A romantic elopement with a dinner at the chef's table
Having been together for the good part of 30 years, Joanne and Sam finally decided to tie the knot. They wanted a very intimate wedding, with only their closest family and friends. Having just a small number of selected guests, they decided to include an exclusive and fun experience at the Chef’s Table at a Michelin star restaurant.
The couple
Joanne and Sam met back at university in Bath, where Joanne moved to from Ireland.
After both having very successful and busy careers, Joanne and Sam have now retired. Sam was the Head of HR for a big aviation company, Joanne was a Programme and Contract Director with one of the world’s leading retail organisations.
Both love travelling, experiencing new cultures and cuisines. In particular, they share a passion for skiing and life in the mountains, spending the winter months in Switzerland and inviting friends and family over to join them.
Neither wanted a big wedding, but rather something very special. As both are great food lovers, it was perfect for them to incorporate an exquisite culinary experience. And where better to do that than in a Michelin star restaurant?
the day
The wedding took place in April 2023 – a mild spring day in northern England. Everyone got together at a local town hall in Cheshire, England, where the civil ceremony was held. The municipal building was created at the very beginning of the 19th century – a beautiful and historic construction with a special vibe to it. It truly was so romantic, seeing Joanne and Sam getting married after 30 years of being together.
Afterwards, the newlyweds and guests gathered at Joanne and Sam’s home for a relaxed reception, where everyone enjoyed vintage champagne and local catering.
To complete a truly wonderful day, a truly special gourmet experience and overnight’s stay at Northcote Manor lay ahead, providing the perfect finale for this occasion.
Northcote is an award-winning Hotel and Restaurant, located in the Ribble Valley hills on the edge of the Forest of Bowland, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The traditional and the modern are woven into the fabric of Northcote, from the luxury garden lodge to the traditional manor house rooms, from the sunny terraces to the cosy corners warmed by roaring log fires. This is a place to relax, reset, reconnect and indulge in outstanding food and award-winning wines.
Northcote has 26 opulent rooms & suites, all individually designed. Each one offers the ultimate in sophisticated wedding accommodation.
We were each welcomed to our rooms where a chilled bottle of champagne awaited. After a little relaxation and the opportunity for a spa bath, the indulgence started with exceptional cocktails in a private room at the hotel bar. We were then led through the kitchen to a purpose-built, private yet interactive space – the Chef’s Table.
Chef's Table
The Chef’s Table sits a maximum of 16 guests. If you are a larger group (up to 55), The Louis Roederer Room, with a private bar and terrace, may be the option for you.
The glass walls of the Chef’s table enabled us to watch the chefs at work in the Michelin star kitchen from the comfort of our chairs and we were also able to actually go into the kitchen see the food being prepared.
If you’ve ever looked in amazement at the dish presented to you and wondered how it’s created, here’s your chance to witness all the culinary action. The head chef joined us at the table to describe the dishes and we had the unique opportunity to ask questions.
Our gourmet menu was full of outstanding flavours that were complimented by stunning presentation; it definitely was a culinary experience to savour forever.
If you are thinking about incorporating a truly special culinary experience at your wedding, get in touch so we can make your dream day come true and ensure you will be relaxed throughout the day as a guest at your own wedding.
