The Perfect Match

Newstead Priory, Lincolnshire’s most exclusive wedding venue, interview Suzanne and Paul Moutrey, who married at the Priory in January 2014.  

  

The Perfect Match

How did you find out about Newstead Priory (NP)?

I (Suzanne) attended a close friends wedding there a number of years ago, and it was lovely then, so I suggested it to Paul, who, after a visit - agreed completely.

Did you view a lot of wedding venues, what made you decide on NP?

No, only Newstead! During our first meeting with Lucy, and Marina, we felt that they understood what we would like, and were confident they could provide us with the day that would suit us, and our needs.

How would you describe your wedding day in three words?

Perfect for us!

What made you decide on a winter wedding?

Mostly it was because it was the ideal time of the year for the honey moon destination we wanted!

What was it about NP that suited the style and theme of your wedding?

It was the whole thing, the beautiful setting of Newstead, the people - Lucy and her colleagues were fantastic from the first meeting - really listened, asked the right questions and seemed to understand what we wanted but then made suggestions that improved things further.

What were the advantages of having an in-house wedding planner (Lucy)?

Lucy was integral to our wedding being exactly what we wanted, her knowledge and passion for Newstead, her faith in Marina and the team - including the local suppliers she champions - we can't imagine that being surpassed by anyone. Her experience shows and makes something that could be stressful immensely enjoyable - we looked forward to visiting the Priory.

Can you tell us about your wedding breakfast? Were there a lot of food choices? Did you sample the menu?

Yes, the choice was huge - we were presented with lots of sample menus', with the reassurance that if something we wanted wasn't there, they would arrange it for us!
We tailored our choice, by choosing what we would like to cook for our guests for a dinner party - which was the theme of the wedding breakfast. We didn't feel the need to sample the menu.

Did any of your guests have special requirements e.g. dietary, disabled access?

Yes, - when we made our menu choice, we knew there were a couple of guests who would require an alternative main course, and this was arranged without issue - and was, we were assured, equally as delicious!

How did you celebrate after the wedding breakfast?

The wedding was intended to be like a dinner party for our friends and family, Lucy had suggested a wedding a little later in the day, and we had nibbles in the Priory whilst photos were taken, and this was followed by a beautifully catered dinner party in the barn, listening to music from our i-pod and chatting with our friends, very relaxed, very personal.

What was the atmosphere like in the vaulted room during the ceremony?

Exciting, warm and relaxed all at the same time - it was beautiful. The fires were lit, the room was candlelit throughout, absolutely perfect.

Did everything run smoothly on the day?

Yes, perfectly - everything we hoped for - our faith in Lucy and the team was rewarded.

Did you feel relaxed and well looked after on the day?

Yes, very much so - to be honest a lot of our guests have commented on the attentiveness of all the staff at Newstead, from meeting them at their cars on arrival, to directing them to the house, circulating during the photographs with drinks and nibbles, and the same attention to detail was delivered during dinner.

What was your favourite part of your wedding day?

Exchanging our vows as the sun went down - closely followed by the dinner menu!

We cannot recommend Newstead Priory and the team highly enough - you can really tell how important it is to them that your day is exactly what you want.