From the first visit in December 2023 we knew that Rupert & Izzy were going to celebrate in style at Thicket Priory, and boy did they!!! A chapel ceremony, magnums of Nyetimber, shots of sloe gin, plumes of white confetti and THE best dance moves we have ever witnessed, all made for the perfect winter wedding.
Let’s go back to the beginning of Izzy & Rupert’s love story, before they wrote their ‘Thicket Priory Chapter’.
“We met at work, it began as a forbidden office romance and once Rupe moved offices it became official (one year later!)”
…and where did the proposal happen?
“Rupe popped the question in Iceland in the most beautiful setting, completely on our own. It was perfect!”
As I first sat with Izzy & Rupert talking about wine’s with Izzy’s father, we quickly realised just how well suited their plans were to our beautiful Yorkshire Countryside venue! A place that they could make their own, welcome their friends and family to make themselves at home, enjoy, relax and most importantly party the way they had always imagined!
“We wanted to create an environment where everyone felt at home but having the best weekend ever. This was why Thicket Priory was so perfect for us and helping achieve the home away from home feel, but in the most stunning setting!”
How did you find THE dress to say ‘I do’ in?
“I went to a couple of dress shops in London and found a few I liked, but I think it was buying it up North with my mum made the experience even more special. At the fourth shop I tried my dress on and knew it was the one!”
Other than saying ‘I do’ what is the most unforgettable moment from the day?
“Reading our vows just the two of us after our main ceremony was an incredibly special moment and we’re so glad we did it. I also loved being in the ballroom and being able to look around at all the people we loved in one place. There are too many moments to choose from!”
This was the first time we have had a couple do private vows in our Jefferson Room, and I truly hope to see more couples opt to do this; taking a moment that is just for the couple. Nerves on a wedding day can sometimes take over, and this is a great opportunity to relieve some of the pressure you may feel in this moment.
Words from Izzy & Rupe on their photographer…
“I knew that I wanted someone who could capture the day in a candid way. We had a few posed photographs but we both really wanted to be back in the room with our guests as soon as possible. Ashley completely understood the assignment and captured our couple shots so quickly we hardly missed any time with our guests.”
Who gets the gold medal in the wedding olympics for helping make your day amazing?
“Anna, 100%!! She made sure everything ran so smoothly, we couldn’t have done it without her. Also, my bridesmaids and getting ready party for keeping a calm, chilled vibe the whole morning. It was the dream morning before getting married.”
Where Izzy & Rupe have talked about the unforgettable moment of being in the ballroom surrounded by all their loved ones, this was enhanced during the speeches, which brought some much love, laughter, tears and the warmest of hug from the entire room! Just the facial expressions of our bride and groom shows the sheer joy brought to them in the stories told during each and every speech.
What’s your funniest memory from the day?
“Funniest memory of the day would either be the amazing speeches given by all four of our friends/family/Rupe, they were all hilarious. Or, when the celebrant called Rupe, Robert haha really broke the ice!!”
Which supplier was a real stand out for you? The unsung star who deserves a special mention.
“Homegrown Hospitality were amazing. The food from the beginning of the weekend on Friday night to breakfast on Sunday morning was all 10/10. We got so many compliments on how great the food was throughout!”
Private carvers where appointed to each table during the wedding breakfast which has made for a cracking photograph of the groom and his team of ‘chefs’!
What was it about your venue that gives it the WOW factor? Would you recommend this venue to other couples?
“Where to start! I would say having a separate area for dinner on Friday to where you have the wedding breakfast was a real wow moment for our guests (and us!) Aside from that the grounds are absolutely stunning. We got so lucky with a beautiful December day and I think the majority of our guests took a walk round the grounds before the ceremony which they all said was a perfect start to the day. I couldn’t recommend this venue enough!”
How did you style your venue? Did your wedding day have a theme?
“Being at Thicket at Christmas was magical already with the decor there. We didn’t want to lean into Christmas too much but just a festive, sparkly weekend! Kelly did an amazing job of creating this with the flowers.”
Finally, what’s your best advice you could give to couples who are about to tie the knot?
“Once you get to the day, just enjoy it! You have put in all the planning and work and if you are at Thicket Priory the team will look after you incredibly. The only thing you need to worry about is saying ‘I do’ and having fun!! Don’t waste any time stressing if things don’t go 100% according to plan, you are the only people who would notice anyway.”
On that note, I think sharing some shots from the dance floor at the evening reception is very apt, as Izzy & Rupe, along with their guests knew how to bust some moves on the dancefloor…the energy was electric!!!
This was 100% a winter wedding with the energy of the festive season, and we loved every minute of it!
Love Anna xXx
Suppliers Shout Outs
Photographer: Monkeymole (Ashley)
Bride’s dress (designer and shop): Harrogate Wedding Lounge – Justin Alexander
Bridesmaids dresses: Maids to Measure
Grooms/mens suits: Groom – Favourbrook Groomsmen – Moss Bros
Hair: Lyndsey
Make-up: Julia Jeckell
Flowers: FoxFlora – Kelly
Cake: CakesbyAylish
Stationery/wedding favours: Noble Fine Art – Julia
Entertainment: Wedding Bands For Hire – The Crecendos
Videographer (if applicable): Myriad Films
