Autumn, thus far, has been… ‘soggy’ at best, which is why we’re remedying your seasonal affective disorder with a healthy dose of blog. In other words: a spoonful of Rachel and Sean’s sensational summer wedding, here at The Normans.
Of course, anyone with a memory marginally better than a geriatric goldfish, will recall that summer wasn’t particularly generous in the sunshine stakes. But then, anyone lucky enough to have met the bride and groom will testify that this couple bring the sunshine with them.
Case in point: the lovely Rachel (below) readying herself with the assistance of her longtime hairdresser Mari Price, and make-up artist Kelly aka Bee Beauty.
“I travel back to Derbyshire every time I need a haircut,” says Rachel. “Before I was even engaged, Mari and I would talk about how I would have my hair on my wedding day. I've always known Mari would do my wedding hair. Her best friend Kelly is an incredibly talented make-up artist after a trial with my bridesmaids we decided we 100% we wanted Kelly to do our makeup for the day.”
Meanwhile, Rachel’s dress was the work of Catherine Parry, bought from Flutterby Bridal Boutique in New Rossington, Doncaster.
“I actually already had my wedding dress… then I saw this one as I was leaving Flutterby Bridal Boutique after going to choose my bridesmaids dresses. It was hanging up and I saw it, literally, as we were leaving. I begged the owner to let me try it on as we had already used up our time slot. Luckily the next bride hadn't arrived yet so I had time to quickly try it. I instantly fell in love with it and my bridesmaids faces when I stepped out of the changing room confirmed that it was the one.”
Rachel’s bridesmaids, meanwhile, wore Hayley Paige Occasions from Flutterby Bridal Boutique - each of the girls rocking their own chosen style.
“We went to Flutterby specifically to see these dresses as I had fallen in love with them online,” recalls Rachel. “It was important to us that our bridesmaids could choose their own dresses, in a shape and fit they felt comfortable in.”
Rachel’s bouquet was put together by Kate Mell, who captured the couple’s simple yet stylish approach to their wedding day with cloud-like roses, fragrant sprigs of rosemary and gypsophila.
And let’s not forget groom Sean, who scrubbed up rather splendidly. Here he is, wearing a Journal Standard suit, a shirt by Beam, and tie by Drakes - all of which he purchased from Canopy, in Derby.
“Sean has shopped in Canopy for many years,” explains Rachel. “He’s good friends with the owner, James. When we got engaged James said he would help Sean find the perfect suit when the time came.”
Sean’s shoes are Supreme x Clarks Originals Wallabees.
The groomsmen were left to their own devices when it came to choosing their outfits for the day. And why not? These gents can dress.
And so, with the weather on best behaviour, guests in high spirits, and music in the air, it was time to seat everybody for the ceremony…
Sean and his groomsmen were on hand to meet and greet guests, while The Dotted Crotchets provided the soundtrack.
Rachel, as you’d expect, owned the aisle…
The ceremony was as uplifting and emotional, as you’d imagine.
Readings were read…
… and confetti was violently hurled in the direction of the bride and groom.
Indeed, guests couldn’t quite contain themselves, and it didn’t take long for the Courtyard to be filled with jigs, japes…
… and Giant Jenga.
The emotion of competitive Connect 4 was all to much for some guests…
… while others added their own imaginative twist to the available garden games.
As the ribaldry and revelry escalated within, Rachel and Sean sneaked outside for photos in the sun.
They were joined by guest of honour, Nora, their beloved pooch…
… and when Rachel and Sean weren’t doting on Nora, they were lighting up every last corner of the farm with their own inimitable style - from The Normans famous* roller-shutter door…
(*not famous)
… to the nearby Grain Shed. (We’re pretty sure the farm buildings don’t look this amazing on a day-to-day basis, so hats off to the couple, and a rousing round of applause to their photographer Samuel Docker.)
The afternoon sunshine coated the countryside in golden light - the perfect setting for a stroll…
… until the couple got terribly lost.
(This, of course, is a poor attempt at humour: they weren’t lost! We love this styled shot of Rachel and Sean looking, well, a bit lost.)
Back inside, the Grain Shed doors were flung open and guests were lured inside with the promise of culinary delights provided by Hog & Apple.
“We decided straight away that we wouldn’t have a traditional wedding breakfast,” says Rachel. “So it was important to us to find a venue and caterers that could support this idea.”
“We have a real soft spot for an Indian street food place in Leeds called Bundobust and in a casual conversation with Ged from H&A he mentioned he had been trying out some dishes inspired by Bundobust. That was it! I was sold! My only regret is that I didn't eat enough of these - they were incredible and received very high praise from our guests.”
“For our mains we wanted some of our favourite foods - foods you’d crave after a day in the sunshine celebrating… and drinking! We decided on burgers, fried chicken and hot dogs! H&A did not disappoint - vegans, veggies, coeliacs and meat-eaters all complimented the food!”
No wedding is complete without cake - or, indeed, donuts.
“Our cake was made by Once Across the Garden in York,” says Rachel. “I eat a vegan diet, as do many of our guests, so it was important to me that we had a cake that everyone at the wedding could enjoy! We went with non traditional flavours of Biscoff, Oreo and chocolate orange. We also had donuts from Doughnotts in Derby and gluten-free whoopie pies from Wildcraft in Leeds.
It would seem guests enjoyed the dough-based delights.
As the sun went down, the lights came up in The Normans Courtyard…
… and bride Rachel gracefully glided onto the dance floor…
… for the first dance.
Rachel and Sean’s guests were quick to invade the dance floor, with smooth moves, laughter…
… and, for some, heavy sobbing. (We actually think he’s asleep, but still…)
“Getting married at The Normans was an absolute dream. I can honestly say it was the most wonderful day of our lives.
I honestly don’t think I can put into words how perfect the whole experience was - from the first email exchanged to the big day itself, everything was so relaxed and enjoyable. ”
