Like so many weddings in 2020 Joel and India’s big day was on…then it was off…then it was on again. I don’t know about them, but in the week leading up to their date we had more than a few sleepless nights wondering whether the restrictions would change again last minute! As a Micro Wedding Venue in Harrogate it was our absolute pleasure to host Joel and India’s special celebrations.

As Saturday 29th August edged ever closer and Boris Johnson uttered the words we’d all been waiting for we knew, at last, that we were in for a really special day. Joel and India’s ‘Micro Wedding’ went ahead with 25 guests, all carefully bubbled and with masks at the ready for the Ceremony on the terrace.

When we asked why they chose us as their Harrogate wedding venue, India told us… “The beautiful setting, the relaxed atmosphere and the variety and versatility of the menu options. We didn’t think a wedding amidst a pandemic would happen but it did and it was absolutely perfect; it was intimate, relaxed and everyone had the best day. We will remember this day forever and not because of the uncertainty that surrounded it but because of how special it was to spend the day with our nearest and dearest and celebrate the start of a new and exciting adventure as a married couple.“

The venue looked fantastic

India, with help from her mum and bridal party, decorated The Sun Pavilion beautifully. From the chair sashes and ceremony arch, to the centrepieces and places cards, flowers bloomed everywhere.

The wedding breakfast…

For their wedding breakfast India and Joel were originally planning a barbecue. A lovely informal way to eat with guests helping themselves but, unfortunately, not permitted under the guidelines. We worked with our chef to adapt the menu and to serve the barbecue as a plated meal instead, so that the day was as true to the original plans as we could make it. Guests were served a meal of…
Moroccan spiced lamb rump
Sweet chilli and honey pork loin
Glazed smoked duck breast
Citrus cod loin
All with sides of mini jackets, corn on the cob, homemade coleslaw and salads, fresh breads, relishes and sauces. For dessert we served a classic caramelised lemon tart with lemon curd and fresh raspberries

We asked the happy couple what made the day really special

“Clare and the rest of the staff were so organised and relaxed that it meant we were too. The staff at the Sun Pavilion couldn’t do enough for us, not only on the day but on the lead up; through ups and downs and the uncertainty of a pandemic. The day ran seamlessly (even if I was fashionably late!) and the food, atmosphere and set up were absolutely perfect.”

Any advice for couples planning a wedding?

“Make sure your wedding is the way you want it and not the way everyone else wants it/expects – if we can go from 90 to 25 guests and it still be the perfect day, you can! Also, take your time with everything on the day, take it all in as it will go so fast.“

Joel and India’s Suppliers

Photography – Arabella Smith
Bride’s dress – Harrogate Bridal Collection
Groom’s suit – Slater Menswear
Bridesmaid’s dresses – Maya
Wedding cake – A family friend
Chair covers and sashes – Laura Lindsay Weddings & Events
Hair – Hair by Gail, Harrogate
Makeup – Anne-Marie at XS Beauty
Venue decor – All with help from family and friends