Festive finery at The Normans

New Year's greetings, one and all! While The Normans has closed its doors for January, we're still feeling the love for weddings - especially now that photos of December's big days are ready to share with you! 

Meet the gorgeous Megan née Bottomley who says she wanted a "classy Christmas" theme for her December day. She chose an Olvis gown - from York's Bridal Rogue Gallery -  for herself, while her bevy of bridesmaids wore a seasonal, rich-red hue.  

After readying themselves onsite, at The Normans Cottage, the girls sauntererd to our Ceremony Barn in those rather fabulous top-and-skirt combos, from Coast. 

Hot on their heels was this smart fellow, the couple's miniature labradoodle, Albert - quite possibly the most dapper pooch to step down The Normans aisle. 

Inside the Ceremony Barn, pew ends were festive and seasonal, with Christmas tree branches and fir cones hand-tied with taffeta bows. 

Two tall, standing candelabras marked the spot where Megan and Ryan would say 'I do', dressed in seasonal foliage and white flowers. 

The Kendal String Quartet set the most romantic of tones, playing as guests took their seats - and as Megan walked down the aisle toward husband-to-be, Ryan. 

Here, Ryan and Megan said their vows by candlelight, before being declared Mr and Mrs Mitchell - huzzah!

Outside, the winter climes stayed crisp and dry, allowing photo moments aplenty - with Albert, of course. 

Guests sought cosy retreat in The Normans Cow Stalls, which Megan and Ryan turned into a festive snug, with Christmas garlands hugging the mangers...

... and oh-so-soft blankets placed in baskets for those wishing to snuggle up.  

In The Normans Courtyard the bridesmaids embraced the season, donning these georgeous faux fur-collared capes, from Doncaster-based Amon. 

Megan's flowergirls looked angelic in snow-white dresses and capes by Monsoon - not to mention those floral crowns, created by the couple's appointed florists; Ryan's aunt and Megan's best friend. 

Megan's mum, Janet, also showcased her creative skills with this yummy three-tier creation, comprising a vanilla sponge, chocolate sponge and, finally, a carrot cake!

When the time came for guests to make their way into The Normans marquee, the couple ensured a photo-worthy entrance for all! Mistletoe was suspended over head... 

... and we just love this trailing ivy encircled doorway by What Katy Did

This neon sign proved a real crowd-pleaser too, hired - along with giant initial lights - from Party Pics Photo Booth Hire

Indeed, those words couldn't have been more fitting for newlyweds Megan and Ryan - who didn't just look good on the dancefloor, but utterly amazing. Congratulations!

“We both fell in love with The Normans and booked it at our viewing – even though the venue wasn’t yet complete! The team were fab throughout all the planning and made sure everything ran as smooth as possible on the day – everyone commented how fab they were! We had the most amazing day ever, I just wish we could do it again!”

— The marvellous Megan

All photographs - and videography - of Megan and Ryan's December day are by Alfie Wright at Clique Visuals. To see more, check out our Gallery  soon!

Vintage Vibes at The Normans

When Claire and Ben tied the knot at The Normans they brought with them some seriously cool vibes, killer decor and - later - photos that looked as if they were plucked from the pages of a glossy mag. Here are all the happenings and highlights... 

After saying their 'I do's in a local church, the pair arrived at The Normans in a vintage cream VW Beetle, courtesy of Vintage VWs 4 Hire.

Happily, the sun shone on their September wedding day, allowing the light to shine through our Grain Shed woodwork - providing a rather awesome backdrop to the bridal party shots. 

But allow us to zoom in on those those oh-so-pretty bridesmaids' dresses... the lace tea-length numbers are by Chi Chi London at ASOS.com (we like!).

As for the couple of the hour: Claire's stylish gown hailed from dress La Belle Boutique, while Ben opted for a slick suit from a high street chain...  

... which he teamed with a dapper pair of Loakes. (Betty, The Normans resident pug, came along for a look - and heartily approved.)

Back inside the venue, the mini photo shoot continued with the couple's nearest and dearest - who recreated that much-loved confetti chucking moment in our fairy-lit barn.  

Guests next moved into The Normans Marquee, where the couple's vintage vibes and colour scheme took shape with these cool copper centrepieces, created by All Occasions. 

The cake managed to sum up the feel of the day too, made by the couple's friend Dale Smith, it comprised three tiers in red velvet, chocolate and vanilla flavours. 

Place settings and favours combined, with name tags hung around the necks of miniature Jägermeister bottles... 

... used to toast the couple after the speeches in the form of a Jäger Bomb! (Huzzah!)

Outside the sun began to set, serving up yet more stellar photo opportunities for the couple's chosen photographer, Shutter Go Click Photography. 

While inside it meant only one thing: party time! With the dancefloor well and truly filled, thanks to Sing Ramona Sing and a DJ from Hi-Life Entertainment. (Top tunes abound!)

But we can't leave without sharing a First Dance photo of the happy couple... Congratulations Claire and Ben! 

“Choosing The Normans was probably the easiest decision we made. From our first visit - when the renovation wasn’t quite complete - we knew it was the venue for us, and every time we came back for a visit it just got better. Oliver and Laura were so welcoming and made the planning process so easy. They say it’s an all weather venue and that really is the case. I only wish we could do it all over again!”

— The super cool, Claire

All photos are the handiwork of the exceedingly excellent Ryan at Shutter Go Click Photography. To see more from Claire and Ben's big day, check out our Gallery  

Country Cool at The Normans

Meet newlyweds Emma and Ewan, taking a loved-up moment outside The Normans Barn - before joining all the wedding fun to be had beyond those doors: think cocktails, pig - yes, pig - racing and a brass band to boot. 

But first, allow us to share a closer glimpse at those outfits! Emma looked like the ultimate balayage bombshell in Portia by Jenny Packham, from Eternity Bridalwear. While her bouquet - by Kate Mell Flowers - set the tone for a simple white and green colour scheme.

Man of the hour, Ewan, and his groomsmen cut a dash in smart/casual country wear, from Hammond & Co by Patrick Grant. 

Not forgetting Emma's bridesmaids, who looked oh-so-lovely in lavender Dessy dresses, from Alison Burgess Couture. 

The Normans was dressed for success too, with the help of the couple's super suppliers: case in point, Ace Pig Racing. 

Keeping everyone thoroughly entertained in The Normans Ceremony Barn, these little piggies (not real pigs, you understand!) got on their marks, with a commentator on the mic and race cards on sale, the proceeds of which went to Dementia UK. 

In The Normans Marquee, rows of trestle tables created a relaxed dining style - the length of which Kate Mell Flowers decorated with glass jars, filled with white roses and lisianthus and eucalyptus. 

Each place setting was set with a duo of favours: a packet of seeds for every guest to plant at home and a flower-infused lollipop. 

The Hog & Apple Food Co. served up Yorkshire-style sharing platters to start (with pork pies, cheese, pickles, chicken liver parfait and chutneys) - a surefire way to get guests talking. 

The rustic yet delicious dining style continued, with belly, carved and pulled pork served with apple sauce and an array of tasty salads (halloumi, broccoli and chorizo among them), plus Eton Mess and gingerbread to finish. 

A generous cocktail menu ensured guests could have their fill of tasty tipples too... 

... while the 'Catch Up Club' treated evening guests to a complimentary shot on their way in.  

A few fun props in the Barn allowed guests to get their phones out and create their own 'Photo Booth', taking snaps against our fairylight curtain - the ultimate photo backdrop!

But if there's one surefire way to get any party started, it's the impromptu arrival of The New York Brass Band. The New Orleans-inspired band paraded into the venue, leaving guests agog - before everyone promptly hit the dancefloor!

Despite so much going on around them, Emma and Ewan only had eyes for each other during the first dance - aah! Congratulations you two, from all of us here at The Normans!

“The Normans is a truly unique place to get married. It was exactly what we were looking for; it provided us with beautiful space to plan our wedding exactly how we wanted to, surrounded by a scenic backdrop.
We really did have the best day of our lives, it was perfect from start to finish and we couldn’t have done it without the help of The Normans team. ”

— the awesome Emma & Ewan

All photos are by Kate Gray Photography. To see more from Emma and Ewan's fun-filled wedding day, cast your eyes over our Gallery soon. 

Wild at Heart

Behold! The beautiful Yorkshire-born Amanda and her gaggle of girls, en route to The Normans Ceremony Barn where she wed Welsh hottie Ryan amidst a backdrop of wonderfully wild flowers.  

Opting for an 'Oh, I've just picked these flowers from a meadow' look, Amanda and Ivy Florist chose eryngium, small white roses, wheat, lavender, mint and eucalyptus nicolli; the thistles paying homage to her Scottish heritage and university and the white rose an ode to Yorkshire. 

But the flowers weren't the only aspect of the ceremony to garner guests' admiration: cue The Best Flower Girl Ever, Amanda's niece Eva, who began the bridesmaids' procession. 

After her adult bridesmaids strutted their stuff in knee-length Needle and Thread dresses, Amanda made her entrance in an ethereal Catherine Dean design and fabulous floral crown, made by Ivy Florist. Her mother, meanwhile, chose a gorgeous golden ensemble by Gina Bacconi at John Lewis.

We just loved how Amanda attached a miniature framed photo of her late father to her bouquet, so he could accompany her down the aisle too. 

After a touching, personal ceremony, conducted by a Humanist celebrant, it was party time for the newlywed pair [Cue confetti!].

Tankards of fruity Pimms awaited guests as a thirst-quenching summer reception drink...

While timeless garden games proved a fun-filled way to pass some time in The Normans sun-drenched courtyard. 

With the reception party underway, the couple sloped off for a mini photo shoot around Normans Farm (which gives us another excuse to fawn over Amanda's Catherine Dean dress - that back!)

We're often asked where the best places are for couples to have their photo taken, but Amanda and Ryan didn't need any guidance - a backdrop of farm machinery provided a cool, industrial contrast to their gorgeous wedding outfits. 

Back inside the venue, the couple's caterers - The Hog & Apple Food Co. - readied the marquee for the wedding breakfast. Each place was set with a rustic wooden board, along with a touch of dried lavender and a hand-stamped name tag. 

Tables were named after the pair's favourite Yorkshire and Welsh phrases, while mismatching bottles (which Amanda spent a year collecting) were filled with wild flowers. 

The Normans Marquee was decorated with an array of rustic trinkets - from apple crates and suitcases to wooden pallets. We loved these cider flagons and stoneware pots, which were collected from car boot sales, or brought in from the couple's London flat! 

The couple's hand-made photo guest board gets the thumbs up from us too - it came with a Polaroid camera for guests to 'Smile, Snap, Sign'!

Sugar hit, anyone? Instead of a traditional wedding cake, the couple chose these colourful cuties! A Meringue Kiss for each and every guest, from London's The Meringue Girls. 

With love and sugar-fuelled merriment in the air, the couple took to the dancefloor for their first dance - and some serious floor-fillers from band, Groove Anatomy. 

“After what felt like an eternity of searching for venues online we finally chanced upon The Normans - and knew instantly it was where we wanted to get married.
The beautiful setting and rustic environment blew us, and our guests, away. Oliver and Laura were a dream to work with and we couldn’t have asked for a more kind, supportive and professional team to help us arrange the best day of our lives!”

— the amazing Amanda

Sending big love to this super pair - photographed here, outside The Normans Cottage. All photos are by North Yorkshire-based Natalie Pluck Photography. To see more from Amanda and Ryan's splendid day, keep your eyes peeled for Gallery updates - coming soon!

The only way is Yorkshire

Yorkshireman Phil, our groom for the day, has attended hundreds of weddings. Not as a drunken guest, you understand, but as a photographer. Which is why he and wife-to-be, Melanie, wanted to create a unique, informal, and thoroughly Yorkshire day here at The Normans.

First up: fabulous ferns! Melanie decided to do away with traditional wedding flowers, opting instead for green ferns, great and small...

While statuesque ferns paraded atop the barrels in The Normans Ceremony Barn, shorter specimens sat in bronze pots as table centrepieces...

...not forgetting 80 mini ferns, brought in as wedding favours for every guest...  

The Cow Stalls were left in their natural state: relaxed and rustic, with bunches of pretty gypsophelia hung upside down using natural twine. 

Since guests were sent Yorkshire tea-bags as Save the Dates before the big day - setting the tone for the couple's Yorkshire theme - a special tea station was set up in the Cow Stalls too. Fancy a brew?

Of course, there are some wedding traditions a girl simply can't forgo - a gorgeous gown being one of them!

Melanie looked magical in this intricate design by Needle and Thread, complemented by an Art Deco-inspired headpiece by Etsy.com. A 'brooch bouquet', made by Melanie herself, included part of her mum's wedding veil, as well as pearls and brooches that belonged to Melanie's two grandmas. 

In The Normans Courtyard, Melanie and Phil joined their guests for Yorkshire Gin cocktails - with rhubarb and ginger - served in glass tankards.

Alternatively, guests could pull-their-own Yorkshire pint;  a Wold Top Brewery ale. The perfect way to wash down miniature Whitby fish and chips, which replaced classic canapés. 

Mel and Phil's caterers - The Hog & Apple Food Co. - worked closely with the pair to create a Yorkshire-themed menu that saw every morsel sourced from the county, including this hand-reared rare-breed hog from Thirsk. 

Guests ate their way through sharing platters of Yorkshire charcuterie; the aforementioned handsome hog for mains; chocolate or lemon crémeux for dessert (made with the cream of Bore Lane Farm's dairy cows); and, finally, this tower of Yorkshire's finest fromage.

As for the speeches, these took place outside in The Normans Courtyard, adding to the relaxed vibe of the day (helped also by the 'How Yorkshire Are Thee?' quiz for added bants!)

Elsewhere, photographer Claire Penn - chosen to capture fellow photographer Phil's big day (no pressure!) - kept it real and rustic by shooting the couple against farm backdrops, creating the kind of quirky couple shots we love. 

Who knew our Tractor Shed's roller shutter doors and harvested grain could look so good?!

“Although we didn’t really know what we were looking for in a wedding venue, Oliver and Laura blew us away with The Normans.
The way The Normans team worked on the day was fantastic; the venue wowed everyone and we really would not change one single thing. PERFECT!”

— the ever-so marvellous, Melanie

Melanie and Phil's wedding photos are by Claire Penn. (More coming to our Gallery soon!)

Bring on the Bollywood!

We do love a good party, which is why we were thrilled when super-gorgeous Lillie and Zyen brought Bollywood vibes to The Normans, by the bucketload!

By day, the lovely Lillie wore a bespoke silk dress, created by Liliana Dabic at La Novia Bridal in Edinburgh (the city where Lillie and Zyen met), while bridesmaids wore soft peppermint gowns from JJsHouse

The colour scheme was deliciously decadent, with sage green, bold berry and peach-coloured flowers strewn across the venue, courtesy of Wild Floral Couture. 

In the Ceremony Barn two tall showpieces marked the spot where Lillie and Zyen would say 'I do'...

... while petals were scattered the length of the aisle, along with pretty jars as pew ends. 

Over in the Cow Stalls, glass baubles were filled with striking flower heads, and the mangers were chock-full of candy-coloured pom poms... 

... forming a vibrant backdrop to traditional English garden games - Jenga, giant dominoes, quoits and skittles - provided by Harrogate Wedding and Event Hire.

And let's not forget this fab DIY photo booth, complete with props for added wedding bants. 

Pom poms made their way into The Normans Marquee, too - with yet more of the colourful cuties prettifying our rustic backdrops.

Tabletops were lavished with glowing tea-lights and delicate gold jars - each of which were hand painted by Lillie herself.

Even the couple's cuisine - created by Friends4Dinner - was awash with colour and influences from both East and West. 

But that's not all! By day, guests soaked up live music in The Normans Courtyard, in the form of the traditional Pakistani bansuri (flute) and tabla (drum). 

As evening drew in, bride Lillie changed into a beautiful bespoke ensemble by Samsara Couture House, based in Lahore, Pakistan. 

The couple's closest friends then followed suit - the gents each changing into a vibrant Shalwar kameez... 

... and the girls a gorgeous Lehenga Choli. (Even The Normans resident pug, Betty, got in on the act!)

Once the remaining guests took their seats around the dance floor, the girls made their way into the marquee holding mehndi plates and tealights to cue the evening's entertainment!

The group - following the lead of Lillie and Zyen - treated everyone to a dance showcase, performed to a soundtrack of the bride and groom's favourite Bollywood hits. 

Oh what a night! Our heartfelt congrats to the wonderful Lillie and Zyen, aka Mr and Mrs Ubeid. 

“We could not have imagined a more magical setting than The Normans for our wedding: every single space, from the Courtyard to the Marquee, had something unique about it, meaning that we were able to continually surprise guests with new settings and decor throughout the day. It really was the best day of our lives!”

— the beautiful Mrs Ubeid

All photographs are the handiwork of York-based Olivia Brabbs Photography. Keep your eyes peeled for yet more shots from this superb day on our Gallery!

Hot Stuff at The Normans

When Dubai-based duo Amanda and Danny booked The Normans for their June 17 wedding, we did our very best sunshine dance. And, do you know, it worked?! Cue the hottest day of the year for one red-hot couple!

While a radiant Amanda wore a David Tutera gown from Bridal Apparel Leeds, her bridesmaids' shone in heather-hued dresses from the same boutique - each of the girls choosing a style they felt best suited them. 

As for the girls' gorgeous wild posies, they're the handiwork of florist Angie Walker Beautiful Flowers. 

Almost (but not quite!) usurping the girls' in the style stakes: the boys! Opting for classic tails, groom Danny's Cameron Ross ensemble also came from Bridal Apparel Leeds. (His friend and MC, meanwhile, donned a scarlet toastmaster suit, hired from Moss Bros in Harrogate.)

Back inside The Normans' lavender-strewn courtyard, guests soaked up the day's generous rays...

...while those feeling less languid made the most of traditional garden games on The Normans' lawn. 

Anyone seeking respite from the day's heat found a cool retreat in Cow Stalls, where the mangers were filled with wedding-white hydrangeas. 

As the sun began to dip, top wedding photographers Kate Gray Photography took the bridal party to The Normans grain shed for some smokin-hot shots...

The rest of the guests, meanwhile, took their seats inside The Normans marquee for a three-course feast, courtesy of Friends4Dinner. 

Inside, mega martini glasses formed glam centrepieces, each filled with seasonal blooms, from Angie Walker Beautiful Flowers

The tables were each named after - in Amanda's words - "household banter", with one-liners from the couple's funniest incidents or classic bickering.   

The wedding breakfast kicked off with sharing platters of Italian meats, cheeses, olives and sun-dried tomatoes, followed by steak and dauphinois potatoes, with a dessert trio of  Eton mess, lemon cheesecake and sticky toffee pudding. (Because choosing just one can be ever so trying!)

For 'cheese fiend' Danny, caterers Friends4Dinner created a cheese cake with accompanying chutneys and crackers. 

As if that wasn't enough, The Flamingo Bakery in Harrogate created this Naked Cake showstopper: comprising Madagascan Vanilla sponge (filled with cream and jam) and two layers of Indulgent Chocolate and Sicilian Lemon, filled with lemon curd.

Following a feast of a wedding breakfast, the couple treated guests to 'Cocktail Hour' with two cheekily-named tipples to represent the Yorkshire-born bride ('Northern Monkey') and her London-born beau ('Southern Fairy'). 

Rather thoughtfully, the couple also arranged for street food truck Market Wraps to help soak up all those cocktails. Cue pulled pork (or halloumi cheese for veggies), served in a Yorkshire pudding 'wrap' - one way to introduce their international guest list to a taste of the county! 

After a truly sun-scorched day, our Dubai hotties headed for their first dance as man and wife. (Before party band The Modern Way pumped out some serious floor-filling tunes!) Our congratulations to a truly fantastic couple!

“We knew we wanted to get married in Yorkshire, but, after months of looking for a venue, and nothing grabbing us, we were pretty close to eloping - and then we chanced upon The Normans!
Planning a wedding from abroad has its difficulties but we absolutely lucked out with the dream team of Laura and Oliver. We couldn’t wait for our guests to see the venue, but even we were blown away by how incredible it looked on the day. The Normans showcased the very best of Yorkshire and the finest of Yorkshire hospitality.”

— the amazing Amanda

All photographs are courtesy of the ever-so excellent Kate Gray Photography To feast your eyes on more photos from Amanda and Danny's awesome day, head to our Gallery soon!

Shine on at The Normans

Here at The Normans we love a confetti shot (who doesn't?) and this one has to be an all time favourite! Cue an elated Mark and Jenny - aka Mr and Mrs Zaki - being showered in petals after a candle- and fairy-lit service in our Ceremony Barn. 

Decorative lighting and a wedding-white colour scheme formed a timeless look for the day. The Ceremony Barn was privy to a parade of delicate silver birch trees, each of which had glass baubles, filled with tea-lights, suspended from their branches.  

Over in the Cow Stalls, eucalyptus clung to every inch of our mangers, with scented leaves interspersed with twinkling lights... 

...while the troughs were filled with pretty white tulips and foliage (the very same tulips were used for Jenny's bridal bouquet.)

Over in The Normans Marquee, cherry blossom trees formed statuesque centrepieces, with trailing ivy weaving its way over trunks and along branches. 

With floral wonder abound - all courtesy of the uber-talented Caines of Harrogate - it's hard to think of anything beyond tulips and trees - but allow us to share yet more details to fawn over!  

The tables! For rustic table centre inspo, check out Jenny and Mark's hessian-wrapped centrepieces, offset with tree trunk-style table names (and plenty of lovely plonk).

The outfits! Jenny's elegant bridesmaids' each wore floor-length navy gowns from Whistles - and carried wild white and green posies. 

Bride Jenny literally sparkled from head to toe in the gorgeous Beatrice by Jenny Packham, purchased from decadent Harrogate boutique, The Bridal Collection. (Swoon!)

And don't even get us started on these feather-strewn Jimmy Choos, Vivien 85 - the ultimate #shoegoals!

Outside one of Yorkhire's finest ensembles, Trio Vivo, set the classiest of tones, with music for guests to sup champagne to in The Normans sun-scorched courtyard... 

While inside one of our favourite caterers, Friends4Dinner, served a stunning sit-down meal to the couple and their guests inside The Normans marquee. 

And let's not forget this tasty tower of fromage! Namely, Gorwydd Caerphilly, Vignotte, Cornish Yag, Swaledale Blue and Godminster fromage, decorated with figs and flowers. 

Sated - and ready to party - the couple took to the dancefloor, to get down to the dual beats of a Jonny Ross Music DJ and live saxophonist. Floor-filling sound guaranteed. Huzzah!

“Holding our wedding at The Normans was a magnificent 10-star experience! From the very beginning of sending our parents to visit the venue to picking up our belongings after the wedding day, we received nothing but kindness, helpfulness and utter professionalism. We are absolutely over the moon that we chose The Normans to marry in front of our loved ones. (All of our guests told us over and over again how much they loved the venue too!) ”

— the ever-so elegant, Jenny

Heartfelt congratulations to these beautiful people from The Normans! All photos are by Nicola Denby Photography - more of which to be posted on our Gallery page soon!

Dahlias and Douglas (the Pug)

Dahlias! Delphiniums! Douglas the Pug! There's so much cheery stuff to love about Danielle and Andy's big July day that we can't wait to share it with you!

First up, a Pug named Doug. As proud owners of Betty the Pug, we have a lot of love for squashed-faced pooches here at The Normans. But, we think you'll agree, Douglas looked every inch the dapper chappy in his dusky pink bow tie, awaiting his human's arrival down the aisle.

Next up, the flowers! Bright and bold was the look of the day, with jewel-coloured hydrangeas, peonies, delphiniums, dahlias, from Manchester's Northern Flower.

We just love Danielle's choice to adorn her bridal hair do with flowers too. (What a babe!)

And just check out these dramatic bouquets! The bridesmaids' dresses - from ASOS.com - tied in with the pretty pink theme too, while Danielle's gorgeous 'dress' was actually separates by Martina Liana from Ava Rose Hamilton Bridal, near Leeds. 

Even Danielle's shoes had a floral feel - available from her fave shoe shop, Moda in Pelle. 

With an intimate guest list of 62, Danielle and Andy said their 'I do!'s in front of our cascading fairylights, before heading out into The Normans courtyard, where plenty of treats awaited their nearest and dearest.

And, while Dani managed to keep Douglas away from the bar... 

...other guests supped drinks in the sunshine to live music by funky acoustic duo, Colour Blue. (Who doesn't love a bongo on a Saturday afternoon?!)

Stylish wooden garden games also kept guests amused - Giant Jenga, anyone?

After much merriment, guests moved into The Normans marquee, perusing photos of Danielle and Andy as they went. 

Meanwhile, the couple of the hour headed out onto The Normans' farmland to capture more memorable moments for their photo album. 

After tucking into a delicious wedding breakfast - with rustic, flower-filled milk urns as table centrepieces - sweet treats awaited guests outside in the courtyard... 

Cue retro ice cream cart, Scoop n' Sandwich from York. But this isn't just your average scoop in a cone, oh no... 

...think myriad ice cream flavours, sandwiched between giant cookies and garnished with all sorts of sauces and toppings, from mini marshmallows to M&Ms. 

But for those craving for yet more sugar, behold this rustic lovely from York-based White Rose Bakes: tiers of elder flower or lemon-infused sponges, with a white chocolate and raspberry filling. 

After savouring so much loveliness, all that was left for the couple to do was party hard - on this occasion to top tunes from Jonny Ross Music.  Our hearty congratulations to the newly wed Mr and Mrs McCulloch - and, of course, a big shout out to Douglas the Pug!

“From the moment we first viewed The Normans, we knew it was our ideal wedding venue (helped by the fact our Pug Douglas made friends with resident Pug, Betty!)
The Barn allowed us to have a ceremony in an original and beautiful setting and the Courtyard was a perfect space to celebrate with our friends and family in the sunshine. But the thing we loved the most was that The Normans offered us a stunning venue to create a wedding that was personal to us. ”

— The marvellous Mrs McCulloch

All photos are courtesy of talented Leeds-based wedding photographer, Mark Hillyer. Stay tuned for yet more snaps of the couple's day - coming to our Gallery soon!

Here's to you, Mrs Robinson!

Now, we realise we've left this week's groom out of shot (apologies, David!), but we think you'll agree that bride Maheshi is a vision to behold! David and Mesh married at The Normans on a merry May day, when our farm fields were ripe with yellow rape seed - and what a backdrop it made!

The couple were wed in The Normans Ceremony Barn, where they said 'I do' against another rather superb backdrop: floral displays in chic white and green by Simply Flowers and, of course, our signature cascading fairylights.

Huzzah! Officially wed, the newly-declared 'Mr and Mrs Robinson' emerged to a flurry of white petal confetti, in keeping with the day's colour scheme. 

Both Mesh and her bridesmaids carried classic white roses for a timeless look. And while Mesh wore a designer gown from London's Paverly Bridal, the girls wore champagne-coloured dresses by BL Couture, available at Etsy.com (A big shout out too to the girls' make-up artist, Ravita Pannu!)

The Normans Cow Stalls received a simple yet effective florish of white roses too....

...while eucalyptus ran the length of the Cow Stalls mangers, forming a cosy spot for the newlyweds and their guests to take time out from the revelries. 

Over in The Normans Marquee, Mesh and David added plenty of personal touches. Guests' heads turned as they entered, with Polaroid snaps of the pair, from past to present pinned to the wall...

Personalised crates formed a fittingly rustic place for guests to pop cards and presents...

...while a chalkboard sign pointed guests to the right place to post all their best wedding snaps.

But if there's one way to wedding guests' hearts, it's the opportunity to 'Pimp Your Prosecco!'

As a Prosecco-fuelled party commenced, guests got their groove on to tunes by Teenage Kicks, and struck a pose in a prop-filled photo booth, courtesy of Booth Revolution.

Meanwhile, the couple's photographer, Ed Pereira, took the opportunity to further demonstrate his talents with some smouldering night-time shots, both outside in our courtyard...

.... and back in the very spot where David and Mesh tied the knot. (Wowee!)

“Having toured what felt like the length and breadth of the country looking for the right venue, we knew as soon as we arrived at The Normans that it was the one.
Oliver, Laura and Sharon were incredibly helpful from the moment we booked, through to the moment we left the cottage on the morning after the big day - we can’t thank them enough!”

— the ravishing Mrs Robinson

All photographs are courtesy of the ever-so excellent Ed Pereira Photography To feast your eyes on yet more fabulous photos from Mesh and David's big day, head to our Gallery.