Remember, remember the month of November…
Why?
Well, for one, it’s a cracking time of year to get married.
Why?!
So many questions! Okay, picture this: the countryside ablaze in red, gold and orange; the moody mid-afternoon sun painting the horizon hot-pink; and, aside from stunning scenery and sunsets, everyone gets an excuse to invest in a new autumn wardrobe (in this instance: gladrags for a wonder wedding at The Normans…)
Case in point: Molly and Luke’s November wedding.
“Having viewed the venue on a cold day in February, we knew that a late-autumn wedding wouldn't be an issue - the layout of The Normans could accommodate our large guest list, no matter the weather,” says bride Molly.
Quite right too, Molly.
Born and raised in the rightful capital of the UK, York, marvellous Molly readied herself for her wedding at her family home. She and her bridesmaids were doted upon by high-priestess of hairstyling, Hannah Taylor, and makeup maestro Amy George (assisted by awesome Orla, so we’re told).
“I found both Hannah and Amy through Instagram,” says Molly. “They had previously done weddings at The Normans, and they were incredible! I would recommend them in a heartbeat!”
Arriving in style
Since Molly’s family lived so close to the venue, local farmer and part-time parking attendant at The Normans, Andrew Robinson, volunteered to collect our blushing bride. Needless to say, his vehicle of choice was atypically agricultural… a Bentley.
Ahem.
“A special shout out to Andrew - he very kindly drove my dad and I to The Normans in his vintage Bentley - a journey which neither of us will ever forget!” exclaims Molly.
(We’re just relieved the old car managed the return trip!)
The dress
Once Molly had sat down with the North Yorkshire County Council’s registrars in The Normans Bridal Cottage, she emerged into the autumn afternoon, in all her glory, wearing a breathtaking Pronovias dress.
“I was drawn to the drama of the dress!” explains Molly.
“Someone once told me to try on all styles, as it's not every day you get to try on a wedding dress,” she continues. “I took this advice onboard and went to five different dress shops! I found myself drawn to the fuller dresses and long trails, which is something that surprised me. The dress I chose ticked all my boxes, making me feel bridal but with a modern twist.”
The bridesmaids
The bridesmaids wore dresses from Club L London.
“I loved finding the girls dresses, and spent weeks ordering and trying on dresses from various online retailers,” says Molly.
“Having been a bridesmaid myself, I knew how important it was to start the hunt early - finding a good quality dress on a budget is a tricky brief!”
Molly narrowed down her favourites and before getting the bridesmaids to try them on…
“Luckily, they all loved the same dress and felt comfortable and confident - which was my main priority. My mum was one of my Maid of Honours, and her gorgeous velvet jumpsuit was from Reiss.”
The Groom
And here’s Luke. Bless him. Waiting patiently (obediently?) for Molly in The Normans Ceremony Barn.
We love Luke’s dapper three-piece tweed suit, complete with red rose buttonhole, and dark-green tie.
“Luke had quite a different laid-back approach in finding his perfect suit,” laughs Molly. “He went to his local Moss Bros six weeks before the big day, and it was the second suit he tried on. The groomsmen wore the same suit in a two piece.”
Luke, you cut quite the dash. We salute you.
Molly’s entrance had all the shine and sparkle of The Normans Ceremony Barn fairylights.
“The Normans was the first wedding venue we viewed, so the bar was set high from the start!” says Molly. “After looking at a few more venues that same day we couldn't stop thinking about The Normans - in particular that drop-down curtain light in the Ceremony Barn!”
Speaking of which…
After being walked down the aisle by her Dad, accompanied by the moving melodies of The Ebor Quartet, Molly met Luke in front of the Barn’s magical fairylights…
… and exchange rings by way of owl. Obviously.
The November weather was kind to our couple, so they were able to enjoy reception drinks in The Courtyard before retreating to the various cosy enclaves dotted around the venue.
Canapés on the day (crafted by the kings of catering, H&A) included yakitori chicken skewers, baja fish tacos and slow-cooked Moroccan lamb on a flatbread crisp. with tzatziki. Yum.
Shout out to photographers Annie & Chris of Bloom Weddings, who shot the wedding, and managed, somehow, to round up this rambunctious rabble for a cracking group photo…
The photographers managed to steal away Molly and Luke for some couple shots in farmhouse courtyard (you can never have too many courtyards). We adore the autumnal backdrop!
Personal touches
“I have always been drawn to a dark, moody colour scheme and jewel toned flowers. Luke and I are both Harry Potter fans, so I liked the idea of incorporating Harry Potter elements - but in a classy way!” explains Molly. “This included our tables named after Hogwarts houses, sloe gin potion bottles and chocolate golden snitches as the favours.”
“Being one of the last couples to get married in our friendship group, we had to think outside the box! Lukes's idea was to write each guest a handwritten note,” says Molly. “I think this personalisation helped set a sentimental tone for the day and gave guests something to share and talk about over dinner. With a guestlist of 130 this lead to quite lot of wedmin, but it was totally worth it.”
A dramatic entrance
Molly and Luke are both big characters, so it’s fitting that they received a raucous welcome when they were announced in to The Normans Grain Shed for the wedding breakfast!
Before taking their seats, they cut the (cheese) cake…
… and then made their way to the top table.
The wedding breakfast consisted of the sumptuous H&A Yorkshire ‘nose to tail’ platter featuring confit belly-pork, roasted loin, crispy cheek, and pulled-pork shoulder, served with Yorkshire puddings, seasonal vegetables, stuffing, sauces, and fondant potatoes.
Speeches followed the meal. The groom, quite rightly, received a ‘gentle’ ribbing for his exploits on the stag, which left him in a knee brace…
We can laugh about it now… I think…
Party time!
Molly and Luke’s wedding was always going to culminate in an epic party, and the couple set the tone with their enthusiastic first dance!
Guests were soon coaxed onto the dance floor by The Wilde Ones, from Jonny Ross Music.
And guests ensured the rest of the evening was suitably wild…
“Our friends and family were blown away by the venue. Leading up to the day, The Normans team were always available to answer our questions, and they made the day run seamlessly. ”
SUPPLIERS
Catering H&A
Photography Bloom Weddings
Bridal gown Pronovias
Hair Hannah Taylor
Make-up Amy George
Bridesmaids’ dresses Club L London
Groom and groomsmen’s suits Moss Bros
Ceremony and drinks reception music The Ebor Quartet
Evening Music The Wilde Ones
