1st Aug 2024
When we decided to realise our plans of turning the abandoned Victorian kitchens into a ‘private members club’ style event space, we’d already been hosting weddings for a few years. We felt the sort of space we were thinking of just didn’t exist here in Yorkshire. So, we pictured a unique space that couples could enjoy the best day of their lives in. Somewhere they could wow their friends and family with when the evening crept in and it’s time to dance the night away.
Well, we’re a few weddings in since we launched the ‘downstairs’ of the House as The Old Kitchens now. Our dreams are very much becoming reality! Wedding ceremonies are taking place in the house, grounds, and at St Mary’s Church. Couples are announced as they walk into the ballroom and enjoy an exquisite wedding breakfast. We are certainly hearing those gasps as guests leave the house and skip down the steps of The Old Kitchens. Our prohibition style nightclub really has the wow-factor.
Sam and Sarah married here just a few weeks ago and the wedding has already been featured in the latest issue of Living North magazine. So, we thought we’d share a few details of it here with you too!
Sarah, an Entertainment Lawyer, and Sam, a Management Consultant, both live in London and met on Hinge, often meeting for dates in a pub near Sarah’s office. They had been together just over four years when Sam proposed in Lisbon in March 2023. Although the couple now live in South West London, Sarah’s parents live in Rillington near Malton, so Birdsall House seemed a perfect choice for their wedding.
The couple held their ceremony in St. Mary’s Church within our grounds. Florists Rose & Spade lined the aisle with the most incredible florals. It had a timeless feel and looked simply beautiful. Sarah looked stunning in a dress by Caroline Castigiliano from The Harrogate Wedding Lounge.
The Church is a ten minute walk from the main house. Some couples choose to walk this after their ceremony. Others love the idea of a traditional wedding car or horse and carriage. and will stick to this tradition to get to drinks on the front lawn or in our Long Hall.
Guests then had time to arrive and catch up with an espresso martini or mojito. We work with Fusion Bar Hire to provide a bespoke drinks menu for each wedding. It was then time to head into the ballroom for the wedding breakfast, catered for by Coe Catering. Rose and Spade also worked their magic in here, complementing our interiors superbly.
The wedding party did such a good job with the speeches. This is always such a lovely time to reflect on the day so far and the atmosphere is always so vibrant.
Then Sarah surprised us all with a change of wedding dress! We simply loved Sarah’s Nadine Merabi dress, even more so when she teamed it with her favourite Veja’s. Perfect for photos in our gardens and dancing the night away!
Charlotte Griffiths Photography whisked the couple away to capture some gorgeous shots. We love this one in front of the sunset with our gardens in the background. A must-have for the memory book!
Then it was time to listen out for the gasps! We can’t tell you the joy it brought everyone here at Birdsall to see the reactions from guests as they wandered downstairs. While the house is obviously historical and has the grandeur that comes with that, we wanted The Old Kitchens to immediately put people at ease to really let their hair down. We think we achieved that!
The Birdsall House wedding season is officially open! We can’t wait to share more with you in due course. If you’re interested in viewing the house, The Old Kitchens and the grounds for a wedding or any other reason, please get in touch.
Posted in Weddings
