Blog – A Wedding at the Hospitium
Who says weddings have to take years of planning? We don’t! Kate and Richard married at the Hospitium in September 2017, taking advantage of our 2017 Late Availability Package. It was a truly fantastic day, but don’t take our word for it – lets hear from the happy bride, Kate!
The Engagement
Whilst I was away with work in Germany, Rich had asked my parents for my hand. Little did I know that when we were going out for a birthday surprise meal he would be proposing! I was full of cold, I wanted to go home early and completely spoilt his surprise, and so once we got inside the house he dropped to one knee and asked me. It was perfect.
Why did you choose the Hospitium for your special day?
I was born in York and, as a child, when walking into town with my Mum, we would always go through the York Museum Gardens [where the Hospitium is located]. It’s always been such a beautiful setting. When we found the 6-month [Late Availability] package online, we just had to get married there.
Who was your photographer and why did you choose them?
When it came to our photos we had the pleasure of our friend Chris Bland and my Uncle Ian Pearson capturing our day. Minimal posed shots, but that’s all we wanted. After all, memories last a lifetime and we just wanted everyone to have fun!
Tell us about the dress?
Having a few bad experiences at other bridal shops, we rang Brides of York by chance and Sharon asked us to come down straight away. She was brilliant and so kind, she made me feel so welcome and couldn’t do enough when it came to picking my dress. Picking out a few different styles, she also said she had one in the back by chance that she had on loan for another client. I fell in love! I asked to try this on first and, wow, it was absolutely perfect! I felt beautiful wearing it. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience.
What did the groomsmen wear?
Richard [has a] typical body builder frame so he was very difficult to buy for; all the suits were too tight on his legs and arms so before giving up for the day we went to Suit Direct. The gentleman that served us was great and helped Rich feel at ease. He didn’t choose a designer but the blue suit he chose was perfect, it fit like a glove, and the tweed waistcoat fitted in with the rustic theme. The dads and Best Man also looked great in the same suits.
How was the run-up to the big day? Any nerves?
We chose to get married with a short engagement giving us 5 months to plan, so every decision was made with no changes and it all ran perfectly. Choosing York Venues’ Late Availability Package at the Hospitium made everything so easy for us, as they pretty much organised everything – from the venue and food down to the cake, flowers and DJ.
Who can forget the food! Tell us what you went for?
Bradshaw’s did our catering – all the food was so scrummy, everyone said how lovely their meal was. “The most tender chicken breast I have ever had” was the most common phrase. Sarah at Blush Cakes made our cake; sticky toffee, raspberry and white chocolate and, to top it off, salted caramel! She sent samples in the post for us to try as we couldn’t be a part of the taster day and every single flavour was delicious – such a difficult choice to pick only three!
Did you have a stand out moment?
My husband and Maid of Honour decided to change our first dance song after 10 seconds to Sean Paul’s ‘Temperature’. In the heat of the moment, we ended up having a rather sexy dance off – there were blushes all around! Everyone just had such an amazing time, and I definitely worked my dancing shoes. Thank you so much York Venues for making our special day so much more than we could ever have wished!
Supplier Details
Bride’s dress: Ella Rosa by Kenneth Winston
Bride’s shoes: From Etsy
Groom’s formal wear: Scott & Taylor
Make-up artist: Jade Heaney @ The Make-Up Works
Hair: By Jonquil
Florist: Fiona Hogg
Cake: Sarah at Blush Cakes
Entertainment: Nightowls
