Seasoned travellers Louise and Ray knew they wanted a relaxed vibe for their big day. What’s more, they wanted to marry in a place that would suit the Aussie groom’s chilled-out character and Louise’s Yorkshire roots. And here we find them, at The Normans.
Luckily the weather was more Australian than Yorkshire, meaning the men of the moment could don their shades en route to the ceremony - dressed in suits from Peter Posh.
Meanwhile, bride-to-be Louise and her bridesmaids readied themselves in The Normans onsite cottage, but a stone’s throw from the spot where she would soon say ‘I do’…
As soon as she stepped out we fell head over heels for Louise’s boho bridal dress - Luca by Rue de Seine
A show of fine soft mesh, beading and fringing - and that low back detail…
One of Louise’s enduring memories of walking down the Ceremony Barn aisle, was how the scent of eucalyptus and lavender filled the air: “I wish ‘smellivision’ was a thing - the fragrance of the ceremony barn was everything!” she says.
Once wed, the happy couple left the Ceremony Barn amid a flurry of rose-petal confetti …
… heading out into the sun-soaked Courtyard to make merry with guests who had travelled far and wide to join them right here in Yorkshire.
But the couple enjoyed some all-important alone time, too - heading out into The Normans farmland for some ‘just-married’ shots, featuring our resident horses Heidi and Ben and rolling, sun-kissed fields.
Back inside the venue, a world map set the tone for the couple’s wedding breakfast - with each table named after the couple’s favourite destinations.
Each person’s place setting comprised a Polaroid photo, individually picked to show a favourite memory with that person. “Favours were a little bit from our homes,” explains Louise. “Yorkshire Tea from me, Australian biscuits ‘Tim Tams’ from Ray.”
Their gift and card table paid a final tribute to their travels and life overseas, featuring rustic boxes, a globe and a vintage suitcase.
Table-top centrepieces, meanwhile, were kept simple with tall vase displays of gypsophelia …
… a look that was echoed on the top table, which was lined with low, hessian-covered pots.
“Our incredible friend and ‘birthday cake queen’ Sonia made our cake,” recalls Louise. “The flavours of each tier were Ginger, Lemon, White Chocolate and Raspberry.”
Sated - not to mention deliriously happy - our loved-up couple kicked off the night’s dancing with their own first spin about the dancefloor as newlyweds. Congratulations!
“The Normans had everything we could have wanted and more. We had the opportunity to do as much or as little as we wanted - in our case it was the latter, because it’s perfect as it is. The whole team made the entire process easy from start to finish. We are still wondering what people are talking about when they say that weddings are stressful! Our guests were as blown away as we were.”
SUPPLIERS
BRIDE'S DRESS LUCA BY RUE DE SEINE
BRIDE'S HAIR CARINA AT THE HARROGATE HAIR & BEAUTY CLINIC
BRIDESMAID'S DRESSES REWRITTEN
CATERER THE HOG & APPLE FOOD CO.
FLORIST KATE MELL FLOWERS
GROOM'S SUIT PETER POSH
PHOTOGRAPHER CRIS MATTHEWS PHOTOGRAPHY
Check out more photos from Louise and Ray’s day, by Cris Matthews Photography, on our Gallery!
