In case you haven't noticed, it's pretty darn snowy at the moment - a perfect opportunity, perhaps, to share Claire and Andy's big day, and showcase The Normans in all its wintry wedding glory.
Before the Beast of the East reared its ugly head, The Normans Courtyard found itself blanketed in snow back in December - creating a rather magical backdrop to the couple's festive wedding day.
Happily, Claire was warm as toast, just a stone's throw away inside The Normans Cottage, where York-based make-up artist Julie Mercer created a fab, photo-ready look for the girls.
While snowflakes continued to fall in flurries outside the Cottage, we at The Normans didn't fret a jot ...
... for inside the venue an array of winter loveliness awaited guests: warm candlelight flickered in our Ceremony Barn ...
... while dramatic displays of snow-white flowers, by Kate Mell, were paraded on our rustic barrels, marking the spot where Claire and Andy would say 'I do!'
Back outside, our Christmas tree branches shimmered under a dusting of snow.
Happily, all the guests made it to the ceremony on time to witness the punch-the-air-moment when Claire and Andy were declared husband and wife - huzzah!
Champagne flowed in our rustic snug, The Cow Stalls, where guests could cosy up and toast the newlyweds.
Outside, others were happy to brave the frost in their finest - with winter-warming canapés from The Hog & Apple Food Co.
The chillier climes didn't hamper our couple's spirits either. After all, what's not to love about a snowy wedding photo?!
With the drinks' reception drawing to a close, guests took their seats inside The Normans Marquee - where this seasonal light-up tree made the prettiest of table plans.
Table tops were awash with sparkle too: from gold terrariums in the centre to mini Christmas baubles on napkins - one hand-tied with a name tag and sprig of gypsophila for festive place settings.
The simple yet chic stationery was designed by the couple themselves, reflecting the white and gold colour scheme.
The menu featured indulgent Yorkshire Deli Boards and mouthwatering Spanish Tapas from The Hog & Apple Food Co, creating a sociable yet relaxed dining style for guests.
Dessert, meanwhile, came in the form of three delicious tiers of buttercream-encased cake.
With so much fine food and drink consumed, all that was left for Claire and Andy to enjoy was their place on the dancefloor! Congratulations to the bride and groom!
“The Normans is simply stunning and added such magic to the atmosphere of the day. There are not enough ‘thank yous’ to The Normans team for how they helped coordinate our day. They made it effortless and stress-free; which meant the world! ”
CATERER THE HOG & APPLE FOOD CO
BRIDE'S DRESS SUZANNE NEVILLE
FLORIST KATE MELL
GROOM'S SUIT MARKS & SPENCER
MAKE-UP JULIE MERCER
PHOTOGRAPHER ALEXANDRA HOLT PHOTOGRAPHY
BAND SHINE ON
STATIONERY PRINTED BY HOBS REPRO (DESIGN, COUPLE'S OWN)
TREE TABLE PLAN JOHN LEWIS
WEDDING CAKE COUPLE'S OWN
All photographs of Claire and Andy's big December day are courtesy of the rather ace Alexandra Holt Photography. More images can be seen on our Gallery soon ...
