Good tidings seem to be in short supply at the moment, so we thought we’d try to brighten up your newsfeed with some sunshine and summer love direct from The Normans wedding venue.
Bride, groom and… Arnie. Image by photographybycharli.com
Stunning bride Faye and her beau Matt married at The Normans in September 2021. And while their wedding was technically an autumnal affair, it had all the hallmarks of a summer soirée, boasting sunshine and good times in abundance.
Indeed, the temperate climes meant that that bride and bridesmaids could spend the wedding morning roaming the venue in silk robes - mimosas in hand - before retreating to The Normans Cottage for hair and make-up.
Bride and bridesmaids on the wedding morning. Image by photographybycharli.com
Mimosas, make-up and marriage - in that order. Image by photographybycharli.com
Inside The Cottage, the talented Paige Lauren had been commissioned to look after the ladies’ locks, while make-up was the remit of the Jade Heanley.
Faye readies herself in The Normans Cottage. Image by photographybycharli.com
Hair today… Image by photographybycharli.com
Good hair day in The Normans Cottage. Image by photographybycharli.com
Faye’s wedding dress, meanwhile, was by Martina Liana and was purchased from Ava Rose Hamilton.
“I definitely watched far too much ‘Say Yes to the Dress’ during Lockdown,” jokes Faye. “Ava Rose was the third store I visited, so I had an idea of the style I wanted, but I fell in love with the off-the-shoulder detail and (slightly) excessive train, which was filled with twigs by the end of the day! It wasn't anything like what I had saved to my Pinterest board, but I felt like an absolute princess in it!”
The wedding dress hanging in The Normans Cottage. Image by photographybycharli.com
Mirror, mirror on the wall... bride Faye is the fairest of them all. Image by photographybycharli.com
Faye felt like a princess - and she certainly looked the part. We love the expression on the bridesmaids’ faces when they first see the bride in her dress. The moment was caught on camera by wonderful wedding photographer Charli Palmer.
Bridesmaids are blown away by Faye. Image by photographybycharli.com
Faye’s squad kept up appearances - they all looked beautiful in dusky-pink bridesmaids dresses from Krisp Clothing.
“I searched for so long to find the right shade of pink and also a dress style that would suit everyone,” explains Faye. “The elastic backs worked well for bridesmaids who were expecting and food babies after the meal.”
Beautiful bride Faye with her bridesmaids. Image by photographybycharli.com
Dreamy dresses were complimented by fantastic flowers - bridesmaids and bride’s bouquets skilfully constructed by Natasha Coustol Floral Designs.
Fantastic florals. Image by photographybycharli.com
With flowers and frocks in order, Faye turned heads and dropped jaws as she walked up the aisle to meet her man.
Matt looked great in a Marc Darcy three-piece suit - the tweed chequered waistcoat contrasting nicely with the blue jacket and trouser. Meanwhile, Matt’s groomsmen were fitted out in Cavani suits and accessorised with Marc Darcy ties and pocket squares.
Faye meets Matt at the top of the aisle. Image by photographybycharli.com
You may now kiss the bride… Image by photographybycharli.com
Bride and Groom sign the register. Image by photographybycharli.com
The couple did the ‘I dos’ in front of our iconic cascading fairy lights, flanked by flower displays by Natasha Coustol.
“The Normans is a stunning venue, so there wasn't much need for a lot of décor,” says Faye. “With it being a September wedding I wanted to keep the colours ‘summery’, so we chose large floral arrangements for the Ceremony Barn with blush pink flowers to match the bridesmaids’ dresses. I'm not sure if ‘classy rustic’ is a thing - but that's what I was going for,” laughs Faye.
“A lot of our décor was either reclaimed or built from scratch,” says Faye. “The DIY list was endless but serval lockdowns ensured we had enough time to do everything! The wooden lanterns that lined the aisle were a particular favourite of mine - Matt spent several weekends chopping up an old pallet and gluing pieces together to make them.”
Once the couple had been pelted with confetti, the Ceremony Barn doors were flung open, revealing the sun-filled Courtyard. Here, The Hog & Apple Food Co. were armed with delectable canapés and trays laden with beers and bubbly.
Bride and groom enjoy H&A culinary treats in The Normans Courtyard. Image by photographybycharli.com
Bride and Groom mingle with the adoring masses. Image by photographybycharli.com
There canapés were accompanied by garden games - the mini golf course certainly got guests’ competitive juices flowing.
Groom Matt keeping it cool. Image by photographybycharli.com
H&A’s canapés never disappoint and Faye and Matt’s menu featured mini steak pies with pea puree and shot of real ale, arancini mushrooms and soft Japanese bao buns with katsu chicken filling and green onion.
“We chose our menu based on some of the foods we loved from our holidays,” says Faye. “Doug from Hog & Apple was great during our planning sessions and suggested bao buns, which Matt loves having tried them on a recent trip to Japan. These were a firm favourite with the guests and even Arnie got a taste for some tricks!”
Canapes served in The Normans Courtyard after the marriage ceremony. Image by photographybycharli.com
Tasty treats for the drinks reception. Image by photographybycharli.com
Treats for bride's best friend. Image by photographybycharli.com
Indeed, Arnie the Lab cut quite a dash, wearing a custom-made suit from Tuna & Bear.
As guests enjoyed the September sunshine, Faye and Matt stole away with their photographer to explore the farm and surrounding countryside.
Bride and Groom share a moment. Image by photographybycharli.com
Rural romance. Image by photographybycharli.com
Once the two had returned from their rural jaunt, the Grain Shed doors were opened and the wedding breakfast was announced.
En route, guests enjoyed the extensive photo collage the couple had installed.
“Our main aim was to bring everyone together and have great time,” explains Faye, “so we decided to focus on activities that people could do together, from the lawn games, to the cigar bar, to the photos that lined the entrance to the Grain Shed.”
Guests were seated along four rows of banqueting tables. The gantries were used to elevate greenery and to hang glass baubles and candles. The DIY décor was simple yet oh-so effective.
“This was the first time a lot of family had seen each other in a long time, so we chose the long rustic dining tables and sharing dishes,” explains Faye. “We fell in love with the idea of sharing platters - it's such a unique idea and we were able to customise them to include all our favourite tapas. All the guests commented on how amazing the food was!”
After speeches, guests (who still had room) gorged themselves on the brownie tower and mini donuts (we love the personalised donut bags!).
“The whole day was perfect from start to finish, we can’t thank Oliver, Sharon and Doug from H&A enough - they made everything stress-free and even helped us party through the power cut!” says Faye.
Indeed, The Normans generator kicked in right on cue when the local area was hit by a power outage that evening!
DJ Steve Madison and saxophonist Joe Reeve provided the soundtrack for the evening and didn’t take guests long to join Faye & Matt on the dance floor after the first dance.
“The Normans will always hold a special place in our hearts and we feel incredibly lucky to have been able to have our special day here. ”
