Much has happened since we posted our last wedding blog: the G20 summit in Brazil, World Vegan Day, Trump’s re-election, the subsequent demise of the global rules-based order, Trump’s trade war, the arrival of a fabulous vintage sack hoist at The Normans (a perfect stand for displaying welcome signs and the like)…
It’s been quite a ride.
But what exactly do global affairs (and a sack hoist) have to do with Helen and Chef Tony’s wedding at The Normans? Not a great deal, to be honest, but I suppose it’s reassuring to know that, during turbulent times, good vibes continue to resonate at The Normans (and we know a good sack hoist when we see one).
Wedding hair & make-up
And the vibes don’t get much better than on a wedding morning in The Normans Cottage.
It’s here we find bride Helen and her besties readying themselves with the assistance of Jade Heaney aka The Makeup Works and Lisa Holmes Hair.
We absolutely love Helen’s punk-rock chic look.
The wedding dress
Helen was laser-focused when it came to picking her wedding dress… The White April Wild Flower.
“I actually went [to Chloe Jane Bridal] with this specific dress in mind,” explains Helen. “I had seen it on Chloe Jane’s socials and instantly knew it was ‘the dress’.”
Suffice to say, Dad and bridesmaids were suitably stunned.
We adore the dreamy, bohemian-inspired feel to the gown, which exudes effortless elegance.
The Groom
More observant readers will have noted that we referred to the groom as ‘Chef’ Tony. This isn’t because his first name’s ‘Chef’. It’s Tony. And Tony’s a chef.
See what we did there?
Specifically, Tony’s Head Chef at superstar catering outfit The Hog & Apple Food Co. He might even be referred to as Culinary Director, we don’t know, but either way: he’s a BIG deal.
What’s more, after nearly 10 years of cheffing in various iterations of The Normans wedding venue’s kitchen - from leaky catering tent when we first opened to our fancy new kitchen - Tony still wanted to get married here, which we take as a massive compliment.
The Ceremony
And we’re guessing, by the way Helen skipped down the aisle, she also wanted to get married at The Normans (to Tony).
Arm in arm with her dad, Gary (also a Hog & Apple Chef), Helen looked radiant as she met her beau in front of the cascading fairy lights in The Normans wedding venue Ceremony Barn.
The canapés
Once the ‘I dos’ were done, Helen and Tony headed out into the May sunshine for drinks and canapes… but not just any canapés…
“Since Tony is the head chef of The Hog & Apple, I had zero input into the menu,” laughs Helen.
“Certainly, the canapés set a high bar! They created a real buzz during the drinks reception and were delicious - they got the guests excited for the main event, for sure!”
“We went classic and picked the four ‘big hitters’: mini pies, fish and chips, H&A potato, and vegan crostini.”
Bridesmaids’ dresses
A quick shout out to Helen’s bridesmaids who slayed it in their Six Stories dresses.
“It’s a really great shop if you want to pick your colour scheme but also give your bridesmaids a choice of styles,” explains Helen.
“They do loads of variations within the same colourway. They also have a choice of fabrics and you can order swatches. The dresses were really nice quality and looked beautiful. My bridesmaids wore the cowl back and the wrap-tie dresses in satin Champagne.”
Upstaging the bridesmaids, however, were Helen and Tony’s pet pooches, who made a special guest appearance at the drinks reception!
We love how Helen and Tony’s style fitted so well with the industrial-chic of The Normans wedding venue…
The Groom’s get-up
An honourable mention, also, to Chef Tony’s wedding-day get-up…
“I wanted to prioritise feeling authentic to myself so I didn’t wear a three piece suit and instead opted for tuxedo trousers and waistcoat with a grandad collard shirt. All black, with simple satin trim details. I felt great - and I’m glad I chose to stray slightly from the traditional path and get rid of the suit jacket and tie,” says Tony.
“Furthermore, this all-black colour palette meant that the groomsmen and Helen’s Dad could easily choose something they were comfortable in - and they didn’t necessarily need to wear the same set as the groom.”
Groom and Best Man were dressed in Next. “They offer a selection of fits, styles, and lengths, so everything fit like a glove,” explains Tony.
Stationery and signage
We also love the stationery and quirky design elements that punctuated the decorative themes throughout the venue…
The table plan from BirdHouse197, based in Leeds, was particularly eye-catching.
“I was so obsessed with this shop,” enthuses Helen. “George designs really cool save-the-dates, invitations, welcome signs, seating plans, and thank-you cards. I loved the designs so much that I added the invitations to my Etsy wish list two whole years before Tony even proposed!”
Flowers and décor
The Grain Shed dining area looked stunning with florals and baubles courtesy of Kate Mell Flowers.
The Normans is such a beautiful venue, with so many little features - and a million fairy lights - it doesn’t really need dressing up,” says Helen of her décor.
“We added a statement floral piece up and around the entrance to the main room which really made an impact. We used the long tables with the gantries so we could keep the table top free for the important bits - the food and drink!”
The Wedding Breakfast
“For our wedding breakfast the food centred around Indian flavours. The whole menus was developed for our wedding and was such a success Hog & Apple now offers it to all couples!”
And what better way to conclude this sumptuous meal? A mountain of donuts, of course!
The party
And when donuts had been devoured, it was time for dancing…
“I can’t talk about our wedding without recommending our band, Five Times Steady,” says Helen. “They gave an absolutely epic performance! If any couples are still looking for a band, drop Tobi a message!”
“Many, many years ago, Tony came home after working at The Normans and said to me it’s the place we’re getting married… and he never changed his mind! The Normans is a class act: stylish but not over-styled, impressive but not overwhelming...”
