Winter is coming. And with it: shorter days, longer nights, and fewer weddings here at The Normans (we’re down to one a week, in case you were wondering).
Of course, fewer weddings isn’t necessarily a bad thing - in means this writer can spend less time hoovering confetti (which he loves doing, by the way) and more time catching up with this wedding blog.
“About time too!” we hear you holler.
Well, indeed.
And so, without further ado, let’s take a trip down memory lane to Spring, of all places, where we find a pair of most excellent humans preparing to marry one another at The Normans wedding venue…
Bridal Hair & Make-up
One half of said pair of humans is Abi, pictured here in The Normans’ onsite accommodation (the imaginatively monikered ‘The Cottage’) readying herself for the rest of her life with Alex (more on him, later).
Abi’s beauty-related requirements were tended to by the talented Emily Hawkes, who styled bride and bridesmaids’ hair, and Julia Jeckell - a titan of the wedding make-up world.
The Dress: A Timeless Choice
Abi’s wedding dress was a stunner. She chose the Langham gown from renowned British designer Suzanne Neville, a name synonymous with classic, luxurious bridal fashion.
“When I first started dress shopping, I thought I would go for a detailed, boho-style dress to suit the rustic feel of The Normans,” explains Abi. “But I tried on quite a few of these styles, and nothing felt quite right! I then visited the Suzanne Neville flagship store on a friend’s recommendation and I just fell in love with the Langham design.”
Abi was won over by the classic clean lines of the dress - and the the modern scallop neckline.
“It felt completely timeless but also quite unique,” she continues. “And the silk organza layered skirt felt so luxurious – I absolutely loved wearing it and in the end I thought it fitted the venue and the feel of our wedding perfectly!”
Bridesmaids’ dresses
Boom! Bridesmaids in Da House (aka The Normans Cottage)!
Here are Abi’s ladies in waiting - looking fab-u-lous in elegant dresses from Maids to Measure.
Wedding flowers
Floral fine-tuning fell to the lovely Sam and Erika of Tweedle Floral Design and, since Abi & Alex were tying the knot in Spring, the brief was colourful, contemporary pastel colours for the bouquets, buttonholes, and decorative flowers dotted throughout the venue.
The Groom’s get-up
“Whoa! What’s James Bond doing at The Normans?!” we hear you cry.
Calm down! Believe it or not, it’s not everyone’s favourite super-spy but our Groom, Alex, suited and booted in a tailored tux and a pair of slick Ray-Bans. Nice.
The Groomsmen’s suits
Alex had Tailor Made London to thank for his sharp, sophisticated look, while groomsmen’s suits were from Moss.
As guests trickled into the venue in the build-up to the ceremony, Alex and his groomsmen held court, pretending they knew the names of everyone they were speaking to.
The wedding ceremony
Before long, guests were invited to take their seats for the ceremony.
Inside, they were greeted by the stunning sight of our iconic fairy lights flanked by flower displays from Tweedle Floral Design, with flickering candles lining the aisle.
“We added some lanterns to the aisle to compliment the beautiful fairy lights and candles that make [the room] feel so romantic,” says Abi.
When guests were seated, bride Abi was beckoned out of The Cottage…
… and she made her way to The Ceremony Barn with bridesmaids and flower girls.
Once her entourage had made their way down the aisle, Abi and her Dad walked the most memorable of walks to meet Alex in front of the cascading fairy lights.
Vows were exchanged…
… as were kisses…
… and confetti fell like snow… really difficult to hoover-up paper snow…
Happily, The Normans team had arranged for the sun to shine during drinks reception (all part of the service, ahem), and Abi & Alex were able to toast one another’s awesomeness in The Courtyard. Cheers!
“But probably the best accessory on the day was the spring sunshine!” exclaims Abi. “We always hoped for good weather, and we felt so lucky to be able to enjoy the sun in the courtyard for our drinks reception.”
You’re welcome.
Our most-excellent couple were joined in The Courtyard by thirsty guests who were champing at the bit to smash through the free drinks.
The Hog & Apple Food Co, meanwhile, distributed canapes like the catering colossi they are.
Once the brilliant Bloom Weddings (aka Annie and Chris) had yelled at the wedding party to “move left a bit, move right a bit, say CHEESE!” for the group photo, the Grain Shed doors were opened and guests were called in for speeches…
A Delicious Menu
The wedding food was another highlight of the day, with the menu celebrating local flavours.
“For our starters, we wanted to really welcome our guests to Yorkshire, since many people were travelling from elsewhere,” explains Abi. “We opted for The Hog & Apple’s Yorkshire deli board – a sharing platter of mini pies, sausage rolls, and local cheeses and chutneys.”
For mains, the couple chose a traditional lamb roast with all the trimmings, perfect for their Easter Sunday wedding. The meal was rounded off with a refreshing lemon meringue dessert and (later) pizza to fuel dance-floor fun.
PARTY TIME
Who needs wedding cake when you can have a massive pile of cheese? Not Abi & Alex, fo sho!
The couple eschewed traditional baked-goods in favour of fromage (by George & Joseph), which was later fed to greedy guests…
… but not before the first dance was rudely interrupted by the brassy bombast of New York Brass Band.
We jest, of course: NYBB are a sure-fire way to get any party started… not that Abi, Alex and their guests needed any excuse!
“The wedding day was without a doubt the best day of our lives. We are so happy we chose to get married at The Normans. We just wish we could do it all again!”
