Shine on at The Normans

Confetti time at The Normans Photo by www.nicolaphotography.co.uk

Here at The Normans we love a confetti shot (who doesn't?) and this one has to be an all time favourite! Cue an elated Mark and Jenny - aka Mr and Mrs Zaki - being showered in petals after a candle- and fairy-lit service in our Ceremony Barn. 

Silver Birch in The Normans Ceremony Barn Photo by www.nicolaphotography.co.uk

Decorative lighting and a wedding-white colour scheme formed a timeless look for the day. The Ceremony Barn was privy to a parade of delicate silver birch trees, each of which had glass baubles, filled with tea-lights, suspended from their branches.  

Cow Stalls in bloom at The Normans Photo by www.nicolaphotography.co.uk

Over in the Cow Stalls, eucalyptus clung to every inch of our mangers, with scented leaves interspersed with twinkling lights... 

Tulip parade in The Normans Cow Stalls Photo by www.nicolaphotography.co.uk

...while the troughs were filled with pretty white tulips and foliage (the very same tulips were used for Jenny's bridal bouquet.)

Dining among the trees at The Normans Photo by www.nicolaphotography.co.uk

Over in The Normans Marquee, cherry blossom trees formed statuesque centrepieces, with trailing ivy weaving its way over trunks and along branches. 

Silver birches inside The Normans Marquee Photo by www.nicolaphotography.co.uk

With floral wonder abound - all courtesy of the uber-talented Caines of Harrogate - it's hard to think of anything beyond tulips and trees - but allow us to share yet more details to fawn over!  

Table names at The Normans Photo by www.nicolaphotography.co.uk

The tables! For rustic table centre inspo, check out Jenny and Mark's hessian-wrapped centrepieces, offset with tree trunk-style table names (and plenty of lovely plonk).

Bridesmaids celebrate at The Normans Photo by www.nicolaphotography.co.uk

The outfits! Jenny's elegant bridesmaids' each wore floor-length navy gowns from Whistles - and carried wild white and green posies. 

That dress at The Normans Photo by www.nicolaphotography.co.uk

Bride Jenny literally sparkled from head to toe in the gorgeous Beatrice by Jenny Packham, purchased from decadent Harrogate boutique, The Bridal Collection. (Swoon!)

Shoe goals at The Normans Photo by www.nicolaphotography.co.uk.jpg

And don't even get us started on these feather-strewn Jimmy Choos, Vivien 85 - the ultimate #shoegoals!

String Quartet at The Normans Photo by www.nicolaphotography.co.uk

Outside one of Yorkhire's finest ensembles, Trio Vivo, set the classiest of tones, with music for guests to sup champagne to in The Normans sun-scorched courtyard... 

Arrive to applause at The Normans Photo by www.nicolaphotography.co.uk

While inside one of our favourite caterers, Friends4Dinner, served a stunning sit-down meal to the couple and their guests inside The Normans marquee. 

Cheese cake at The Normans Photo by www.nicolaphotography.co.uk.jpg

And let's not forget this tasty tower of fromage! Namely, Gorwydd Caerphilly, Vignotte, Cornish Yag, Swaledale Blue and Godminster fromage, decorated with figs and flowers. 

Party time at The Normans Photo by www.nicolaphotography.co.uk

Sated - and ready to party - the couple took to the dancefloor, to get down to the dual beats of a Jonny Ross Music DJ and live saxophonist. Floor-filling sound guaranteed. Huzzah!

Holding our wedding at The Normans was a magnificent 10-star experience! From the very beginning of sending our parents to visit the venue to picking up our belongings after the wedding day, we received nothing but kindness, helpfulness and utter professionalism. We are absolutely over the moon that we chose The Normans to marry in front of our loved ones. (All of our guests told us over and over again how much they loved the venue too!)
— the ever-so elegant, Jenny
Mr and Mrs Zaki at The Normans Photo by www.nicolaphotography.co.uk

Heartfelt congratulations to these beautiful people from The Normans! All photos are by Nicola Denby Photography - more of which to be posted on our Gallery page soon!

Dahlias and Douglas (the Pug)

Dahlias and Douglas the pug at The Normans Photo by www.mjhstudio.co.uk

Dahlias! Delphiniums! Douglas the Pug! There's so much cheery stuff to love about Danielle and Andy's big July day that we can't wait to share it with you!

Douglas the Pug at The Normans Photo by www.mjhstudio.co.uk

First up, a Pug named Doug. As proud owners of Betty the Pug, we have a lot of love for squashed-faced pooches here at The Normans. But, we think you'll agree, Douglas looked every inch the dapper chappy in his dusky pink bow tie, awaiting his human's arrival down the aisle.

Flowers galore at The Normans Photo by www.mjhstudio.co.uk

Next up, the flowers! Bright and bold was the look of the day, with jewel-coloured hydrangeas, peonies, delphiniums, dahlias, from Manchester's Northern Flower.

Floral Hair dos at The Normans Photo by www.mjhstudio.co.uk

We just love Danielle's choice to adorn her bridal hair do with flowers too. (What a babe!)

Pretty in Pink at The Normans Photo by www.mjhstudio.co.uk

And just check out these dramatic bouquets! The bridesmaids' dresses - from ASOS.com - tied in with the pretty pink theme too, while Danielle's gorgeous 'dress' was actually separates by Martina Liana from Ava Rose Hamilton Bridal, near Leeds. 

Bridal shoes at The Normans Photo by www.mjhstudio.co.uk

Even Danielle's shoes had a floral feel - available from her fave shoe shop, Moda in Pelle

Just wed at The Normans Ceremony Barn Photo by www.mjhstudio.co.uk

With an intimate guest list of 62, Danielle and Andy said their 'I do!'s in front of our cascading fairylights, before heading out into The Normans courtyard, where plenty of treats awaited their nearest and dearest.

Bride & Pugsmaid at The Normans Photo by www.mjhstudio.co.uk

And, while Dani managed to keep Douglas away from the bar... 

Live music in The Normans courtyard Photo by www.mjhstudio.co.uk

...other guests supped drinks in the sunshine to live music by funky acoustic duo, Colour Blue. (Who doesn't love a bongo on a Saturday afternoon?!)

Jenga at The Normans Photo by www.mjhstudio.co.uk

Stylish wooden garden games also kept guests amused - Giant Jenga, anyone?

Photo moments at The Normans Photo by www.mjhstudio.co.uk

After much merriment, guests moved into The Normans marquee, perusing photos of Danielle and Andy as they went. 

Newlyweds on The Normans farmland Photo by www.mjhstudio.co.uk

Meanwhile, the couple of the hour headed out onto The Normans' farmland to capture more memorable moments for their photo album. 

The finer details at The Normans Photo by www.mjhstudio.co.uk

After tucking into a delicious wedding breakfast - with rustic, flower-filled milk urns as table centrepieces - sweet treats awaited guests outside in the courtyard... 

Ice cream carts in The Normans courtyard Photo by www.mjhstudio.co.uk

Cue retro ice cream cart, Scoop n' Sandwich from York. But this isn't just your average scoop in a cone, oh no... 

Ice cream carts in The Normans courtyard Photo by www.mjhstudio.co.uk

...think myriad ice cream flavours, sandwiched between giant cookies and garnished with all sorts of sauces and toppings, from mini marshmallows to M&Ms. 

Let them eat cake at The Normans Photo by www.mjhstudio.co.uk

But for those craving for yet more sugar, behold this rustic lovely from York-based White Rose Bakes: tiers of elder flower or lemon-infused sponges, with a white chocolate and raspberry filling. 

Time to disco at The Normans Photo by www.mjhstudio.co.uk

After savouring so much loveliness, all that was left for the couple to do was party hard - on this occasion to top tunes from Jonny Ross Music.  Our hearty congratulations to the newly wed Mr and Mrs McCulloch - and, of course, a big shout out to Douglas the Pug!

From the moment we first viewed The Normans, we knew it was our ideal wedding venue (helped by the fact our Pug Douglas made friends with resident Pug, Betty!)
The Barn allowed us to have a ceremony in an original and beautiful setting and the Courtyard was a perfect space to celebrate with our friends and family in the sunshine. But the thing we loved the most was that The Normans offered us a stunning venue to create a wedding that was personal to us.
— The marvellous Mrs McCulloch
Party on brides of The Normans Photo by www.mjhstudio.co.uk

All photos are courtesy of talented Leeds-based wedding photographer, Mark Hillyer. Stay tuned for yet more snaps of the couple's day - coming to our Gallery soon!

Here's to you, Mrs Robinson!

Mrs Maheshi Robinson at The Normans Photo by www.edpereira.com

Now, we realise we've left this week's groom out of shot (apologies, David!), but we think you'll agree that bride Maheshi is a vision to behold! David and Mesh married at The Normans on a merry May day, when our farm fields were ripe with yellow rape seed - and what a backdrop it made!

Newlywed Mesh and David at The Normans Photo by www.edpereira.com

The couple were wed in The Normans Ceremony Barn, where they said 'I do' against another rather superb backdrop: floral displays in chic white and green by Simply Flowers and, of course, our signature cascading fairylights.

Confetti moment at The Normans Photo by www.edpereira.com

Huzzah! Officially wed, the newly-declared 'Mr and Mrs Robinson' emerged to a flurry of white petal confetti, in keeping with the day's colour scheme. 

The Normans Bridal Party Photo by www.edpereira.com

Both Mesh and her bridesmaids carried classic white roses for a timeless look. And while Mesh wore a designer gown from London's Paverly Bridal, the girls wore champagne-coloured dresses by BL Couture, available at Etsy.com (A big shout out too to the girls' make-up artist, Ravita Pannu!)

Classic white roses in The Normans Cow Stalls Photo by www.edpereira.com

The Normans Cow Stalls received a simple yet effective florish of white roses too....

The Normans Cow Stalls Photo by www.edpereira.com

...while eucalyptus ran the length of the Cow Stalls mangers, forming a cosy spot for the newlyweds and their guests to take time out from the revelries. 

The Normans Photo Wall Photo by www.edpereira.com

Over in The Normans Marquee, Mesh and David added plenty of personal touches. Guests' heads turned as they entered, with Polaroid snaps of the pair, from past to present pinned to the wall...

Personalised Touches at The NormansPhoto by www.edpereira.com

Personalised crates formed a fittingly rustic place for guests to pop cards and presents...

Instagram at The Normans Photo by www.edpereira.com

...while a chalkboard sign pointed guests to the right place to post all their best wedding snaps.

Pimp your prosecco at The Normans Bar photo by www.edpereira.com

But if there's one way to wedding guests' hearts, it's the opportunity to 'Pimp Your Prosecco!'

Teenage Kicks perform at The Normans Photo by www.edpereira.com

As a Prosecco-fuelled party commenced, guests got their groove on to tunes by Teenage Kicks, and struck a pose in a prop-filled photo booth, courtesy of Booth Revolution.

Night falls at The Normans Photo by www.edpereira.com

Meanwhile, the couple's photographer, Ed Pereira, took the opportunity to further demonstrate his talents with some smouldering night-time shots, both outside in our courtyard...

Newlyweds at The Normans by nightfall Photo by www.edpereira.com

.... and back in the very spot where David and Mesh tied the knot. (Wowee!)

Having toured what felt like the length and breadth of the country looking for the right venue, we knew as soon as we arrived at The Normans that it was the one.
Oliver, Laura and Sharon were incredibly helpful from the moment we booked, through to the moment we left the cottage on the morning after the big day - we can’t thank them enough!
— the ravishing Mrs Robinson
Maheshi Robinson marries at The Normans Photo by www.edpereira.com

All photographs are courtesy of the ever-so excellent Ed Pereira Photography To feast your eyes on yet more fabulous photos from Mesh and David's big day, head to our Gallery.

Rock On at The Normans

Newlyweds Mr & Mrs Malia at The Normans. Photo by www.sevenpoints.uk

Here at The Normans, we like to think of ourselves as being a bit rock 'n' roll. But we felt positively dorky in the company of actual rocker Lee Malia - lead guitarist of Bring Me the Horizon - who wed the beautiful Deni here last month. (Oh, and their dog Blue got in on the action too.)

Ceremony Barn at The Normans  Photo by www.sevenpoints.uk

The couple decorated the barrels in the Ceremony Barn, with two rather awesome displays of succulents, peonies and eucalyptus. 

Glass Lanterns in The Normans Ceremony Barn. Photo by www.sevenpoints.uk

The length of the aisle, meanwhile, was strewn with white petals, as well as tall candles in glass hurricane glasses. (Beware brides with big dresses!)

Baby's Breath Pew Ends at The Normans. Photo by www.sevenpoints.uk

Gypsophelia (aka 'Baby's Breath') formed pretty pew ends, tied to chairs with rustic hessian string. 

Candelabras in The Normans Marquee. Photo by www.sevenpoints.uk

Over in The Normans marquee, vintage-style peonies in a soft peach hue were paraded on candelabras, with trailing greenery giving a modern edge. 

Bridal Bouquet by Kate Mell Flowers at The Normans. Photo by www.sevenpoints.uk

With the scene set, a rather stunning Deni sauntered to The Ceremony Barn to meet her man, carrying this dramatic cascading bouquet - the handiwork of the talented Kate Mell Flowers

Girl squad! Bride and bridesmaid at The Normans. Photo by www.sevenpoints.uk

Feeling some fishtail envy coming on? (Us too!) Deni wore Morilee by Madeline Gardner, which she found at Bliss boutique in Doncaster.  Her bridesmaids oozed glamour too, dressed in glittering rose gold gowns from Goddiva

Wedding ceremony at The Normans. Photo by www.sevenpoints.uk

Deni and Lee were wed before our cascading fairylights by cool and quirky celebrant Louisa Starr - she of Starr Gazing Ceremonies (see our recommended suppliers for deets!)

Party time in The Normans courtyard. Photo by www.sevenpoints.uk

With the duo officially wed, it was celebration time in the courtyard, where guests got their party on to live tunes from the fantastic Got It Covered (When he's not hanging out at The Normans, the lead singer can also be seen performing on Broadway, don't you know!)  

Rustic table plan at The Normans Photo by www.sevenpoints.uk

The rustic table plan was stood on The Normans' very own easel (yes, you can use it for your big day too!), showing guests where to take their seats for a mouthwatering meal by one of our fave caterers, The Hog & Apple Food Co. 

Beef and Pulled Pork at The Normans. Photo by www.sevenpoints.uk

While Thai Tom Yum Broth was served to start, meat-eaters were treated to beef and pulled pork for their main course (and a pepper tian-style burger for the veggies.)

Dessert time at The Normans. Photo by www.sevenpoints.uk

Dessert, meanwhile, came in the delicious form of a salted caramel cheesecake, served upon a fittingly rustic board. 

Newlyweds at The Normans. Photo by www.sevenpoints.uk

With the party in full swing, the newlyweds took a little time out for photos on The Normans farmland. Well, almost alone... (spot the photo-bomber!) Congratulations, Mr & Mrs Malia!

The Normans is by far the most amazing venue we have ever seen. It’s so stunning and has a really rustic and classy feel to it. If we could do it all over again we would - and we wouldn’t change a thing. Thank you all so much for everything, we had the best day of our lives!
— Mrs Malia, rock babe
Mrs Malia at The Normans Cottage Photo by www.sevenpoints.uk

Loving Lee and Deni's wedding photos? Then go ahead and check out the rather awesome Seven Points - and keep eyes peeled for more snaps from this duo's day on our Gallery soon... 

Pure & Simple at The Normans

Fairylights Galore at The Normans Photo by www.lukebellphotography.co.uk

Now, we realise Pure and Simple was a hit for pop band Hear'Say, but once we had the song in our heads we simply couldn't think of another title. Happily, there wasn't a hint of pop-tastic nineties style about Anna and Jonathan's wedding. Not a jot. Rather, pure elegance and simple style, creating an effortlessly timeless look for the London duo's day. 

Arriving in Style at The Normans wedding venue Photo by www.lukebellphotography.co.uk

After tying the knot at St Wilfrid's Catholic Church in nearby York, the dapper newlyweds rolled up to The Normans in style - and photo ready, naturally!

Bridesmaids at The Normans Photo by www.lukebellphotography.co.uk

While bridesmaids' wore elegant floor-length lavender gowns by Biba (bought from House of Fraser, in case you were wondering) ...

Bride in The Normans Cow Stalls Photo by www.lukebellphotography.co.uk

... Anna looked every inch the lady in a chic Mikaella Bridal gown (a design that also lends itself well to reclining in our Cow Stalls when things all get a bit much).

Chillax in The Normans Cow Stalls Photo by www.lukebellphootgraphy.co.uk

Take note, too, of the white and green flowers that filled the Cow Stall mangers. Jonathan's mother not only grew said flowers, but went on to create these very arrangements - forming the prettiest of backdrops for a good chinwag. 

Rainy Days at The Normans Photo by www.lukebellphotography.co.uk

While outside the rain fell, it didn't dampen revellers' spirits - they simply supped their champers beneath The Normans courtyard parasol, or inside the 18th-century threshing barn, before dinner was called. (In your face, rain.) 

Farmland Smooch at The Normans. Photo by www.lukebellphotography.co.uk

As luck would have it, the dove-grey sky created a rather romantic atmosphere for wedding photos on The Normans farmland.

Newlyweds at The Normans Photo by www.lukebellphotography.co.uk

In fact, we can't resist sharing another similarly splendid shot from Luke Bell Photography (more well-deserved plugs for him at the end of this post).

Top table style at The Normans. Photo by www.lukebellphotography.co.uk

As evening drew near, guests were called to dine inside The Normans Marquee. Inside, tables were set in the couple's trademark timeless style, dressed simply with white flowers and cream candles, placed in glass and punched silver holders. 

Party Hard at The Normans Photo by www.lukebellphotography.co.uk

And with dining and speeches complete, all that was left to do was, well, party hard. And party they did! Our heartfelt congratulations go out to Anna and Jonathan - a class act. 

The Normans provided the perfect contemporary space for everyone to enjoy themselves. We weren’t particularly lucky with the weather, but The Normans went above and beyond to make sure that both our preparation and the wedding day itself went as smoothly as possible. We couldn’t have asked for more.
— the ever-so elegant, Anna
Anna Laverty weds at The Normans Photo by www.lukebellphotography.co.uk

The photographer responsible for capturing Anna and Jonathan's day is one Luke Bell Photography. To contact the man himself, click on our list of recommended suppliers (he's really very good.)

Colour Me Happy at The Normans

You Can Stand Under My Umbrella [ella ella...] Photo by www.pauljosephphotography.co.uk

Don't be deceived by the rainbow brolly: it's time to get your shades on - and prepare to be blinded by the most marvellous pops of colour The Normans has ever seen! 

Behold: Betsy and Dan, who flew in from Melbourne to tie the knot against a backdrop of bold blooms and statement balloons. See how excited they are?! (We hear you, Betsy!)

Bold Blooms in The Normans Barn. Photo by www.pauljosephphotography.co.uk

Rainbow-bright flowers were paraded atop our Ceremony Barn's barrels. While yet more cheery gerberas featured as floral pew ends - all the handiwork of the couple's insanely talented family friends! 

Balloon Barn at The Normans Photo by www.pauljosephphotography.co.uk

In our Ceremony Barn, these helium-filled beauties, courtesy of Balloon Talk, formed our first air-bourne pew-ends...

Balloon Fever in The Normans Marquee Photo by www.pauljosephphotography.co.uk

.... while, over in The Normans Marquee, trestle tables were brought to life with balloons tied, at varying heights, to each guest's chair. 

Summer Style in The Normans Marquee. Photo by www.pauljosephphotography.co.uk

For fun, summer style, over-sized foil balloons doubled up as table names, including a rainbow, a flamingo, a pineapple and an ice cream. And why not?! (Check out too, the couple's cute hand-cut flowers, which ran the length of the tables in coloured glass jars. Gorge!)

Pantone Guest Book at The Normans Photo by www.pauljosephphotography.co.uk

Did the colour theme stop there? Did it heck! The clever duo opted for cool Pantone colour cards as a quirky guest book... 

Miss Friday cake at The Normans Photo by www.pauljosephphotography.co.uk

... while the cake, by Miss Friday, literally oozed colour. Its fruit cake top tier - made by Dan's mum - was followed by tiers of vanilla bean and raspberry, carrot cake with cream cheese and lemon drizzle with lemon curd, all iced with cream cheese frosting, meringue kisses and white chocolate drips. 

Bold babes at The Normans Photo by www.pauljosephphotography.co.uk

The bridesmaids wore a peacock blue hue - dresses from The Daintyard via Etsy.com

Betsy the Bride in The Normans farmland. Photo by www.pauljosephphotography.co.uk

Betsy, meanwhile, kept her gorgeous gown simple. By Martina Liana at Angelica Bridal in London, we love its beautiful button-down detail. (Scroll down to see Betsy later team it with a hand-painted leather jacket. Too cool!)

Farm bants with Betsy & Dan Photo by Paul Joseph Photography www.pauljosephphotography.co.uk

The couple took time out for photos on The Normans farmland - and we just love the characterful snaps taken by Paul Joseph Photography. After all, it's ever so hard to keep a straight face after all that reception champagne...

Just wed at The Normans. Photo by www.pauljosephphotography.co.uk

And with a parting shot of that leather jacket, we send our heartfelt congratulations to this colourful couple. Ladies and chaps, let's hear it for the newly-wed Mr and Mrs Tucker! 

The Normans came along when we needed it the most - after a good few months of disappointing venue visits. We were bowled over by its beauty, On the day itself, neither of us had any anxiety over how the wedding would pan out as Oliver was so on the ball. The ultimate MVP. The venue was stunning and we had so many compliments from our guests.
— Betsy, she's the bomb
Betsy the Bride at The Normans. Photo by www.pauljosephphotography.co.uk

All photographs are courtesy of creative Leeds-based duo, Paul and Kelly of Paul Joseph Photography. To see more fabulous photos from Betsy and Dan's day, (yes, there is more!) check out our Gallery very soon... 

Tickled Pink at The Normans

No, you're not looking at a photo shoot for some hot new bridalwear range, rather, the bevy of beauties who made up The Normans latest bridal party - just hanging out, laughing, looking cool. #standard

Indeed! Couples don't come much cuter than Dan and Kat, who hot-footed it up from London Town to say 'I do!' in The Normans Ceremony Barn. 

Needless to say, everyone was pretty darned excited - cue a mad and merry champers-fuelled reception in The Normans courtyard. 

The newlywed pair stepped out to make the most of some just-wed snaps around The Normans farm... 

... and this one allows us to coo over that darling dress for a moment! Orobia by Pronovias, from London's Bridal Rogue Gallery (there's one such boutique in Harrogate too, don't you know). 

But we'll let you into a little secret... Those rather fabulous bridesmaids' dresses? Kat tells us they were an "absolute steal" at £25 each in an ASOS.com sale! #outfitgoals 

Let's admire the flowers too! Kat's wonderfully wild blooms were courtesy of a friend's father, who just happens to be a former florist. We particularly love this rustic, hand-tied bouquet. After all, how to tie one's bouquet can be quite the quandry!

Kat's mother, meanwhile, was good enough to spend many months growing wild flowers, which she then used to fill our Cow Stall troughs. 

The couple got creative too, turning "silly" photos of the pair into Polaroid-style bunting, strewn casually from our Cow Stall mangers on twine. 

The Polaroid theme continued in The Normans Marquee, where photos were used for both the table plan and each place setting. 

Tables were each named after the couple's favourite Soul and Motown singers - tunes of which played out as guests ate. (Later, band Apollo Soul had everyone on the dancefloor, completing the musical theme.)

Other decorative touches came in the form of these fun letter balloons...

...while groom Dan put his artistic side into action with fun and personal signage. 

For the cake, Dan's chef brother made a colourful tower of chocolate and vanilla cupcakes. 

'What the devil's happening here?' We hear you cry! Following traditional speeches, three of Kat and Dan's friends presented a trio of interactive games to guests, including a laugh-a-minute round of 'Mr and Mrs'.

There's frankly too much loveliness to share on one blog post - so be sure to check out our Gallery for more from their big day! We wish this loveable pair a fun-filled future as Mr and Mrs Noller. 

The Normans is the perfect mixture between rustic and romantic with a set up that means the day is as stress-free as possible - and ours was! We had the best day, and that in no small amount was down to Oliver and Laura. They were incredible hosts and couldn’t have made us feel more relaxed and prepared for the big day.
— The beautiful & beaming, Kat

All photographs are courtesy of Leeds-based photographer, Tim Dunk Photography. We like him so much, in fact, you can now find his details on our recommended suppliers list.

Fantastic Beasts - and where to find them...

A lot of queer things happen here at The Normans - usually after too much champagne. But we can confirm that couple Chloë and Joe were stone-cold sober when inviting these two rather loveable llamas to celebrate their big day.

As it turns out, the furry fellows are ever so clean and friendly, not opposed to a bit of fancy dress (the male on the top right is indeed donning a veil) and if you give them a sniff of a cuddly toy they'll even carry it around for a bit. We know! We want one too! Should you be tempted for your own nuptials, contact Nidderdale Llamas

Llamas were the tip of the iceberg for what proved to be a wonderfully quirky wedding day. Chloë's bridesmaids kicked off proceedings, strolling down the aisle to Taylor Swift's You Are In Love, holding not the classic bridesmaid's posey but sparkling lanterns. 

The radiant Chloë, meanwhile - dressed in Maggie Sottero's Chandler - chose a dried bouquet of lavender, wheat and corn. 

On reaching their betrothed, the couple recited personalised vows, giving their civil ceremony a truly unique feel. 

Out in the courtyard, guests were met with a champagne and mulled wine reception - with the latter served in these quirky little paper cups. 

'Canapés' came in the form of freshly-made crepes, served up by the cool dudes at mobile creperie Original Crepes

But it was the marquee where Harry Potter-loving Chloë and Joe had a field day, inviting guests to take a seat beneath the Sorting Hat to determine their table for the wedding breakfast!

It goes without saying, then, that the couple's tables were each named after Hogwart's four houses: Ravenclaw, Gryffindor, Hufflepuff and Slytherin. 

Trestle tables were the only way to go to reflect the couple's Hogwarts-inspired dining style, topped with candles, fir cones and a dusting of glitter. 

Do you really think the fun stopped there? It did not! With dining over, The Normans stage was brought to life with the couple's favourite video games. 

With llamas, Harry Potter, glitter and games galore, Chloë and Joe's day was one of firsts for The Normans - and no doubt their wedding guests too. We wish them all the very best for a wild and wacky future. Congrats!

We very much enjoyed our big day! It was great that we could have everything we wanted at The Normans, so full points for flexibility! Have you decided to buy any llamas yet?!
— Blonde bombshell, Chloe

The talented Chris and Verity of Sansom Photography are the duo behind this atmospheric array of photos. To see yet more from the couple's day, visit our Gallery soon!

Easter Glamour at The Normans

The ultimate #girlsquad strutted their stuff at The Normans last month, when teachers Carrie and Neil tied the knot with a midweek wedding filled with Easter-inspired details and baskets full of glamour. 

The bridal party readied themselves in The Normans Cottage - with a little help from make-up artist Meg Lindow and hairstylist Gilly Ellis of Bijou in Beverley. The bridesmaids' glittering gowns were, by a happy coincidence, named 'Carrie', by Jenny Packham at Debenhams

The fabulous Carrie, meanwhile, rocked 'Maui', a sleek, bejewelled design by Sottero and Midgley.

But let us not forget the boys! Groom Neil and his twin sons, Joey and Harry, looked very dapper in bold blue, with spring-pink ties. (Nicely done, chaps!)

While the couple are clearly a dab-hand at dressing the part, it wasn't all about the outfits, oh no! Our Ceremony Barn's aisle was lined with hurricane jars and candles, while gypsophelia formed pretty pew ends. 

Our barrels, meanwhile, were topped with dramatic displays in green and white with a touch of blush pink, courtesy of the clever ladies at the Floral Lounge in Hull. 

Elsewhere, the cosy Cow Stalls were dressed in fresh and simple green and white, from the mangers and troughs to the beams... 

...we just can't get enough of these hanging jars with single blooms (to be hung with care!)

With such eye-catching dresses and decor, we couldn't wait to see Carrie and Neil wed at 2pm - a service that included a tear-jerking, personalised poem written and read by the bride's brothers and Neil's twin boys. 

After the ceremony, guests enjoyed a reception in the sun, with bubbles and table football keeping everyone entertained.

The couple's photographer, Katherine of Inspire Photos, made the most of The Normans' farm backdrop, taking some group shots with a difference.

Next, the newlywed Carrie and Neil were whisked off for a photo shoot of their own in our beautiful oil seed rape fields...

...which serve up a blanket of bright yellow come springtime - what a backdrop!

Back inside the venue, guests took their seats in The Normans Marquee, only after finding their mugshot on the couple's handmade photo table plan (a personal favourite of ours!)

Simple pots of daisy marguerites posed as table centrepieces. But plaudits go to Carrie's parents - talented potters of Hull-based Mushroom Pottery - for creating these personalised mugs for favours. 

Glass jars of sweets kept guests - young and old - buzzing all night long... 

... and we daresay the Espresso Martinis helped too. (Excellent choice!)

Ready to party, the newlyweds kicked off the night by gracing our new, oh-so-glossy black and white dancefloor. (Ooh, see how it shines!)

What a way to spend a Wednesday! Our very best to a truly lovely couple, Carrie and Neil!

Everyone who attended our wedding has been so complimentary about the day and blown away by the venue. Thank you for making us feel so special and creating memories that will last a lifetime.
— The glamorous Mrs Leckenby

The lovely Katherine of Inspire Photos is the lady behind the lens of these fantastic photos. For yet more photos from Carrie and Neil's big day, check out our Gallery soon!

Step into Spring at The Normans

Spring has finally sprung (huzzah!) and, boy, do we have some glorious weddings lined up for you!

First up, Danielle and Craig! Marrying in March can fill a girl with all sorts of weather-related worries, but not Danielle, who tied the knot without a raindrop in sight.

The couple's day was all about pretty spring style - and the girls' dresses set the tone, with a delicate, lace Catherine Deane design for Danielle and soft pink bridesmaids' gowns from high-street favourite, Coast

After discussing her favourite seasonal flowers with Tadcaster's Melanie's Florist, Danielle chose pastel-hued blooms for the bridal bouquets. 

The Normans Cow Stalls were prettified too, with jars of wild flowers and a touch of bunting - just the spot to sit back with a glass of fizz. (Or a celebratory smooch!)

After tying the knot at noon in The Normans Ceremony Barn, Danielle and Craig hired the talented female trio Simply Strings to entertain their guests during an al fresco drinks reception (and entertain they did - we heartily recommend them!).

While guests supped champers in the courtyard, the newlyweds sneaked off to the surrounding farmland for those all-important couple shots. (Who knew chopped-down trees could look so wistfully romantic?!)

Back in The Normans Marquee, Danielle and Craig themed their seating plan 'Our World', naming each table after a meaningful destination to the pair, from Hitchin to the USA!

Counting pre-wedding calories? Look away now! This three-tiered beauty from the Blossom Tree Cake Company comprised fillings of chocolate salted caramel, zesty lemon and - keeping it real on the top tier - vanilla. We just love the broken silver leaf and marble-effect fondant icing! 

There's nothing like a gigantic light-up letter or two to get people on the dancefloor, and these dazzlers were set up on The Normans stage, courtesy of Elite Sound

While guests threw their finest wine-induced shapes on our chequered dancefloor... 

... others supped hot chocolate and marshmallows outside on The Normans patio, beneath our mega umbrella (space enough for 100 guests - we counted!) 

And as the day drew to a close (sob!), where better to pause for 'reflection' than our courtyard's water feature? Captured rather beautifully here by Bloom Weddings Photography. Congrats!

When we saw The Normans we instantly knew it was the place for us. A hidden gem in the heart of Yorkshire, it had the quintessential British rustic charm of a farm, updated with contemporary yet sympathetic additions.

The day itself was all we hoped it would be, the organisation of everyone at The Normans and our caterers, Friends4Dinner, meant we had nothing to worry about and all our energy could be spent enjoying the day with our friends and family!
— The very lovely, Danielle

The super cool Bloom Weddings Photography took these splendid images of Danielle and Craig's spring day. Bloom Weddings' details can now be found on our Suppliers page. For yet more photos from this, the prettiest of days, check out our Gallery page soon!