Louise’s Wedding at Normanton Park
Marrying just after New Year ensured Louise & Francis could take advantage of low winter sun, dazzling off the surface of Rutland Water, and the couple’s ceremony at Normanton Church ensured Louise could feel close to her grandparents
We all have fond memories from our childhood, and for Louise Ashwell (Née Lynam) one such memory was being able to visit her grandparents in Rutland, enjoying walks around Rutland Water, where she would admire the views of the reservoir and the sight of Normanton Church.
Little did Louise realise back then that her return to Normanton Church would see her walk down the aisle on the Twelfth Night, marrying fiancée Francis surrounded by family and friends, followed by a wedding reception at nearby Normanton Park.
The couple met by chance one day in a local pub, in the good company of Francis’s new border collie and Louise’s sister’s retriever puppy.
Louise and Francis’s eyes met over a couple of waggy tails and a first date was swiftly arranged. Fast forward a couple of years and the couple were enjoying a romantic break to King Arthur’s old stomping ground, Tintagel Castle in Cornwall.
The romantic beach proposal planned by Francis was unfortunately scuppered by a rogue Weever Fish who decided to take a bite out of Francis’s foot, so the couple instead moved to a clifftop location where, with the backdrop of a sunset and stunning views of the Cornish coast, Francis proposed over a picnic complete with a bottle of Champagne.
The couple viewed Normanton Church and immediately fell in love with the place, which surprised Francis who thought he’d opt for a more traditional looking church.
“My grandfather is a retired methodist minister and settled in Egleton where he and my grandmother became very active in the local church community.”
“We visited the area again a few months later and noticed that there was a couple celebrating their wedding at Normanton Park Hotel.”
“We had a look around and thought what a lovely place it was, so close to Normanton Church. It was the perfect place for our reception!”
Louise chose a Romantica dress from a boutique local to her, with layered A-line skirt, beaded appliqué bodice and fur bolero jacket.
Louise’s bridesmaids were niece Emilie and also her sister and her best friend who wore emerald and champagne gowns respectively, whilst Francis opted for evening wear.
“The bolero jackets were lovely and warm but actually we were very lucky with the weather,” says Louise. “And because it wasn’t high summer the reservoir was really full, ensuring that the sun sparkled off the surface of the water and looked amazing.”
“Our photographer, Ben Davis, was really lovely to work with and captured some lovely images but among our favourites are those he captured by photographing us through our wedding bands which gave a lovely golden halo to the images.”
The couple’s flowers reflected their colour scheme with traditional white roses and foliage including eucalyptus and gypsophila, created by Oakham-based floral designers Pollen.
Their three tier wedding cake was created by Hyacinth Cake Design although Louise gave sweet-toothed guests an additional treat by creating her own sweet table featuring the couple’s favourite confectionary.
“The whole day was absolutely perfect and we were so grateful to have all of our family and friends with us,” says Louise. “Rutland always held a special place in my heart but we’ll always look back on the day and feel a special connection to Normanton now!”
Local Suppliers
Photography: Ben Davis Photography, 07515 776526, www.bendavisphotography.com.
Wedding Ceremony: Normanton Church, 01780 686800.
Wedding Reception: Normanton Park Hotel,01780 720315, www.normantonpark.co.uk
Dress: A-line with scoop bodice by Romantica.
Wedding Flowers: Pollen, Oakham, 01572 724404, www.pollenfloristry.co.uk.
Bridal Hair: Louise Sarah, www.louisasarahuk.co.uk.
Makeup Artist: Rebecca Chantrell, 07841 622366, www.makeupbybecca.co.uk.
To view Ben Davis’s images of Louise and Francis’s day, see our December edition at https://www.pridemagazines.co.uk/stamford/view-magazines?magazine=December-2024