The Real Wedding Series: Clare and Adam

An intimate weekend celebration where every detail tells a story - from the warmth of a rehearsal dinner to the quiet beauty of a heartfelt ceremony at The Old Vicarage.

There’s something special about weddings that begin long before the big day itself - where a connection to the venue, the people, and the feeling of a place unfolds naturally. For Clare and Adam, their story with The Old Vicarage began on Valentine’s Day, when they joined us for our seasonal supper - not yet as a couple planning their wedding, but simply to experience an evening together. Little did they know, that night would be the first chapter in what became one of the most beautiful celebrations of the year.

We caught up with Clare and Adam to relive their elegant celebration - from their intimate rehearsal dinner to the morning they woke up surrounded by their closest friends and family, ready to say I do.

Clare, how did you first discover The Old Vicarage?

I’d actually been here many years ago as a make up Artist for a bride I was working on. And it’s the only venue Ive ever been to that I thought I could see myself getting married here… it stayed with me all those years..

What drew you to the venue, and what made you think, “this is where we’ll get married”?

Having been to many venues over the years either for work for as a guest, there is nowhere else that i got the 'feeling' that i did at the Vicarage. Firstly, its just stunning and every tiny detail has been carefully curated. I love the intimate feel of the venue, and you can tell its a family run business, that sense of love and pride that only a small business owner can create.

You joined us for our Valentine’s dinner before you’d even booked your wedding - tell us about that night and did it influence your decision to choose The Old Vicarage?

We actually booked our wedding this night! Everything from the moment we arrived, to checking out the next day was just perfect, We just knew the Vicarage was the place for us, it just has this certain ‘vibe’ understated luxury. The funny thing was we were not actually engaged at this point, we had been together 6 years so its something we spoke about.. we went to Barcelona the following month and got engaged!

What stood out to you most about the experience?

The food and service. We love food and therefore I think expectation can be hight when we're dining out. The menu was exquisite. 

How did you find the planning process - from that first viewing to the final details?

The whole process was very smooth, we felt well informed, guided and advised in the lead up to our day. I think I was a pretty laid back bride, and everything ran smoothly. I really enjoyed the planning and the build up. The TOV team were always on hand to answer any questions

Were there moments that particularly stood out or felt special along the way?

I loved the open day we attended, we bought my bridesmaids along and it was so nice seeing their reaction and ramped up the excitement in the lead up to the wedding. Our final meeting was also memorable, it made it all feel very real, and I think each time I visited I fell in love a little more (with the vicarage not Adam!)

You chose to have exclusivity the night before - what made you decide that was important?

In all honesty, this decision was made based around practicality, we thought things through and decided logistically it just made sense, to have more time, feel more relaxed and to essentially make the most of our special day - by making it two!  and I'm so glad we did, because practically aside, it turned out to be one of the most memorable part for me.

Tell us about your rehearsal dinner. How did it set the tone for the rest of the weekend?

Two words. Book it.

To think we almost didn't... I’m not sure if I should say this but I think I enjoyed it almost as much as the wedding! It was something different, something we’ve never attended as guests, and it was just oh so special. We started with a cocktail hour, we all got dressed up, and then had the most amazing three course meal in beautiful surroundings. It was intimate and informal. I think it helped to relax everyone into the weekend and also allowed for some introductions too. We all headed off to bed pretty early with a good nights sleep.

How did it feel waking up at The Old Vicarage on the morning of your wedding?

It felt very special, firstly waking up in such beautiful surroundings (the bedrooms are simply stunning) The excitement hit me straight away. Adam and I also liked the fact we were together on this day, we didn't feel we needed to follow tradition on this one.

What was the atmosphere like in the house as the morning unfolded?

It was a wonderful atmosphere, calm, but exciting at the same time, Having breakfast with my closest friends, the TOV team were all on hand for anything we needed but at the same time I almost forgot they were there - in the nicest way possible! We all enjoyed a few coffees and a delicious breakfast, some friends popped out for a walk, as the girls began getting ready the boys headed off to a pub in Southwell. We had music in the background, champagne, and everything relaxed and organised. I even had time to do a boudoir shoot with my photographer with just her and I which was something I wanted to do.

Tell us about your dress, where did you find it?

 My Dress was Pronovias, from Rachel Ash. I must have tried on 50 dresses... Aimee the boutique owner was great, I felt at ease with her right away. 

Did you have a particular fitness or wellness routine that helped you feel strong and confident?

I sure did... I embarked on a new health Journey... I signed up with a physique coach - who happens to be my husband... And embarked on a totally new way of life, strength training 5 times a week, i've always liked walking and hiking but took that to new heights with 2 summits of Snowden this year.. I'm a very all or nothing person, so thew myself into it, which gave my seamstress quite a task, my dress had to be altered 10 inches, from a 20 to a 10. But it was much more about how I felt and looked, and I felt so much better in myself. Wellness wise, I guess i'm pretty lucky that I own a beauty salon - so weekly massages & monthly facials were an essential for me to compliment my health journey. 

What menu did you choose for your wedding day - and why?

We chose the Bruschetta, Braised Beef and Sticky Toffee for dessert. We loved the sound of all the options, but these just stood out to us, and who cant love that menu! 

Were there any dishes or drinks your guests are still talking about?

The bread! If you know you know... No but in all seriousness, we had so many comments from our guests on all the food and drink, from the night before, the breakfast, and throughout the day. We're big foodies, so this was something very important to us. It's not often you get such quality food with big numbers, but it was all exceptional. The cocktails and champagne were certainly flowing too!

If you could describe your wedding in three words, what would they be?

Memorable. Special. Intimate.

Looking back now, would you change anything or do anything differently?

Not a thing.

What advice would you give to other couples planning their wedding at The Old Vicarage?

Relax and enjoy the process. You're in very capable hands.

Looking back, what made you feel most beautiful on the day - the dress, the people, the atmosphere, or something deeper?

Great question - I guess it was a culmination of all of the above. As a bride you spend so much time and effort planning all the details, and when it all comes together, the moments you've been thinking on the day, with the people you love, I think thats beautiful. Of course having your make up artist, and hairdresser there on the day helps! 

And if you could relive one single moment from your day, what would it be?

Having everyone we love all in one place at the same time. Simple but something i will treasure forever.

We also spoke to Adam to hear the groom’s perspective - a thoughtful balance to the planning journey and a reminder that the experience belongs to both.

Adam, what was your first impression of The Old Vicarage when you visited?

Amazing Venue. Just the perfect place for us to get married. Once I’d been nothing else would live up to it. 

Was there a particular moment when you thought, this is the place? 

When we visited for a Valentines Night. 

Tell us about the night before - what did that exclusivity mean to you?

 It was the perfect way to settle into the wedding. As soon as we arrived - It took a lot of stress away and allowed us to make a weekend of it. I’d recommend doing this to everyone. 

How did you both keep each other grounded and focused during the planning process?

 We were fairly laid back about the whole thing. The support we had from the team at The Vicarage helped keep the planning incredibly smooth. 

Was there something special about being able to settle in and celebrate with everyone early?

 Incredibly special. We really settled into the event and as mentioned before seemed to destress. It’s the perfect way to make the best day of your lives even better and last longer. 

What stands out to you most from the day itself? 

I loved the ceremony itself. When Clare and I got some time to ourselves, it was also special.

A moment, a song, a feeling - anything that still takes you back there when you think about it. 

Eta James - At Last. The song that Clare walked down the aisle too. 

Did you have any involvement in the menu or bar choices? If so, what were your personal favourites?

Yes - I pretty much chose the food. Being a foodie I loved the opportunity to give my input here. 

As a groom, what would be your advice to others in the planning stages? 

Something you wish someone had told you before your own day. Budget for extras, they’re worth every penny!!

Clare and Adam’s wedding weekend at The Old Vicarage was more than a celebration - it was a thoughtfully curated experience, layered with meaning, style, and connection. From the quiet intimacy of their rehearsal dinner to the joyful ceremony that followed, their story is a reminder that the most memorable weddings aren’t always about grandeur - they’re about intention.

If you’re dreaming of a celebration that unfolds with ease, warmth and considered detail, we’d love to welcome you to The Old Vicarage.

Discover more real weddings or book your private viewing and begin your own story with us.

Photographer Ellie Niamh Photo

Dress Rachel Ash Bridal

Hair Si Hair

Flowers Fluers en Fleur

Makeup Lily Monroes