Let’s take you back to where Melissa & Oliver first met, one of my favourite places (of which I know I’m biased), Northumbria University over 10 years ago! Fast forward to September 2022 and they enjoyed their first visit to Thicket Priory!
“From the moment we stepped foot in Thicket Priory, we knew it was our venue!”
From the first visit on 4th September 2022 we had just over a year to plan the wedding which would take place on 30th September 2023, and it’s been an absolute dream because they were so organised! Their initial enquiry was the perfect fit for Thicket Priory; “We would love to book an appt to come and see the venue please. Our dream is to have a full weekend wedding where our closest friends and family can also stay with us.”. As far as hosting a full weekend of celebrations, this is our forte!
When we asked the groom Oliver why they booked Thicket Priory, this is what he had to say.
“Firstly, it’s breathtakingly gorgeous and had everything we wanted. Having the whole weekend with the Friday night dinner was a must for us with Melissa’s family coming from Belfast and honestly it just felt like home! From our first meeting with Anna, everything just clicked and we knew it was meant to be ours!”
The little touches are so often the memories that will stick in our minds when we remember weddings, and there were some gorgeous special touches at Oliver and Melissa’s wedding. From the white umbrella’s (we are in Britain) and the gorgeous bridal shoes, to the most opulent grooms suits we’ve ever seen, to the bride’s TWO dresses! We loved them all.
The little touches aren’t just about the detail, as you’ll see from the images caught on camera below. We adore the love that these moments have captured.
We asked our beautiful couple what their favourite memory was from the wedding day and this is what they picked; “We loved our first look! We were both quite nervous but seeing each other and having that moment together was really special. That and the post-ceremony pint!”
A few other first look moments were also so special on the day…
When we spoke to the lovely bride about her venue styling inspiration this is what she had to say:
“Oliver always wanted a green velvet jacket so we actually based everything around that. Green suited that time of year too so it all worked out perfectly. We thought gold would be the best thing to pair that with for the stationery and we had pops of gold through the flowers too. I’ve always wanted white flowers with lots of greenery so if all fitted perfectly!”
“As far as our favourite part about Thicket Priory, literally everything! The decor in all of the bedrooms and the attention to detail really made our guests feel special. We also love the Gryffin bar! And we can’t forget the bridal suite, it’s simply stunning and the perfect place to get ready for the big day!”
The favourite place to have photographs in 2023, Oliver & Melissa hit the jackpot with their stunning images on the grand stairs, and in the gorgeous archway at the front of the building! Check these out!!
If you were at Thicket Priory right now and a couple came through the door to look around and were considering booking Thicket Priory…what would you say?
“100% do it! The staff are amazing and the venue is magical. Each time you visit in the lead up to the wedding you’ll get more and more excited. Even when the venue isn’t styled, it’s beautiful and it will just feel like home. I wish we could do it all again!”
From celebratory confetti, to a dress change and getting their dancing shoes on, it’s safe to say that Melissa and Oliver have made memories for life!
“From the moment we stepped foot in Thicket Priory, we knew it was our venue and the process from that point on with you both has just been amazing. We couldn’t have asked for anything better and all of our guests have been non-stop raving about how special and gorgeous it is (but we already knew that didn’t we because we were so in love with it!) It really is a very, very special place!
Becca, a special thanks for all of your help on the weekend of the wedding. From helping us get set up on Friday, to keeping me calm on Saturday and being there to make sure every last detail was as it needed to be. I couldn’t have done it without you.
The wider Thicket Priory staff were also brilliant, everyone is so friendly and it really did feel like we were at home!
Finally, thank you for our gorgeous wedding gift. I had tears in my eyes when we opened it and it’s going up pride of place in the house this weekend over the stairs so every day we walk down we are reminded of the best weekend of our lives at our very special place.
I don’t think I could say thank you enough times, but really, you guys are the best!
All our love,
The Fields’ xoxo”
Happy New Year to you all, see you in 2024!!!
Love Anna xXx
Supplier Shout-outs:
Photography by Lucy Henzell Photography
Catering by Purple Chilli Events Catering
Florist – Wood ‘n’ Earth @woodnearth1
Buttonholes – The Rainflorist
Celebrant – Karen Beattie @holmemadeceremonies
Entertainment – Beat Boutique – @the.beat.boutique , @ladyvsax20
Dress – @heracouture from @theaislebridal
Tailor – @the_bobbin_bridal
Shoes – @louboutinworld
Make up – @beckyloue_mua
