British summer time.. in Yorkshire. It can be relied upon about as much as public transport when you’re already late for work but for our lucky couple Tom and Kate, the sun shone on their big day here at Thicket Priory. Kate and Tom met in Newcastle through friends at a pub quiz and 10 years and 3 beautiful children later, they tied the knot in August 2019.
Kate had her heart set upon celebrating their love in our newly restored band stand and when we called her the day before the wedding to make the decision of if we’d risk setting up the ceremony outside (or play it safe in our chapel), we all prayed she wouldn’t ask what the weather was like with us because it was BUCKETING it down! Luckily, she didn’t and luckily, she chose to go ahead outside.
The day began in the bridal suite where Kate and her bridesmaids enjoyed prosecco and nibbles her maid of honour, Mel, had dropped off the day before while having their hair and make-up done by The Style Lounge.
Kate found her stunning blush and off-white lace dress from Essence of Australia at Treasured Brides with her step-mum, best friend and two sisters-in-law. “They all have very different opinions and are all quite outspoken so I knew I wouldn’t walk away with the wrong dress. However, when I put my dress on, I immediately knew it was THE dress – it was so stunning and I felt amazing in it” says Kate.
The bridesmaids wore individual dresses from Chi Chi, Debenhams, Asos, Roco clothing and H&M in beautiful shades of blush pink.
Meanwhile, the boys got ready in the bar, putting on trousers and waistcoats from Debenhams and tailcoats from Moss Bros.
Our bridal suite, otherwise known as the Buckingham Suite, is the perfect place to receive visitors before the ceremony and Kate had plenty!
Luckily, their celebrant, Sophie Urquhart, was happy to wait in the sunshine as Kate enjoyed posing for her wonderful photographer, Jo Clayton of Joanne Lawrence Photography, and we can see why.. she looked stunning!
Kate said, “I picked my photographer because a friend of mine got married the previous year and when I was looking at her photos, I really loved them however it was one particular photo that caught my eye. She had taken a photo of my friends husband standing at the altar waiting for his ‘wife to be’ to walk down the aisle and that photo spoke a thousand words.”
Vows and rings were exchanged in a beautiful blessing…
…even their eldest daughter said a few words…
…before everyone lined up to throw confetti on the newlyweds.
The happy family looked beautiful in the Thicket Priory grounds and took full advantage of the photo opportunities around the lake, in the orchard and on the swing.
The wedding breakfast was a feast for 180 guests, served by Purple Chilli catering in our Ballroom. Kate later said that they were the unsung stars of the day. The guests all enjoyed our Thicket Priory wines with their food, so much so we thought they’d drink us dry!
45 minutes after desserts were cleared, the Ballroom was turned, ready for the evening reception. A dance floor was cleared as the band Dae La Roux set up to lead the evening on.
The cake was a cheese tower, provided by Purple Chilli, and once cut, the couple had their first dance with their loving children being the first to join them on the floor. It was hard to not cry with all the love in the room!
The guests then danced the night away until 1am when the hardcore of the bunch finished their tipples in our cosy Gryffin Bar before bed in our 35 bedrooms. We were surprised everyone made it to breakfast the next morning!
It was a truly memorable day for everyone involved as it was our first outdoor wedding here at Thicket Priory. Kate and Tom were an absolute pleasure to host and were so relaxed all day, letting us do all the work so they could enjoy it.
“The venue was INCREDIBLE! The minute you drive up to Thicket Priory you fall in love with it and then you step inside and it is stunningly beautiful. This venue doesn’t need styling, it is beautiful already. And then to top it all off the staff were amazing. From the minute we booked it the staff made the whole process seamless. They knew exactly what was needed and when, they pre-empted things that I wasn’t even aware that we had to think about. They looked after the guests and everyone commented on how amazing, conscientious and efficient they were throughout the day. We couldn’t have asked for a better venue and for better staff to look after us on our wedding day. Thicket Priory comes highly recommended and we are just so happy that we found it!”
We’re happy you found us too! All the best in the future, Tom and Kate, we hope every day of marriage is as beautiful as your first.
With love,
Flame @ Thicket Priory
Suppliers
Photographer: Jo Clayton, Joanne Lawrence Photography
Bride’s dress (designer and shop): Essense of Australia bought from Treasured Brides, York
Bridesmaids dresses: A mixture bought from Chi Chi, Debenhams, Asos, Roco clothing and H&M
Grooms/mens suits: Debenhams for trousers and waistcoats. Moss Bross for tails.
Hair: The Style Lounge
Make-up: The Style Lounge
Flowers: Ello Flower Ltd
Catering & Cake: Purple Chilli Events Catering
Stationery/wedding favours: Write Design & Print, Wetherby
Entertainment: Band called Dae La Roux
Venue Styling: Staff at Thicket Priory
Videographer: Diary Rooms – a camper van to record messages from people instead of a wedding guest book
Flame x
