Ruthin Castle staff save couple's wedding day

A couple left high and dry after the venue they booked for their wedding went into administration have found a new one at the eleventh hour.

Kirstie Oldridge, 44, and her intended, Michael Thompson, 37, were set to tie the knot at the Wild Pheasant in Llangollen, when they were told the administrators had been drafted in.

The pair, who have been left thousands of pounds out of pocket, were sent on a frantic search for an alternative, with just ten days to go before their big day.

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But now they secured Ruthin Castle Hotel, where staff have offered them the same package for the same price on the same day.

Speaking to the Daily Post, Kirstie who lives in Hull said: "I am so relieved that we have somewhere to get married next Saturday and I can't thank staff at Ruthin Castle enough.

"The wedding organiser, Joanne Jones has been an absolute star going out of her way to match everything like for like with just a week's notice.

"Everyone, including our own photographer, hair stylist and cake-maker were ringing around trying to help us too.

"We've lost a few guests because people had paid deposits to stay at the Wild Pheasant and couldn't afford to pay out again, but the main thing is we can have our big day on the date we had planned."

The entrance to the historic Ruthin Castle

Workers and guests at the Wild Pheasant were told on Wednesday that it was closing over concerns about "health and safety."

Trainee teacher Kirstie and Michaelbooked the venue in February last year as it was the first place they went on holiday as a couple and a place where they had special memories.

They had 60 people booked in to the hotel where the whole ceremony was set to take place, and had paid £4,900 - half in cash and half on credit card.

Now, they've had to shell out even more including the cost of an emergency registrar to conduct the service on August 13.

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Ruthin Castle's wedding planner, Joanne Jones said: "When Kirstie contacted us to see if we had availability, I really sympathised with her.

"This is a really special day, and their choice to have it at the Wild Pheasant was significant to them because of the special memories they have there.

"It was awful to see someone in such a desperate situation and although we had another function booked as well as a full house, I really wanted to help them.

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"We've managed to match the package they had at the Wild Pheasant by offering exactly the same menu and night do.

"It was really exciting to do it for them - a week to plan a wedding and bring it all together is challenging.

"But she's a really lovely lady who deserves a lovely wedding."

* The couple were later offered a free venue and evening party at the Clwyd Gate restaurant in Ruthin.

Owner, Stephen Jones said they are able to extend the offer to up to five couples who have also been affected by the sudden closure of the Wild Pheasant, which has left 30 staff redundant.

For more information, call the restaurant on 01824 703532.

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Source: Ruthin Castle staff save couple's wedding day