Wedding planning in 2023 with Jess
As mornings and evenings brighten, the team at Brinkburn is full steam ahead for the 2023 season; we look forward to the return of our tipi in less than a week, and the team will decorate it in preparation for our open weekend on 25th & 26th February.
Choosing your Wedding Venue in Northumberland
I enjoy meeting new couples, showing them around, and relishing in a couple's realisation that Brinkburn is the venue for them. The booking process will look at the ideal date and ceremony space, bespoke to each couple.
Wedding Ceremony Spaces
Our venue is unique in that it will accommodate both civil and religious ceremonies. Brinkburn Priory is available for Church of England ceremonies. The Priory showcases stunning stained glass windows that reflect sunlight down the aisle throughout the ceremony. We utilise The Manor House, a grade 2 listed building, for some civil ceremonies. Humanist ceremonies can also be held here, in front of the three iconic windows. Alternatively, the aptly named Green Room is available for civil ceremonies. Tucked away in a quintessential English garden, this intimate space offers a blank canvas for couples to make their own.
The Wedding Planning and Food Tasting Experience
Throughout wedding planning, I embrace the time to build relationships with all of our couples in regular meetings. These discussions establish the wedding day's running order, decorating ideas, feasts, and beverages. Not forgetting the venue setup, recommended suppliers, timing, and delectable food served by 19.01 Catering. Dan, the chef, has been with us for three seasons and devises many inspirational ideas. During the tasting experience, our couples will have the opportunity to meet Dan. Each pair samples the cuisine and wine, allowing them to choose the order for the day. Dan then collaborates with me to accommodate any dietary restrictions for family and friends.
Arrival the Day Before
My favourite part is the arrival. I love waiting at the gates for cars jam-packed and the dress ready to hang in the bridal suite. Once the couple feels settled with friends and family, I leave them to appreciate the night before plans. Some decide to keep bridesmaids and groomsmen separate, and others gather and get together. We can arrange for our caterer to prepare a feast for all, or some explore further afield with local food at the nearby country pub.
Morning of the Wedding Day
The following morning, we switch on our twinkling festoons, and the day officially starts! The event staff crafts the finishing touches, the florist arrives to elevate the space, and the assortment of outside suppliers prepare behind the scenes. As guests arrive, they revel in refreshments while admiring the River Coquet. Secretly, the bride and bridesmaids can peek out the bridal suite window, filling with delight before slipping into the dress.
Wedding Ceremony and Celebrations
As the wedding ceremony approaches, it is heart-warming to witness friends and family gathering for the celebration. The ceremonial music begins, and happy tears flow as the groom witnesses the bride in her dress for the first time. Following the ceremony, the rest of the day is filled with laughter, beverages, friendships, and feasting before we transform the Green Room for evening entertainment.
The Day After
If you choose to have a weekend wedding, the day after is for taking a breath and relaxing with your friends and family. In the past, couples have opted for a bbq, a pub lunch, a walk in up The Simonside hills, or a trip to the beach. Sick of planning? You can simply hang out in the garden to completely unwind, followed by an early night. The three-night stay allows you to slow down and extend your celebration. It sets Brinkburn apart from most venues.
Leaving with Memories to Cherish Forever
When the departure draws near, I meet everyone at the stables accommodation and assist in packing luggage into the car (which always appears to be more than when they arrived!) While doing this, I enjoy chatting with friends and family, hearing about their great recollections, and how they will always cherish Brinkburn Northumberland. Guests return to normality, and I always feel happy knowing I contributed to the wedding's success. It makes me tremendously proud to be a part of the Brinkburn team.
See you all at the open weekend on 25th & 26th February! Love, Jess