Real Weddings: Ethan and Joanne

Mar 25, 2026 | Real Weddings

Welcome to our Real Wedding Blog!

We’ve spoken to our couples to find out their top tips, advice and favourite moments of their wedding at Cockliffe Country House in Nottingham. If you’re getting married with us, or simply looking for some wedding day inspiration for your own wedding plans, read on to find out more.

Ethan & Joanne

Wedding Date – 7th November 2025

‘A timeless and romantic winter wedding filled with relaxed moments, incredible food, and a fun, love-filled atmosphere.’

Dreaming of a winter wedding? Look no further than Ethan and Joanne’s stunning November wedding for your inspiration! The focus was around them as a couple and what they loved – good food, good drink and definitely a good party! Read all about their day here…

Describe your wedding day in 3 words…

Unforgettable, timeless and romantic (or if you’re the groom – Expensive, Rainy and Well planned…)

What was your inspiration for your special day?

We centered our day around who we are, people that love a few too many wines, good food and lots of dancing. We wanted our day to feel relaxed, easy and full of love.

What was the best part of your day?

I don’t think it’s possible to pinpoint one individual moment but being surrounded by all the people we love the most all day was amazing, topped by spending the evening dancing with them.

2 key moments for me (the bride, well now wife) were playing a voice note of our children before I walked down the aisle and having a mid-ceremony “sing-along” to “Are you ready for love?”. As somebody that isn’t a nervous person, the nerves were HIGH for my wedding day. Which is crazy, because all you’re doing is walking into a room full of your favorite and most loved people, so why does it feel so daunting! For me, this short song made me realise I was stood in a room with my best friends and had nothing to fear.

Why did you choose Cockliffe Country House?

We wanted a space that felt warm and inviting. Cockliffe looks beautiful in the summer but it really was the perfect place for a winter wedding, we wanted simple, warm and light décor and the setting and background at Cockliffe gave us all of that.

How did you decide which menu was right for your day?

As foodies this was a key part for us, the timing of our ceremony (1:30pm) meant that canapes were a must so we didn’t have guests going hungry! Selection was key here so we chose fishcakes, duck gyozas and “mini” burgers (absolutely nothing mini about those burgers). Every single canape was ate and we had so many people praise the choices and quality.

Much the same for the wedding breakfast, a variety of flavours and a perfect winter menu: scallops and pork belly to start, followed by the braised blade of beef and truffle mash finishing with sticky toffee pudding for dessert.

The evening food was a no brainer, what’s the best accompaniment with a pint or a wine, pizza!

What was the hardest part of your wedding planning?

Honestly, nothing. It was stressful at times but it really all does just come together!

What were your favourite parts of the venue?

The sparkling lights throughout, they were the perfect backdrop for our wedding breakfast as the sun had set, the perfect backdrop for outdoor shots in the evening and also made the whole venue feel so romantic.

If you have any advice for new marrying couples, what would it be?

Embrace it. Every, single, thing. The weather will do what it wants, you will find a spot for pictures. The tiny details you stress over will be worthwhile but you also will not notice them on the day. Don’t compare to other peoples weddings, pick what you want for the day, as it is your day! Enjoy every single second and try and be present for as much as possible, alongside your new husband/wife.