A Proper Farmers’ Wedding in Perlethorpe | Molly & Tom’s Marquee Wedding on the Thoresby Estate

A Proper Farmers’ Wedding in Perlethorpe

Molly & Tom | June Wedding on the Thoresby Estate, Nottinghamshire

Some weddings just feel right from the moment you hear the plans — and Molly and Tom’s was exactly that.

Taking place at the end of June 2024, their wedding was a true celebration of rural life, family, and farming roots. Molly and Tom are arable farmers within the Thoresby Estate in Nottinghamshire, and it was important to them that their wedding reflected both their work and their home. The entire day unfolded in the beautiful village of Perlethorpe, where they run their farm, with the reception held in a marquee set up on the grounds of their own land.

When I heard this was going to be a farmers’ wedding, I won’t lie, I was thrilled. There’s something incredibly special about weddings that are rooted in place and people, and this one had all the ingredients for a brilliant, down-to-earth celebration.

Think blankets for later in the evening, flip flops for tired dancing feet, straw bales for outdoor seating, lawn games dotted around the grass… and yes, even a Colin and Connie caterpillar wedding cake courtesy of M&S. Perfection.

And then, of course, there were the tractors.

Morning Preparations in Perlethorpe

My day began with Molly and her family getting ready at a nearby Airbnb in Perlethorpe, a truly stunning country manor house that felt calm, elegant and full of anticipation. These quiet morning hours are some of my favourites to photograph: gentle moments, final touches, nerves bubbling under the surface.

From there, I headed over to St John the Evangelist church to meet Tom. He was understandably nervous — and, I suspect, not initially convinced about having a photographer around. I reassured him that my role was simply to document the day as it unfolded, with no awkward posing or pressure. Before long, he relaxed into it, and the nerves softened.

A Church Ceremony & a Tractor Exit

The ceremony itself was held at the village church, surrounded by family, friends, and generations of local connections. It felt deeply personal exactly the sort of wedding where everyone present genuinely knows the couple.

After the ceremony, Molly and Tom made their exit in true farming style. The bridal party arrived by tractor and trailer and Molly herself travelled in Tom’s late grandad’s vintage tractor, a meaningful and emotional detail that made the moment even more special.

For the journey back to the marquee, Molly’s ride was upgraded to a super-sized John Deere tractor. Now, I’ll be honest while I love tractors, I’m not exactly an expert. I know my Ford from my Massey Ferguson, and I can definitely appreciate a beautifully restored vintage classic such as the Fordson but what I do know is how much these machines meant to Molly and Tom. And that’s what mattered.

I followed along the dirt track back to the farm, ready for the next part of the day.

Marquee Celebrations, Lawn Games & Laughter

Back at the farm, guests settled into the afternoon with cocktails, lawn games such as giant Jenga, ring toss, bean bag throwing while drinks flowed and conversations carried across the fields. Family photos followed, keeping things relaxed and efficient so everyone could get back to enjoying themselves.

Then it was time for speeches.

We heard first from Molly’s mum, followed by Tom, and finally the best man who was, quite frankly, hilarious. When photographing speeches, I’m always mindful to move carefully and use the best available light, documenting not just the speaker but the couple and the reactions of guests around them. It’s those shared laughs, glances and emotional moments that really tell the story.

Golden Hour & Letting the Party Flow

After the speeches, we stepped away briefly for a few couple portraits in the fields they farmed nothing forced, just Molly and Tom being themselves, soaking it all in. The rest of the evening unfolded naturally, with dancing, chatting and celebration carrying on well into the night.

I stayed quietly documenting until I was no longer needed, then slipped away and let the party continue exactly as it should.

Molly and Tom’s wedding was everything a farmers’ wedding should be: relaxed, meaningful, full of character and utterly joyful. It was an absolute pleasure to photograph, and one I’ll remember for a long time.

I absolutely love photographing farmers’ weddings, there’s never a quiet moment, no room for standing still and always something meaningful unfolding. Weddings like Molly and Tom’s, rooted in land, family and real life, are exactly why I photograph in a documentary, story-led way.

If you’re planning a relaxed countryside or farm wedding in Nottinghamshire or beyond, I’d love to hear all about it.