Casual observers of Team Normans’ social media output will have noticed that we get rather excitable at this time of year.
It’s no secret that we love a winter wedding - and our enthusiasm erupts on New Year’s Eve…
Why? Well, New Year’s Eve weddings are the culmination of the wedding season - and couples tying the knot on December 31 always pull out the stops to ensure the year finishes on a high note.
And so, with this in mind, we turn our attention to lovely Leonie and gorgeous George…
Anyone who’s been on the razzle dazzle in Doncaster, will doubtless have raised a glass or three in one of Leonie and George’s pubs - our dynamic duo are promiment publicans on the South Yorkshire scene, so they know a thing of two about throwing a party.
Which is why it was kind of surreal to find the farm relatively quiet on the morning of the wedding. The calm before the storm, if you will…
However, appearances were deceptive - while all was calm and still outside, inside The Bridal Cottage was abuzz as Leonie and her ladies were whipping up a hurricane of high-jinks.
Indeed, The Normans Bridal Cottage was a dangerous place to be for an unopened bottle of prosseco, but, in between popping corks, the ladies found time to ready themselves for the wedding - thanks in no small part to the steady hand and keen eye of hair-stylist Aimee Grant and marvellous make-up artist Molly Godbehere.
And - good golly Miss Molly - doesn’t Leonie look stunning?
Here she is wearing her Justin Alexander dress from Jayne’s Bridalwear.
“I initially wanted something simple,” says Leonie. “However, at another shop I tried a long-sleeved dress on with an A-line skirt. When I went to Jayne’s there was a perfect combination of the two! With my wedding being on New Year’s Eve, I had to go for something a little more detailed, and I loved the subtle sparkles, too.”
Leonie was a sight to behold - the reaction of her dear dad and her bridesmaids said it all…
With the girls in high spirits, dressed to impress, and ready to rock the aisle, it was time to grab the groom and get the guests seated for the ceremony.
Speaking of the groom: here’s the aforementioned gorgeous George looking boss in Hugo Boss. Well played, sir!
Guests were shouted at (in the nicest possible way) by Oliver, Team Normans’ MC for the day, and pre-ceremony drinks were quickly polished off…
… before guests then gravitated across The Courtyard to take their seats in The Normans Ceremony Barn.
George, flanked by his Best Man and groomsmen (looking sharp in dinner jackets from Moss Bros), took his place at the top of the aisle and awaited the arrival of his soon-to-be-wife.
But before Leonie made her entrance, her beautiful bridesmaids (in dresses from Club London) ambled down the aisle.
Once bridesmaids were in, Leonie lit up the room, with totes-emosh Dad in tow. Her entrance was made all the more dramatic thanks to the serene soundtrack provided by Collectives Gospel Choir.
Framed by sparkling Christmas trees, and with a bedazzling fairy-light backdrop, Leonie and George exchanged their vows.
Once the newlyweds had put pen to paper and signed the marriage register, the choir sang, confetti rained down, and the party began in earnest.
And while the December weather couldn’t contain itself for the duration of the drinks reception…
… some guests were happy to quaff champagne and snaffle canapes under the shelter of The Normans Courtyard pergola…
… while others opted for the warmth of the cosy Cow Stalls and Tack Room…
It was in The Tack Room where the choir set up to harmonise for guests.
Meanwhile, Leonie and George took time out for a romantic stroll in the rain, as well as having some beautiful portrait shots taken by fantastic photographer Razor Blade Weddings.
Massive shout-out to Josh, the mand behind Razor Blade, for these amazing pictures.
While guests galavanted outside, we took a sneak peak inside The Grain Shed, where tables were laiden with sparkling glassware and personalised place names, while our complimentary Christams trees brought verdant vibrancy and a touch of colour to the room.
It wasn’t long before guests were called in for the wedding breakfast, finding their tables by way of a shot. Cheers!
The already-raucous crowd turned it up to 11 when the bride and groom were announced into the room.
Speeches preceded a superb spread courtesy of resident caterers H&A.
“The food was simply delicious,” reminisces Leione. “We went all out: scallops for starters, steak for mains, and sticky toffee pudding for dessert.”
“The hog roast in the evening was absolutley delicious,” adds Leonie, “There was plenty left over, so we took about four sandwiches back to the cottage with us for a midnight feast!”
But before Leonie and George gorged themselves on pork-based sandwich products, there was cake to be eaten…
… and drinks to be drunk (all the drinks)…
… and there wasn’t a dry-eye in the house when dad and daughter took to the dance floor.
… before Leonie’s stunning step-mum serenaded the couple for their first dance.
By Leonie’s own admission, the couple kept the decor pretty, simple, allocating the lion’s share of their wedding budget on food and music. First, Collectives Gospel Choir for the ceremony and the drinks reception, and then…
… none other than the fanatastic New York Brass Band to finish the year on a high note.
What a party.
Leonie, George: we doff our hats.
“The Normans is simply a fantastic wedding venue, and we loved how our day ran so seamlessly. Oliver and his team may do [weddings] every week, but everything felt so personal - they really had all the time in the world for us!”
SUPPLIERS
Photography Razor Blade Weddings
Make-up Molly Godbehere
Hair Aimee Grant
Bride’s dress Justin Alexander from Jayne’s Bridalwear
Bridesmaids dresses Club London
Flowers Flowers by Caroline
Groom’s suit Hugo Boss
Groomsmen’s suits Moss Bros
Food and drink The Hog & Apple Food Co.
Ceremony and drinks reception music Collectives Gospel Choir
Evening music New York Brass Band and Northern House Band
