Newstead Abbey Wedding – Danni & Matty
An Unforgettable Wedding at Newstead Abbey in Nottingham.
Some wedding days stay with you, and Danni and Matty’s absolutely did.
Their wedding at Newstead Abbey was emotional, joyful, and deeply personal. From the fairytale setting to the thoughtful ways they honoured loved ones throughout the day, every part of it meant something.
With warm golds, soft creams, and an old-world feel that suited the Abbey perfectly, this was a wedding built around one simple idea. No regrets, just everything they’d ever dreamed of.
From a waterfall to the living room, the proposal story
Matty’s proposal didn’t quite go to plan… twice.
Originally, he planned to propose while the family were on holiday, walking at Gordale Scar. Their then nine-year-old was set up filming, Matty attempted to get down on one knee, and Danni, convinced it was another prank, laughed and pulled him back up. With people walking past and the moment slipping away, he abandoned the plan entirely, quietly carrying the ring in his pocket for another five months.
After finding out Danni was pregnant, Matty started planning something bigger, returning to where they first met at the Odeon car park in Mansfield. But during an incredibly emotional time, with Danni’s mum sadly very unwell, he realised the moment didn’t need to be grand.
One morning at home, while the kids were getting ready for school before Danni went to visit her mum, Matty got down on one knee in their living room.
Wedding day inspiration, warm tones and old-world charm
Wedding day inspiration, warm tones and old-world charm
Danni’s vision for the day was clear. She wanted everything she’d ever dreamed of, with no regrets.
Newstead Abbey set the tone beautifully, with a warm colour palette of golds, creams, and soft neutrals that complemented the historic surroundings perfectly. The overall feel was timeless, romantic, and completely in keeping with the venue.
Why Newstead Abbey was the one
Newstead Abbey had always been Danni’s dream venue.
She loved the fairytale, castle-like feel, but it was also about the future. Danni and Matty wanted somewhere they could return to on anniversaries, have picnics with their children, and one day tell their grandchildren exactly where they got married.
A place that would always mean something…
Saying yes to the dress (eventually)
Danni actually found the dress in the very first shop she visited.
After trying on over 40 dresses and having two more appointments booked that same day, she struggled to believe it could really be that easy. A different dress from another shop briefly entered the picture, but the moment she left in tears, trying to get her money back, it all became clear.
Every dress she tried on had been compared to that first one. It was always the one.
The suits and styling
Matty and the groomsmen’s suits came from Fort Formal Menswear.
Danni had her heart set on Marc Darcy suits, while Matty wasn’t totally convinced at first. Once he tried them on, though, that was it. After a second fitting to be sure, the decision was made, classic, smart, and perfect for the day.
Flowers kept simple and timeless
Florals were kept intentionally simple.
Danni chose greenery and white flowers, a safe choice that worked beautifully with the venue and the overall colour palette. Classic, elegant, and timeless, they complemented the setting perfectly.
Thankyou again Rachael honestly I love it all!
Personal touches that made the day truly theirs
This wedding was full of personality.
A nacho stand (a must), huge light-up letters spelling out their surname in the courtyard, and plenty of laughter when Newstead Abbey somehow made it all fit.
But the most meaningful details were the tributes.
Both Danni’s mum and Matty’s dad had passed away, and they were included throughout the day in heartfelt ways. Reserved front-row seats with name tags, mentions in the wedding newspaper, a memory table in the reception room, flowers prepared to be laid on Danni’s mum’s grave, and a bottle of Matty’s dad’s favourite drink by the bar so guests could raise a shot with him. Every detail was thoughtful. Nothing felt forced.
Choosing favourites (the hardest decision of all)
When I asked Danni and Matty to choose up to 15 favourite photos from their gallery, the answer was… not simple.
With so many moments packed into one day, narrowing it down felt almost impossible.
Emily’s mid-moment, finger up, full of confidence and completely at ease. It’s unfiltered, funny, and perfectly sums up the relaxed, joyful energy of the day.
These images might only be a small snapshot of the full gallery, but they hold so much meaning. The kind of photos that don’t just look beautiful but feel like memories.
The moments that mattered most
For Matty, the best moment was seeing Danni walk down the aisle, the instant he felt calm and everything fell into place.
For Danni, it was the quiet moments at the start of the day. Laughing with her sister once the kids had left, keeping each other calm, and taking it all in. The speeches followed closely behind, full of love, laughter, and a few embarrassing stories.
Two photos stood out above all others. One of Danni and Matty with the kids, their very first official family photo together, blue skies above and Newstead Abbey standing proudly behind them. The other captured Emily mid-moment, finger up, completely relaxed and full of confidence, summing up the fun and laughter of the day perfectly.
The first dance
Their first dance was to From This Moment by Shania Twain.
After more than 15 years together and three children, it felt like the final piece of the puzzle. A moment that marked not just a wedding day, but the life they’d already built together.
Words of advice for newly engaged couples
Book the honeymoon. You’ll need it.
Read the small print, do your research, and trust your instincts.
Most importantly, invest in an amazing photographer and videographer, the people who keep your wedding alive for years to come. Find someone who feels genuinely invested in your wedding, like it matters to them too.
Wedding suppliers
Wedding Venue – https://newsteadabbey.org.uk/
Wedding Photographer – Rachael Phillips Photography
Wedding dress – https://brooklyn-bridal.co.uk/
Hairdresser – https://www.instagram.com/amazingrace________/
Makeup Artist – https://www.instagram.com/amazingrace________/
Videographer – https://www.jmcproductionuk.com/
Transport – https://luxurychauffeuredcars.co.uk/
Photobooth – https://www.pearlheritage.co.uk/
Content creator – https://www.dreamsceneeventsandweddings.co.uk/
Food Nacho – https://www.sweetafayre.co.uk/
Day and Evening Food – https://saffronoutsidecatering.co.uk/
Room decor – https://www.touchofcharmweddings.co.uk/
Flowers – https://www.flowersbytouchofcharm.co.uk/
Suits – https://marcdarcy.co.uk/
Name places and coat hangers – https://thewireroom.co.uk
Caricaturist – https://www.vixcaricatures.co.uk/
Entertainment – https://www.dreamsceneeventsandweddings.co.uk/
Sweet cart – https://leaveittous.co.uk/
Danni & Matty’s Newstead Abbey wedding gallery
Of course, no wedding blog would be complete without the photos.
Danni and Matty’s wedding day was a true celebration of love, laughter, and everything that makes them them. From the emotional moments to the belly laughs and everything in between, it was an absolute joy to capture it all.
I felt genuinely honoured to be there, documenting a day that meant so much to everyone involved.
Now, the good bit… Enjoy their Newstead Abbey. A selection from their wedding gallery is below.
