We’re acutely aware that we’ve been posting our blogs with the same regularity of Halley’s Comet. Happily, however, our wedding write-ups are infintely more interesting than a chunk of ice and cosmic dust re-entering Earth’s orbit every 75 years…
But since we’re on the subject of once-in-a-lifetime interstellar events, it’s fitting that the latest instalment of our blog brings you the out-of-this world wedding of Sarah and Dan.
So, without further ado, buckle up, and prepare for liftoff!*
(*We’ll go easy on the tenuous galactic analogies, promise…)
GETTING READY
Sarah and Dan’s wedding at The Normans was unique for many reasons.
For starters: it was groom and groomsmen (rather than bride and bridesmaids) who suited-up in The Normans Cottage.
Bride Sarah opted to ready herself in York before being transported to The Normans to meet the registrars (and marry Dan, of course).
The Boys
Behold the beautiful boyz as they arrive at the venue to don their glad rags… And look how well they scrub up.
Dan opted for black tie for his Big Day, and he and his groomsmen cut quite the dash in Hugo Boss tuxedos. Bravo, sirs.
And because dapper Dan was looking so, well, dapper, The Great British Weather had no other choice but to put on a show - cue blue skies and bright sunshine. Perfect conditions for a July wonder-wedding.
Before guests arrived, Dan and his groomsmen had a moment to enjoy a couple of drinks in the sunshine-soaked Courtyard, while wedding photographer-extraordinaire Hamish Irvine (pictured below) did his thing.
THE DRESS
As guests arrived, stunning Sarah was whisked (unseen) to The Cottage so she could chat to the lovely ladies of North Yorkshire registry office.
Once the registrars had read her rights, Sarah emerged from The Cottage, looking radiant in her Nikeen Asar ‘Olivia’ wedding dress.
Before finding the Olivia dress, Sarah tells us she hated everything she tried on. That’s until she went to see Helen at In Love Club Bridal, Otley…
“Helen has a small handpicked selection of designers that she works with and all her pieces were really cool and modern,” recalls Sarah. “I was totally obsessed with the hammered silk fabric and massive train. It felt minimalist, but really special.”
“She loves [the dress] so much, she’s been talking to Nikeen about repurposing it to wear again!” adds Dan.
We can see why Sarah fell for the dress: the hammered silk satin, the elegant ‘Bardot’ neckline, how the bodice is structured as a corset…
What’s not to like?!
Gorgeous gown aside, a shout out to make-up-artist extradordinaire Rebecca Jayne and hairstylist Zoe Nicole for their sterling work with Sarah and the girls.
Like the groomsmen, the bridesmaids (and bridesman!) were bedecked in black. Their chic dresses are from Azazie.
THE CEREMONY
Soon enough, guests were asked to be upstanding, York String Ensemble began to play, and flower girls, bridesmaids (and bridesman) made their entrance…
Last, but not least: supernova Sarah lit up the Ceremony Barn as she walked down the aisle to meet her beau in front of The Normans’ iconic fairylights…
The marriage ceremony had it everything: warm words from friends, the exchanging of rings, and heartfelt vows… all sealed with a kiss…
And what better way to celebrate your first few minutes of marriage than being pelted in the face with petals?! At least confetti makes for a great photo.
Once our courageous couple had dodged the confetti-wielding guests, they escaped into The Courtyard where they were greeted by two very special four-legged guests…
THE DRINKS RECEPTION
There followed a picture-perfect drinks reception…
York String Ensemble relocated to provide the soundtrack in the sunshine…
… while entertainment was provided by Studio Social North photo booth, with classic garden games from Yorkshire Games Hire…
… group photos, meanwhile, were overseen by the aforementioned (and most excellent) Hamish Irvine…
… the couple even managed a bit of downtime with the doggies…
… before venturing out onto the farm for some cracking photos with Hamish…
SPEECHES & WEDDING BREAKFAST
As guests made merry outside in The Courtyard, the Grain Shed dining area was a picture of calm (twinkling) serenity.
“We thought that the Normans was already such an aesthetically amazing venue… we didn’t want to take away from that, so we kept it super minimal,” explains Dan.
“In the Grain Shed, [having] the long tables and overhead gantries was total no-brainer. We kept it simple: green foliage and candles hanging in baubles. Same with the bouquets. White flowers only. Sarah really wanted her red lips and nails to stand out!”
Once guests were finally found their seats, they were summoned back on their feet to welcome in the bride and groom. The atmosphere was electric!
It should be blindingly obvious by now that Sarah and Dan don’t do things by halves. As such, speeches were a spectacle: hilarious and heart-warming all at once.
Good vibes continued to the meal, which featured Hog & Apple’s famous barbecue sharing platters.
“So many of our guests said it was the best wedding food they’ve ever had,” exclaims Dan.
AFTER DINNER…
To wash down this culinary triumph, the bride and groom had H&A’s bar staff smash out 70 espresso martinis. Cheers to that.
One of our favourite times of day is when guests can enjoy The Courtyard after dinner. This sunny afternoon was particularly special thanks to South West Band’s James Taplin playing acoustic guitar.
“Drinks were flowing, the sun was shining, and it really got the party started,” reminisces Dan.
FIRST DANCE & PARTY TIME
The party moved inside for the cake-cutting and first dance…
Suffice to say, the party was an absolute belter, thanks in no small part to South West Band.
“Getting the music right for the day was a a big deal. “I think we nailed it,” says Dan. “As soon as we heard South West Band, and spoke to Henry about our first dance song and the sort of thing we were looking for, we knew we had to have them there and we knew it would go off!”
A shout-out also to Sarah’s outfit change. We love this stunning trouser suit.
[*No brides or grooms were harmed in the taking of these photos.]
“We only went to visit one wedding venue,” says Dan. “As soon as we came to see The Normans, it gave us the feels - just like when you view the house you’re going to buy for the first time. Our priority was just having all of our favourite people in the same place for a massive party, and we could just immediately see that the Normans would give us that. The whole place is designed for the day to flow so effortlessly… And when you’ve got someone as amazing as Sharon looking after you, you know you’re in good hands.”
“Best. Wedding. Ever. Even if we do say so ourselves! ”
SUPPLIERS
PHOTOGRAPHY Hamish Irvine
VIDEOGRAPHY SP Wedding Films
FOOD Hog & Apple
CEREMONY & RECEPTION MUSIC York String Ensemble
AFTERNOON & EVENING MUSIC South West Band
FLOWERS Kate Mell
HAIR Zoe Nicole
MAKE-UP Rebecca Jayne
BRIDE’S DRESS Olivia by Nikeen Asar from In Love Club Bridal
BRIDESMAID DRESSES Azazie
GROOM’S SUIT Hugo Boss
PHOTO BOOTH Studio Social North
GARDEN GAMES Yorkshire Games Hire
