A Gatsby-esque wedding filled with endless entertainment, extremely thought-out details, and stunning florals; Rob and Joey had a weekend full of fun this Summer at Thicket Priory surrounded by their nearest and dearest (not forgetting their golden doodle, Elton!).
Words from the Grooms…
How did you meet?
We met online and connected right away. From that moment there was never space for anybody else. Everything fitted into place on that day.
How did you know they were the one? How did they pop the question?
Joey says… I knew Rob was the one on our first date. Everything shifted and I felt like I’d known him forever. He loved my family, friends and loved me for who I really am, good bad and everything in between.
I proposed on a beach in Barbados. One of the best times away we have had. It was really something. I’d been planning the proposal for around three months prior, and I was extremely nervous. I knew Robert would say yes but was nervous about it being perfect. It was the most stunning backdrop for me to get on one knee and we both cried with happiness!
Rob says… We had 6 beautiful weeks together after we first met, and then Joey told me he was going travelling for 6-12 months. When I got that sickening feeling in my stomach when I found out I wasn’t going to be able to see him for a long time, I knew he was the one. So I ended up following him out to Cambodia to make sure I didn’t lose him.
What were the biggest must haves for the wedding?
Joey says… For me it was all one location – hotel stay, ceremony and pre-party all in one venue. Thicket was way more than I could have imagined a wedding venue could be. Robert and I had decided it was the venue for us ten minutes into looking around. Elton, our golden doodle, loved running round the venue and the lake.
Another must have for me was everything black and white. I love the old Hollywood style photography and black-tie parties. White flowers, white groomsmaid dresses and all us boys in black tuxedos. It was perfect!
Rob says… For me it was having all our guests under one roof at a stunning venue for the weekend, and the entertainment – we went to town with 6 or 7 different musicians, and a magician. We wanted to treat our friends and family to a weekend they’d never forget.
Did you go to a lot of wedding fairs?
Joey says… I went to one, and if I’m honest I was quite disappointed as it was catered way more to women/bridal. They had great flowers and cake vendors but I’d already decided Kim’s business for our flowers and one of my oldest friends to make our wedding cake. It was great to get into the wedding mood though soo my best man and I had a good day out at the wedding fair all the same.
How did you choose your perfect outfit to say I do?
Joey says… Robert and I decided we were having black-tie theme, and Robert knew of Michelsberg Tailors in Leeds as he has had bespoke suits made there previously. I was so thrilled with the experience, you can’t beat a fully made from scratch, made to measure tuxedo. I was always going to go for a classic cloth even though there were some really ‘out there’ choices.
Rob says… Having used James Michelsberg in the past, there was never any question as to where me and Joseph would get our suits from.
How did you choose the perfect photographer & videographer?
Joey says… Robert had seen images of Lily North from a previous wedding he had seen online and Jon Bird, our videographer, was recommended by Lily.
We were so pleased with both! Lily did a pre wedding shoot to get to know what our vision was and the photos will make me smile forever.
Other than saying ‘I Do’, what was the most unforgettable moment of the day?
Joey says… For me it was when Robert and I were stood on the chairs of their top table with each of my siblings singing our hearts out. I smile about that all the time and I will never forget how happy I was I that moment. Robert loved when we sang hallelujah during our ceremony with the gospel choir.
Rob says… The whole wedding party belting out Hallelujah in the wedding ceremony. Cannot recommend having a truly special song that all your guests know and can join in with to create an unbelievable atmosphere / moment.
Who gets the gold medal for helping make your day perfect?
Joey says… Becca and everyone at Thicket, going above and beyond to make the day go smoothly in all the chaos. orchestrating our first look photos, dealing with 4 groomsmaids, parents and all the other things the day brought. Also putting our minds at ease throughout each of our venue visits prior to the wedding date. Getting married is a rollercoaster at times you think it’s all under control and others you think “how are we going to pul this off?’ And Becca really helped us through.
Rob says… I couldn’t agree more. But also, Lily North was fantastic, both as a photographer and a person. Felt like having another guest for the day rather than a supplier.
Which vendor stood out and deserves a special mention?
Joey says… For me it would have to be The Gospel choir. It was a non-negotiable for me when planning the wedding that we have a gospel choir, and they did not disappoint. They did a rendition of Adele Easy on me that I had found online, and it was even better than I thought it could be. Such a special way to walk down the aisle and then to have them sing on the terrace for our guests was lovely too.
Rob says… James from Undercover Artists. I told him I’d love them to do ‘From Now On’ from The Greatest Showman, which wasn’t in the set list. He made it happen and the room went off!!
What was it about the venue that gives it the *wow* factor and would you recommend it?
Joey says… For me it was the ballroom and the fact all the rooms are 10/10. It made the room assignment so easy as there weren’t any that were below amazing. I have recommended the venue to anybody who will listen! A friend and client is getting married at Thicket in December and I already can’t wait to see what she does with the venue and hear about how magical it is for them both.
Rob says… Everything. From the drive up, the front of the building, to the staircase, the ballroom, the bedrooms and the grounds. And, of course, the staff!!
Did you style the venue, and did you have a theme?
Joey says… We didn’t have an official stylist for the wedding, we used our good taste and got lots of things online from candles, vases and other little cute touches. Our florist was able to Dress the tables with high displays and the staircase with a stunning display. I really loved the aesthetic of Thicket, so we didn’t want to cover it with drapes or take away from the gorgeous building and ballroom.
What is your advice for couple about to tie the knot?
Joey says… Mine would be to make sure you always keep yourselves in mind, make tough decisions because it is only the two of you that really matter. Everything else is wonderful but from the flowers, food, entertainment needed to be exactly your taste and vibe. Everyone will be so happy for you either way.
I would also suggest giving your bridal/grooms party each a designated role for the day. (Checking for makeup smears, wonky bowtie, getting people dancing, assisting the photographer by grabbing guests that need to be in group shots) it really helps.
I would also recommend getting your wedding rings at the start, so your rings are exactly what you want and not just what you can afford towards the end. I would have been happy with cheaper rings of course but it’s nice that we prioritised them, as we have them forever.
Rob says… Give yourself at least 18 months to plan. Good suppliers get booked up early! And if you’ve pulled a number out of thin air like we did for the budget. Double it and you might be close.
If after reading all about Rob and Joey’s love story and Thicket Priory experience you want to have your own fairytale wedding here, please do get in touch, we’d love to hear from you!
With love,
Lil xXx
Supplier Love
Photoprapher Lily North
Videographer Jon Bird Creative
Caterer Hog & Apple
Florist Dreamboats & Carousels
Hair Baroque Harrogate
Makeup Poppy Markham & Beth Thomas
Cake HG1 Bakes
Celebrant True to You Celebrancy
Stationary Hearts & Twine
Signage Crum & Co
Grooms Suits Michelsberg Tailors
Groomsmaid Dresses Joy’s Bella Bridesmaids
Vitamin Drip Get a Drip
Entertainment James Lomas, Sally Hall, Eclectic Harmony Gospel Choir, Undercover Artists, Kudos Functions, James Freedman Magician
