by smiling guests at Cockliffe Country House, a stunning wedding venue with chandeliers and white flower petals on the floor, captured by a Nottingham wedding photographer.
  • Three McDonald’s cups with straws and a glass of orange juice sit on a mirrored table at Cockliffe Country House, with a decorative lamp in the background—captured by a Nottingham wedding photographer.
  • Bride preparing for wedding with bridesmaids' help.
  • A bride in a white gown holding a bouquet smiles as an older man in a suit reacts joyfully in a bright, elegant bedroom at Cockliffe Country House, beautifully captured by a Nottingham wedding photographer.
  • A bride in a white dress and veil smiles as she stands with a bouquet, facing an older man in a blue suit. In a light blue bedroom at Cockliffe Country House, they share a joyful and emotional moment—perfect for a Nottingham wedding photographer to capture.
  • A bride in a lace wedding dress smiles while looking out of a window at Cockliffe Country House, holding a bouquet of white roses and greenery. Soft natural light highlights her face and dress, captured by a Nottingham wedding photographer.
  • A close-up, top-down view of a bride with black hair and red lipstick, wearing a white lace wedding dress, looking down with her eyes gently closed—captured beautifully by a Nottingham wedding photographer at Cockliffe Country House.
  • A bride and groom share a kiss at their Cockliffe Country House indoor wedding ceremony, surrounded by cheering guests. Chandeliers, white beams, and elegant decor set the scene for this Nottingham wedding photographer’s perfect capture.
  • Close-up of a bride and groom holding hands during their ceremony at Cockliffe Country House. The bride wears a white lace wedding dress, and the groom is in a dark suit—captured by a Nottingham wedding photographer.
  • A bride and groom stand facing each other and smiling whilst holding hands during their wedding ceremony at Cockliffe Country House, with guests seated and watching in the background, beautifully captured by a Nottingham wedding photographer.
  • A black and white photo by a Nottingham wedding photographer captures a couple holding hands—one in a lace wedding dress, the other in a dark suit—focusing intimately on their clasped hands, with their faces softly out of view.
  • A bride in a white dress stands outdoors with four bridesmaids in matching sage green dresses, all holding white bouquets and smiling in front of the arched windows at Cockliffe Country House. Captured by a Nottingham wedding photographer.
  • A man in a checked suit with a buttonhole sits beside a woman in a dress at an event, holding a "Ring Security Grand Agent Nick" sign. A Zimmer frame is next to him. Captured by a Nottingham wedding photographer, this black-and-white image exudes charm.
  • A bride and groom stand together at the altar during their wedding ceremony at Cockliffe Country House, facing the officiant. Guests watch attentively in softly lit, flower-filled surroundings—perfectly captured by a Nottingham wedding photographer.
  • A bride in a white gown wipes tears from her eyes whilst holding hands with the groom during a wedding ceremony at Cockliffe Country House, as guests watch and smile. Captured beautifully by a Nottingham wedding photographer in a bright, elegant room.
  • A group of eight men, dressed in suits and standing outdoors in front of a brick building at Cockliffe Country House, gather closely together and laugh whilst striking playful poses, appearing to celebrate a special occasion.
  • A bride in a white lace wedding dress holds a bouquet of white roses, smiling as she links arms with two people during her Cockliffe Country House ceremony. A blurred officiant's folder is visible in the foreground, captured by a Nottingham wedding photographer.
  • A person holds up a small, sleeveless white dress stained with brown marks. The background shows gold chairs, round tables with white tablecloths, and a grey textured wall.
  • A man in a checked suit wipes away tears at a wedding ceremony at Cockliffe Country House, standing at the front of an aisle lined with guests; Nottingham wedding photographer captures flower petals scattered on the floor.
  • Two women in mint green dresses and a young girl in white walk under a wooden pergola at Cockliffe Country House, smiling. The women hold bouquets, with a brick wall and glass doors behind them—captured by a Nottingham wedding photographer.
  • A young boy in a suit walks down an aisle lined with flower petals at a wedding ceremony at Cockliffe Country House, carrying a box. Guests are seated on either side and a large floral wreath is visible. Captured by a Nottingham wedding photographer in black and white.
  • A bride in a white lace wedding dress and long veil ascends carpeted stairs at Cockliffe Country House, reflected in a gold-framed mirror—captured by a talented Nottingham wedding photographer from above.
  • A bride and groom walk hand in hand outside Cockliffe Country House as guests cheer and throw confetti. The bride wears a white gown and holds a bouquet; the groom is in a suit. Captured by a Nottingham wedding photographer, everyone looks joyful and celebratory.
  • A group of people dressed formally stand outdoors at an event. Two women in green dresses hold drinks and talk, while a man in sunglasses stands nearby. Other guests mingle in the background under sunlight and trees.
  • A waiter carrying a tray of mini burgers with cocktail sticks approaches guests at an outdoor event at Cockliffe Country House. A suited man with sunglasses and a bottle stands nearby, captured by a Nottingham wedding photographer.
  • A smiling bride in a lace wedding dress stands in front of her groom in a checked suit, embraced from behind. Captured by a Nottingham wedding photographer at Cockliffe Country House, they are surrounded by greenery on a sunny day.
  • A man in a blue suit and a woman in a floral dress smile and hold carved wooden spoons at an outdoor event. Captured by a Nottingham wedding photographer, the moment unfolds near others under bunting at Cockliffe Country House on a sunny day.
  • A bride and groom smile with two young children beside an ice cream cart outdoors at Cockliffe Country House. Captured by a Nottingham wedding photographer, the happy group stands shaded by an umbrella, the children smartly dressed and beaming.
  • A smiling bride in a lace wedding dress and pearl "BRIDE" hat stands outdoors at Cockliffe Country House, holding a blue cup, as colourful confetti falls around her. Trees and a grassy area create the perfect scene for this Nottingham wedding photographer.
  • A young child with brown hair takes a big bite from a chocolate-covered ice cream cone while being held by a smiling adult woman outdoors on a sunny day.
  • A young boy in a suit and tie holds an ice cream outdoors, with a woman in a green dress standing blurred in the background and other people gathered under a partly cloudy sky.
  • A bride and groom walk hand in hand along a gravel path at Cockliffe Country House, surrounded by lush greenery. The bride in white holds a bouquet, the groom wears a gray checked suit, as sunlight filters through the trees—captured by a Nottingham wedding photographer.
  • A smiling woman with wavy blonde hair and red lipstick wears sunglasses and a blue dress, holding an ice cream cone outdoors at Cockliffe Country House, with bunting and greenery in the background—a perfect moment for any Nottingham wedding photographer.
  • A man in a suit and sunglasses sits on a striped chair outdoors, enjoying an ice cream cone. Next to him, a woman in a patterned dress leans over with her own ice cream—an elegant moment captured by a Nottingham wedding photographer at Cockliffe Country House.
  • A large wedding group poses outside Cockliffe Country House with arched windows. The bride and groom stand centre stage, surrounded by formally dressed guests and bridesmaids in green dresses on a sunny day, captured by a Nottingham wedding photographer.
  • A man and woman standing in a room with people.
  • A bride and groom smile at each other under a white veil outdoors at Cockliffe Country House, the bride looking happy and radiant as sunlight highlights her face and dark hair—captured by a Nottingham wedding photographer.
  • A bride and groom smile lovingly at one another outdoors at Cockliffe Country House, wrapped in the bride’s flowing veil, with trees and a blue sky with clouds in the background—a perfect moment for a Nottingham wedding photographer to capture.
  • A bride and groom stand close together, smiling and touching foreheads in front of a wooden gate outdoors at Cockliffe Country House. The bride holds a bouquet of white flowers; captured beautifully by a Nottingham wedding photographer.
  • A bride and groom stand smiling and embracing in front of a wooden gate at Cockliffe Country House, surrounded by greenery on a sunny day. Captured beautifully by a Nottingham wedding photographer, their joy shines through.
  • A bride in a white dress and long veil walks hand-in-hand with a groom in a checked suit across a grassy field at Cockliffe Country House, surrounded by green trees on a sunny day—captured perfectly by this Nottingham wedding photographer.
  • Three children sit on grass in a garden, surrounded by plants and flowers, playing together with wooden blocks on a sunny day.
  • A small child sitting on dry grass outdoors at Cockliffe Country House, playfully covering their face with a white cloth, with their legs and shoes visible—captured by a Nottingham wedding photographer.
  • A bride and groom stand with three older relatives, smiling for a photo outside a stone building at Cockliffe Country House. The Nottingham wedding photographer captures their formal attire and the bride’s long train as they pose together on the grassy lawn.
  • A man in a suit reads from a paper, surrounded by emotional women in bridesmaid dresses and a bride at Cockliffe Country House, as captured by a Nottingham wedding photographer in a rustic venue with a chalkboard menu in the background.
  • A bride and groom stand smiling in front of Cockliffe Country House, holding a bouquet. Two benches and potted plants sit beside the entrance—perfect for a Nottingham wedding photographer to capture this charming moment.
  • A group of people at a wedding, some laughing and smiling, with a man on the left reading from a sheet of paper. The bride, in a white dress, stands at the center, surrounded by guests in formal attire.
  • Three men in dress shirts and ties walk outside near a stone building at Cockliffe Country House, surrounded by greenery and trees on a sunny day. Captured by a Nottingham wedding photographer, one man gestures animatedly whilst the others watch.
  • A man and woman hugging under a tree at Cockliffe Country House, beautifully captured by a Nottingham wedding photographer.
  • A bride and groom walk hand in hand down a tree-lined path, surrounded by dappled sunlight and shadows at Cockliffe Country House, beautifully captured by a Nottingham wedding photographer in this serene outdoor setting.
  • A bride and groom stand outdoors at Cockliffe Country House, smiling at each other. The bride holds a bouquet of white flowers and wears a lace dress, while the groom in a checked suit stands amid lush greenery—captured by a Nottingham wedding photographer.
  • A bride in a white dress holding a bouquet smiles beside her groom in a checked suit outside Cockliffe Country House, with a chandelier glowing through the open door—captured perfectly by a Nottingham wedding photographer.
  • An elderly woman and man sit at a table in a cosy, chandelier-lit room at Cockliffe Country House, seen through an open door with branches partially obscuring the scene. The woman smiles whilst the man looks to the side.
  • A man in a white shirt and mint green tie dances with a woman in a light green dress and white flower hair accessory at an indoor event with guests seated in the background.
  • A bride in a white dress dances joyfully with guests in colourful and green dresses at a lively indoor wedding reception. Smiling people, festive lights, and party décor fill the background at Cockliffe Country House with a Nottingham wedding photographer capturing every moment.
  • A bride in a white gown dances with bridesmaids and guests in colorful dresses on a wooden floor at a wedding reception, under purple lighting and chandeliers.
  • Three trays of dessert bars are displayed on a white tablecloth. From left to right: Oreo blondies, funfetti cookie bars with sprinkles, and Biscoff millionaire bars. Each has serving tongs and a small label sign above it.
  • Three women in matching mint green dresses and heart-shaped sunglasses smile and pose together at a party at Cockliffe Country House, with a DJ booth and disco ball behind them—captured perfectly by a Nottingham wedding photographer.
  • A bride and groom wearing fun star-shaped sunglasses pose playfully, making peace and rock hand signs, outside Cockliffe Country House with a brick and stone wall behind them—captured by a Nottingham wedding photographer.
  • Two men in suits and playful red-tinted glasses share a laugh at a party, drinks in hand. In front of a round mirror and gold star wall lights, this moment was perfectly captured by a Nottingham wedding photographer at Cockliffe Country House.
  • A man in a dark suit reads from a paper, appearing emotional, as a bride in white wipes her eye. Several guests in green dresses and suits stand around them at Cockliffe Country House, captured by a Nottingham wedding photographer.

Rachael Phillips Photography

Rachael Phillips

Hey, I’m Rachael! A wedding and newborn photographer based in Mansfield, covering Nottingham, Derby, and the East Midlands.
I’m here for the big feels, belly laughs, and happy tears—because life’s too short for stiff, awkward photos! With over nine years behind the camera, I capture the real, unfiltered moments—whether that’s your nan throwing shapes on the dancefloor or your newborn giving the sleepiest little yawn.
When I’m not snapping memories, you’ll find me with my family, sipping a cuppa, planning my next trip, or running around after my fur babies and soon my first grandchild! (Because let’s be real, they run the show).

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