This blog has been a long time in the making. Fitting, since Maria and Tom’s wedding was also a long time in the making.
Having originally booked their Big Day at the World’s Best Wedding Venue (The Normans, in case you wondering) for May 3, 2020, the pandemic struck. Tom and Maria consequently rescheduled, only for the pandemic to strike again. Tom and Maria rescheduled again. The pandemic struck again, and so on and so forth…
Fast forward to 2022 and our courageous couple finally did the “I do” and celebrated accordingly at The World’s Best Wedding Venue (still The Normans).
While we love watching couples exchange vows in front of the cascading fairy lights in our Ceremony Barn, we have a special place in our hearts for a church wedding - specifically a church wedding at St. James’s, Bilbrough (the very place the writer of this blog post was married, no less).
Before the couple arrived at the church, there was the small matter of getting suited, booted, and suitably coiffed. Bride Maria readied herself for the Big Day at her family home with the help of Helen Griffin and Amy George…
“Hair was a no-brainer,” explains Maria. “Helen has been cutting my hair since I was a little girl, so it was really lovely to have someone I've known for so many years.”
“I knew I wanted a natural but special look for make-up,” continues Maria. “I actually came across Amy on the Normans blog! From the very first email I knew how lovely she was going to be and I was thrilled with how my first trial went.”
Maria’s Pronovias bridal gown from Bridal Rogue Gallery, Harrogate, was one of the first she tried on when hunting for wedding dresses.
“I was really drawn to the simple, elegant aesthetic of the front paired with the detailing on the back,” says Maria. “I ended up coming back to it, and the amazing ladies at Bridal Rogue Gallery helped tweak it to make it perfect, adding additional lace to fill in the cut-out sides and also adding small lace sleeves. Knowing it was completely unique made it even more special!”
Maria, as is clear to see, looked radiant - as did her bridesmaids, who were all decked in simple yet stunning dresses from Oasis.
“We loved the slightly unusual colour, which really suited everyone's different skin tones,” says Maria.
And let’s spare a thought for the boys! Bless them!
They all looked smart as a button (or, indeed, five buttons): Groom Tom was rocking an Oliver Brown number, while his groomsmen kept up appearances with three-piece morning-suits from Moss Bros.
Ties (which would later be worn around heads) were from Reef Knots.
And so, to church!
Our excellently named couple (Tom Traill and Maria Diggle - up there with the best surnames we’ve had at the venue) were married by the equally excellently named Revd Martin Otter.
After the ceremony, guests were ferried back to The Normans in a classic double-decker bus (shout out to York Pullman).
Needless to say, the bride and groom were never going to rub shoulders with riff raff on the poverty wagon. No thank you! They instead made the four-minute commute in a Rolls Royce. And quite right too.
The Normans looked fabulous under the blue spring skies of April…
… which meant that Maria and Tom, and their guests, could enjoy the drinks reception in The Normans Courtyard.
Team Hog - better known as The Hog & Apple Food Co, our most excellent resident caterers - were on hand to dish out some delicious canapes.
“We wanted to have a strong canape game,” says Tom. “And we can definitely say we succeeded! The mini pie and pints were a big hit, as were the Yorkshire puds.”
When guests were called in for the wedding breakfast, they were greeted by a room-full of sparkling fairy lights, which were embellished with a floral flourish from family friend Claire Slater.
“Claire Slater is a friend of Maria's Mum,” explains Tom. “So, again, it was lovely to have someone with a personal connection involved. Having seen Claire's work we were confident she was going to do a brilliant job. We loved the natural, rustic feel of The Normans, so we kept it fairly simple - roses, spring flowers in whites, pale pinks and pale blues, going for a elegant, natural and relaxed look.”
The Hog & Apple put on quite the feast for the couple and their guests.
“Hog & Apple gave us some brilliant recommendations based on our favourite foods,” says Tom. “We built our menu around these recommendations - scallops to start, lamb for main, and apple crumble for dessert. It was all so delicious!”
Food was enjoyed, drinks were enthusiastically imbibed…
… emotional speeches were made…
… and cakes were cut.
Maria's mum, Sue, made the incredible wedding cake, which was duly dispatched by her sword-wielding daughter.
Once the cake was comprehensively chopped, guests enjoyed four different flavoured tiers - the bottom tier was a fruitcake, which had been baked ahead of the couple’s original 2020 wedding.
“It'd been kept well-fed with booze to ensure it didn't dry out!” adds Tom.
After the wedding breakfast, Maria and Tom took time out with the most excellent Louise Anna Photography for an amble around the farm, which resulted in some stunning sunset shots. Bravo, Louise!
When the couple returned, the evening’s revelries began.
First: the first dance.
And the dancefloor quickly became the scene of rigorous revelry.
The fantastic Rolling Keys from Jonny Ross Music Agency ensured the dance floor remained packed through the evening…
… and even the bar saw some action…
“When we first visited The Normans in 2018 we knew we’d found somewhere special. We loved everything about the venue - and Oliver & Sharon sealed the deal. They were only a phone call and email away and were so supportive through [Lockdown]. They really are the best in the business! ”
