December feels like a long time ago (and a long way away - depending on how you look at it), but we’ve been overcome with festive cheer all over again, having seen the photos from Jess and David’s amazing Christmas-themed wedding here at The Normans!
While this pretty little reindeer sets the tone for this blog post (more about these fantastic table centrepieces, later!), our focus was always going to be bride Jess. Here she is, getting ready at home, with the help of make-up artist Jaime Edwards.
Jess’s stunning dress was quite the talking point. “It was my absolute dream dress and definitely a challenge to find,” she says of this angelic Nicole Spose number. “I almost gave up hope, but eventually found the perfect fairy-tale Christmas wedding dress at Dotty Bridal boutique in Holmfirth.”
Jess’s bouquet - all ivory whites and seasonal greens - was the handiwork of Petals by Louise.
Meanwhile, at The Normans, David awaited Jess’s arrival with the support of his two groomsmen (and a couple of beers). Here he is (centre) in a King & Allen three-piece suit, embellished with a Louis Vuitton tie and Gucci pocket square. Our favourite detail, however, is out of shot - the Blackburn Rovers crest stitched into the lining of his suit jacket. (David’s a Blackburn Rovers fan, in case anyone’s wondering.)
As lovely as David and his groomsmen looked, they had to play second fiddle to these two gorgeous flower girls (wearing White Company), who melted hearts all the way down the aisle, ahead of Jess and her bridesmaids.
Jess’s entrance was as emotional as this below picture suggests - hats off to Dad who did well to keep his composure!
Vows were recited, rings were exchanged, tears of joy were shed, and Jess and David left The Normans Ceremony Barn as man and wife. And were pelted with confetti by their giddy guests.
Outside, they were greeted by warming canapes, courtesy of our chums Hog & Apple …
… festive tunes, provided by Top Brass band …
… and assorted hi-jinks and/or tomfoolery as guests made the most of The Normans’ cosy hideaways and contemporary Courtyard stylings.
While all and sundry ate, drank and made merry, Jess and David stole themselves away to whisper sweet nothings (read as: pose for some photos) in front of the Ceremony Barn’s cascading fairy lights.
But it was only when the doors to the Grain Shed were flung open that Christmas was turned up to 11. Where to start? Well, with the show-stopping centrepieces, which were all handcrafted by Jess’s dad, Tony. St. Nick would be proud.
The Grain Shed dining area was further illuminated by light-up letters (provided by Event Light & Sound), spelling out ‘Fairy Tale’. By her own admission, bride Jess is a Christmas fanatic, and wanted to bring as much holiday spirit to her wedding as possible …
“I - sorry, we - had a really specific vision for the day: a chic winter wonderland with elements of fun,” explains Jess. “My dad is really creative, so, over the course of 18 months, we'd sit down together and chat through what I wanted and he’s just go for it! I’d get a photo at 3am showing me what he'd made.”
Case in point: this amazing Coca-Cola truck …
… and not forgetting the magic, fairy tale, Christmas castle card box. No wedding is complete without one. Bravo, Tony. Bravo.
And Tony wasn’t the only one getting creative - caterers Hog & Apple brought the three course meal to a climax with these Harry Potter-inspired ‘golden snitch’ desserts.
As the party heated up inside, it was a (relatively) silent night outside - a perfect December evening for the perfect Christmas wedding.
“The Normans team helped us bring to life the most magical day of our lives. I don’t think you could ever find a better venue for summer or winter - I’ve already started recommending it to all my newly engaged friends!”
