In the words of our man Andy W: “It’s the most wonderful time of the year”.
Well, not so much now - we’re writing this blog in late January, the dullest time of year - but Christmas, which, in our humble opinion, is indeed the most wonderful time of the year… to get married.
While most of you will be looking forward to the arrival of Spring, we’re looking back at the season to be jolly, when Hannah & Jon decked The Normans with boughs of holly for their wonderful winter wedding.
We start, then, with our beautiful bride Hannah, whose preparations for her big day were helped by the mad make-up skills of Emma Denton and hair-styling sorcery of Debbie and Cheryl from Studio 76 York Hair & Beauty.
Hannah’s bridal gown was a piece by Richard Designs, which she procured from Treasured Brides (a five-minute drive from The Normans, no less).
“Treasured Brides is a truly special place,” says Hannah.
“The owner Zoe really takes the time to understand what you're after and the vibe of you and the big day. We loved her system of picking and trying on dresses. If a dress was a maybe, then it got hung on her door, and then the next dress either had to beat the first one to replace it on the door, or it got turned down.”
“This was a simple way of narrowing down to a couple of favourites, and the dress I chose ended up being the first one I tried on in Zoe's shop,” recalls Hannah.
“I liked the fitted corset bodice, and the sparkly leaf detailing on the skirt and train. I wanted something with a bit of sparkle to reflect the lovely fairy lights in The Normans Ceremony barn and all around the venue.”
“I ended up picking my ‘cape veil’ from there too - and my Mum bought her outfit from Zoe too. So, all in all, we had a few successful trips out to Angram!”
Meanwhile, Groom Jon was on a bus.
Not the X43 to Scarborough, but a classic double-decker bus from York Pullman, which was heading to The Normans (not Scarborough).
Jon cut quite the dash in his chequered three-piece suit from Suits Direct.
While Jon and his guests disembarked the fun bus and congregated for yet more fun in the venue, Hannah was visited by her Dad in The Normans Cottage. Not a dry eye in the house.
Outside, the venue was awash with seasonal cheer.
“We were going for festive-rustic glam, since it was a winter wedding,” explains Hannah. “There was lots of eucalyptus, thistles (I have Scottish parents!), fairy lights, candles…”
“We loved the Kate Mell arrangements we saw at the H&A Tasting Night at The Normans, and we thought it would be useful to go with a florist who really knew the venue. We got Kate to do the gypsophila selfie frame in the Cow Stalls, but in the end, I don't think people really went in there because of the lovely new (warm) Stables Bar, which was such a fab, unexpected addition to the whole venue.”
“We also got her to put the two Christmas trees at the end of the aisle in The Ceremony Barn, which I think looked stunning with the fairy lights,” says Hannah.
Hannah was radiant as she, arm in arm with her Dad, walked down the aisle in The Normans Ceremony Barn to meet Jon.
The couple read heartfelt personalised vows to one another…
… and their union was sealed with a kiss.
After navigating through a blizzard of confetti, Hannah and Jon made their way out into The Normans Courtyard for drinks and canapes.
Happily, the weather on their wedding day was a crisp dry day so all and sundry could spend a bit of time drinking al fresco before retreating to cosier corners of the venue.
Importantly, the dry weather meant that the bride and groom’s sausage dog could mingle with guests (and hoover up any misplaced canapes).
Inside, the sparkling Grain Shed dining area awaited guests.
The focal point of the room was the bride and groom’s custom-made neon sign, which hung behind the top table.
“[The sign] really stood out in all the photos from the meal and speeches,” says Hannah. “Multiple guests commented that they would like to do something similar on their day - or just in their homes!”
Hats off to Wild Fire Neon for their handiwork!
Hannah and Jon had opted for The Normans’ rustic banqueting tables, which featured gantries lined with greenery and tealights hanging in baubles. The effect was simple, yet stunning.
When the Grain Shed doors were opened, guests were greeted by a personalised table plan, and golden balloons bobbing in the cool December breeze.
Things soon warmed up, with the introduction of the bride and groom…
The food at The Normans is always a show-stopper, thanks to top-drawer caterers The Hog & Apple Food Co.
“We loved the H&A tasting night [hosted at The Normans] and we ended up choosing our main of chicken and chorizo, and our dessert or apple and blackberry parfait from that evening,” explains Hannah. “We also chose a couple of the canapes from the night, too!”
“I think the thing that most people remember - and have commented on since - were the Yorkshire sharing-board starters - and how the boards were set out on the long banqueting tables when guests entered the Grain Shed. That was a bit different and got people talking to each other, and filled people up before the break for speeches.”
“We picked a lighter pudding knowing that people would have lots of drinks and cakes later,” says Hannah.
“And a shoutout to Ange at Iced Yorkshire, who made the most delicious, gorgeous cake that we still dream about!”
The cake proved the perfect fuel for the first dance…
… which was quickly followed by funky festive footwork from all Hannah and Jon’s guests.
And no good wedding would be complete without…
… press-ups.
“I couldn’t recommend The Normans more; we had the best day of our lives and will treasure the memories forever. I just hope some of our friends get married there so we can go back and enjoy the venue as guests! ”
