WINNER OF THE NORTH EAST WEDDING VENUE OF THE YEAR – WHERE EVERYONE IS MADE TO FEEL SPECIAL

Whatever the size, every single wedding is different and every couple who books their special day at four-star Norwood Hall Hotel in Aberdeen are treated like VIPs.

And looking after VIPs is something that Norwood’s general manager Stephane Portes is very accustomed to. The Paris-born GM arrived at Norwood Hall last year after spending almost 10 years as head of hospitality at The House of Lords in London.

Constituency and staff retention are two things the hotel is most proud of, and no one is better placed to explain this further than the hotel’s wedding sales manager, who

has been planning weddings for couple at Norwood Hall for almost two decades, the very aptly-named, Julie Love.

Julie, who started working at the venues as a regional manager in 2003, said: “Unlike elsewhere in the hospitality industry, we have a very small staff turnover.

Many of our staff have been here for a long time, including our head chef Matthew Moore, who has been here for nine years as well as our Operations Manager Aimee Foubister. “That’s because Norwood is a great place to work, as well as get married,” added Stephane.

“Our staff have a wealth of knowledge, so they are equipped to deal with most requests from couples. Nothing is too much trouble for them when it comes to organising weddings. We cater to suit all individual desires.”

Along with her colleague Aimee Nekrews, the hotel’s wedding coordinator, their job is to guide couples through the entire wedding planning process, from their initial visit right up to – and including – their wedding day.

Aimee, who has been at Norwood for four years, explained: “Every wedding is unique and we can do exactly what the couple wants, including themed weddings. Our hotel is so beautiful, and we love incorporating the personal touch.”

Most hospitality venues were plunged into chaos when coronavirus hit, but, fortunately, thanks to the team’s care and attention weddings were not

cancelled, however postponed instead.

Aimee explained: “We had one bride who had rebooked

seven times before she was finally able to hold her wedding.”

This year, the hotel is understandably busy with weddings – last week, it staged no less than five weddings – and it has noticed a rise in the number of couples booking midweek nuptials. “We never hold more than one wedding at the hotel on any given day,” said Julie.

Aimee continued: “One thing people don’t expect from Norwood is that we can host weddings of any size, not just ones with large guest numbers. Yes, we have a big ballroom which can seat over 150 guests, but we also have smaller function rooms that are perfect for more intimate ceremonies.

“We have held weddings for just two people, as well as ones with 10, 20, 40, and 150-plus guests.”

Julie agrees: “There is no such thing as a ‘normal wedding’, our brides and grooms discuss what they want, and we will make it happen.”

It’s easy to see why the hotel has won two Top Tier Awards for

Venue of the Year (in 2017, 2019 and 2021) and Coordinator of the Year (in 2018) and that couples planning their big day are drawn to Norwood. As well as being a stunning four-star venue, which has

a countryside vibe despite its close proximity to Aberdeen city centre, it serves award-winning food –

Norwood is the holder of two AA rosettes – and has no less than 73 bedrooms, ideal for wedding guests who wish to extend their stay.

To discover why Norwood Hall could be your perfect wedding venue, arrange a visit to speak to Julie, Aimee and the team.