November might not be the most ‘fashionable’ month to tie the knot, but, here at The Normans, we’re big fans of a late-autumn wedding - we love the turning leaves, the low afternoon sunlight, the refreshing chill in the air, and the laidback vibes that pervade this time of year.
Happily, the most excellent El and Tom share our sentiments. Just as well, really, since they booked a November wedding at The Normans last year (yes, yes - we’re a tad behind with the blogs).
The girls readied themselves for the Big Day with the assistance of super-stylist (and Normans regular) Megan Boyne.
“I had strict instructions from Tom not to turn up with a bun,” says El. “My hair is always a curly frizzy mess so I also didn’t want anything too neat and over-styled. Megan did a great job of creating loose curls and twists down to one side to still show off the back of my dress.
Meanwhile, Brittany Jae took charge of make-up.
“Brittany had the patience of a saint,” says El. “I was super picky, but she perfectly executed the ‘natural-glam’ look with bronzes, golds, browns that I asked for.”
El’s dress, by Enzoani from Scarlet Poppy Bridal Boutique in Pudsey, was a wearable work of art.
“After visiting numerous dress shops and not liking anything at all, I finally found it - it was the only dress I tried on where I actually looked in the mirror and imagined walking down the aisle,” recalls El.
El was drawn to the the elegant boat neckline, and the cheeky full side lace cut-outs.
“I loved the classic but sexy style and the fitted shape of the dress,” she says. “And, although I loved a lot about the dress, I had my heart set on a dramatic low keyhole style back, so I had this changed by the seamstress.”
And, wanting to achieve the full ‘wow’ factor El added lace to the train, extra sparkle to all the lace, as well as a cathedral veil with a diamante trim adding even more sparkle.
Flowers fell under the remit of Rosie from BW Blossom & Bloom, who, we think you’ll agree, did an incredible job with the bouquets.
“We wanted wild autumnal vibes with burnt oranges, peaches, and crimsons,” says El. “Rosie created this perfectly, and I loved the addition of the trailing ribbons.”
El’s beautiful bridesmaids, meanwhile, were decked out in rich, plum-coloured dresses from Coast. We absolutely love this colour, especially when set against the oranges, purples and dusty pinks of the flowers.
After the excitement of seeing El in her stunning dress, the bridal party took the short commute from The Cottage to the Ceremony Barn. Happily, the autumn weather was behaving itself, and the low, autumn sun basked everyone and everything in rich gold.
But before we get to the ceremony, let’s give a shout-out to the groom, Tom.
Tom, we think you’ll agree, scrubs up pretty well, and was looking particularly dashing in a three-piece tailormade suit from good ol’ Moss Bros. We absolutely love the suit lining, and the pocket watch. Little details like these really turn heads.
Tom’s best-man-slash-brother and his dad (and El’s dad) sported matching tailormade suits, also from Moss Bros. The chaps looked smashing.
Speaking of smashing, The Normans Ceremony Barn, as always, looked a picture.
In terms if décor, the couple kept things simple - the aisle was lined with flickering candles, a sprinkle of confetti and two striking flower arrangements (again, the handiwork of BW Blossom & Bloom) were placed on barrels at the end of the aisle.
Once guests were seated, and the groom was in position, all eyes were on El as she walked down the aisle to meet Tom and exchange vows.
And, as is tradition in these parts, the couple were duly pelted with confetti as the walked back up the aisle towards the open Grain Shed doors.
Whatever the weather - or indeed the season - we’ve got you covered (figuratively and literally - for those not in the know, check out the new pergola that now stands in The Courtyard). However, the couple were lucky enough to have a crisp, clear autumn day, so they and their guests enjoyed drinks outside in The Courtyard.
Food played a massive part at El and Tom’s wedding - and the canapés set the tone. Guests were greeted with Hog & Apple’s classic pie and (mini) pint canapés, as well as bitesize Yorkshire puddings and mini fish & chips.
Mains, served in the Grain Shed on long banqueting tables, were equally quirky, contemporary, and delicious.
“We really wanted the vibe to be really relaxed and fun,” explains El, “so we loved the idea of having sharing platters as we felt it created a really social dining atmosphere perfect for the banquet tables. We had the Spanish tapas sharing platter to start - the chorizo prawns and garlic mushrooms were delightful.”
Once guests had had their fill of fine fare from H&A - and once emotional (and hilarious) speeches were done with - the bride and groom cut/attacked the cake. Shout out to family friend Charlotte. Her four-tiered behemoth featured all the couples’ favourite flavours: a peanut-butter-cup tier, a lemon and poppy seed tier, Nutella and Ferrero Rocher, and a classic Victoria sponge.
And, just when you thought El’s facial expressions couldn’t get any more animated, the couple embarked on their first dance. We doff our hats!
“We cannot recommend The Normans enough - the team go above
and beyond to ensure your wedding day is the best day ever!”
