Nick & Sammie’s Hot, Sunny Wedding at Rackleys, The Chilterns.
A hot summer sun, deep blue sky & rolling Chiltern Hills views at a venue filled with laughter, colour and personality ! Nick & Sammie’s wedding day at Rackleys, The Chilterns was joyful from start to finish. Their day was warm in every sense: relaxed, family‑focused, beautifully styled and packed with entertainment that kept guests smiling from morning right through to the dancefloor.
As a Rackleys recommended wedding photographer, this was an absolute dream to capture. Rackleys, located in Cadmore End in the Chiltern Hills, is licensed for civil ceremonies and offers sweeping views across the countryside, a beautiful choice for summer weddings.
Early Days: How Nick & Sammie met.
Like so many great love stories, Nick & Sammie’s began on a night out. Sammie was with her girlfriends, Nick with his friends, and fate did the rest. Sammie tapped Nick on the shoulder, told him he was “just her type” & that was that. They spent the rest of the evening talking, laying the foundations for the family‑centred, love‑filled life they now share together.
Popping the Question.
Nick proposed in the most magical way while the family were on holiday in Crete. During dinner with their sons and close friends, a waiter arrived with a plate bearing a ring and the words “Will you marry me?”. Nick dropped to one knee, Sammie burst into happy tears, and the moment became an unforgettable memory.
Why They Chose Rackleys, The Chilterns.
Rackleys instantly felt right for Nick & Sammie. Just 15 minutes from home, it made travelling easy for family and friends, but it was the setting itself that sealed the decision. From the moment they visited, they fell in love with it so much so that they didn’t feel the need to view any other venues.
With its beautifully landscaped grounds, light‑filled barn, wildflower meadow and sweeping Chiltern Hills views, Rackleys is one of Buckinghamshire’s most loved wedding venues, and it provided the perfect backdrop for their relaxed summer celebration.
Setting the Scene: A Bee‑Inspired Summer Wedding.
Nick & Sammie’s styling was deeply personal. Sam adore’s bees, with bee décor already woven into their home and gifted to them by loved ones, it felt only right to let that theme lead the way.
Their colour palette was yellow and black, brought to life in a bold & colourful way:
- Guests were invited to wear black.
- Flowers and décor were all vibrant yellow, black, bumble bee & F1 themed.
- Bee details appeared throughout the venue.
- Honey‑themed wedding favours from. local supplier added a thoughtful, playful touch.
Food, Drink & Summer Treats.
This was a wedding where no one went hungry, or without a smile.
Food and drink highlights included:
- A relaxed BBQ buffet at lunchtime.
- An ice cream van from Polly’s in the afternoon (perfect for the heat).
- A sweet cart for all ages.
- Evening comfort food with bacon and sausage baps with chips
- A generous dessert table alongside the wedding cake, filled with extra sweet treats.
Looking the Part.
Sammie’s Dress
Sammie wore a stunning gown from Pronovias London — simple, sexy and elegant all at once. After trying several dresses and taking a break from shopping, everything clicked during a London trip with a friend. The first dress she tried on at Pronovias was the one.
Nick & The Wedding Party
Nick looked effortlessly sharp in a tuxedo with black trousers, a white jacket and a yellow cravat that tied beautifully into the wedding palette.
- Groomsmen: Classic black tuxedos
- Bridesmaids: Long black dresses, each choosing a style that suited them individually.
The overall look was timeless, vibrant, confident and completely cohesive.
Time to Celebrate: Entertainment for Everyone.
If there was one word to describe this wedding, it would be fun. Nick & Sammie went all‑out to make sure guests of every age were entertained throughout the day.
Entertainment included:
- A harpist and bagpiper
- A lively mariachi band (a guest favourite!)
- An ice cream van
- A magician
- A children’s entertainer
- A photo booth
- A casino
- A live band
- A DJ to finish the night
There was always something happening, entertaining all of their guests and the energy was high !
Highlights of their Day.
When asked about their favourite moment, Nick & Sammie found it impossible to choose just one. That in itself says everything. The energy, the people, the music and the sunshine all blended together into a day that felt genuinely unforgettable.
Guests repeatedly mentioned how much they loved the mariachi band, which brought a real sense of celebration and surprise to the afternoon.
Words of Wisdom from the Couple.
“Take your time and choose times to sit down and plan without other distractions. It does get stressful, but try to keep calm and remember why you are doing it.”
A Perfect Rackleys Summer Wedding.
Nick & Sammie’s wedding at Rackleys, The Chilterns was sunny, personal, joyful and completely them. From the bee‑inspired styling to the endless entertainment and family‑focused moments, it was a celebration built around connection and fun & a wedding I feel incredibly lucky to have photographed.
If you’re planning your own Rackleys wedding and dreaming of relaxed, natural photography that captures how your day feels, I’d love to chat. You can also explore my full guide to photographing weddings at Rackleys, including location tips and planning advice, over on my dedicated Rackleys, The Chilterns wedding venue page.
Featured in Your Bucks, Berks & Oxon Wedding Magazine!
The magazine featured Nick & Sammie’s wedding day over 4 pages & also in the editors behind the scenes, take a look here.
