Shelby Tribble, a familiar face from reality television, is openly anticipating her marriage to long-time partner Sam Mucklow. While the couple, who have been together for six years and have two sons, admit to a rather laid-back approach to wedding planning, Tribble is clearly enthusiastic about the prospect of becoming a wife. Her excitement extends to the dress selection process, which she sees as an integral and cherished part of the journey to matrimony.
Having captivated audiences on shows like Love Island and The Only Way Is Essex, Shelby Tribble, at 33, looks forward to embracing her next significant life chapter: marriage to her fiancé, Sam Mucklow, 34. Despite their enduring six-year relationship and two children, the pair confessed to me that their wedding arrangements are progressing at a relaxed pace. Tribble shared these insights in anticipation of the grand opening of wed2b's new London megastore.
During our conversation, Tribble, who is known for her candidness, confessed, "I would love to sound truly exciting and tell you about four meticulously planned wedding scenarios, but honestly, Sam and I are quite relaxed when it comes to such things. So, as of now, concrete plans are still rather sparse. You're dealing with two easygoing individuals." While a specific venue, date, or guest list remains undecided, Tribble's thoughts have already turned to the wedding gown. She conveyed her particular eagerness to explore wed2b's innovative digital dress-selection booth, which offers a virtual fitting experience. Nevertheless, she emphasized her desire to balance modern convenience with cherished traditions in her wedding preparations. "I absolutely cannot wait to try," she remarked. "Trying on a wedding dress is, in itself, a significant part of the entire wedding experience. We don't intend for everything to be digital; we still value a touch of reality."
For Shelby, the impending marriage to Sam transcends the idea of an extravagant event; it signifies a profound celebration of the bond they have nurtured. "This might sound a bit sappy," she confessed, "but Sam is genuinely my best friend." She continued, "To have that connection formalized – though I know it doesn't strictly require marriage – is an extraordinary thing. I'm simply looking forward to, well, being a wife." The ceremony carries additional weight for the mother of two, who noted, "Given that we have children, it would be wonderful for all of us to share the same surname." Despite the passage of time, Shelby believes her affection for Sam has only deepened. "It's quite remarkable," she reflected, "because we've been together for a considerable period, yet I find myself falling more deeply in love with him each day." She pondered, "How is that even possible? No relationship is flawless, but ours is perfect in the sense that we complement each other, we understand one another, and we've evolved together. Our love for each other remains strong."
However, no one should anticipate Shelby transforming into a "bridezilla." The former Love Island contestant revealed that she has never harbored dreams of a grand white wedding, finding the prospect of being the center of attention rather intimidating. "I was never that young girl who fantasized, 'Oh my goodness, I can't wait for that massive white wedding.' That was never me," she explained. "I'm a fairly reserved individual, and the thought of all eyes being on me is quite daunting." She foresees herself as a relaxed bride, though she humorously admitted she would likely spend much of the day ensuring everyone else is enjoying themselves. "Even though the spotlight will clearly be on me, I'll probably still be concerned about everyone else," she chuckled. "Are they all having a good time? I can be quite socially awkward, but I know it's family and friends, so it will be fine." Her children, Abel, four, and Tesky, one, will undoubtedly play a significant role, though Shelby joked about wanting a little assistance on the big day. She is fortunate to have ample family support, including Sam's sister, Billi Mucklow, whom Shelby describes as "incredible," "thoughtful," and "mindful." "She'll be wonderful at the wedding," she affirmed. "She has become a fantastic sister to me." Sam proposed to Shelby on New Year's Eve. The couple's journey began on the ITVBe reality show in 2018, and they officially announced their relationship the following year. Their family expanded with the arrival of their first son, Abel, in 2020, followed by their second son in 2025.
The journey of Shelby Tribble and Sam Mucklow towards marriage is characterized by a refreshing sense of calm and a deep appreciation for their shared life. Their story, beginning on a reality TV show and blossoming into a strong family unit, highlights the couple's unconventional yet heartfelt approach to their union. While the specifics of their wedding remain largely open, their focus is firmly on the personal significance of the commitment and the joy of solidifying their family bond.
