If, like us, you’re in need of cooling down during this hot, dry July, then you’ll be eager to immerse yourself in our latest wedding blog - a throwback to rainy October, when Lucy and Arron celebrated all that is awesome about autumn.
As with all love stories at The Normans, this rainy-day romance began in The Cottage where Kelly Hanks Hair Design and Amy George Makeup readied Lucy and her ladies for the day ahead.
Lucy dressed for the aisle in a stunning Moonlight Bridal gown from Rachel Ash Bridal.
“I knew I wanted something with sleeves, but I wasn’t sure on what shape sleeves… and I also never really wear dresses, so I was a tad nervous!” says Lucy. “But as soon as I tried it on, it just suited my figure and made me feel very elegant, confident and comfortable. So, after a few months of trying other dresses on, I always kept coming back to this one knowing that it really was the dress for me!”
While Lucy was wearing white, her bridesmaids were rocking bold, beautiful autumnal colours.
“We decided to go for a mix of styles and autumn colours,” explains Lucy. “So, I was happy for the girls to find there own!”
The girls, we have to say, did a great job; sourcing their attire from an assortment of outlets, including ASOS, Shein and SilkFred. Well played, ladies.
Meanwhile, groom Arron, pictured here in his slick three-piece tweed suit from House of Cavani, awaited guests in the cosy environs of The Cow Stalls (which, admittedly, look like something straight out of Wuthering Heights, but we can assure you they’re very warm and welcoming...)
Even in October, The Normans Courtyard retains its verdant green aesthetic (and looks all the better when it’s adorned with personal touches from the couple).
The floral arrangements in The Ceremony Barn were particularly striking.
“I always knew we would go for deep autumnal colours since I’ve always loved this colour pallet,” explains Lucy. “I love it when the leaves start to turn and it’s a mix of oranges, reds and yellows. I don’t know much about different flowers but I trusted our florist [the fantastic Floral & Lace].”
The reds and oranges of the floral displays perched on the barrels at the end of the aisle contrasted wonderfully with the sparkling fairy lights.
We also loved the red petals that lined the aisle.
And, needless to say Lucy, wearing her Moonlight Bridal dress, wowed as she entered The Ceremony Barn…
The touching ceremony culminated with the exchange of rings…
… and was sealed with a kiss.
We always make a point of saying that The Normans is an all-seasons, all-weather wedding venue - and this proved to be true on Lucy and Arron’s wedding day. While the drizzle prevented post-ceremony drinks taking place in The Courtyard, The Ceremony Barn was quickly and discreetly turned around for guests to enjoy drinks and canapes…
… and a cracking (weatherproof) group photo.
Speaking of photos, the rain didn’t deter the bride, groom and their entourage from nipping out to the nearby farm buildings with photographer Lianne Gray for some great shots.
It’s not everyday our roller-shutter doors are made to look so chic…
… and it’s strange to think that a cool, grey day could make for such an effective backdrop for photos of bride and groom…
… Arron and his groomsmen also took the opportunity to clamber all over a tractor …
… before the whole gang risked their lives by posing next some extremely dangerous industrial agricultural equipment (we’re kidding - no brides, grooms, bridesmaids or groomsmen were harmed in the taking of this photo).
And, somehow, Lucy and are bridesmaids looked even more stunning in the agri-chic environs of the farm’s dryer shed.
Once photos were finished, the doors to The Grain Shed were opened.
Credit to Lucy - her and her florist absolutely nailed the room’s décor.
“I had seen the Normans had the option of canopy flowers above the tables,” explains Lucy. “We decided to make a feature of them running down the middle, again with autumnal colours and wild style flowers. The other tables were just dressed with some loose flowers in our vases and bottles we hired.“
“I loved our table runners,” adds Lucy. “It was a bit of a gamble to find the right colour - the ones I found were from somewhere in Europe, so it was touch-and-go whether they would arrive [on time] and would be the right colour. Luckily, they suited the colour scheme perfectly and added a pop of colour to the wooden tables!”
“We also had cocktail jars as favours in the autumn colours too. They were so cool - people could shake them at the table and drink there and then.”
“Arron’s table plan was so fun and showed his passion for cycling,” adds Lucy. “He added peoples faces to the ‘teams’ [tables], which made it more interesting for guests to find their seats!”
“The food was more than we imagined. The Hog & Apple really treated us to an amazing dinner, which everyone commented on!” enthuses Lucy. “We knew we wanted an Asian-style sharing starter - we got engaged in Bali - and I think [sharing platters] help break the ice for guests who haven’t met before.”
“The trio of pork was also incredible - everyone raved about the pulled-pork bonbon, it was epic! As for the dessert, we knew the main would be hearty so went for something light and fun - mini white-chocolate lollipops with raspberry and lemon. It was beautiful on the plate and was really light and refreshing!”
Lucy and Arron were lucky enough to have a good friend who could bake a mean cake (shout out to Lexi!). This three-tiered triumph celebrated Lucy & Arron’s love of music.
And while it’s almost a shame to chop up a thing of such beauty, we can assure you Lexi’s cake tasted delicious. But, perhaps more importantly, the cake cutting announced the start of evening merriment…
… namely, the first dance under the twinkling canopy of fairy lights.
“The service we received from The Normans was 5-star - we couldn’t of asked for more. Sharon and the team went above and beyond to make our day special. We had so many comments about how beautiful and different The Norman’s is. It will always have a special place in our hearts!”
