PLANNING

Jemma and Daniel first viewed Pentney Abbey in August 2021, guided by a member of the Unique Norfolk Venues team who were on hand to answer any questions the couple may have. Out of all the other venues that they viewed, Jemma and Daniel chose Pentney Abbey due to the breathtaking space in the Rose Garden where they could host a romantic outdoor ceremony with their 70 guests. They provisionally booked on the spot! 

Once officially booked, the couple began to work with our team of experienced wedding planners to ensure their day was exactly what they have always dreamed of. Our planners assisted in finalising timeplans, wedding breakfast menu choices and table layouts, as well as advising on the best suppliers in the area and answering any questions that the Jemma and Daniel may have had. 

THE BIG DAY

In July 2023, the sun rose above the historic gatehouse of Pentney Abbey and the couple’s wedding day was finally here. The couple arrived at the venue (separately of course!) without any stress of setting up the venue or finalising details, as their dedicated wedding planner Zoe and her team had already taken care of everything. 

Jemma began the morning in our dedicated Preparation Suite, joined by her beautiful bridal party for hair and makeup by the talented Sam and Sabrina. This contemporary, luxurious space features four large dressing tables with mirrors and beautifully upholstered chairs – just the place to pamper and prepare. She then took to the romantic honeymoon suite to put on her stunning wedding dress from Lotte Rose Bridal with the help of her mum. Once completely ready, Jemma had a beautiful moment with her father during their first look as he prepared to walk her down the aisle.

The picturesque Rose Garden had been beautifully decorated, featuring a magnificent deconstructed arch floral arrangement from Floral Sistas to act as a centrepiece. Chairs were laid out for guests to excitedly wait in the sunshine for the ceremony to begin in front of Pentney Abbey’s historic gatehouse. The Unity String Quartet began to play A Thousand Years by Christina Perri and Jemma walked down the aisle, ready to marry the love of her life. 

After the ceremony, guests were guided to the front of our Gatehouse to take part in a picture-perfect confetti throw, before returning to the Rose Garden for refreshing welcome drinks and delicious canapes of Chilli Beef with Soy Dipping Sauce, Deep Fried Breadcrumbed Risotto Balls, Tartlets Of Confit Onion Marmalade with Feta, Deep Fried Salt Cod Croquettes with Squid Ink and Crispy Duck with Spring Onion, Cucumber and Hoisin. 

The barn at Pentney Abbey had been decorated to perfection. Long tables adorned with flowers and candles created a romantic atmosphere that matched perfectly with the rustic elegance of the barn. The couple’s stunning floral arrangement was moved swiftly by our team into the reception space to line the archway and entrance to the bar. 

Driven by quality, simplicity and seasonality, our food is always a big hit while our service is personal and efficient, making your day memorable and unique. Our UNV kitchen team, led by Executive Head Chef Keith McDowell, prepared a truly exquisite 3-course wedding breakfast for the newlyweds and their guests to enjoy. 

To start was Confit Chicken Bon Bons with Crispy Parmesan, Gem Lettuce, Crispy Bacon, Parmesan Purée and Aioli, followed by Roast Norfolk Pork Loin Thyme and Garlic Roast Potatoes, Cauliflower Purée, Roast Carrot and Parsnips, Crackling, Roast Gravy or a Puy Lentil Loaf for those looking for a meat-free alternative. For a sweet treat to complete a delicious meal, Lemon Tart with Italian Meringue, Raspberry Sorbet, Raspberry Tuile and Raspberry Gel was served with an option of Apple, Cinnamon and Granola Crumble with Vanilla Ice Cream for vegan guests. Our kitchen is extremely dedicated to catering for all dietary requirements and allergies, so Jemma and Daniels guests could all enjoy the wedding breakfast completely stress free!

The couple ended their wedding breakfast with heartfelt speeches before cutting their cake.The top tier was Chocolate & Salted caramel whilst the bottom tier was Raspberry & white chocolate – delicious! Unique Norfolk Venues staff seamlessly transformed the barn into a space fit for an exciting evening celebration. The incredible DJ Dan Goode played their favourite songs whilst guests enjoyed taking memorable pictures in the photo booth. Jemma and Daniel’s first dance was to Higher and Higher by Sonny Tennet, and they soon inspired the rest of the party to join in for an evening of dancing the night away. 

All that dancing and celebrating will make you hungry – and our kitchen did not disappoint! Delicious stone-baked pizzas with a variety of toppings were served for evening food, allowing guests to enjoy them as they took in the fresh air on the beautiful patio or sat by the fire pit. The night was completed with an incredible sparkler exit, before Daniel and Jemma retired to the Honeymoon Suite after a day they will remember for the rest of their lives.

We spoke to the couple after their special day and this is what they had to say:

“From the first time we visited Pentney Abbey we knew we couldn’t imagine ourselves getting married anywhere else. Every member of staff we came into contact with was so helpful and lovely. Zoe was our wedding coordinator and I cannot put into words how incredible she was throughout the entire process. She went above and beyond from our very first meeting to our wedding day, allowing Daniel and I to just relax and enjoy every minute. We could not have wished for a more perfect day and cannot thank Zoe and the staff enough.”

Has Jemma and Daniels day inspired you? At Unique Norfolk Venues, we pride ourselves on providing a luxury experience for couples and guests alike. Contact the team at Unique Norfolk venues to discuss your wedding vision and book a viewing at Pentney Abbey. Call us on 01485 500292 or email [email protected].

Suppliers:

• Photographer: Megan Duffield Photography
• Florist – Floral Sistas
• Contact Details: [email protected]
• DJ- Dan Goode
• Cake – Alice’s Cakes Norfolk (Alice Bates)
• String Quartet- Unity String Quartet
• Magician- Robert Gough
• Contact Details: [email protected]
• Photobooth- Spectacular moments ([email protected])
• Hair- Makeup by Sam Kay ([email protected])
• Make up- Sabrina Professional Makeup ([email protected])