Laid-back Love at The Normans

Seasoned travellers Louise and Ray knew they wanted a relaxed vibe for their big day. What’s more, they wanted to marry in a place that would suit the Aussie groom’s chilled-out character and Louise’s Yorkshire roots. And here we find them, at The Normans.

Luckily the weather was more Australian than Yorkshire, meaning the men of the moment could don their shades en route to the ceremony - dressed in suits from Peter Posh.

Meanwhile, bride-to-be Louise and her bridesmaids readied themselves in The Normans onsite cottage, but a stone’s throw from the spot where she would soon say ‘I do’…

As soon as she stepped out we fell head over heels for Louise’s boho bridal dress - Luca by Rue de Seine

A show of fine soft mesh, beading and fringing - and that low back detail…

The girls, meanwhile, wore mismatching gowns from super-cool bridesmaids’ brand, Rewritten. Meanwhile, flowers, by the mighty Kate Mell, were kept wild and pretty: gypsophila, grey lavender and eucalyptus among them.

One of Louise’s enduring memories of walking down the Ceremony Barn aisle, was how the scent of eucalyptus and lavender filled the air: “I wish ‘smellivision’ was a thing - the fragrance of the ceremony barn was everything!” she says.

Once wed, the happy couple left the Ceremony Barn amid a flurry of rose-petal confetti …

… heading out into the sun-soaked Courtyard to make merry with guests who had travelled far and wide to join them right here in Yorkshire.

But the couple enjoyed some all-important alone time, too - heading out into The Normans farmland for some ‘just-married’ shots, featuring our resident horses Heidi and Ben and rolling, sun-kissed fields.

Back inside the venue, a world map set the tone for the couple’s wedding breakfast - with each table named after the couple’s favourite destinations.

Each person’s place setting comprised a Polaroid photo, individually picked to show a favourite memory with that person. “Favours were a little bit from our homes,” explains Louise. “Yorkshire Tea from me, Australian biscuits ‘Tim Tams’ from Ray.”

Their gift and card table paid a final tribute to their travels and life overseas, featuring rustic boxes, a globe and a vintage suitcase.

Table-top centrepieces, meanwhile, were kept simple with tall vase displays of gypsophelia …

… a look that was echoed on the top table, which was lined with low, hessian-covered pots.

“Our incredible friend and ‘birthday cake queen’ Sonia made our cake,” recalls Louise. “The flavours of each tier were Ginger, Lemon, White Chocolate and Raspberry.”

Sated - not to mention deliriously happy - our loved-up couple kicked off the night’s dancing with their own first spin about the dancefloor as newlyweds. Congratulations!

“The Normans had everything we could have wanted and more. We had the opportunity to do as much or as little as we wanted - in our case it was the latter, because it’s perfect as it is. The whole team made the entire process easy from start to finish. We are still wondering what people are talking about when they say that weddings are stressful! Our guests were as blown away as we were.”

— the lovely Louise

SUPPLIERS

BRIDE'S DRESS LUCA BY RUE DE SEINE

BRIDE'S HAIR CARINA AT THE HARROGATE HAIR & BEAUTY CLINIC

BRIDESMAID'S DRESSES REWRITTEN

CATERER THE HOG & APPLE FOOD CO.

FLORIST KATE MELL FLOWERS

GROOM'S SUIT PETER POSH

PHOTOGRAPHER CRIS MATTHEWS PHOTOGRAPHY

Check out more photos from Louise and Ray’s day, by Cris Matthews Photography, on our Gallery!

Countryside Cool at The Normans

Arriving at The Normans in a 1950s Chevy, wearing a Jesus Peiro bridal gown, Phoebe ensured her wedding day was the epitome of ‘countryside cool’.

Phoebe’s glorious leafy bouquet - by Lily Pearls Floral Boutique - was broken up with fluffy white peonies and hydrangeas.“I just love it when [a bouquet] looks like it’s been scooped up from a hedge row and isn’t too tightly packed together!” says Phoebe.

In the Ceremony Barn, simple olive trees (purchased from Aldi!) lined the aisle - each placed in a rustic, hessian-covered pot.

Elsewhere, simple arrangements of jars filled with tea-lights and encircled by olive branches were placed atop the barrels.

“I wanted the same simple theme for the rest of the venue because it’s just so beautiful on its own,” says Phoebe. “We opted for plain foliage hoops in the Cow Stalls, made by the lovely ladies at Lily Pearls Floral Boutique.”

Matt and his ushers looked the part in their tweed suits from Moss Bros at York’s McArthur Glen Designer Outlet. “Matt also had a lapel pin, made by Harrogate’s Vinegar and Brown Paper that I gave to the best man to surprise him with on the wedding morning,” says Phoebe.”

The bridesmaids headed to the high street, choosing blush-coloured gowns from H&M, while the flowergirls wore gorgeous yellow and green floral dresses from Monsoon.

But its bride Phoebe who really stole the show in this Jesus Peiro gown from Andrea Bambridge Bridal in York. Phoebe added a bow around her waist for ‘a touch of sparkle’…

… and the back looked equally photogenic, with covered buttons and unique cut-out detail.

After exchanging vows in our Ceremony Barn, the pair headed outside to toast their newlywed status in the Courtyard…

… where guests looked on as an impromptu first dance took place to the tunes of guest and guitarist Mike Johnson.

When dinner was announced, the entrance to The Grain Shed was marked with this fab DIY table plan. “I think it was previously some sort of garden planter,” says Phoebe, who found it at Country Baskets. “We stained the wood darker and filled the shelves with jars of foliage.”

Printed stationery cards - the handiwork of Stephanie Davies - were secured using string and miniature pegs.

Inside, table centerpieces fused fauna, terrariums and tea-lights for a simple yet pretty effect.

Each place was set with a cookie favour, made by Nice Icing “I sent them photos of our two cats Millie and Obi and she replicated them, so all the men had an Obi and all the women had a Millie!” says Phoebe.

The newlywed Mr and Mrs Plant joined their guests - to rapturous reception, naturally - for a wedding breakfast rustled up by the marvellous Hog & Apple Food Co. …

… before cutting this four-tier creation - made by Phoebe’s mum - filled with no less than four flavours - vanilla, lemon, carrot and chocolate!

And so that ladies could ready themselves properly for party time, Phoebe arranged for a pop-up make-up bar to be set up in The Cow Stalls.

All make-up was by Amy George who, after beautifying the bridal party on the wedding morning, returned to host the evening beauty bar, complete with face glitter for the little ones!

With the night still young, Phoebe and Matt kicked off the party with their first dance as husband and wife…

Congratulations from all of us here at The Normans!

“We didn’t have to look far to find our dream venue - one look at the twinkling fairy lights and we were sold! The Normans really does tick every box and we fell in love more and more with every returning visit. Oliver, Laura and Sharon were the absolute dream team ensuring everything ran smoothly before and on the day itself. The whole setting and experience couldn’t have been more perfect.”

— The fabulous Phoebe

SUPPLIERS

BRIDE'S DRESS JESUS PEIRO AT ANDREA BAMBRIDGE BRIDAL

BRIDE'S HAIR ABI HARLAND MOBILE HAIRDRESSER

BRIDE'S MAKE UP & beauty bar amy george

BRIDESMAID'S DRESSES H&M and MONSOON

CATERER THE HOG & APPLE FOOD CO

COOKIE FAVOURS NICE ICING  

FLORIST LILY PEARLS FLORAL BOUTIQUE

GROOM'S SUIT MOSS BROS YORK

PHOTOGRAPHER esme mai photography

STATIONERY STEPHANIE DAVIES

Yorkshire Rose at The Normans

Born and raised in North Yorkshire, Amie felt it was only right to go back to her roots on her wedding day - tying the knot in her village church before heading to The Normans, with husband David in tow, for the classiest of receptions. 

The handsome couple arrived at The Normans in style, cruising up in a Beauford Tourer - courtesy of The Yorkshire Wedding Car Company. 

Stepping out of the car, Amie looked the picture of elegance in a bespoke Suzanne Neville bridal gown, from her Knightsbridge boutique. (Swoon!)

Inside The Normans Courtyard, the men of the moment sported traditional morning suits from Moss Bros with a Yorkshire twist: tweed flat caps. 

The venue was imbued with a simple yet chic colour scheme of white and green - from the duo of milk churn displays (made by Amie's aunt) were filled with roses and delphiniums... 

... to the pretty tubs that filled the Cow Stall troughs (the handiwork of Amie's green-fingered father, no less).

The white rose of Yorkshire was the central theme of the bouquet arrangements, which were punctuated with a touch of pink to tie in with the bridesmaids' Jenny Packham dresses. 

Aside from the white roses, the bouquets featured astrantia, eucalyptus, gypsophila - all from Flowers by Joanna Keely.

That symbolic Yorkshire rose reappeared at the entrance of our Grain Shed, framing the couple's table plan, which was perched upon The Normans' potato sack hoist!

Roses also cascaded down the side of the sumptuous cake, designed by Happy Tiers Yorkshire. Once cut open, the cake revealed itself to be a combination of fruit cake, chocolate and Victoria sponge. 

As "absolute National Trust geeks" (Amie's words, not ours!) the couple named their tables after trust properties, with the top table 'Fountains Abbey' - where the pair got engaged. 

Joanna Keely's floral touches formed centrepieces too, surrounded by pretty tea-lights... 

... while dinosaurs - David's childhood love - were used as place settings for the groomsmen, after David says he feared "everything was getting a bit too girly". 

And to ensure everyone could capture the day on camera, the couple constructed a DIY photo booth in the Cow Stalls - all the better after a glass or two of celebratory champers. Cheers!

“We felt so lucky to have had our big day at such a special and unique venue. The Normans team were amazing with any queries or questions from day one, up to the big day. Our guests are still talking about what an incredible venue it was… Thank you!”

— the awesome, Amie

SUPPLIERS

BRIDE'S DRESS SUZANNE NEVILLE

BRIDE'S HAIR RACHEL MARIE

BRIDE'S HEADPIECE IVORY & CO

BRIDE'S MAKE UP JULIE MERCER

BRIDESMAID'S DRESSES JENNY PACKHAM

CAKE HAPPY TIERS YORKSHIRE

CATERER THE HOG & APPLE FOOD CO

FLORIST FLOWERS BY JOANNA KEELY

GROOM'S SUIT MOSS BROS

HIRE CAR THE YORKSHIRE WEDDING CAR COMPANY

MUSIC SHERIDAN LOCKE - BELLA LUNA & SWITCH

PHOTOGRAPHER WYNN DAVIES PHOTOGRAPHY

Love from Down Under at The Normans

Bold colours, music from New York Brass Band and plenty of love and laughs made Rachel and Matt's big day at The Normans the most glorious of summer shindigs!

Rachel and Matt travelled all the way from Australia for their wedding at The Normans, with Rachel completing the last leg of the journey in her father's MGA 1958. Meanwhile, bridesmaids and mother- and brother-of-the-bride followed in a snazzy peppermint VW Camper Van.

The girls made a statement, carrying larger-than-life bouquets of bright pink peonies, Yves Piaget roses and orange pin cushion proteas, by Maryssa Dowe Floral Design.

The bold bouquets looked gorgeous held against the sunshine-yellow bridesmaids' dresses, worn with royal blue shoes for that 'something blue'. 

And let's not forget the happy couple! Matt's blue suit, from The Vintage Suit Hire Company, packed a colourful punch - finished with an aromatic buttonhole of Lolita Lempicka rose, corn flower, lavender, rosemary and eucalyptus. 

And for those of you dreaming of a Jenny Packham bridal gown, here's a closer look at Nashville, featuring the designer's signature lace detail and intricate beading. Beautiful! 

The couple started the celebrations from the get-go, with the New York Brass Band announcing the girls' procession down the aisle - playing Happy Together by The Turtles.  

A personal ceremony followed, conducted by humanist celebrant Louise Burns - against a colourful backdrop of tall urns displaying yet more rich textures and bold blooms. 

Smiling from ear-to-ear, the newlywed pair left the barn to a sun-soaked courtyard, where the revelries began ... 

The New York Brass Band took to their instruments, once again, to get the party in full swing.

While garden games - the ever-competitive Jenga among them - kept guests entertained ...

Over at the pop-up bar, meanwhile, ice-cold beers and fruity Pimms quenched guests' thirst.

Flanking the entrance into The Normans Grain Shed were two urn displays (manoeuvered from the Ceremony Barn), which stood beside large hurricane lanterns. 

As guests stepped inside, a mosaic of black-and-white photos of the happy couple lined the entrance for all to see. 

Table tops were each treated to a bright centerpiece, and the table numbers and place names kept fuss-free with bold, monochrome stationery. 

As guests took their seats to make merry and dine on fine fare served by The Hog and Apple Food Co., Rachel and Matt headed into surrounding farmland to capture a few moments alone... 

“Everything about the day was perfect: The Normans looked amazing and Oli and Laura were great both leading up to the day and on the day itself. Thank you!”

— the radiant Rachel

SUPPLIERS

BRIDE'S DRESS JENNY PACKHAM

BRIDESMAID'S DRESSES THE WITCHERY

CATERER THE HOG & APPLE FOOD CO. 

FLORIST MARYSSA DOWE FLORAL DESIGN

GROOM'S SUIT THE VINTAGE HIRE SUIT COMPANY

MUSIC NEW YORK BRASS BAND

PHOTOGRAPHER THROUGH THE WOODS WE RAN

Chic and unique at The Normans

Faye and Dan's July wedding was a glorious symphony of wedding whites, seasonal flowers and a gown chic enough to rival Meghan Markle's in the style stakes!

Faye's delicate bouquet summed up the day's decor: native flowers and lush green foliage, styled by The Gathered Garden.

As the clock ticked towards the ceremony, guests arrived and mingled in The Normans' lavender-strewn (and sun-soaked!) courtyard ... 

Meanwhile, Faye readied herself for the aisle with the help of her bridesmaids - all of whom were dressed in full-length, off-the-shoulder summer gowns, imbued with the softest of lavender hues.  

But the bevy bridesmaids couldn't hope to compete with Faye's flower girls - both of whom were the epitome of summer style, dressed in angelic Zara Kids cotton dresses and floral crowns. 

Dan and Faye were soon married in The Normans' iconic ceremony barn; their first kiss as man and wife illuminated by cascading fairylights and warm candlelight. 

As the love-struck couple made their exit in a shower of confetti, we couldn't help but pause for thought and admire groom Dan's dapper three-piece number, procured from Reiss.

Outside, little ones basked in the sunshine, amusing themselves by The Normans water feature ... 

... while the big kids made the most of garden games - hoopla and a fiercely competitive game of limbo (sets purchased from Marks and Spencer).

It was soon time for guests to their seats to in The Normans Grain Shed, and welcome the newlyweds. We just love the white balloons by The Little Balloon Co that lined the entrance!

Inside, the pair created a stunning setting for dining, drinking and dancing thereafter! 

For the wedding breakfast, the couple took their place at the centre of a traditional top table, dressed with a garland of weeping pear, dusty miller and apple, by The Gathered Garden.

Place settings were kept simple and rustic, with wooden boards and crisp white napkins. (If you love the look, just ask Hog & Apple Food Co. for the very same!)

Guests' tables were each dressed with a low centerpiece of white candles and a foliage wreath.

The couple kept it classic with a three-tiered traditional fruit cake (with one sponge layer), made by Faye's step-mum. 

Once dinner was done, Faye & Dan kicked off the evening with the first dance - showing their guests how to rock The Normans' illuminated dancefloor ... not that the crowd needed any encouragement! 

“The Normans was the first and only venue we viewed! It was exactly what we wanted: rustic yet modern and beautifully simple. One of the highlights of my day was waiting to walk down the isle and watching the swallows flying in and out of the barn - priceless!”

— the fabulous, Faye

SUPPLIERS

BALLOONS THE LITTLE BALLOON COMPANY

BRIDE'S DRESS ST PATRICK, BRIDAL ROGUE GALLERY

BRIDESMAID'S DRESSES OASIS

BRIDE & BRIDESMAIDS' HAIR WEDDING HAIR BY HANNAH TAYLOR

BRIDE & BRIDESMAIDS' MAKE UP DAN WOOD WEDDING MAKEUP

CATERER THE HOG & APPLE FOOD CO. 

FLORIST THE GATHERED GARDEN

FLOWERGIRL DRESSES ZARA KIDS

GARDEN GAMES MARKS AND SPENCER

GROOM'S SUIT REISS

MUSIC APOLLO SOUL

PHOTOGRAPHER HAMISH IRVINE PHOTOGRAPHY

Tickled Pink at The Normans

Love was in full bloom here at The Normans at the end of May, when Marie and James's big day boasted blossom trees, pink posies - and glorious sunshine.  

The colour scheme saw the prettiest of pinks, starting with the girls' bouquets, which exuded sugary summer hues, courtesy of York-based florist Once Upon a Thyme 

The bridesmaids' dresses followed suit with dusky-floor length gowns from AX Paris at ASOS.com. Marie, meanwhile, looked the picture of elegance in Allure Romance, from To Have and to Hold 

Meanwhile, James and his groomsmen sported bold blue suits with matching dusky-pink ties, from Dobell menswear 

Elsewhere in the venue, those dominant pink tones were punctuated with wild, English-grown garden flowers ...

... paying the perfect compliment to The Normans rustic vibes: as seen in our original Cow Stalls-turned-ultimate wedding snug!

But it was Ceremony Barn where heads really turned - upward! Cue two towering blossom trees, which formed a breathtaking frame to the couple's vows. (Available to hire from Ambience Venue Styling York!)

Adding yet more romance to the occasion, were Endymion String Quartet, who serenaded guests as Marie stepped down the aisle - and during celebratory reception drinks too. 

Officially husband and wife, James and Marie left the Ceremony Barn beneath a shower of petal confetti ... 

... before promptly joining guests in the Courtyard for traditional garden games - and champagne, naturally!

After ample merry making outside, guests took their seats inside - this time heading to The Normans Grain Shed, where yet more floral displays took shape. 

Centerpieces comprised flower-filled hurricane lanterns, while tea-lights added a touch of sparkle to table tops. 

Rustic name tags served as guests' place names, tied to a simple sprig of aromatic lavender. 

That lavender hue also appeared on our Chiavari chairs, courtesy of Ambience Venue Styling York, who added a mauve sash to each. 

We just loved the top table display of real moss, offset with pastel-coloured candles, roses and succulents. 

Even the couple's cake was dressed to thrill, with real flowers and yet more lavender finishing the vanilla sponge creation off a treat. (Layers included vanilla cream, sticky carrot and ginger and lemon drizzle.)

The overall effect was a pink and purple haven, with plenty of rustic wooden signage to boot. 

And with the scene so beautifully set inside, the couple were also sure to make the most of the rustic surrounds out, with those all-important newlywed shots... Congratulations, James and Marie!

“From our very first visit, we knew that The Normans was the one for our special day! The team were always on hand to make sure our day ran smoothly and was stress-free. The incredible backdrop of fairy lights coupled with the ambient light of the candles in the ceremony barn stunned us all. A perfect venue! ”

— the marvellous Marie

SUPPLIERS

BRIDE'S DRESS TO HAVE AND TO HOLD

BRIDESMAID'S DRESSES AX PARIS AT ASOS.COM

BRIDE & BRIDESMAIDS' HAIR ANNA STEPHENSON

FLORIST ONCE UPON A THYME

GROOM'S SUIT DOBELL

MUSIC ENDYMION STRING QUARTET

PHOTOGRAPHER CJ RODGERS PHOTOGRAPHY 

VENUE STYLIST AMBIENCE VENUE STYLING YORK

A decadent day at The Normans

Check out newlyweds Bec and Andy, sharing a love-struck moment in The Normans Cow Stalls! Their big April day was a showcase of decadent dresses, wedding-white blooms and warm lighting in abundance ... 

When it comes to bridal gowns, they don't come much more detailed than Bec's beautiful, hand-beaded Anna Campbell dress, Sierra 

Snapped up from Coco & Kate bridal boutique, we were admiring its silvery hues and decadent detail all day long (those beaded shoulder loops!) 

An equally sultry scene was set for Bec's arrival, with the Ceremony Barn dressed with elegant white floral arrangements - the handiwork of Stems Design - at the fore and hurricane lanterns lining the aisle. 

Bec's entrance was proceeded by a beautifully dressed bridal brigade: her friend Sarah in a white chiffon and sequinned maxi dress, by Goddiva

And, cranking up the cute factor, their page boy and flower girl in Marks & Spencer ensembles

After a seriously sparkling ceremony - not to mention a tear-jerking reading - Bec and Andy were officially wed, prompting a reception to remember ... 

The Normans Grain Shed set a sumptuous scene, thanks to winning floral arrangements by Stems Design, fine fare from The Hog & Apple Food Co. and our signature fairylights. 

Centerpieces paraded atop tall vases, allowing guests to talk across the table with ease. Each display comprising blousy white roses, ranunculus, spray roses, white Veronica and hellabores for a 'simple yet elegant' look. 

Low-level arrangements spanned the length of the traditional top table, along with Bec's beloved bouquet - plus countless glass vases with floating tea-lights for added sparkle. 

Favours came in the form of a miniature Raspberry Gin - perfect for toasting the couple. 

The Hog & Apple Food Co's cuisine proved a talking point, as always, kicking off with anti-pasta sharing platters, served on tall wooden boards.

The cake comprised a tier of lemon drizzle with lemon curd icing, another of Cherry Bakewell and a Salted Caramel praline top layer with Swiss meringue icing. Made by Andy's cousin, it was placed on the same cake stand used for Bec's great grandparents' big day.  

With the party in full swing, guests got down to the tunes of Hot Biscuit, while Espresso Martinis headlined at the bar. Here's to the happy couple, Mr & Mrs Preston!

“We couldn’t have wished for anything more than what The Normans had to offer: from the breathtaking lighting in the Ceremony Barn, to the dancefloor and stage for our band - and everything else in between, The Normans has it all. The team were on hand to ensure that the timings were perfect, the guests were looked after and the day was as stress-free as it could be. An outstanding wedding venue.”

— the beautiful Bec

SUPPLIERS

BRIDE'S DRESS SIERRA BY ANNA CAMPBELL

BRIDESMAID'S DRESS GODDIVA

BRIDE & BRIDESMAIDS' HAIR AMY AT OPTIONS

CATERING THE HOG & APPLE FOOD CO. 

FLORIST STEMS DESIGN

FLOWERGIRL & PAGE BOY OUTFITS MARKS & SPENCER

GROOM'S SUIT REISS

MUSIC ANDY FRENCH MUSIC

PHOTOGRAPHER TOAST OF LEEDS

Beauties and the beast (from the East!)

If you've been soaking up the sun lately, spare a thought for super-cool Catherine and Paul - whose March wedding was gatecrashed by the mighty Beast from the East!

But did they let the gale force winds and snow put their big day on ice?

Did they heck!

Bride-to-be Catherine arrived with a gaggle of gold-drenched girls and together they fought off the elements in these rather fabulous customised leather jackets... 

The bridesmaids' dresses were by Jenny Packham at Debenhams, while hair-dos were the handiwork of Emily Hawkes and make up artistry by Meg Lindow

And here's a better look at that dress: from The Harrogate Wedding Lounge, the show-stopping Micah by Sottero and Midgley marries a bejeweled bodice and layer upon layer of tulle!

Not to be entirely outdone, groom Paul looked mighty dapper in an emerald-green suit by Paul Smith, teamed with braces from Mrs Bow Tie

With everyone wedding-ready, The Normans Ceremony Barn welcomed guests with warm candlelight and white flora and greenery - ivy, eucalyptus and pampass grass among them - by Serendipity Floral Design

For yet more greenery, the Pew ends were garnished with a simple sprig of eucalyptus.

After a heartfelt ceremony, the just-wed pair walked back down the aisle amidst a flurry of multi-coloured confetti, carrying their flowergirl and daughter, Róisín

As The Beast from the East continued to rage outside, guests inside were oblivious, and moved onto The Normans Grain Shed for the next stage of revelries... 

We just love this floating table plan, just one of the creations made by Catherine herself (the lady behind CJ Designs), who also made all of the stationery for her big day. 

Mismatching table settings gave the couple's chic decor a modern feel, with flower-filled bottles and decorative books on some tables ... 

... and tall floral displays, courtesy of Serendipity Floral Design, gracing others. 

Menus - also the handiwork of CJ Designs - revealed the delicious dishes to be served up by The Hog & Apple Food Co, with Yorkshire Deli Boards to start, followed by a relaxed and meaty main of Tomahawk and Chateaubriand steak and triple-cooked chips ... 

... and the couple's decadent red velvet chocolate wedding cake (courtesy of Marks and Spencer) for dessert. 

Happily, outside the weather proved no obstacle for some fabulous photos - indeed, we'd say the wind showed off Catherine's princess dress to perfection!

While the Cow Stalls provided cosy - and romantic - respite from the elements.  

Come nightfall drinks flowed while Pretty Little Faces performed festival-style face painting of glitter and jewels on grown-up guests: the party spirit was well and truly on!

Our hearty congratulations to the super Catherine and Paul!

“From the minute we walked into the Ceremony Barn we knew The Normans was ‘our’ venue - it suited us perfectly. On the day it all went perfectly, even with The Beast from the East returning to give us a -6 chill factor and snow! I’ve never smiled so much and we can’t thank The Normans team enough for making it a day we’ll never forget.”

— the fabulous Catherine

SUPPLIERS

BRIDE'S DRESS & VEIL THE HARROGATE WEDDING LOUNGE

BRIDESMAIDS' DRESSES JENNY PACKHAM AT DEBENHAMS

BRIDE & BRIDESMAIDS' HAIR EMILY HAWKES BRIDAL HAIR STYLIST

BRIDE & BRIDESMAIDS' MAKE UP MEG LINDOW

CATERING THE HOG & APPLE FOOD CO. 

FACE PAINTING PRETTY LITTLE FACES

FLORIST SERENDIPITY FLORAL DESIGNS

GROOM'S SUIT PAUL SMITH

GROOM'S BOW TIE MRS BOW TIE

MUSICIANS SAM DOWNING

PHOTOGRAPHER JULES BARRON

WEDDING STATIONERY CJ DESIGNS

*PHOTOGRAPHER JULES BARRON IS OFFERING COUPLES WHO HAVE BOOKED THEIR WEDDING AT THE NORMANS A 10% DISCOUNT OFF OF HER PHOTOGRAPHY RATES! 

*SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY. APPLICABLE WHEN BOOKING DURING 2018.

Springtime vibes ... at The Normans

Spring has finally sprung here at The Normans (huzzah!) and the sun-kissed March wedding of Claire and Paddy is a vision to behold!

Bride Claire and her gaggle of girls readied themselves in The Normans onsite cottage, located a stone's throw from the venue ... 

And, with flowers abound inside the venue, the girls decided to add a floral touch to their own wedding look - with a single rosebud for the bridesmaids ...

... and a full and fabulous floral crown for the lady herself, created by the couple's wedding florist, Clock Dandelion

Indeed, Claire's crowning glory and verdant bouquet reflect the look of the day perfectly;  a fusion of elegant white roses with wild ferns, thistles and rustic foliage - to name a few. 

Clock Dandelion's fresh, country creations could be found in each of the venue's key spaces: over-sized vases took pride of place in the Ceremony Barn, marking the spot where Paddy and Claire would say 'I do'. 

In the Cow Stalls, miniature Yorkshire ferns and white orchids were suspended from beams, creating a magical, botanical backdrop. 

While guests entered The Normans Grain Shed beneath this show-stopping archway ... 

Not to be outdone, the bridal party were equally well-dressed from head to toe. The bridesmaids chose mismatching blush-hued dresses from ASOS.com

Man of the hour, Paddy, donned a bespoke suit, handpicking his fabric and lining from Huddersfield Fine Worsted's before Raymond Andrews Tailors created the finished article. Groomsmen, meanwhile, wore brown wool suits from Slater Menswear. 

Claire's gorgeous bridal look comprised a Stella Yorke gown from Celebrations Bridal in Ossett and a faux fur wrap from Reiss to take off the March chill. 

And let's not forget the shoes ... Barkers brogues for him and Manolo Blahnik's for her. 

When it came to the cake, however, the couple decided to do away with tradition, opting instead for a tower of chocolate brownies - created by friend, Catherine. As delicious as the big day itself!

“We couldn’t have picked a more perfect venue for our wedding. From the meticulous attention to detail by The Normans team to the flow of the venue, both ensured success. The bar being by the dancefloor keeps people on the dancefloor all night, while the beautiful courtyard - where we had our photos - meant we could be with everyone all day. Thank you for providing the perfect venue for our perfect day!”

— blonde bombshell, Claire

SUPPLIERS

BRIDE'S DRESS CELEBRATIONS BRIDAL SHOP

BRIDESMAIDS' DRESSES ASOS.COM

FLORIST CLOCK DANDELION

FOOD TASTE CUISINE

GROOM'S SUIT HUDDERSFIELD'S FINE WORSTEDS (FABRIC); RAYMOND ANDREWS TAILORS (TAILORING)

MUSICIANS DR FUNTIMES

PHOTOGRAPHER TIM ZOLTIE PHOTOGRAPHY

All that glitters at The Normans

Here at The Normans we like to party. And what better time to let one's locks down than New Year's Eve?! Cue Victoria and Martin, our NYE couple, who welcomed 2018 in style ... 

The outfits! Bride Victoria dazzled guests in this gorgeous gown, from Accent Original Bridal Boutique - with the kind of trail a bride-to-be's dreams are made of...

Her bevy of bridesmaids, meanwhile, were dressed perfectly for the occasion, pairing floor-length navy gowns from Coast with glam-yet-cosy faux fur wraps. 

The chaps cut a dash in three-piece suits - the grey and blue tones tying in with girls' garb to a tee.

Of course, it's not a party without an abundance of decor - cue local florist, Clock Dandelion who dressed every space of The Normans with originality and flair. (The grey accents in Victoria's bouquet make it one of our favourites of 2017!)

Over in the Cow Stalls, the partitions were given the royal treatment, wrapped in the thickest foliage, interspersed with wedding-white roses 

We just loved these hanging floral installations by Clock Dandelion too - with one suspended from every Cow Stall bay. 

Indeed, we think these deserve a closer look - if only for those delightful dandelion clocks! #weddingflowergoals

After a champagne-fuelled drinks' reception, guests made their way into The Normans Marquee - guided by a gin-inspired table plan (what better boozy theme for New Year's Eve?)

Inside, guests found the starriest of backdrops to the evening event - in the form of paper lantern stars, hung overhead by the couple's florist, Clock Dandelion. 

Even the cake glittered: four tiers by Celebrate Country Cake Design comprising Victoria sponge, chocolate sponge, lemon sponge and spiced cranberry and brandy ganache flavours. 

As dining came to an end, the tempo reached for the stars, with The English Country Gentlemen taking to the stage

Meanwhile, roulette and Black Jack tables, courtesy of Casino Hire UK added a party vibe for the dance-shy

But as the clock struck midnight there wasn't a soul off the dancefloor, with guests seeing in 2018 - with a little help from party hats, poppers and glitter canons!

Wishing a Happy 2018 - and beyond! - to newlyweds, Victoria and Martin. 

“The Normans is incredible and the team made our day even more special! The venue is utterly charming and atmospheric on its own - but once you add your own touches it turns into an incredible venue that received praise from all our guests. A wedding here will live long in the memory.”

— Man of the moment, Martin

 

Suppliers

BRIDE'S DRESS & HEADPIECE ACCENT ORIGINAL BRIDAL BOUTIQUE

BRIDESMAIDS' DRESSES COAST

BRIDE'S HAIR & MAKE-UP DEBI PARSONS MAKEUP ARTIST

CASINO HIRE CASINO HIRE UK

FLORIST CLOCK DANDELION

FOOD Fryton Catering

GROOM'S SUIT JACK BUNNEYS 

MAGICIAN MARTIN COLLINS

MUSICIANS THE ENGLISH COUNTRY GENTLEMAN

PHOTOGRAPHER LUKE BELL PHOTOGRAPHY 

PHOTO BOOTH DIAMOND PHOTOBOOTH

WEDDING CAKE CELEBRATE COUNTRY CAKE DESIGN

All photographs of Victoria and Martin's big day are courtesy of Luke Bell Photography