03 Apr Sam and Josh’s Sunny Autumnal Wedding
Sam and Josh’s Sunny Autumnal Wedding
Sam and Josh chose to book Thirsk Lodge Barns for their wedding whilst it was still under construction, it always blows our minds that couples put their faith in us and were able to see the vision beneath the scaffolding and dust sheets!
We knew from the first time we visited Thirsk Lodge Barns that we couldn’t get married anywhere else! We could clearly see the passion that went into the venue – every little detail had been thought of, and there were no expenses spared. We also loved how we could set up the day before and enjoy the beautiful farmhouse. The separate barn and dining room was a real bonus too with plenty of space if the weather wasn’t on our side. What really makes the venue though are the staff who were incredible from the very first visit!
Sam and Josh’s love story began 14 years before they tied the knot. Initially they were just friends, but after sharing a kiss in a local nightclub they realised that they had a budding romance and the rest is history!
Talking of their proposal, the couple told us that Josh proposed whilst on their first ski trip together. Josh managed to persuade Sam to go to the top of the mountain, even though it meant taking a gondola ride back down. Sam describes the moment as the perfect proposal, and Josh still doesn’t know how he managed to make it a surprise after so many years together!
The proposal happened about a month before we went into lockdown with COVID-19, so the wedding plans were unfortunately put on hold for over a year. We started viewing venues in Spring 2021 and nowhere really had the wow factor until we visited Thirsk Lodge Barns. We then had around 18 months to plan the wedding after booking the venue – it was stressful at times but looking back it was all worth it!
Sam and Josh found their suppliers through recommendations or social media. They knew that they wanted Steven McDonald as their photographer and The Beat Boutique to DJ, so they made sure they were both available before securing a date.
They wanted a relaxed feel for their wedding breakfast and chose our recommended caterer, Blues Catering, to provide informal sharing boards. They then had pizzas in the evening!
Sam and Josh chose to get married in October, and ended up with glorious autumnal sunshine for most of their day!
As our wedding was in October, it was important to us that the flowers and décor followed an autumnal theme – we couldn’t have been happier with how the venue looked on the day.
We also wanted something a bit more personal for our tables so we decided to name them after festivals we have been to over the years and included a photo of us at each one – however, that is as far as our DIY skills went and we left the rest to the professionals!
Josh’s mum, Tracy, handmade the confetti cones using Laura Ashley wallpaper which received so many compliments on the day.
Sam wore a stunning gown with a lace bodice, by House of St. Patrick from The Bridal Rogue Gallery in Harrogate. Josh says he will never forget the moment he saw Sam walking down the aisle, this moment was captured perfectly in a photo that they will cherish forever.
Sam and Josh describe their wedding day as perfect, with the speeches being a highlight. When asked for words of wisdom for future couples, they said the following;
One of the best tips we were given in the lead up to the wedding, was to plan everything how we wanted and not to worry about what anyone else will think.
Also, try not to stress too much about the little things as it all works out in the end and it will be the best day of your lives!
A special thank you to Steven McDonald for sharing all of these stunning images with us. Visit Steven’s website here: https://www.stevenmcdonaldphotography.com/
I think we can all agree that Sam and Josh’s day was gorgeous, they chose some amazing suppliers which you can find listed below…
Blues Catering – Greedy Ted’s – Steven McDonald Photography – Top Table Films – The Beat Boutique – Matt Case Sax – Luke Howells Magician – Sweet William Floral Designs – Very Eventful – Fairy Cakes and Co – Your Bridal Team
