The West Gate Suits Wedding Photography | Nikki & Lucy
Nikki + Lucy’s Unforgettable Real Wedding at The West Gate Suites, Long Eaton, Nottingham.
Some weddings just have that extra spark—that perfect mix of love, laughter, and a whole lot of personality. Nikki and Lucy’s wedding at The West Gate Suites in Long Eaton was exactly that. From a surprise proposal with a puzzle piece to pink-haired bridal magic and a dance floor that never emptied, their day was nothing short of epic.
Nikki and Lucy were married at the lovely West Gate Suites last August; read on to hear about their wedding day in their own words. This blog was put together with all the quotes and input from them.
A Proposal to Remember
Lucy had it all planned out. On the 28th of July 2018, she whisked Nikki away on a mystery road trip, keeping the destination a secret but instructing her to pack a swimsuit (which obviously raised a few questions!). The journey took them to a hidden gem of a restaurant, followed by a stunning Japanese garden—an unexpected but beautifully intimate setting. And that’s where Lucy got down on one knee… and pulled out not a ring, but a keyring.
The celebration continued with a stay in a cosy cottage in Wales, complete with a hot tub—hence, the swimsuit.
“The keyring was in the shape of a puzzle piece, engraved with ‘Will you marry me?’ and the date on the back. After I said yes, she pulled the ring out of her pocket. It was perfect—just the two of us, no fuss.”
The Dress (or Two!)
Finding the perfect dress isn’t always straightforward. For Nikki, it took two tries to find ‘the one.’
“I originally went for a traditional white dress, but it didn’t feel right. I wanted something that matched me, my personality… and my pink hair!”
And so, the search continued until she found a dress with hints of pink—her favourite colour, which also became the theme for the bridesmaids. Rather than traditional dresses, their bridesmaids rocked matching pink suits, ensuring everyone felt comfortable and confident on the day.
The Venue, A Perfect Fit
Choosing a venue is one of the biggest wedding decisions, and for Nikki and Lucy, The West Gate Suites ticked all the boxes.
“We fell in love with the ceremony room instantly. The vintage sewing machines on display gave it such a unique feel. But what really sold it was the setup, having the ceremony and reception space connected meant we could go straight from ‘I do’ to celebrating without worrying about transport.”
And celebrate, they did!
A Personal Touch
Every detail of their wedding was infused with personal touches, many of them handmade by the couple. From customised signs and centrepieces to thoughtful place names, their creativity shone through. But one of the most meaningful details was a small section dedicated to loved ones who couldn’t be there—a miniature table and chairs for Nikki’s dad, Lucy’s grandmothers, and Lucy’s uncle, who had passed away just weeks before the wedding.
The First Dance & Party Vibes
Picking a first dance song was no easy task. Nikki leans toward rock and rap, while Lucy’s all about pop and R&B. After some back-and-forth, they landed on ‘Beautiful Things’ by Benson Boone—a song that blended their styles perfectly.
And from that moment on, the dance floor was never empty.
“We couldn’t have asked for a better group of guests. Everyone was on their feet, celebrating with us all night!”
Moments to Cherish Forever
When asked about their favourite memories, Nikki struggled to choose just one.
“Having my son walk me down the aisle meant the world to me. His little pep talk in the car, telling me not to be nervous, was just the sweetest moment.”
And then there was the moment she locked eyes with Lucy at the end of the aisle…
“Seeing both my future wife and my future father-in-law quietly crying was priceless, though they might not be thrilled that I’ll never let them live it down!”
Advice for Future Couples
For anyone currently in the wedding planning trenches, Nikki has some wise words:
“I’d say try not to stress and enjoy every moment… but let’s be real, you’re going to stress regardless! Just focus on making the day perfect for you as a couple and don’t let outside opinions get in the way.”
A few of their favourite photos from the day
Advice for Future Couples
For anyone currently in the wedding planning trenches, Nikki has some wise words:
“I’d say try not to stress and enjoy every moment… but let’s be real, you’re going to stress regardless! Just focus on making the day perfect for you as a couple and don’t let outside opinions get in the way.”
Nikki and Lucy’s Chosen Wedding Suppliers
Wedding Venue—The West Gate Suites
Wedding Photographer—Rachael Phillips Photography
The Photos That Say It All
Of course, no wedding blog would be complete without the photos! Nikki and Lucy had a blast during their couple’s shoot, especially when it came to the champagne shots.
“We love looking back and giggling at those! But honestly, the group shots with our bridesmaids are some of our absolute favourites—so much fun and so us.”
Their wedding day was a true celebration of love, laughter, and everything that makes them unique. And I was honoured to be there to capture every incredible moment.
Here’s to Nikki and Lucy—two absolute rockstars who made their wedding day as bold, fun, and unforgettable as they are.
