As we embark upon our 2019 season, we take one last glance over the shoulder at 2018 - to New Year’s Eve, to be precise - a fitting finale to a wonderful year of weddings here at The Normans.
So, where to begin with the wedding that had it all? With the couple, of course: Sasha and Tom, who knew exactly how to throw a New Year’s bash that will live long in Normans folklore.
Sasha and Tom certainly made the most made the most of The Normans’ environs for their New Year’s extravaganza. The Ceremony Barn was simply decorated with Christmas trees flanking the cascading fairylights, with hurricane lanterns lining the aisle.
And then there were the lovely personal touches - skis in the Cow Stalls…
… a hot-chocolate station, complete with marshmallows and Maltesers - a warming welcome for guests coming in from the cold.
And we loved the order of the day, written on this beautiful, gilt-edged mirror.
Then, of course, there was the dress code: black tie to see out 2018 and ring in 2019. Check out Tom’s Reiss suit (keep scrolling down for a close-up). His groomsmen, meanwhile, were decked out in Moss Bros tuxedos.
Sasha, of course, stole the show in terms of style.
Her crystal-encrusted Jenny Packham dress sparkled with effortless sophistication…
… we just loved how her look was finished off with these stunning blue shoes from Anthropologie.
The result, as you can imagine, was quite stunning. Here’s Sahsa, wedding ready, with her proud pa, clutching a bouquet crafted by Alison of Wild Floral Couture.
As you might expect from a classy New Year’s bash held at an award-winning venue (ahem), a string trio greeted guests as they took their seats in the Ceremony Barn. Sublime sounds came courtesy of the lovely ladies of Simply Strings.
Sasha’s adorable flower girl set the tone for the ceremony, melting hearts as she scattered petals down the aisle.
There followed the beautiful bridesmaids, seen here dressed in stylish black maxi dresses from Monsoon.
But all eyes (and iPhones) were on Sasha as she graced the aisle with a smile to brighten even the greyest of December days.
And so began our last marriage ceremony of 2018…
… concluding with Sasha and Tom emerging from the Ceremony Barn into the Courtyard.
Drinks, put on by Hog & Apple, awaited bride, groom and their guests…
… and the venue was filled with mirth and merriment - both inside and out. Guests who preferred not to brave the late December chill, opted to cosy up in our Cow Stalls…
… while Tom and Sasha snuck away to gaze lovingly at one another… in an empty farm shed.
Back in the venue, the Grain Shed dining area has never looked better, with stars suspended from the ceiling and our new rustic banqueting tables being showcased for the first time.
The table gantries added another dimension to the decor - below, you’ll see glass baubles and tealights hanging along the lengths of the tables.
It’s safe to say Sasha and Tom received an enthusiastic reception from guests, as they took their place at the top table, alongside close friends and family.
From here on, wine was taken, food devoured, and this stunning stack of macaroons didn’t last long after dessert…
… and the party quickly began to heat up (read as: unravel) as guests wielding swords tried their hand at opening bottles of bubbly (sword courtesy of a guest cavalry officer; not included in venue hire).
And if ever this crowd needed a little extra encouragement to get on the dance floor (they didn’t, trust us), our friends New York Brass Band dropped in, to ensure 2019 was greeted with a flourish.
While some were happy to shake it on the (designated) dance floor…
… the groom elevated proceedings by strutting his stuff up on the bar …
… as well as showcasing his trumpeting skills - much to the amusement/shock/horror of musicians and guests alike.
Of course, Sasha was never going to let Tom grab too much of the limelight and was soon up there with him. If ever there was a photo to sum up an after party at The Normans, it’s this!
Of course, no New Year - or wedding, for that matter - is complete without an impromptu appearance from a ‘stripper’/partially-clothed guest.
And you know you’ve been to good wedding when you witness the bride (wearing Jenny Packham) give a piggyback to a half-naked man.
Sasha, Tom - we salute you.
“From start to finish Oliver, Laura and Sharon were the A- team! The planning was easy and they were accommodating at every stage. On the day they were secretly running a very tight ship to keep the day to plan, but our guests commented on how the day felt relaxed and effortless. They consider every little detail of the day... We couldn’t be more grateful for these guys and their beautiful venue!”
