rockbeare

Candles & Glitterballs for a Luxe Winter Wedding

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 13:48:22 GMT

Whilst winter still has us firmly in its grasp, the first subtle signs of spring are beginning to appear...lighter evenings, brighter mornings, and the promise of sunshine just around the corner. It’s a season of anticipation, and it has us reflecting on some of the unforgettable winter weddings we’ve had the absolute pleasure of hosting here at Rockbeare Manor.

We've noticed that increasingly, couples are seeking ways to make their wedding day deeply personal and a true reflection of who they are, whilst also creating a celebration that feels distinctive and entirely their own.

Holly and Adam achieved exactly that... and so much more. By embracing a winter wedding, they instantly created an atmosphere rich with romance and magic. Add a breathtaking designer gown, hundreds of flickering candles, shimmering glitterballs, a statement copper bathtub and exquisitely curated styling and the result was nothing short of spectacular.

This was a winter wedding that will long be remembered as one of the most stylish, thoughtfully designed and beautifully executed celebrations we have ever seen.

The Vision

The outdoors and the countryside have always been woven into Holly and Adam’s story, making a country house wedding venue in beautiful Devon the most natural choice. Adam’s romantic proposal took place in a picturesque corner of Dartmoor, so discovering that Rockbeare Manor enjoys far-reaching views of the moor made their chosen setting feel even more meaningful.

Their vision was for an elegant winter celebration; a refined black-tie affair filled with statement bows, sparkling glitterballs and the soft glow of candlelight. With the expert guidance of Beth at Room for Bloom Events , that vision was brought beautifully to life. Every detail was carefully considered to create a day that felt both timeless and unmistakably theirs.

The Wedding Ceremony

Before walking into the ceremony to Snow Patrol's 'Chasing Cars', played by the talented violinist, Holly and Adam met for a first look, at the bottom of the grand staircase. A moment that will forever be remembered.

From there, guests gathered in the Dining Room, where the magnificent crystal chandelier formed a breathtaking centrepiece as the ceremony began. Surrounded by candlelight, family and friends, the atmosphere felt intimate yet grand in equal measure.

The Celebrations Continue....

The Ballroom was transformed into a truly spectacular setting. An elegant oval table took pride of place, with guests seated all around, creating a wonderfully inclusive and theatrical feel. Each place setting was finished with a classic black bow, individually personalised with the guest’s name - a thoughtful detail that perfectly complemented the refined black-tie aesthetic. In the background, a stunning cake created its own focal point, standing proudly beside a towering 12-foot Christmas tree adorned with glistening baubles.

The Portraits

At Rockbeare Manor, there is no shortage of beautiful backdrops for unforgettable wedding portraits. Whatever the season come rain or shine, summer or winter there are endless opportunities to capture timeless keepsakes that couples will cherish for years to come.

The Copper Bath Tub!

This has got to be one of the most fun and unique ideas we've seen at a wedding! A statement copper bath tub, styled as a focal point for fun, relaxed photographs throughout the celebrations. Complete with a neon sign and sparkling glitterballs, it quickly became a guest favourite and it’s safe to say it kept the dance floor energy going long after the first dance.

Happily Ever After

Holly and Adam’s wedding was the perfect reminder that winter celebrations hold a magic all of their own. They are atmospheric, romantic and effortlessly stylish. Every detail, from the candlelit ceremony to the playful copper bath tub moments, was a true reflection of them as a couple: thoughtful, elegant and just a little bit unexpected.

It was a joy to see their vision come to life at Rockbeare Manor and their day will undoubtedly remain one of those unforgettable celebrations that lasts long in the memory, not just for its beauty, but also for the love at the heart of it all.

For more information about holding a wedding at Rockbeare Manor please visit our weddings page or call us on 01392 797444 - we would love to hear from you.

All images by Nova Photgraphy

Styling, flowers and stationary by Room for Bloom Events

Wedding dress Sassi Holford

Hair by Cindy Beddard

Make up by Amy Elizabeth

Cake by Oakyarde Cakes

Violinist Joel Grainger

Magician by JK Magic

DJ by Future Media

The Remarkable Renovation of Rockbeare Manor

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 20:52:42 GMT

Ten Years Since the Renovation of this Historic Devon Landmark

On 18 September 2015, our role as custodians of Rockbeare Manor began.

For over 160 years this elegant estate had been home to the Follett family, whose ancestors first arrived in 1855. Its walls echo with stories of celebrated figures — from Sir William Webb Follett, the “greatest advocate of the century” knighted in 1835, to Brigadier Eric Llewellyn Griffith-Williams, a key figure in the Dunkirk evacuation.

Photo: Rockbeare Manor, taken from a 1930 edition of Country Life Magazine

From Family Home to New Beginnings

In its more recent history, Rockbeare Manor was the much-loved family home of Caroline Griffiths-Williams (a direct descendant of the Follett family) and Gerard Noel, who married at Rockbeare Church on 28 June 1965. Together they raised five children and enjoyed decades of life at the Manor. Yet, as with many stately homes, the relentless upkeep eventually took its toll and in 2013, the estate was placed on the market.

With little interest from buyers, the future of Rockbeare Manor looked uncertain, until a chance introduction between our Founder, Andy Carveth, and the family changed everything. Inspired by its history and classical Regency features, Andy envisioned transforming the Manor into one of Devon’s most beautiful wedding and events venues.

Having already built a strong reputation for operating two other successful wedding and events venues , Rockbeare Manor was set to become the third in the collection for Andy and the team at PM Hospitality.

Photo: Rockbeare Manor, pre-renovation.

A Labour of Love

What greeted us was daunting: from roof to cellars, inside and out, everything needed attention. But where others saw peeling paint and decaying sash windows, we saw the warmth and beauty of this charming home. Over the following months, our team poured heart and soul into every corner of the Manor.

Photo: Renovations begin. September 2015.

Bringing Iconic Spaces Back to Life

The Dining Room

Once the heart of the Noel family’s daily life, the Dining Room at Rockbeare Manor has been lovingly restored to its former grandeur. Its centrepiece is a magnificent crystal chandelier which was originally brought from Riddlesworth Hall in Norfolk, another of the family's estates which later became a school, attended by Lady Diana Spencer.

Milestones Along the Way

Every great love story begins with a moment in time… and ours started with receiving the keys to Rockbeare Manor. From heartfelt renovations to our very first wedding and the unveiling of twelve luxurious bedrooms, this timeline captures the journey of sensitive restoration and transformation.

Photo: Aimee and Andy (Directors of PM Hospitality) pictured with Gerard Noel, who lived at Rockbeare Manor until 2015.

Looking Back — and Ahead

Renovating Rockbeare Manor was a whirlwind of dedication and detail. We’re deeply grateful to every couple, guest and team member who’s been part of our story so far. Together we’ve transformed an at-risk estate into a vibrant, welcoming space filled with love and celebration.

Here’s to the next decade of weddings, events and memories at Rockbeare Manor.

Thinking about your own celebration?

Visit our weddings page or events page or call 01392 797444 — we’d love to show you around.

Lucy and Will's Impeccably Styled, Spring Wedding

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 13:00:11 GMT

We are in the very lucky position whereby we get to witness an incredible number of weddings, year after year. We hosted our very first wedding in August 2016 (for the lovely Clare and Julian), and one of the best things for us, is getting to see how each couple puts their stamp and vision on their wedding day.

The wedding of Lucy and Will in May 2025 will stand out in our minds for a long time to come. As you will see by scrolling through the images in this blog, the style, elegance, beauty and complete wonder of this wedding is off the scale...!

The Couple

The gorgeous Bride and Groom, Lucy and Will! Huge congratuations to you both, it was a complete honour to host your wedding at Rockbeare Manor.

Will and Lucy will now guide us through their vision and the inspiration for their stunning Spring wedding in Devon ....

The Inspiration

"Beyond being a celebration of our marriage and the most special day of our lives, we wanted our wedding day to reflect our love, our journey together and our personalities.

We both have outdoor careers in farming and conservation, and we wanted a wedding venue that showcased our passions of nature and the countryside. The surroundings at Rockbeare Manor of the ancient parkland, gardens and wildflower meadow along with the farms in the distance ticked every box for us, and that was before we had even been inside! The grandeur, and elegance of the ceremony spaces in the manor were breathtaking alone but their versatility enabled us to put our own creative spin on the venue and add those personal elements we wanted".

The Vison

"Many of our early dates together and something we still love doing today is watching the sunset and waiting for the night sky to twinkle alive with stars. We wanted to incorporate a subtle celestial theme in our wedding whilst keeping our décor light and fresh for the spring month we were getting married in.

We chose oranges, blushes, peaches and dusty blue colours, a dusk sky, accented with gold across our décor and florals. "

The Bridesmaids dresses are by Maya Deluxe , and the Brides Dress is by Modena at Champagne and Charlotte .

The Details

"Our friends and family were able to experience our very own sky full of stars with a firework display by Sonic Fireworks before ending the evening cosying up next to a log fire and toasting marshmallows.

By including these personal touches, along with working with the best team of suppliers, we were able to create a wedding day that was not only beautiful but memorable and truly represented our unique story."

The Ceremony

The Ballroom

"Our table settings consisted of gold beaded charger plates, gold cutlery and gold tealight votives and these were complemented by our signage and stationery which all had little gold stars and moons whilst picking constellations for our table names."

The Portraits

The Suppliers...

Thanks must go to the awesome team of suppliers that made it all happen, including the very talented and all round lovely guy Josh Iskander who was the photographer for the day, Beth at Room for Bloom who brought together the stunning florals, signage and styling, and Claire Arscott Cake Design , who created the amazing cake. It even had an edible gold leaf crescent moon delicately placed on the side!

And not forgetting our brilliant Event Manager, William, who was there all the way through the planning stages with Lucy and Will, and of course on the day itself...... Here he is in action.....(And never too shy to pose for the photographer!!)

Lucy & Will say....

"Thank you making our day so special. We had an amazing day, the weather was beautiful and we couldn't have wished for anything more!

William, your guidance through the day really put us at ease and managed to keep us calm and in the right places in a way that made the day feel seamless. Every time we needed anything you were there before we even had to ask - it was almost as though you could sense we were about to come and find you!

It’s a real credit to you and the rest of the team that the day went so perfectly. Every single person involved in our day went above and beyond to make us feel special. From our original planning meeting to finding on the day solutions to issues that arose, nothing felt too much whenever we asked.

Finally, a personal thank you from Lucy for not being phased by her crazy planning, spreadsheets or bible! Having a job that requires her to be on the ball all of the time means handing over the reigns doesn’t come naturally but you made us feel that we could trust you & the team at Rockbeare Manor and not worry about anything.

Our wedding exceeded all of our expectations and was truly the best day of our lives!"

All the best

Will & Lucy xxxxx

For more information about holding a wedding at Rockbeare Manor please visit our weddings page or call us on 01392 797444 - we would love to hear from you.

All images by Josh Iskander

Pride Month at Rockbeare Manor

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 09:43:25 GMT

This month’s blog is written by Melissa Hornsby, one of our lovely Event Managers here at Rockbeare Manor. So Melissa, it's over to you....

This Pride Month, we’re proud to shine a light on our ongoing support for the LGBTQ+ community. At Rockbeare Manor, we’re committed to being an inclusive and welcoming space for all — a place where individuality is embraced, and every love story is celebrated.

June is a month that many people hold close to their hearts, as this marks the anniversary of the 1969 Stonewall riots, a pivotal moment in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. This historic event sparked a global movement—one rooted in courage, resilience, and the demand for equality. Which now serves as a reminder of how far we’ve come, and how important it is to continue creating spaces where love in all its forms can flourish.

As a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, it means the world to me to help create a space where LGBTQ+ couples feel truly seen, valued, and celebrated from the moment they arrive. Too often, the wedding industry can feel overwhelmingly heteronormative, and it’s incredibly important to me that no couple ever feels like an exception to the rule — but rather, an essential part of the joy and love we host here at Rockbeare Manor.

We’ve had the joy of hearing from LGBTQ+ couples who have already celebrated their weddings with us — and those who are currently planning their big day at Rockbeare Manor in Devon.

In this blog, we are going to hear some of their kind words and shared experiences, which reflect just how important it is to us, that everyone feels truly welcomed and supported throughout every step of the journey.

Adam & Matt

“The second we arrived at Rockbeare Manor we were made to feel welcome and at ease. Having been to a couple of venues where being a member of the LGBTQ+ community was ignored and unacknowledged, it was amazing to not only feel accepted but seen and celebrated by Melissa and the team at Rockbeare ahead of our wedding. It has been amazing to truly share our excitement with a venue that we know values us as we start to plan our special day.”

Emma & Cerys

“I think one of the most valuable things we've so appreciated is just being treated like any other couple - no "where's the groom!" which happened a few times! The fact that there are photos of LGBT weddings on your website too was so gorgeous to see and we've felt so welcomed and nothing but positivity! Rockbeare Manor really has done the most to make us excited and celebrated.”

Kyle & Stu

“Having our LGBT wedding at the Rockbeare Manor was truly magical a perfect blend of love, history and elegance.

The warmth and acceptance we felt from everyone around us created an atmosphere of pure joy from our guests to every member of staff where love was celebrated freely and authentically just how it should be done.

It was important to us to feel safe and welcomed when choosing our wedding venue and Rockbeare Manor couldn’t have done anything more for us from our initial visit for a viewing to the completion of our wedding.”

To read more about Kyle & Stu's wedding, head to our Real Wedding Blog.

Megan & Tasha

“We’ve just recently booked our wedding day with Rockbeare Manor and although it’s 2 years away the team have been amazing. From when we first visited they were all very welcoming to arranging our quotes, answering our many questions nothing seemed to much trouble. We can’t wait to start arranging out big day in such a beautiful Manor knowing there is a good team who will help us all the way!”

Liz & Chloe

"Our experience with Rockbeare Manor has been incredible from the very start. Everyone has been so welcoming and accommodating, making us feel truly supported every step of the way. The venue itself is absolutely stunning, and the team go above and beyond to answer any questions, offering a truly personalised experience.

Before we even booked, we attended a same-sex wedding at Rockbeare and were blown away by how inclusive and comfortable it felt — we knew then how special the place was. We never imagined it would be within our budget, but Rockbeare offer a range of packages to suit different needs, making our dream day feel possible.

One of the most important things for Chloe and myself was being able to include our little pooch in the day, and Rockbeare have made that possible too — something that means the world to us.

Little did Chloe know that just a few months after that first visit, she'd be wearing a ring on her finger!"

Hearing the heartfelt stories and kind words from our LGBTQ+ couples has been truly moving, and we hope these voices reflect the inclusive and welcoming spirit at the heart of Rockbeare Manor.

To see more information about how we approach inclusivity at Rockbeare Manor, read here. Likewise, if you are looking for your perfect wedding venue, we would love to hear from you.

Rockbeare Manor Team - Fundraising for Hospicecare

Sat, 26 Apr 2025 11:43:45 GMT

Fundraising Events for our 10th Anniversary Year !

Would you believe, in September 2025, it will be 10 years since we were handed the keys to Rockbeare Manor. Thereafter, an intensive 9 month renovation project began, before we opened for our first event in June 2016. This is such a huge milestone. We've come so far in that time and it seemed only fitting that we should do something to celebrate !

So, the team at Rockbeare Manor will be embarking on a number of different fundraising events throughout the year.

Devon Business League

The Devon Business League 2025, is designed to bring businesses together for racing, networking, collaboration, and raising money for a worthwhile cause. Held at Race World go-karting track near Exeter, 60 teams from local businesses (including us!) will go head to head to try and win the league, whilst also raising huge amounts for Hospicecare .

So far it has been a lot of fun, and VERY competitive!! Members of the Rockbeare Manor team will be taking turns to team-up and hopefully climb the leader board.

Dartmoor in a Day - 30k Challenge

In September, a team of us will be taking on a 30km challenge and walking 'Dartmoor in a Day'. Starting at Postbridge and finishing in Ivybridge, we'll trek 30km across wild and rugged Dartmoor.

Highlights along the way include Bellever Tor, West Dart stepping stones, Ryder’s Hill, a clapper bridge over the upper Avon river, the Dartmoor “Volcano” and stunning views along the Erme valley and out to sea.

Fundraising together is a key element and we can't wait to make a difference as a team, while taking on this unforgettable advent.

We have pledged to raise a huge £2000 for Hospicecare, a local charity who support all those affected by cancer at every level.

Any donation would be so much appreciated here on our Just Giving Page

We'll make sure we keep you all posted with regular updates on our Social Media platforms and we are really looking foward to getting started with our fundraising, and making a big difference to an incredible charity.

The role of an Event Manager on your wedding day

Mon, 24 Mar 2025 14:39:18 GMT

For every wedding that takes place at Rockbeare Manor, there is not only a team of event experts working behind the scenes to make sure that everything is organised to perfection, but on the day, you will have your own dedicated Event Manager there with you, to make sure that the whole day runs like a dream.

So, what does your Event Manager do on the wedding day? In this blog we are going to talk about just that!

And so it seems only fitting that we introduce you to our Event's Team - a troop of Industry Pro's who will go above and beyond to make sure that any wedding or event is planned to perfection, seamlessly delivered, with an abundance of warmth and friendliness thrown in!

Headed up by Davy, our Director of Events (far left) we then have the lovely Steph, Melissa, Leah and William.

1/ They give you the warmest welcome

Your Event Manager will be the first face that you will see when you arrive at Rockbeare Manor. They will give you the warmest welome and instantly help you feel relaxed and excited about the day ahead.

They'll make sure that all your luggage, dresses and suits are safely moved into the Drawing Room, Bridal Suite, or Billiard Room; they'll guide you and your wedding party to where they need to be, and ensure that any decor that you have brought with you - heads in the right direction!

2/ They work behind the scenes to make sure everything is set up according to plan, and on time

Your Event Manager will oversee every detail of your wedding day. From room set up, to the suppliers that arrive, seating arrangements to food and drink preperation. They'll place important items such as guest books and place cards, favours, menus or sentimantal details in the places that you have requested.

They will make sure that anyone helping with the set up of any element of the day, has everything that they need, knows their role and importantly completes it on time.

Think of them as the venue manager, wedding coordinator, catering manager (and Fairy God Mother) all rolled into one!

3/ They are on hand to help with the finishing touches

The morning of your wedding will fly by in a flash. It may feel like there is a lot to do in a relatively short amount of time and so that's why your Event Manager will be there at every stage to make sure that everything comes together in a calm and relaxed manner. Things will happen as if by magic!

They'll remind you what to do, and when, they'll come and help if there are any unforseen issues that arise, pin button holes and corsages for you, re-adjust veils or ties and assist you with any last minute preperations.

4/ They will ensure that the wedding party is in position and ready for the wedding ceremony

The wedding ceremony is one of the most important and special parts of the day. All the hard work and planning that you have done all culminates in this moment. It's a time full of happy emotions, when your nearest and dearest friends and family are by your side.

Your Event Manager will be there to guide every member of the bridal party to their pre-ceremony positions. From the bride, groom, bridesmaids, groomsmen, parents and other important guests. They'll help calm the pageboys and flowergirls if needed, be on hand with tissues, cue the music and make sure that everyone walks down the aisle, just at the right moment.

5/ They will ensure a smooth transition from Ceremony to Reception

Your Event Manager will direct guests, coordinate your confetti throw, manage the timeline and ensure the perfect timing of your grand entrances! Whilst also making sure that you and your guests have a celebratory drink and delicious canapes to enjoy.

They will laise with all suppliers but particularly your photographer and videographer to make sure that timings stay on track according to the schedule of events and the Chef's expectations.

Managing the flow of events at all times is one of your Event Managers key roles. They will make sure that everything happens at the right time, such as seating the guests for the wedding breakfast, having a glass of fizz ready for each guest before speeches, gathering guests for the cake cutting and first dance, and making any announcements along the way if required.

As Event Managers, we are used to problem solving! If any issues arise, we will handle them quietly and efficiently, allowing the couple and their families to enjoy the day without stress.

6/ They will be there for all the huge moments of the day

Your Event Manager is by your side at every stage. Their ultimate goal is to make sure that your wedding day really is the best day of your life to date (no pressure!!) and believe us when we say that your Event Manager will move heaven and earth to make sure this is the case.

And don't just take our word for it....our past Brides and Grooms will tell you more here on our reviews page .

We hope that you have enjoyed the blog this month, and it has given you a really good insight into all that your Event Manager (who will no doubt end up your friend for life!) will support you with on your wedding day.

Just remember, we're your venue manager, wedding coordinator, catering manager and Fairy God Mother all rolled into one!

Happy planning x

Lucy and Donovan's Chic Wedding At Rockbeare Manor

Fri, 14 Feb 2025 14:03:33 GMT

This wedding was a showstopper! It brought a luxe Champagne and mocha mousse colour scheme together with white roses, unforgettable entertainment, and a Caribbean twist, where their personalities and passions really were at the forefront of this once in a lifetime day.

Read on for some serious wedding inspiration!!

The Dress

A beautiful twist on a classic, timeless satin dress. Lucy’s gown, from Brides at Waterfields, Exeter, features a unique design where delicate fabric wraps around the neckline, draping elegantly over the shoulders and flowing down the back. The fabric cascades in soft, billowing folds, combining the refined elegance of a traditional veil with a modern flare.

The Groomsmen

Straying away from convention, for something unique and personal, the Groomsmen's suits were a striking chocolate brown, double-breasted design that exude sophistication and timeless style. It's a colour tone that is absolutely on trend with the 2025 pantone having been announced recenly as Mocha Mousse.

The rich, deep hue adds a warm, elegant touch, while the double-breasted cut gives the suits a sharp, structured look; combining classic tailoring with a modern twist.

The Groom, in perfect contrast, wears a beautifully neutral-toned suit that complements the groomsmen’s attire flawlessly, creating a harmonious and refined aesthetic. This combination of modern and classic elements is the ideal choice for a stylish and memorable wedding look, and was provided by the team at Moss .

The Bridal Party

The Bridesmaids boast beautifully styled satin dresses from Debenhams , draped in a soft Champagne hue, exuding warmth and sophistication. The Champagne tones beautifully complement the groomsmen’s chocolate brown suits, creating a seamless and stylish pairing for the bridal party.

The Décor

The overall vibe of the wedding is timeless and elegant, with a focus on soft, romantic floral elements and refined decor. The bridal party carries stunning bouquets of pristine Playa Blanca white roses. The table centre pieces feature delicate bud vases filled with white roses, delphiniums, and delicate dendrobium orchids, nestled with candles, creating an understated yet sophisticated atmosphere.

A beautifu l stair arrangement boasts an array of white blooms and lush greenery, cascading down to add a dramatic yet soft touch to the central area of the venue, styled by Arten Florum . Throughout the space, candles flicker gently, casting a warm, inviting glow that enhances the romantic ambiance. The decor is thoughtfully designed to evoke a sense of classic beauty, with each element blending seamlessly to create a warm, timeless celebration.

The Entertainment

The entertainment at the wedding was nothing short of magical, adding a unique and exciting touch to the celebration. A talented magician captivated guests during the drinks reception, performing close-up illusions and tricks that left everyone in awe. For the bride and groom, the magician reserved a special trick or two, adding an extra layer of wonder and personal magic to their moment at the beautiful sweetheart table.

As the evening unfolded, an incredible DJ took over, bringing the party to life with an energetic mix of music that had everyone on the dance floor, creating an atmosphere of fun and celebration.

Lucy & Donovan say:

“We just had to say THANK YOU! Melissa, you were an absolute dream on Sunday and made our day feel so seamless and easy. Your constant positive energy and vibes were just what we needed. You are SO good at what you do. We can’t thank you enough! Lucy and Don xx”

For more information about holding a wedding at Rockbeare Manor please visit our weddings page or call us on 01392 797444 - we would love to hear from you.

All images by Ivyhouse Photography

September At Rockbeare Manor

Thu, 05 Sep 2024 11:37:20 GMT

We can't ever pick a favourite month to get married - they are all special in their own way, whether that's due to the colours in the parkland, the crisp winter air, or the summer breeze. But in this month's blog we are going to give you an insight into how a wedding in September could look.

We have been holding exclusive weddings and special events at Rockbeare Manor, which is on the outskirts of Exeter, since 2016. Previous to that, it had been a family home but this stunning Grade I Listed country house has a relaxed and elegant feel that seems to lend itself just perfectly for weddings at all times of year.

Rockbeare Manor is situated within over 100 acres of beautiful East Devon parkland, and in the late summer, when the days aren't so hot, the grass and leaves on the trees go the most luscious rich shade of green which creates the most incredible backdrop for your wedding photography.

Often, the heat of the summer (between the rain showers of course!!) can be too much for some couples, especially the gents who are suited and booted - it's so much harder for them to remain cool. We've found that September has become 'the new August' in that sense, as it's still warm enough to have an outdoor ceremony, the guests comfort is optimum, and the choice of florals are still so plentiful. Roses, asters, dahlias and cosmos are all popular choices for this time.

Pastels are still popular, and very much acceptable for a September wedding and that can bring a real softness to the wedding styling, but as Autumn is only around the corner, it's also an option to go for something a bit richer in colour tone. That's where your personal likes and ideas can really come into play.

As the Ballroom at Rockbeare Manor has a soft and neutral colour pallet, you really can put your own stamp on it. Even something relatively simple as shown in the photograph above, looks so pretty, and that's in part down to the fact that the room is so light and airy with thoughtful design features and views out to the wider parkland.

In the grounds, you'll spot blackberries, elderberries and the most beautiful damsons - and if you haven't yet discovered our walled garden orchard - September is the time to explore that, with rows and rows of our own apple trees, all ripe for picking. Much of this produce is used in our menus. September is a wonderfully abundant month for British grown produce. Many summer crops such as salads, tomatoes, courgettes and cucumbers are still great at this time, but then the autumn crops such as apples, pears, squash and leeks are all coming through and at their most delicious!

It should still be warm enough to offer your guests something chilled and sparkling after the ceremony, yet it should be cool enough to proudly serve a hot, lovingly prepared seasonal menu such as...

Baked Quiches Cheddar and leek tart, toasted pumpkin seed and apple jelly

~oo0oo~

Sautéed guinea fowl breast, layered root vegetable and potato, crispy bacon and a thyme jus

~oo0oo~

White and dark chocolate parfait, blackberry and apple compote and blackberry sorbet

Head to our cuisine section for more menu inspiration .

Your photographer is likely to love the light at this time of year, and both they, and your guests will delight in the views across our estate and the surrounding Devon countryside, even as far reaching as Dartmoor.

We hope that this has given you a true insight into how beautiful September weddings can be, but whichever month, or time of year your choose, we’ll be with you every step of the way to make sure that you and your guests can really make the most of what Rockbeare Manor and the surrounding countryside has to offer.

If you’re newly engaged, and would like to discuss your wedding at Rockbeare Manor please just get in touch by calling 01392 797444. We’d love to hear from you, and would be delighted to show you around our beautiful wedding venue in Devon!

Thank you to Lyme Bay Photography for the images used in this blog, taken from Charlotte and Charlie's stunning September wedding held at our very special Devon wedding venue, Rockbeare Manor.

Gold award from Muddy Stilettos two years in a row!

Mon, 10 Jun 2024 15:06:45 GMT

Muddy Stilettos - Devon - Awards 2024

Muddy Stilettos all started back in 2011 with an award-winning lifestyle site but now, if you want to know the best of everything near you, from boutique hotels to gastropubs, family days out to schools, best wedding venues (and everything else in between), it's the go-to place.

On a sunny Wednesday evening in June, Aimée and Andy our Directors went to beautiful South Devon and the lovely Shilstone House where they received the award for Best Event Venue in Devon.

The welcome was perfect, with some thirst-quenching drinks, just right for the occasion and there was plenty of opportunity to chat to the other award winning companies in Devon including two local suppliers of ours, Salcome Gin and Bar Bouy cocktails.

This is the second year in a row that we have been lucky enough to have been nominated for the award. Last year, we were awarded Best Wedding Venue in Devon - this year the name of the award slightly altered to Best Event Venue in Devon, and with the majority of votes (over 40%) we were ecstatic to win a Muddy again !!

There is a huge sense of pride that comes with being recognised for an award. In order to be successful in the weddings and events industry, it takes a great deal of hard work and dedication and so for all of our brides, grooms, clients, friends and suppliers to take the time to vote for us means so much.

Aimée and Andrew Carveth - Directors at Rockbeare Manor

Rockbeare Manor is now into its 8th year of running as an Events and Wedding Venue in Devon. In 2015, Andy and Aimée worked together, alongside a big team of builders and craftsmen to bring Rockbeare Manor back from being in a very poor state of repair. It had found itself on the Historic England At Risk Register and it was in much need of a new lease of life.

After an intensive 9 months, the wedding venue in Devon (which had up until then been a family home) was ready to open its doors to the public, as an exceptional location for exclusive use events in Exeter and since this time, it has gone from strength to strength. We are proud to have earnt a strong reputation for immaculate surroundings, excellent service, fresh local food made from scratch with quality ingredients, and our professional thoughtful and hard working team are mentioned countless times in the kind reviews that our clients leave for us.

Exeter Award Winners. Bar Buoy, Squid and the Kid and Rockbeare Manor.

Thank you to Lisa from Muddy Stilettos (pictured above) and Laura for a fab event as always, and again to all those who voted. You rock !!!

Now, should we go for the hat trick???!!

Thank you for reading our blog, and thanks also to the lovely Jo Cunningham for the great photos.

5 Things You Should Know When Planning A Winter Wedding

Wed, 21 Feb 2024 12:37:04 GMT

Winter has got to be the most captivating time of year for a wedding - it's certainly one of our favourites because of the depth of colours you can use, the twinkling lights and gentle flickering of candlelight - not to mention the ability to go all out with the dress code!

Quite often Brides and Grooms go for a Black Tie affair in winter which adds a real sense of elegance and style. That was one of the key elements of Becca and Tom's winter wedding who's wedding images by Nova Photography are featured in this month's blog - a totally jaw-dropping event full of class and attention to the smallest details.

They had wanted a winter wedding from the start as they knew just how stunning it could be when all of the styling elements came together and they certainly weren't disappointed. They embraced the chilly weather and like every couple does on their wedding day, no matter what the time of year, they kept their fingers crossed that the rain would stay away.

So, for those of you planning a winter wonderland wedding, or wondering whether to take the plunge and head down the path towards a wedding full of festive romance, cosy ambience and twinkling lights here are our tips to to make your winter wedding unforgettable.

5 Top Tips When Planning A Winter Wedding

1 - Stay Warm

First things first - make sure your venue is cosy even on the coldest of days. Visit between November and February if you can and see how warm and welcoming it is as you walk in.

Are there open fires and if so are they alight, and are the radiators keeping things nice and toasty? Is the heating in the main events spaces, for the wedding ceremony and wedding breakfast sufficient to make sure that you and your guests can take off their jackets and still feel comfortable? There's nothing worse than being cold so this is a really important one to do your homework on.

In an ideal world, to ensure a seamless delivery, your wedding venue will also have ample space to comfortably accommodate all of your guests for a drinks reception, and a completely separate area for your wedding ceremony and reception to take place.

2 - Don't Be Afraid Of The Rain...Or Snow!

Embrace it! After all it can rain on any day of the year no matter what the month. Your wedding photographer is no doubt a true professional and will love the opportunity to get creative behind the lens. Light rain can make the most incredibly romantic images so order your wedding brolly and even a pair of fancy wellies if you wish and embrace all that the weather has to throw at you.

As for snow - it's rare but oh my goodness looks so beautiful. Check that your wedding venue is set up to be able to cope with extreme weather (by for example clearing driveways and nearby country lanes, and spreading salt in the car park and pathways). Then just sit back and enjoy your winter wonderland wedding.

3 - Use Candlelight At Every Opportunity

There is no such thing as too many candles!! It's so simple but the effect candlelight has for a winter wedding is just un-paralleled and totally magical!

If you are going for a December wedding the addition of a couple of Christmas trees with twinkling lights and elegant ball balls bouncing the light around will only enhance this.

P.s Hopefully your wedding venue allow open flames but do check with them as it's not always the case.

4 - Plan Your Travel Routes And Allow A Little Extra Time

To avoid any un-necessary travel disasters it's always reassuring when your wedding ceremony is in the same location as your wedding reception. Church ceremonies are beautiful and so if that is the route you are going down, simply leave a little bit more time for travelling in between the church and your wedding venue.

Don't plan for a wedding ceremony that's too early in this case as you will then give your guests more time to travel - perhaps a 1pm start for a church ceremony, or 2pm if you are having a Civil Ceremony at your venue.

5 - Identify Beautiful Indoor Backdrops For Photography

First impressions are everything and so if your wedding venue has a wow-factor on the outside as well as the inside you're already one step ahead.

Make sure that there are plenty of pretty indoor spaces, big windows and beautiful backdrops to work with for your wedding photography and if your wedding venue looks amazing at night too, you're onto a winner!

In winter the days are shorter and you may not want to walk too far into the gardens or grounds if it's chilly or damp underfoot and so being able to have really striking images of you and your guests in multiple locations, just outside your venue is a real plus.

There is no better feeling than receiving your wedding gallery of images after the wedding - all the emotion and happy memories will come flooding back and so doing to the ground work initially to ensure that your venue ticks all the right boxes will really pay off.

A Few Words From Becca, Our Featured Bride...

“My favourite moment was when the sun came out for our photos when it had been a cloudy and drizzly morning. We couldn't believe our luck”

“At the end of the day, a wedding is all about the love you have for each other above all else! Try not to stress over the little things and enjoy every moment.”

We Hope That You Enjoyed The Blog!

Thank you so much for staying with us to read our blog... don't forget...

Your 5 top tips for planning your winter wedding are:

- Stay warm

- Don't be afraid of the rain...or snow!

- Use candlelight at every opportunity

- Plan your travel routes and allow a little extra time

- Identify beautiful indoor backdrops for photography

Rockbeare Manor is a beautiful winter wedding venue in Devon, just outside Exeter. To come and explore please contact our team on 01392 797 444 or email us here .

Curious about what Rockbeare looks like from the air? Have a look at our flyover to find out.

Rockbeare Manor win 'Wedding Venue of the Year'

Wed, 10 Jan 2024 17:43:08 GMT

Rockbeare Manor Win Prestigious Gold Award

After a very stringent judging process, in November 2023 the team at Rockbeare Manor were over the moon to receive a gold award in the category for Wedding Venue of the Year .

The competition is now in its 14th year and has continued to develop and modernise to reflect the ongoing innovation across tourism.

All glammed up - representatives from all departments attended the awards dinner and a wonderful time was had by all. From left to right in the photo above we have:

Troy (Sous Chef) Jason (Buildings and Projects) Lisa (Housekeeping) Andy (Director) Aimee (Director) Ben (Head Chef) Andrea (Customer Services Coordinator) and Davy (Director of Events).

What has been most touching, is the feedback that we have recieved from the judges and we'd like to share some of those comments with you.

Judges Comments

Testimonial

"I was completely bowled over at this world-class venue.

The GM Davy and lead chef Ben are an inspiration to all who work at the property, they will inspire the apprentices, are ultimate professionals in every respect. It was a complete pleasure to meet them.

I came away in a cloud of admiration and felt really thrilled that there are companies like this in operation, doing everything to the highest possible standard in every area. The bridal party and guests will be stunned at the location, property and service topped up with in-house home-made locally produced locally sourced delights, but they will feel extremely safe in the knowledge that their wedding day is going to be run without a hitch and they really will have the most memorable day of their lives. The strap line is “it’s all about you”. Stunning. Simply stunning."

Catagory Specific Comments

"Rockbeare Manor will exceed the expectations of the pickiest and most demanding of couples! I was absolutely bowled over with this beautiful manor set in the most fabulous rural surroundings with the natural rolling Devon landscape as far as the eye can see.

This property is also the most wonderful example as a natural promotion of the best that Devon can offer in both building and landscape. The decor would exceed any brides or grooms expectations, along with fabulous on trend extras, such as slipper baths in bedrooms (as well as en-suites), and Penhaligon toiletries.

The in-house chefs providing a selection of menus for various budgets and dietary requirements, Events Managers, who quite clearly are prepared for any eventuality that is thrown at them.

This is without a shadow of a doubt, probably one of the most professional, outstanding venues I have had the pleasure to have visited in many years. Absolutely world-class."

Cleanliness

"Faultless.

The Ballroom was being set up for a wedding with sparkling glasses, weighted cutlery and pristine white tablecloths. Staff in uniform with smile and acknowledgement. I visited the toilets which are immaculate and inspected numerous bedrooms as well as the function rooms. The gardens are beautifully kept with banks of flowers. The condition of the property ensures beautiful photographs from every angle of the property inside and out."

Strengths

"A stunning property well away from neighbours.

The opportunity for the couple to be married inside the manor or in the garden, depending on the weather.

Accommodation for those with mobility issues and the ability to get around as an event is all on ground floor.

The opportunity for bride to arrive day before and stay in separate cottage with adjoining beauty studio.

In-house accommodation for many guests and links to other local accommodation.

In-house catering.

A core staff, plus bank of local part time staff for waitressing and housekeeping."

It's fair to say that we were astouned by these wonderful comments, and very very proud. We feel very lucky to work with a team that is so driven to do their absolute best by every Bride, Groom, Guest or Client that visits Rockbeare Manor. We will go above and beyond to ensure everyone's experience is the best that it can possibly be and our thanks must go to the team at the Devon Tourism Awards for taking so much time to find out about Rockbeare Manor and what makes it tick!

To read more about our ethos , and our dedicated team follow the links and if you have any questions, or are newly engaged and would like to book a visit please contact us here .

The Rockbeare Manor Team x

Meet Some Of Our Fab Local Food And Drink Suppliers

Wed, 31 May 2023 11:36:23 GMT

We love championing local, quality produce and we'll continue our quest to enhance our offering by finding the best suppliers in Devon!

In this months blog, we meet a few of our regular suppliers, who tell us more about their Devon food or drink business and why quality and provenance is so important to them.

Granny Gothards

Susie Hodgkin - Commercial Director, talks to us about Granny Gothards delicious ice cream and sorbets

Where are you based and how long has your business been established?

It's in Willand, in the heart of the beautiful rolling hills of Devon that, since 2012, our team has been creating and churning the Granny Gothards ice creams and sorbets. As artisan ice cream makers, we believe in adding nothing artificial and using only the very finest natural ingredients to make our amazing ices.

Quality and creativity are our driving forces to bring you our multi award winning products and as the Company goes from strength to strength, we continue to make our ices in the same traditional way but on a larger scale.

Can you tell us about your business and what you do?

We produce award winning artisan ice cream and sorbets specifically for food-led establishments who pride themselves on quality and provenance of ingredients. A huge advantage of Granny Gothards is that we are made for Chefs, with Chefs rather than for the retail market therefore the calibre is head and shoulders above and won’t be found on the shelves of all the supermarkets.

Our milk comes in from the first milking at the very local Oak Park Dairy , Devon double cream, rich Clarence Court egg yolk and then the very best of seasonal produce with great care taken in sourcing. No skimmed milk powders, colourings, flavourings, preservatives – natural, pure and powerful flavours

We work closely with leading Chefs and Caterers in producing exclusiv e ice creams for their menus and have 200+ stunning flavours of ice creams and sorbets (including plant based) our Epicurean Range. From the much loved favourites to the “weird and wonderful” including Coconut & Charcoal ice cream, Sour Cherry sorbet, Caramelized Walnut ice cream and Smoked White Chocolate, their ice creams can be fully tailored to the dessert.

Have you won any awards?

An abundance! Most recently we’ve scooped up 7 Golds in the Taste of the West Awards with the Supreme Champion Crown for best ice cream in the West Country, 2021, with our Salted Honey ice cream. Our Strawberries & Cream was crowned the Best Food Product in The Food Drink Devon Awards, 2022. In total, we have won over a hundred awards for our Products from Highly Commended in the Great British Food Awards to Board of Trade Export Champions. We are as proud of our first award as we are of our last!

What do you love about being a food producer in Devon?

The incredible suppliers that we work with supplying us the most awesome ingredients to work with – from the milk and cream to our packaging suppliers and most importantly – our brilliant team in Production making the ice creams. It’s a very special County with an abundance of wonderful suppliers, Restaurants and Chefs to work with. We pinch ourselves everyday that we are part of this Devon Heaven!

Four Elms Fruit Farm

Mark Smedley - Partner, talks to us about his family business.

Where are you based and how long has your business been established?

We're based near Sidmouth, in Devon and have been established since 1962. We are a family run business, and the farm which includes 70 acres of orchards, is now in its third generation of the Smedley family.

Can you tell us about your farm and what you do?

Four Elms produce premium quality eating apples (14 varieties in total), a range of 7 multi-award-winning Real Devonshire juices and we have most recently broken into the cider market!

At Four Elms Fruit Farm, we take great pride in supporting the environment in and around the farm and orchards, and we recently became an ambassador for the 'East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty'.

Have you won any awards?

Four Elms Cox and Bramley juice is currently the NATIONAL CHAMPION apple juice for 2 years running! Furthermore, at this year’s Taste of the West Awards , Four Elms won 6 gold medals for our apple juices and ciders. We have many years of experience in the industry our team's passion and dedication to quality has paid off which these amazing accolades.

-What do you love most about being a food and drink producer in Devon?

The beautiful landscape of East Devon is hard to rival. It’s a p leasure to work in such a stunning environment.

Goosemoor Foodservice

(Formally Dart Fresh Produce Ltd)

Chris Gillard - Business Development Manager, tells us more.

Where are you based and how long has your business been established?

In 1957 The Dart family founded ‘Dart Fresh Produce’ in the very same site we still occupy and operate from today. The site is located just off the River Clyst in Topsham and was originally set up as a wholesale Fruit and Vegetable merchant. Shortly after in 1970 they began to supply recognised supermarkets such as Tesco and Marks & Spencer with fresh produce. In 1984 Geoff Pritchard took over the running of the business along with his son John, who now runs the business along with his Sons and Son in law Ben, George and Jamie.

Can you tell us about your business and what you do?

In 2014 Dart fresh began the journey from Fruit and Vegetable merchants to Foodservice and shortly after introduced the butchery offering to the range. During Covid we were fortunate enough to find some very skilled professionals with a wealth of experience in fresh fish, so it was then the Fresh Fish operation began. We now take great pride in supporting local farmers, fishermen and produces all over the South West.... dare I say it but we’ve become the ‘local one stop shop.’

Provenance is key to everything that we do. We prioritise local producers who have a fantastic product, and we also work very closely with many local and national growers, so we can guarantee the best quality British produce throughout the seasons.

What do you love about being a food provider in Devon?
At the site you can see local farmers delivering daily supplying lovely locally grown fruit and vegetables or even our vans arriving with the morning's catch from Brixham and other ports in the South West. This is what makes us so popular with Chefs all over the South West as they are able to get all their fresh produce on one van, coupled with our personal service, it truly does make us unique.

Have you won any awards?

After a lot of hard work we have been highly rewarded in the past few years with some very flattering awards. We have won several Taste of the West gold awards for our meat and fish along with several other awards for adapting our business to support vulnerable families during the lockdowns.

The biggest reward will always be the daily feedback we get from our customers such as Rockbeare Manor. For us being able to champion so many local producers and so many local businesses serving fantastic dishes is what makes it all worthwhile.

Thank you to the food suppliers that we have featured in our blog this month - we love working with you!

All our delicious menus, created from scratch, by our talented chefs can be found by clicking here.

The Magic Of Winter Weddings - Megan And Josh

Fri, 02 Dec 2022 13:53:51 GMT

Real Wedding

In this months' blog we say hello to Ant, from Farwood Photography, who has worked with us on lots of beautiful weddings at our Devon wedding venue, Rockbeare Manor. There is something about a winter wedding, the candlelight, open fires, the instant warmth you feel on entering our Regency manor house and of course those festive smells - winter foliage, mulled wine and scented winter candles.

So Ant, it's over to you...

From The Photographer // Ant

Christmas is a magical time to get married but also to photograph one. All the extra decorations, lights and sparkly bits really help tie it all together and make everything shine.

People are all just that little bit more bubbly in themselves and that makes my life a lot easier! Megan and Josh’s winter wedding was just that; full of love, smiles, bubbles and baubles.

The day kicked off for me with hair and makeup at home with Megan and the girls. I also had a second photographer with Josh at Rockbeare Manor which meant we could tell the full story of the morning despite it all happening miles apart! The girls then moved to Rockbeare Manor to get dressed which meant we could put all those final touches together and get the day going right.

The great part about having the ceremony, reception and party all in one place is that all flows naturally and so for a winter wedding, this is the perfect set up. It also shows the perks of bringing a second photographer as all the angles are covered from start to finish.

The ceremony room in Rockbeare Manor is simply beautiful - ideal lighting and a gorgeous backdrop to shoot in. The whole place is full of photographic opportunities! From the staircase to the snooker room to the outside of the manor itself, Rockbeare Manor is a gorgeous wedding venue - especially at Christmas time.

Once the speeches wrap up and the cake gets cut, Rockbeare Manor, which is just outside of Exeter, comes alive and the party is rocking. From the bar to the dancefloor, it’s a great space for a party. The wedding party is my absolute happiest place. We’ve all been building to it all day and it’s time to throw shapes! Diving into the mix, singing along to the tunes with everyone firing off the flash as people enjoy themselves really is the most fun I have at a wedding.

From The Bride // Megan

"We absolutely loved having a winter wedding as it felt like a really special time of year; everyone has switched off of work mode and was ready to celebrate with us! Time did fly by with the evening light drawing in quickly but it made it feel more wintery and cosy with the fireplaces lit.

Rockbeare Manor were superstars and the day ran very smoothly."

The Suppliers //

- Dress - Kate Walker Bridal Ltd (Ilminster)
- Flowers - Hollyhocks (Newton Abbot) for majority and Peamore Flora (Exeter) for added venue decor which I put together myself.
- Make-up and hair - Laura Elston (Tiverton)
- Suits - Serenity (Newton Abbot)
- Cake (Cheese) - West Country Cheese
- G u itarist daytime - Steve Sampson
- Evening DJ - Future media (Mark Voisey)
- Printing (signage) - Stormpress (Exeter) - signage and invitations designed by The Bride
- Photography - Farwood Photography
- Bridal Jewellery - Beaverbrooks and John Lewis

Thank you for staying with us for the blog this month. We hope that you enjoyed it!

Thank you to Ant, from Farwood photography for his input, and our beautiful bride, Megan, for her insight too.

For more winter wedding inspiration just head to the wedding planning section of the blog where you will find lots of interesting reads.

Beautifully Appointed Bedrooms At Rockbeare Manor, Near Exeter – Part 2

Thu, 01 Dec 2022 12:36:27 GMT

In the part 1 of this article we revealed the first collection of photographs from our thirteen luxurious bedrooms at Rockbeare Manor, one of Devon’s most highly regarded wedding venues. Since then we have welcomed many guests who have stayed whilst attending a wedding or special event, and we are over the moon with the positive feedback that we continually receive.

We’re lucky to have worked with Bristol based Interior Designer Alexandra Cork who did an amazing job in bringing the overall look together, searching for sumptuous furnishings, fabrics and unique accessories for our exclusive wedding venue. A lot of love, care and attention was taken over the extensive renovation of Rockbeare Manor, near Exeter and so it was really important to us all that this was echoed in the finish of the accommodation as well.

Since the time that the bedrooms were launched (March 2017) we have added an extra suite, which means that we now have thirteen beautifully appointed bedrooms, two of which are impressive family suites that sleep four. All bedrooms are wonderfully light and spacious with astonishing views and after a peaceful night’s sleep, guests are welcomed down to the original formal Dining Room, which dates back to 1769, for a delicious breakfast. Whether that be smoked salmon and scrambled eggs or a full English breakfast, it’s always all accompanied by fresh fruits and juices, warm pastries, granola and cereals.

When a family home, room four was the principle guest bedroom and it’s clear to see why. It’s in a prominent position on the first floor, and located at the front of the house with clear views up to the Haldon Hill and Dartmoor. In the immediate distance, you can see the extensive listed parkland at Rockbeare Manor, and the large and very beautiful willow tree, which stands at the side of our private lake.

Five of the bedrooms at Rockbeare Manor have lavish, freestanding baths in the bedroom, which give guests a real treat!

Room seven is on the second floor with pretty vintage style furniture, soft colours, and fantastic views of the south lawns. The feature fountain can be seen, as well as the wider landscape at Rockbeare Manor, which includes trees of many varieties.

The soft earthy colours, striking feature wall and fireplace in room 8 create a very sophisticated feel, with beautiful matching furniture inspired by the French baroque-rococo era. The steeples of Rockbeare and Broadclyst churches can also be seen, as well as Devon’s largest single-trunk oak tree.

Room nine is a family suite on the top floor, and is the room which is at the highest point in the house. When a family home, the room was decorated as the children’s ‘tent’ room due to the arched ceilings. It’s a room full of quirks, not least because of the floor level sash windows, which have stunning views to the west.

The North Pavilion is a key feature of this Regency built Manor, as it forms a key part of its symmetry when approaching the house from the front. Being on ground floor level, it is ideal as a more accessible bedroom, and the interior has been designed with this in mind. It has a beautiful, shaped, high ceiling and the huge sash window which overlooks the lake and listed parkland at Rockbeare Manor is one of the largest in the house. The bedroom can be set as either a twin room, or double depending on your preference, and the spacious bathroom has both a bath and wet-room style shower.

There is a story behind each room and although the house has been through a very extensive renovation, many of the distinctive features of the house have been left intact. Rockbeare Manor is a charming place waiting to be explored, and if you are planning a wedding or special event, we’d love to show you around.

For more information head to the accommodation page of our website which will tell you more about the bedrooms at Rockbeare Manor , or alternatively call our events team on 01392 797444 who would be more than happy to help.

Autumn Is An Incredible Season For Weddings!

Tue, 18 Oct 2022 12:53:51 GMT

Okay, so we get it – summer is a gorgeous time of year to get married but if the photos in this blog are anything to go by, you’ll see that Autumn is just as incredible.

Chloe and Harry’s Autumn wedding at Rockbeare Manor, near Exeter, in Devon was packed full of fun. The laughs didn’t stop, the sun didn’t stop shining and they had the most unforgettable sunset to top it all off.

In this blog we are going to give you lots of Autumn Wedding ideas and inspiration, as well as 6 great reasons why getting married in Autumn is worth serious consideration. We’re pretty sure you won’t regret it!

6 Reasons To Get Married In Autumn

- It’s Different!

It’s an opportunity for you to create something unique, and embrace colours and tones which have depth, warmth and a striking impact.

- You Can Never Guarantee The Weather,

and in our opinion the parkland looks it’s most striking in October and November when there is a display of golden tones and the thousands of established trees seem to shimmer in the soft autumn light (The Driveway is a spectacle of it’s own!).

So far this year we’ve enjoyed a mild autumn with guests able to make use of the outside, but if not, inside our country manor house we have lots of space, and plenty of dramatic backdrops too.

…And as a real bonus, you won’t have to worry about sun burn, or your guests overheating! A 3 piece suit in 27 degrees isn’t cool

- Roaring Fires And Candlelight.

Rockbeare Manor in Devon, is an impressive wedding venue but in an understated and elegant way, and you will find an instant warm and welcoming feel as you walk into the stunning entrance hall. The fires are lit, candles alight and you and your guests will feel immediately relaxed, able to soak up the cosy but stylish ambience.

- The Florals Are Incredible!

Anemones, chocolate cosmos, dahlias, delphiniums, hydranageas, lilies, lisianthus, Eryngium (blue thistle), orchids, ranunculus and roses. Need we say more?!

- Travel And Hotel Accommodation Will Cost Less.

This will no doubt be appreciated by your guests, especially if they are travelling from afar.

- The Seasons Best Of Food And Drink.

As the evenings draw in and the temperature comes down a little it’s lovely to be able to make that switch from cold dishes, salads, and white meats to some more adventurous seasonal food. Perhaps we could tempt you to Roasted Duck Breast with Confit Leg, Lyonnaise Potato, Seasonal Greens and a Blackberry Jus, which can be found on our Regency Menu .

This is where our Head Chef Ben , really comes into his own. We’re proud to use Devon’s own larder when it comes to creating your wedding breakfast menu, and will always look locally first to seek the best ingredients available.

We also have our very own orchard at Rockbeare Manor and Ben and the team use the apples we grow wherever possible, but mostly to make apple sauce for our hog boards evening food option , and in many of our desserts, including one of our favourites, our Rockbeare Manor Orchard Apple Frangipane Tart with Mascarpone Cream, from our Minuet Menu .

So now we’ve made you feel REALLY hungry….ooops! But, hopefully you also feel inspired, and if you are engaged to be married perhaps this blog will encourage you to think outside of the norm, to create a totally unique, jaw-droppingly beautiful wedding day that you and your guests will always remember.

Whichever season you’d like to get married in, Rockbeare Manor is up there among the best wedding venues in Devon. If you would like to find out more about having your wedding at Rockbeare Manor, give us a call on 01392 797444 or email us here and we’d be delighted to show you around.

Huge thanks to Sam Box Photography for all of the images in this blog.

Wedding Decor including the indoor trees provided by Unique Designs By Tina .

Flowers by In Bloom Devon .

Beautifully Appointed Bedrooms At Rockbeare Manor, Near Exeter – Part 1

Sat, 01 Oct 2022 11:36:29 GMT

From the moment that we first looked around Rockbeare Manor with a view to turning it from erstwhile family home, to an exceptional exclusive wedding and events venue, it was clear to see how well this Devon Manor could be transformed to include a collection of stylish guest bedrooms.

The Georgian proportions, high ceilings, intricate cornicing, period features, and not forgetting the unbelievable views, were all features that have added to the overall feel of the thirteen beautifully designed bedrooms that have now been created.

Making each room feel special was important to us from the start. The existing features of the house have of course contributed to that. Huge sash cord windows create such wonderful light throughout and original fireplaces can be found at every turn, showing the character of this 18th Century Devon Manor.

The design and furnishing of the individual rooms however, has been down to Bristol based Alexandra Cork who was behind the overall look of the interiors project. She worked assiduously to make sure that the quality of the finish and attention to detail was been to the highest standard.

Alex's vision for Rockbeare Manor, which is only 10 minutes from Exeter, was to create elegant luxury; chic, stylish and with a finish that speaks for itself. This has certainly been achieved, and it is befitting of a building that has so much grace. The furnishings, soft tones and lighting were all chosen to reflect the charm of the building, but with a luxurious and contemporary edge.

One of our two family suites was previously known as the ‘Blue John’ room due to the purple-striped stone used in the feature fireplace, a gem which was beloved by the Romans and sought after in the 18th Century. The views from this first floor room are among the best in the house – almost panoramic.

Every bedroom has a modern, wet room style shower with accompanying bath – some of which are freestanding in the bedroom itself, giving a lavish feel.

The windows have been dressed in made to measure fabrics from the Grand Palais range using a soft colour palette with a botanical feel, really complimenting the Regency inspired scheme used on the feature walls. They also frame the views perfectly – which are far-reaching to Haldon Belvedere and even Dartmoor.

Since 2017, when the bedrooms were created, they have continued to be a popular addition to every wedding and special event that we host at Rockbeare Manor.

The rooms at Rockbeare Manor are reserved for the guests of those hosting a wedding or event at our special Devon venue. For more information please take a look at the accommodation page of our website, or contact the events team on 01392 797 444.

If you enjoyed this blog post, why not read part two and see more beautiful images of the bedrooms at Rockbeare Manor

With great thanks to Jess at Perspectives Photography for the beautiful images.

Kyle And Stu's Stylish And Joy-Filled Devon Wedding

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 11:36:46 GMT

Kyle and Stuarts stylish, romantic and melt-your-heart wedding was pure joy from start to finish. No big introductions from us this month - Kyle and Stu tell us all...and you are going to love it!

Why Did You Choose Rockbeare Manor As Your Venue? Did It Deliver On Your Expectations?

Choosing Rockbeare Manor was about far more than the manor itself, although elegant in its abundance of original features, the staff team at Rockbeare were the true gem on our initial visit to the grounds. A same sex marriage is still a relatively new happening in England, however at no point did we feel we were approached with anything other than kindness and equality. Finally the fact that the team run the day for you, with all your own ideas and input, reassured us that the day (when it arrived) would be one of pure joy and love for ourselves and our wedding party.

Tell Us About Your Wedding Day Fashion

It was important to us to stay empathetic to the manor; enabling it to take on a key role in our day. The manor, although historic, appears light, modern and airy. Therefore the colours mirrored this: as 2 grooms we wore 2 light stone coloured 3 piece suits depicted with a navy blue tie and stand out yellow rose. The bridesmaids and groomsmen then complimented the navy in the suits, with navy suits and navy off the shoulder dresses.

The rose and thistle, within the flowers, echoed the very English heritage of the building, but also Stu’s family name, ‘Tulloch’; being Scottish in origin. The flowers were sourced from St Mellion Flowers , Saltash, Cornwall.

Kyle, as a stylist himself, sought the very best in hair and Make up. A good friend and stylist from Ivybridge, Beverley Smith incorporated the flowers into the bridesmaids’ hair and Emmie Green MUA created the natural tones within the make up for the wedding party. Again, the colourings were subtle so not to detract from the manor and the grounds it sat in.

What Was The Styling And Theme Of The Day And Why?

Still working within our theme we felt a minimalistic approach, with some modern twists would reflect our passion for the venue and love for one another. The natural colourings form the suits, make up and flowers ran through into the theme for the wedding breakfast. Each table linked seamlessly to a favourite local beach, from our hometowns, in West Devon and Cornwall. The simple vases with natural smooth pebbles sitting in each vessel were complemented by matching bouquets to the bridesmaids.

The wedding favours, simply sat as miniature stowaway pirate glass bottles filled with Kyle and Stu’s ‘favourite tipple’ (Raspberry Vodka, Pineapple Rum) for guests to enjoy. Modern twists consisted of a balloon display in pearlised white, navy and blue (by Streamers Events in Exeter) as well as 2 large white box light letters, a K and an S.

The traditional 3 tier cake sat in the main dining area, however had a bold navy, with an almost black marble effect. This was decorated with a silver shimmer to soften the look by Millies Cakes Plymouth .

All elements added to the grandeur of the day, whilst allowing guests to enjoy the stunning building, gardens and wider grounds.

Your Wedding Ceremony Was Beautiful - Can You Tell Us More About It?

The ceremony, held outside at the front of the manor, was simply about sharing our love for one another and wasn’t overly complicated. Stuart stood at the front, with the wedding party side on 2 sides, creating an aisle for Kyle to walk down. Kyle walked down the aisle with his mother, with the 5 bridesmaid walking down ahead of him.

The ceremony was complimented by a saxophonist, Ryan Truzzi who played instrumental versions of our favorite tracks. The vows remained short, however did incorporate a reading, by a good family friend. The reading celebrated the joys of same sex marriage and the acceptance of same sex love after what had been harrowing for past generations. The specific example shared the experience of Oscar Wilde, who unfortunately was punished for homosexuality.

The ceremony finished with the signing of the register, in front of family and friends.

What Did You Choose For Your Food And Drink Options?

The food and drink hopefully reflected the Summer months, as we married at the end of July. It’s hard to think of the right beverages and dishes when making your decisions during the winter months, but the team at Rockbeare expertly help you through your selection; they also allow the odd change here and there! We opted for a fish dish; salmon as one of the main courses and contrasted this with a pork option.

The drinks after the ceremony were a raspberry bellini and peach daiquiri, both lovely summery drinks which matched the day perfectly. The choices also reflect our own personal likes, a little bit of advice would be for other couples to remember that it really is their day- enjoy it!

The dessert, although not summer, had to be Kyle’s favouirte: Sticky Toffee Pudding! Everything was cooked to perfection and the team exceeded expectations by creating vegan and vegetarian options; nothing was an issue for the staff.

Tell Us About Your Wedding Photographer

We chose Chris Plant Films and Photography due to Kyle having worked with him previously on a work shoot many years ago and ever since admired his style of photography. Chris has a natural and off guard approach to capturing your wedding day, he makes you feel at ease while being behind his camera. We love all of our wedding photos we've received. Chris is very good at staying hidden enabling him to capture spontaneous moments throughout your day.

What Was The Best Part Of The Day?

Simply the moment straight after the ceremony and signing of the register; our Event Manager Steph (without us knowing) whisked us both away to the library, she closed the door and told us both to have 5 minutes together. This was a lovely touch and allowed us to celebrate our first moments of married life together.

Steph also made sure we had the cocktails we had selected to toast our marriage, before the main wedding party.

Do You Have Any Words Of Advice For Other Couples Who Are In The Planning Stages Of Their Wedding?

Relax, breathe and enjoy. Try and do something you'll enjoy the night before your wedding, we went to Gaia Spa for an evening full of relaxation and Champagne.

We’d 100% recommend getting a photographer as not all couples think it's an essential… but it's an amazing feeling when you get to look back on your day and see all the captured moments you may not have seen.

Thank you so much Kyle and Stu for such a beautiful insight into your wedding day.

The Dairy - Stay The Night Before Your Wedding

Tue, 31 May 2022 11:36:32 GMT

We have some big news at Rockbeare Manor this month, with the introduction of our newly refurbished bijou cottage - The Dairy. What started as a bit of a lockdown project to repair one of the buildings in the former model farmyard, located to the rear of Rockbeare Manor, ended as a bright idea to offer our couples a little something extra so that they could start their wedding preparations even sooner!

The Dairy - our one bedroomed character cottage sleeping 4, but up to 6 guests if required, is now available to book for the night before weddings held at Rockbeare Manor.

The History

The farm and stable yard where The Dairy is located formed an important part of the setting of the main house and were home to a Guernsey Herd as well as other farm animals. The Dairy, is a historic building and was a key part of this small family farming enterprise until 1987 when Rockbeare Manor relinquished its Guernsey Herd after the introduction of milk quotas.

Although it has changed in use over time, the former model farmyard still has the same presence and beauty as it did all those years ago. The Dairy retains its original features, such as the white tiles on the walls, the slate table as well as many other quirky features including the character staircase, beams and cottage windows.

What’s It For?

The Dairy is where your wedding experience at Rockbeare Manor starts and it would make the perfect place for a Bride and her Bridesmaids (or a Groom and his Groomsmen!) to meet, stay the night, and embrace the suspense and excitement of what’s to come – over a bottle or two of bubbly of course!

Think, arrivals at 4.00pm, getting settled and making sure everyone’s outfits are ready for the morning, a meal out in a local pub or a take-away in-front of a movie followed by an early-ish night to make sure everyone gets their beauty sleep the night before the wedding day.

In the morning, hair and make-up suppliers can be with you as early as you wish (although don’t make it too early – you have a long day ahead!) and that will mean you will have plenty of time to really take in everything about this momentous occasion.

At 11.30am, your Event Manager will come and collect you and guide you to our stunning Drawing Room at Rockbeare Manor for dress fittings and drinks and to continue making all of those finishing touches.

Key Facts

The Dairy is a self-catering cottage available for the night before your wedding
It accommodates 4 guests comfortably however for flexibility, an extra 2 more temporary beds (trundle bed and sofa bed) can be added therefore sleeping 6 guests if required
We include a beautiful breakfast hamper which contains pastries, freshly baked bread, preserves, yoghurt with granola and compote, juices and even a bottle of Prosecco for you to enjoy on the morning of your wedding
Check in is from 4pm and check out is by 11.30am
The 2023 price is £425 and includes a preparation studio with mirrors, getting ready stations and an additional bathroom
The Dairy is found via a private drive off of Rag Lane
Booking The Dairy doesn’t include entry to Rockbeare Manor or its grounds

We have already had an amazing response to this announcement and can’t wait to hear what you think.

For a full list of FAQ’s or to register your interest to book The Dairy, please contact email the team by clicking here .

Huge thanks to Helen Court Photography for all of the images used in this months blog.

How To Look After Your Wedding Dress

Tue, 26 Apr 2022 11:36:57 GMT

Our blogs are always focussed on providing our Brides and Grooms with lots of wedding inspiration, planning tips and of course answering any tricky wedding related conundrums that you may have and so this month, we spoke to Exeter based Confetti Wedding Dress Cleaning who are experts in wedding dress cleaning and preservation. They tell us all about the importance of looking after your dress after the wedding has past so that you can treasure it for years to come.

All images in this blog by Sam Box Photography

Can You Tell Us A Little Bit About Your Business And How Long You Have Been Wedding Dress Cleaning Specialists?

We have been providing brides with quality wedding dress cleaning and preservation for over 25 years. We’ve cleaned hundreds of wedding dresses over the years, including those from bridal shops in our area who kindly recommend their clients to us. As specialists, we use tried and tested methods for ensuring your gown gets the care it deserves.

We consider wedding dress cleaning and preservation an art that should only be taken on by the experts. After years of service, our family-owned business is primed and ready to take on your dress. No material, design or style stumps us; your dress is in good hands!

Can Any Style, Length And Size Of Wedding Dress Be Professionally Cleaned, Even If It's A Really Delicate Fabric?

Yes, absolutely - with our highly specialist process, we are even able to clean dresses that are labelled “Do Not Dry Clean” or specify that the dress should be cleaned only by a particular brand. Even if your dress has no label at all, you can rest assured, as we’ll know how exactly to handle it anyway. It is extremely rare that we cannot clean a dress.

Every gown is unique in terms of style, length, size and fabric, and there is no one size fits all approach, but we treat each one with the right process. Even dresses made from silk or lace, or decorated with sequins or beads, can be safely and effectively cleaned by us.

How Long Will It Take For You To Clean A Wedding Dress Once It's Been Received?

We tend to allocate a 2-3 week time period for wedding dress cleaning. However, if a dress requires repairs - which can be completed by our talented seamstress - this may add an additional week to the overall timescale.

Can Stains Such As Red Wine Be Completely Removed?

We cannot guarantee that every single stain will be removed, but we can guarantee to achieve the best possible result without causing damage. Some materials like silk need a very delicate clean and other materials can stand a more vigorous clean.

How Important Is It To Get Your Dress Cleaned Swiftly After The Wedding Day?

We recommend getting your wedding dress cleaned as soon as possible after your wedding. The longer stains are left to set in, the harder they can be to remove. However, do not fear if it has been a while since your wedding - we can still have a look at cleaning it.

How Much Would It Cost To Get A Wedding Dress Professionally Cleaned By Confetti?

The price of getting your wedding dress professionally cleaned very much depends on the material, length, number of layers, additional items, and whether there are any repairs that require attention. Our prices for wedding dress cleaning start from £155, but we also recommend adding on our preservation and storage service so you can keep your dress in fantastic condition for years to come.

You simply have to fill out an enquiry form with a few details about your dress and we will provide you with a quote.

Why Is The Way In Which You Store Your Dress After The Wedding Important?

Wedding dress storage and preservation is an important part of the service we offer because you need to preserve the condition of your dress once it has been cleaned. Your dress will be delicately pressed and steamed, before being carefully wrapped in acid-free tissue paper and safely placed in a pH-neutral storage box, handmade by The Empty Box Company .

We then recommend that you store your dress in a suitable place - this needs to be somewhere safe and secure (away from animals, children and potential spillages) and it also needs to be a moderate temperature without humidity.

We hope that you have enjoyed this months blog! Thank you to Sam Box photography for the beautiful images.

Thank you so much to the team at Confetti dress cleaning in Exeter we've certainly learnt a lot about dress preservation and why it's so important.

For more wedding planning related blogs read on !

Interior Design Trade Show - Luxury Brands Exhibit At Rockbeare Manor

Thu, 31 Mar 2022 11:36:35 GMT

Following it's launch in the South West region in 2019, we are delighted to welcome back Design Central UK to Rockbeare Manor, our Grade I listed events and unique exhibition venue in Devon.

Design Central was created by Cath McCubbin, an experienced Interior Designer, who, having spent over ten years travelling to London to visit suppliers and see new collections, came up with the idea to bring luxury interior brands and collections together and put them in front of interior designers in their own location.

The show has been three years in the planning - having been postponed twice due to covid but there is no doubt it was a huge success with over 30 luxury brands exhibiting and record footfall over the two-day trade only event in March. It aims to put some of the UK’s best suppliers in front of interior designers from the region and it has certainly achieved its goal.

At Rockbeare Manor we are probably best known as an exclusive wedding venue, so Design Central is a real contrast to this but it's an event that compliments the venue immensley. The venues for Design Central are always hand-picked. Great care is taken in choosing the perfect locations that allow companies to display their collections in a beautiful setting.

The show has an excellent reputation in the North West where Design Central have been running the exhibition since 2016 and we were so pleased to have been chosen as the ideal venue for the launch into the South West back in 2019. This year, as expected the show expanded and a marquee was added on our South lawn which enabled many more exhibitors to attend what is now the biggest interiors trade show in the region.

Exhibitors included Cole and Sons, Prestigious Textiles, Little Greene Paint Co, Houlès, Blendworth Fabrics, Arte and many more and visitors were able to view fabrics, wallpapers, furniture, flooring and lighting at the event as well as place orders with the exhibitors whilst at the show.

We are incredibly proud of our fabulous team who worked hard to make sure that every person that attended Rockbeare Manor during set up, show days, and de-rig days were well looked after and had a wonderful experience, as we are known for. We ran a café througout, with homemade bakes, delicious light lunches including some fantastic vegan options and on Tuesday night we hosted a Dinner event for our clients from Design Central and their exhibitors.

It's been a pleasure to host and we really have enjoyed every minute of it and look forward to Spring 2023 where we will welcome the DC team and event back to Rockbeare Manor for the third South West interiors show.

Whatever type of event you’re planning, why not come and look around Rockbeare Manor? Please contact us. We’d love to hear from you and would be delighted to show you around our beautiful venue, and to talk through plans for your event.

Diplomatic Table Planning

Mon, 28 Feb 2022 12:36:59 GMT

Your wedding day is around the corner, you’ve had all of the RSVPs back, and hopefully you’re looking forward to an amazing celebration. You are naturally going to be very excited about what your wedding day has in store for you and your other half, and your friends and families. There is just one small challenge to overcome – the table plan!

At Rockbeare Manor, our very special wedding venue in Devon, we see all the time how families come together for a wedding, but we also know how tricky it can be for the happy couple to ensure that nobody is offended when it comes to the table plan. After all, if your parents are divorced and haven’t spoken in some time, or if a parent or close relative is no longer with you, it can be challenging to manage the seating plan and to keep everybody happy.

Our experienced events team are full of ideas and help, and so read on to hear what our top suggestions would be when putting together your wedding table plan.

Table Shapes And Sizes

The size, configuration and number of tables possible will depend entirely on the capacity of your wedding venue so before you get too far with the table planning, talk to your wedding coordinator or manager who will be able to advise on how the room layout works best.

For example, at Rockbeare Manor we are lucky to have a really versatile, light and airy Ballroom and as it's so spacious you have the flexibility to seat anywhere between 50 and 160 guests on round tables of between 8 and 12. This means that you can group guests together according to friendship or family groups rather than having to have the same number of people on each table. For weddings of up up to 110 guests, the optimum number of people that we would recommend around our standard 5ft round tables, would be 8 guests to a table which will allow for plenty of elbow room too! For tables of 11 or 12 a larger 6ft round table will be required and we have 3 of these available for weddings at Rockbeare Manor.

The beautiful wedding in the picture below was set up for 86 guests using 5ft round tables of 8 to 10 guests, with an oval top table as the focal point in the centre.

Top Table - The Options Are Endless!

A top table comes in many guises and you definitely do not have to conform with tradition! Things have moved on and the most important thing is that the couple getting married feel comfortable with who they have chosen to dine with on this momentous day. Perhaps you have two Best Men, or two Fathers of the Bride, or maybe your mum is walking you down the aisle and therefore you want her to be beside you at the top table.

At Rockbeare Manor we have a number of options – long and straight, oval, a sweetheart table just for the married couple, or a large circular table. For couples that are planning a fun and informal wedding, a table that includes their close friends, bridesmaids, ushers and siblings can make the day feel even more personal. Friends are often so involved in the pre-wedding preparations and enjoying your wedding breakfast with them will no doubt make it memorable. Don’t forget to let your parents know that this is what you’re planning beforehand!

Ask Those Closest To You To ‘Head Up’ A Table

This works especially well in circumstances where you may not be asking parents, the Best Man or Chief Bridesmaid to join you on the top table. Some couples choose to have a ‘sweetheart table’ for just the two of them, and if that is the case you could ask those closest to you to each host a table. Perhaps you have separated, or step-parents, or a mum or dad who don’t get on. You quite understandably wouldn’t want to make anyone feel uncomfortable on the day and so don’t feel that you have to conform to a ‘traditional’ top table of 8 (which would usually include the married couple, both sets of parents, Best Man and Chief Bridesmaid).

If you did ask some of your nearest and dearest to host a table you could then get them involved by asking them who they’d like on their table which is a great way of making them feel an important part of the day.

Mix It Up A Bit!

A wedding is all about families and friends coming together and having a great time. During the drinks reception people will have chance to settle in, catch up and relax in the wonderful surroundings, but for the wedding breakfast why not seat guests in more varied groups? It is always nice to make sure that each guest knows at least a couple of people on the table so that they feel at ease, but it’s also great meeting new people too. Think about which of your guests may have common interests or mutual friends and go from there. Our Barouche menu is a brilliant icebreaker. All the food comes delivered to the table as a feast on wooden boards, which all of your guests can pass around. It’s interactive, and a definite talking point!

Keep It Simple, And Organised.

Whilst it can be tempting not to have a table plan at all, it can end up feeling disorganised and a bit of a free for all for your guests and there is always a chance that couples or families will end up being split up. Your caterer will also need to have a clear idea of where any guests with allergy's or dietary requirements are seated which is nearly impossible without a seating plan! You may also have some guests attending the wedding that you know would feel more comfortable if seated with people they know.

A well presented table plan is an essential. It is usually A3 or A2 in size and it indicates which table each guest needs to go to and it can be displayed on an easle by the entrance to the room that you will be eating in. Following on from this, clear table names or numbers should also be placed in the centre of each dining table - again helping guests know where to head. The final piece of the puzzle is making sure that each guest, has a place card on their setting, with their name on it.

Above all, the most important thing to remember about all of this, is that it’s your day and that people are there for you. They all want to be there and they all want to help you to celebrate! If the table planning is getting too much at any point - have a break from it and go back to it in a week or two with a fresh outlook and don't forget you can always call upon your wedding venue team who will undoubtedly be happy to help.

Thank you to Nova Wedding Photography for all the imagery in this months' blog.

We’d love to help you to plan your wedding at Rockbeare Manor. If you would like to discuss your special day, call our lovely team on 01392 797444.

Recently Engaged? Tips From One Of Devon’s Most Popular Wedding Venues

Fri, 28 Jan 2022 12:37:01 GMT

You’re engaged! What amazing news!

From now until the big day it will be a whirlwind of excitement, planning, celebrations and fun, and as one of Devon's most popular wedding venues, we hope to give you a steer in the right direction as to where to start on your journey to becoming a married couple.

Photo credit Nova Wedding Photography

Celebrate And Share The News!

Once the question has been ‘popped’ you’ll no doubt be dying to tell your parents, friends and family. Visit those that you can, get on the phone, or arrange a Face Time chat, and spread the amazing news! Don’t be too quick to announce it on social media though – whilst it will seem tempting, it’s always best to make sure that you have told all of your nearest and dearest first, rather than them finding out about your wedding on the grapevine!

Photo credit Farwood photography

This is also the perfect time to start giving some thought to who you may ask to be your Best Man, Ushers and Bridesmaids. Relish in the moment and take it all in (and enjoy drinking lots of celebration bubbly!!).

Photo credit Nova Wedding Photography

Daydream

Perhaps you have been planning this day for years, and who knows, you may even have some Pinterest boards at the ready, but either way just enjoy the initial weeks and months of the engagement.

Photo credit Lee Hatherall Wedding Photography

It’s always nice to spend these moments with your partner; go out for long walks, chat ‘weddings’ over dinner somewhere special and explore each other’s ideas and vision for how the day might be. Nothing needs to be set in stone straight away so relax and have fun with it.

Photo credit Liberty Pearl Photography

A key subject to think about is the date and time of year for your wedding…do you see yourself having an romantic winter affair with open fires and candlelight, or would you prefer an outdoorsy wedding with Pimms, Prosecco and good food flowing?

It’s going to be hard not to get carried away, dreaming big, and thinking about all the possible things that you could incorporate into the day (we’ve all done it!!) – and there is no harm in doing so in these early ‘daydreaming days’.

Think About Who You'd Like To Share Your Special Day With

Dare we say it…. It’s one of the things that will be at the root of many a wedding planning discussion and does have the potential to trigger some debate, but your guest list is an important thing to consider all the same.

Photo credit Farwood photography

The number of guests that you choose to share your wedding day with will having a bearing on many other things further down the line such as the venue (as you need to make sure that it is big enough!), what you choose for the wedding breakfast and what style of catering that you go for, and it will also affect overall costs too of course.

Some key questions to ask yourselves at this stage…

Are we inviting immediate family only, or extended family too?
Will children be welcome to the wedding as well?
Should we invite certain people to the evening reception only? (This is an easy way to reduce numbers for the main part of the wedding if needed)
Are our parents expecting to invite some of their friends or relations?

Photo credit Nova Wedding Photography

The first guest list that you write will probably be as long as your arm, but it’s best to put everyone’s name on it and then, if necessary, you can whittle it down from there. If you are finding it hard to narrow the list down, think about the last time that you saw that person, and how important they are to you both. If them being there will make the wedding day more special for you, then their name should probably stay.

The Million Dollar Question

How much is the wedding going to cost? Having a realistic budget is essential and so it’s definitely worth giving it some thought. Hopefully you will have some idea of whether or not parents or family members are contributing to your wedding day, and of course you must think about how much you are prepared to spend too.

Cake by Edible Essence

Opening a wedding savings account is a great way to put money aside each month. Most wedding suppliers will only ask for a small deposit on booking, and so you won’t ever be expected to pay for everything upfront. If you are worried that the financial commitment will put too much pressure on you both, perhaps think about planning the wedding a year or two ahead to give you more time to save.

Pick The Venue

So now you know roughly how many people are attending your wedding, you have an idea of potential month and year, and you have also given budget some thought – now it’s the fun part! Go out there and look for a potential venue for your big celebration.

Décor by Unique Designs by Tina . Floral Arch by All Floral .

You can do a lot of the leg-work online and you are likely to get a feel for the venue just by browsing their website, as it should tell you all the key information that you are looking for and give you a really good selection of gallery images to scroll though as well.

There is no harm in requesting brochures from a wide variety of wedding venues. How responsive they are to your enquiry and the quality of the brochure that they send through are all clues as to how they will look after you if you book their wedding venue.

Photo credit Nova Wedding Photography

The best wedding venues get booked up months or years in advance, all the more reason to make choosing a venue your priority. And if you find your perfect wedding venue, but your ideal date isn’t available, don’t be afraid to consider other options such as Sundays or even a weekday. It is very much ‘the norm’ these days for weddings to be on any day of the week!

Photo credit Nova Wedding Photography

Our wedding venue in Devon is always exclusive use for you and your wedding guests, and as our beautiful Ballroom seats between 50 and 160 guests we can host either an intimate or large scale affair! Our grade I listed Regency Manor house is brimming with period features, it has unbelievably breathtaking views across the Devon countryside, beyond Exeter, up to Dartmoor and beyond. The setting is just perfect for weddings and so if you are looking for wedding venues in Devon we’d love to hear from you.

Photo credit Nova Wedding Photography

To book an appointment to see our lovely Devon wedding venue, please call us on 01392 797444 and we’d love to talk about everything weddings with you!

Reflections On 2021

Thu, 30 Dec 2021 12:36:36 GMT

2021 – what a memorable year it’s been!

It started with a lockdown… #3. January is normally our busiest month for enquiries and bookings with all of those festive and New Year proposals so we didn’t get to meet lots of lovely engaged couples in person. Instead, thanks to the wonders of modern technology we welcomed them virtually into our Devon wedding venue. It was certainly different showing them around via Zoom but luckily the beauty of our regency manor still shone through.

As the Spring flowers began to appear and the weather got a little warmer the house and parkland really bloomed. Our driveway meanders around the edge of the parkland and ends up right in front of our majestic country house wedding venue in Devon, passing through hundreds of established trees which popped with colour as the brand new leaves emerged.

It wasn’t until 17th May when we could finally host weddings indoors. Although weddings for only 30 guests were allowed, we welcomed a surprising number of our couples that decided that above all else – being married together in front of their closest family and friends was the most important thing.

On July 19th 2021, after 16 months of heavy restrictions (484 days to be exact!) we were once again allowed to host ‘normal’ weddings, free from any restrictions. The relief on that day was immense and our guests could PARTY!!! Up until that point, the most we had been able to do since March 2020 was to welcome 30 guests for a wedding with no dancing or entertainment.

It’s fair to say that it was tough… but the tenacity and compassion that our wonderful Brides and Grooms displayed during this time was nothing short of remarkable and there is no doubt that this kept us focused on the end goal – getting through the challenging time and making sure that we delivered amazing, unforgettable events along the way. And we did!

Thanks To The Amazing Team At Rockbeare Manor

It wouldn’t have happened without our incredible team and so a heartfelt thanks must go out to every single one of them. The Events Team lead by our Director of Events Davy and Events Office Manager Helen, our Kitchen team led by Head Chef Ben and Senior Sous Chef Troy, our troop of Housekeepers led by Lisa Wise and the all-important Maintenance team led by Jason Thackray. We’d love for you to meet them so please do take some time to head to our Meet the Events Team and Meet the Kitchen Team blogs where you will be able to find out all about them!

Here Are Some Fun Facts From 2021 For You!!

- Due to all the postponements as a result of the restrictions we have completed a whole years’ worth of weddings in just 7 months!
- Over the course of the year over 10,000 wine and champagne corks have been popped!
- 30,000 canapés have been served
- Each of our Event Managers have walked about 225k every month (the equivalent of 5 marathons!), making sure that they are always in the right place at the right time, ensuring hot food reaches your tables and working their magic to ensure that our Brides and Grooms have the most epic day. They don’t stop!

We really have enjoyed every minute of creating special moments and memories for all of our couples and thank you to everyone involved in making it happen, including all of the wonderful suppliers that work at our beautiful wedding venue on a regular basis.

Recently Engaged?

For those of you that found something sparkly underneath the Christmas tree this year – CONGRATUATIONS ! You must be deliriously happy and we would absolutely LOVE to meet you to share in the excitement and give you a personal guided tour of Rockbeare Manor, our pretty wedding venue in Devon. We are open for visits every day of the week, weddings dependent so call us on 01392 797444 to book your viewing now!

Finally, from Andy and I as well as the whole team at Rockbeare Manor in Exeter – we’re wishing you the best health and every happiness for 2022!

Aimée Carveth – Director

Huge thanks to Nick Wilcox-Brown for the incredible images used in this blog. All taken in Spring 2021.

Devon Wedding Venue Reviews

Wed, 30 Jun 2021 11:37:05 GMT

Big Weddings Are Back!

After 15 months of yoyo-ing from tiny weddings to no weddings, to slightly bigger weddings we couldn't be more delighted to be back hosting large weddings again. There are still some (fairly contradictory and confusing) covid restrictions to contend with, but our Brides and Grooms are taking it all in their stride and oh my goodness the weddings have been amazing!!

There has been no stopping the love, smiles and laughter on the big day itself and as a busy wedding venue in Devon, we couldn't be more thankful, and relieved.

Since June 21st when the restrictions on numbers were relaxed we have been VERY busy with weddings as so many had postponed into this period and we've been astounded by how many wonderful, kind emails and cards have been sent to us, as well as from couples who were married before the rules were relaxed.

It is such a great pleasure to be able to play a part in these momentous occasions, and here are a selection of the kind words that we have received, along with some photographs of the newly-weds too!

Kind words from Rockbeare Manor wedding couples

"I don't even know where to begin. Rockbeare Manor made our dreams come true. We finally got married on 21.05.21 after having to postpone twice before. We dealt with so many lovely members of staff in the lead up but must do a big shout out to Davy for helping plan every step to to the perfect day and being there on the day to support us both.

Also a huge shout out to Cameron for being an absolute star, always there by our sides and nothing was ever to much trouble for him (thanks for getting me deodorant and holding my spare shoes for the evening).

All the food and drink was incredible from the canapes after the ceremony right up to breakfast the next day. When can we come back and do it all again? Love Mr and Mrs Allen xx" - 21st May

"Dear Davy, We just wanted to get in touch to say a big thank you to you and your team for our recent wedding. During the difficult time of trying to plan a wedding during Covid you were so accommodating and couldn’t do enough to ensure we had the day we were wishing for! All our guests commented on how beautiful Rockbeare Manor is and how welcoming all the staff were." Emily and Neil - 28th May

"Words cannot describe how simply amazing everyone at Rockbeare Manor have been. We finally tied the knot with them on 29.05.21 after 3 postponements due to covid and they really couldn’t have made our day any more special if they tried.

We were so worried and stressed about something else getting in the way but they took every single weight from our shoulders and we will never be able to thank them enough.

Aimée and Jess in particular have been completely incredible throughout. Aimée was there by our sides through everything and has supported us with every single tough decision we have had to make over the last two years.

We would also like to thank Jess for being such a reassuring help in the week leading up to our wedding and also being such an incredible help on the day itself - it felt like having another friend in our small, intimate wedding party!

We have had so many compliments from our guests in regard to our wedding venue and it's staff - we cannot recommend them enough.

So thank you team Rockbeare for making our wedding the best day of our lives.

A note from the groom:

Just wanted to say how great the Rockbeare Manor team were in the planning and on the day! Let’s be honest it’s normally the bride that does the majority of the planning for the day so I know I was dreading having to try and remember everything! However Aimée in the planning and Jess on the day did nothing but reassure me and help me. Just also want to thank Davy for the pen as it turns out one of the most important things the registrar wanted me to get, I forgot p.s the food was amazing!" Lorna and Brad - 29th May

"I just wanted start by saying a massive and heartfelt thank you to you, Davy, Cameron, Jess, and the rest of the team at Rockbeare Manor. We had a fantastic day, and it was really down to you all. It was more than I could have asked or imagined.

Not only did Helen and Davy both support us with the date changes three times but also, after every chat and email, we both felt reassured and excited about our wedding. They really understood us and translated our random ideas into a beautiful day.

Everyone at Rockbeare Manor was kind and attentive. It was a long day, and we appreciated everyone's hard work. The day went so smoothly, and everyone had a lovely time. The food was delicious! The gnocchi a particular favourite of mine and the pasty a hit with Manu's family.

I am still on a high, and I cannot express how pleased and thankful I am. Thank you for making this such a special day for us both."

Chloe and Manuel - 31st May

"We just had our fantastic wedding at Rockbeare Manor. We cannot thank Jessica enough for restoring our faith and excitement for the wedding which was cancelled four times due to the pandemic. Everything ran smoothly and perfectly! Micro-weddings are the future! Thank you so much Jessica and Rockbeare Manor for the best wedding experience." Sophie and Cameron - 3rd June

"My wife and I got married here on the 18th of June 2021. Absolutely amazing venue. The day seemed to run so smoothly, with the service being 11 out of 10 all thanks to Cameron and Jessica at Rockbeare Manor.

Thank you to all your team for making our day so magical for me and Kira. Would highly recommend 100%." Louis and Kira - 18th June

"Dear Helen and the team, where do I begin … our whole day was faultless from beginning to end. Your staff were amazing… hard working, attentive, kind, efficient, professional and engaging.

The food from the canapés through to desserts was beyond delicious and the presentation superb. Our guests were blow away by the whole Rockbeare Manor experience.

The sun shone! It was such an added bonus for everyone that we could enjoy the amazing gardens and grounds for the majority of our time with you and what a perfect backdrop for the amazing fireworks.

This will be a day we will look back on forever...faultless from dawn to dusk.

Please ensure your whole team all know that their hard work was very much appreciate and valued."

Gina and James Shanks - 25th June

To all of those who have taken the time to leave a review - thank you SO much, it really does mean the world to our team who all work incredibly hard to make every couples day beyond comparison to any other!

Thank you also, to Jodie Hurd Photography for all the images in this blog.

For more wedding reviews from past couples that have married at our very special wedding venue in Devon head to our wedding reviews page , or if you are a past Rockbeare Manor bride or groom, and you would like to leave a review, we'd be forever grateful - just head to the Rockbeare Manor Facebook Page .

All that remains for us to say is congratulations to every single couple that has married at Rockbeare Manor in Exeter, Devon - we wish you every happiness in the future xx

A Spring Wedding Set Up With Green And White Theme

Fri, 30 Apr 2021 11:37:06 GMT

In April we had the opportunity to collaborate with some of our wonderful recommended suppliers to create a simple but elegant spring wedding set up. The focus was on the flowers and accessories, whilst also making the most of the striking features within our gorgeous wedding venue in Devon, and all of the natural light that the huge windows provide.

When given the chance we'll go for classic elegance every time, which is why the colour palette that we chose for the shoot was green and white. Not only does it exude grace and style, it's perfect for Spring weddings as there are so many pretty blooms in season to choose from.

Spring Wedding Flowers

Beth at Ditsy Blooms was in charge of creating the gorgeous arrangements for the shoot. Ditsy Blooms florist are based in the lovely seaside town of Budleigh Salterton, just ten miles away from Rockbeare Manor and as well as having a delightful shop they also provide wedding flowers for couples getting married in Devon. After working with Beth and the team a number of times, and seeing their amazing creations we added them to our list of recommended suppliers, but they also work at many other wedding venues in Devon too.

By her own admission Beth went a bit crazy with the flower order! There were so many beautiful stems in season and she wanted them to make an impact, and we're very glad she did as the result really was stunning.

Height was important and created a more contemporary look especially in the mantle arrangement, and the use of white larkspur, antirrhimum and astilbe helped achieve that.

There were then scented roses (which smelt divine), spray roses, white hypericum and eucalyptus - not forgetting the distinctive blue thistles, otherwise known as eryngium.

Wedding Cake

The cake was provided by Claire at Claire Arscott Cake Design (at very short notice!) and she did an amazing job. Claire's wedding cakes are not only delicious, but she also creates among some of the most stylish wedding cakes that we've seen. Her attention to detail is second to none when she makes these bespoke handcrafted cakes at her country cottage HQ in the Devon countryside.

We loved the delicate flowers which meandered their way from the base of the cake towards the top of this small, three tiered beauty, finished with handcrafted sugar flowers and a plush velvet ribbon.

Wedding Styling

To compliment the green and white wedding theme for our spring wedding set up, we enlisted the help of Tracy at Keeping it Vintage who provided some really stylish tableware, décor and props. A few carefully placed items can really help bring any wedding theme to life, giving it depth, and tying everything together.

The stars of the show have got to be these fabulous gold geometric lanterns which we styled with some greenery to really bring them to life. They were the perfect item to frame the aisle in our wedding ceremony room (we call it the Dining Room at Rockbeare Manor) and candlelight always enhances the atmosphere.

As well as the lanterns, Keeping it Vintage provided some cut vintage brass candlesticks for the ceremony, and some glass candlesticks and silver beaded charger plates for the top table which really finished everything off nicely.

For a simple and cost effective way of framing the place where you say your 'I do's' these faux rose trees from Keeping it Vintage are ideal.

We also added some silver hurricane lanterns which ran either side of the aisle. All simple ideas but when combined they will really set the tone for the day and make a difference to the overall feel.

Wedding Photography

The photography for our spring wedding set up was kindly provided by Mark from Evolve Photography in Devon who we are sure you'll agree did a great job.

Mark is based in Devon, not far from Rockbeare Manor in Exeter and has photographed many weddings at our Devon wedding venue. Mark loves capturing the natural, timeless narrative of a wedding day.

Luckily the sky was blue and the sun shining, and the colours within the Devon parkland which surrounds Rockbeare Manor were so vibrant, with many of the leaves having just emerged through.

April is wonderful as a month to get married - in spring time the park and gardens are changing all the time, every day a new type of flower pops up. This year in the month of April we've seen tulips, buttercups and wild orchids in our spring flower meadow, cyclamen and bluebells. The wisteria is also on it's way, right on cue!

For more inspiration head to our spring wedding board on Pinterest which is full ideas and spring wedding photos, or, if our team can help with anything please do not hesitate to get in touch .

We love to chat everything and anything about weddings, and so you can also reach us on 01392 797444 - we'd love to hear from you!

Wedding Reception Ideas For Small Weddings During Covid

Fri, 12 Mar 2021 12:37:07 GMT

Hail To Weddings!

Despite all the odds, and everything that this pandemic has thrown at Brides and Grooms near and far, there are still so many couples who are going ahead and getting married this spring! It's AMAZING !! The determination we are seeing is on another level and we have been humbled and privileged to be part of these momentous occasions.

We can finally see some light at the end of this VERY long tunnel and as of April 12th 2021, wedding receptions for 15 can commence (but sadly only outside). Then, from May 17th wedding receptions for 30 guests will be allowed. All being well, we'll be back to normal with big weddings as we know and love from pre-covid times, from 21st June.

It can't come quickly enough!!

Last month we shared a Real Wedding During Covid - it's a must read for those either getting married in the next few months, or thinking about going ahead with a small wedding reception this Spring or Summer.

Making Your Small Wedding Stand Out

Just because there is less people it absolutely does not mean that it will be any less fun!! Don't take our word for it - many have done it and never looked back and our past brides and grooms have lots of advice to give .

But, we also have some helpful tips that we hope will help make your big day even more memorable so read on for lots of covid wedding reception ideas.

Frustratingly, industry specific guidance from the government has not been forthcoming for covid secure weddings in April and May 2021, and so our ideas and suggestions below are based on restrictions being as they were during summer and autumn 2020.

Let's get started...

Example Wedding Day Itinerary

The beauty of a small wedding is you have a lot more flexibility than time might not ordinarily allow - so relax and soak it all up at your leisure. As far as we know at the moment, dancing or a party is still not permitted, but do not fear...here's an example of how your can make best use of the extra time that you have...

11.30am - Arrive at your wedding venue for pre-wedding preparations

12.15pm - Light lunch served to the Bridal Party (you mustn't forget to eat!)

2pm - The wedding ceremony

2.20pm - Drinks reception, outside ideally where your photographer can capture some beautiful couple shots

Entertainment such as a caricaturist or background musician would be perfect at this point

4pm - Guests take their seats for the meal

4.15pm - The wedding breakfast is served

5.50pm - Charge your glasses!

6pm - After a leisurely meal the speeches commence!

6.30pm - Freshen up, sunset or early evening couples shots

7.00pm - Cocktail hour (or two) and Quiz with chilled background music

9pm - First dance following by card and present opening

9.30pm - Evening food to keep you going such as cheeses, pasties or pizza

10pm onwards - drinks, games and laughs

Midnight - Bar closes

Entertainment

For the perfect wedding favour idea which doubles up as fun entertainment, why not hire a caricaturist who will create hilarious caricatures for you and your guests, there and then! It would make the perfect addition to your drinks reception and would really set the tone for a great wedding ahead. Chrissy at Sensible Pencil has a micro-weddings package - he's a very personable and talented chap who will create brilliant works of art just like this...

Cocktail Hour

Naturally, the itinerary for a wedding during covid restrictions will vary a little bit from the norm, but that’s the perfect opportunity to use the extra time to really put your own personal touches into the day.

It’s quite likely that you will find yourselves with lots of available time after the wedding breakfast and speeches have come to an end and so why not host a cocktail hour (or two!) where you and your guests can sit at occasional tables, chat, laugh and reminisce, whilst being served mouthwatering cocktails.

You could pick a selection of your favourite cocktails, and create personlised menus to display in a cosy lounge or room, decorated with fairy lights or flowers, with your own choice of background music to set the scene.

Or, if you really want to push the boat out, you could hire a musician such as a saxophonist like Carlo or a talented pianist such as Bill Young to play some upbeat tunes as you all relax into the evening. It will have more of a wine bar vibe – and who doesn’t love a good wine bar!!

Food And Drink To Remember

For any wedding, the food is so important. It’s one of the main things that your guests will remember – hopefully for all the right reasons and so it’s important to get it right.

If having a smaller guest list means you have more budget available, the food (and drink!) is a worthwhile place to start. Instead of a traditional three course menu, you could add an amuse-bouche or extra course to your menu which will be a real treat for you and your guests.

Time constraints are unlikely to be an issue as they may be for a wedding in ‘normal’ times so it’s an opportunity not to be missed, and one that will make your day completely unique. For wine lovers, a wine flight will add a touch of indulgence and compliment your carefully chosen courses perfectly.

Shared Gift And Card Opening

Ideal for the evening part of your wedding, the newly-weds could dedicate some time to open their cards and gifts in front of their guests who will love to share in the joy and excitement. Why not follow that with a game of Mr and Mrs or a quiz of some kind?

Sparkler Send Off !

After a day of celebrating with the love of your life, surrounded by your very nearest and dearest friends and family, the perfect way to end your wedding reception is with a sparkler tunnel outside in the moonlight.

If you would like your photographer to be able to capture it, you may need to arrange the timings to suit them as well - the photos will certainly tell an amazing story of your unique and fabulous wedding day.

Our Event Managers are pro's when it comes to co-ordinating a sparkler tunnel and will make sure that all the sparklers are lit simultaneously to give you the best opportunity to capture the perfect shot.

We hope that you found these covid wedding reception ideas helpful and we wish you a wonderful wedding day!!!

More On This Subject...

More blogs like this:

Getting Married During A Pandemic

Real Wedding During Covid Restrictions

N.B some of the images used are pre-pandemic.

Real Wedding During Coronavirus Restrictions

Thu, 18 Feb 2021 12:36:47 GMT

Planning a wedding during this strange and unprecedented time has been challenging, stressful and emotional for many Brides and Grooms. At Rockbeare Manor (Exeter, Devon) we have spent the last eleven months helping many couples postpone their wedding, but we've also held some absolutely gorgeous, intimate and special weddings.

Cyndi and Matt's wedding, in December 2020 was one of those, and in this blog Cyndi tells us all about it.

For anyone getting married in the coming months this is a must read - it's full of inspiration, positivity and creativity and shows that a wedding during a pandemic, or with restrictions, can still turn out to be AMAZING!

“We feel so strongly that even with restrictions our day was like no wedding we have ever or would ever be likely to experience again”.

Why Did You Choose Rockbeare Manor As Your Wedding Venue?

As soon as we got engaged in May 2020, we started looking for wedding venues in Devon which could accommodate our immediate families to stay over, be exclusively ours and have seriously good food and wine options. It also needed to feel like ‘us’.

"At first we thought we may struggle to find all of those things all in one place, even in Devon which has so many lovely options for wedding venues but as soon as we saw Rockbeare Manor in Exeter online, we both instantly felt like it was the one. "

"The décor and setting just spoke to us. After arranging a virtual tour with the lovely Helen, we knew beyond a doubt that it was the place we wanted to get married. We felt it had everything and more on our wish list!"

Tell Us About Your Wedding Day Fashion.

I actually purchased my Enzoani dress via DM on Instagram - not the way I pictured buying the most important dress of my life but Perfect Daze Bridal really caught my eye. They seemed lovely and approachable and so I reached out to ask if they might have a dress available. At that time, Matt and I had just had a conversation about going 'all out' on the wedding, and making it as special as possible, so I thought I would up my dress game!

They posted it out to me and even found a seamstress based in Devon who would see me the day before lockdown started. Justine was amazing and worked serious magic as the dress was much too big for me, so when I picked it up it fitted me perfectly. I paired it with a jewelled headpiece and veil from Richard Designs and my shoes were from Bella Belle in the US.

My makeup was done by Laura Le Page and my hair by Brigitte Fisher - two incredibly lovely people who made the whole process very easy. Matt wore a tuxedo from Next , some bespoke cufflinks I bought for him a couple of years ago, his purple poppy pin which shows respect for all the fallen animals during the war and his panda pin which means a lot to us both.

What Was Your Wedding Day Theme And Décor Inspiration?

We didn't necessarily have a theme but we agreed early on that we wanted all our flowers to be British and as wild as possible. We found Charlotte at Floren Studio almost immediately who understood what we wanted, and when we saw the mood board that she had created we fell in love. Our flowers were David Austin roses , Eucalyptus, ranunculus, winter berries and Lisianthus. Our colours were white, lots of green and just a hint of red - it felt very wintery. We also chose a large urn arrangement, fireplace garland and three arrangements for the table.

On the day, the team at Rockbeare Manor also added some greenery including winter berries from the garden, which was a lovely touch. As Rockbeare Manor is already so beautifully styled we didn’t feel like we needed to add too much more, but we did want some special décor for the large table.

I fell in love with the calligraphy work of Maria Manuscript who I again found on Instagram. She created the most beautiful place settings edged in gold leaf, menus to match, ribbons for my flowers and a perspex sign all done by hand and with immense care and skill. Candle sticks (a lot of candlesticks!) from Keeping it Vintage in-between the flower arrangements brought the whole thing together.

It was elegant and special which is ultimately what we hoped for.

Food Glorious Food – What Were Your Choices For Your Wedding?

Dollybird Bakes was the first website we looked at, and our cake was the first one on the page. It was two tiers with embossed details on the icing, gold leaf and exquisite sugar flowers almost exploding out of the cake. Hayley who runs Dollybird Bakes sent us samples of flavours (it's a hard job but someone's got to taste them all) and we chose sticky toffee for the main layer and white chocolate and raspberry for the top.

Our original cake was much larger, however with the decreased numbers Hayely simply scaled it down for us.

All of our wedding catering was of course taken care of by the Chefs at Rockbeare Manor . As a couple we love food and wine and wanted our day to reflect that. For the reception we served French 75 cocktails and craft beer and afternoon tea with sandwiches, scones, orange drizzle cake, mince pies and Rockbeare Manor’s amazing brownies.

At our pre-wedding planning meeting we came up with a food and wine pairing meal that would be 6 courses in total, with wines to match each one.

This aspect of the day really made such an impact on us and our guests - we all loved the concept and it helped to fill a little more time in the evening when we might normally be dancing.

We also had a lovely grazing board of meats, cheeses, breads and pigs in blankets brought out later for guests to choose from, if they had any room left.

Our wedding favours were handmade bespoke chocolate bonbons by Gayas Cakes , filled with chocolate orange ganache and pistachio praline. Gaya designed the chocolates for us and even sent a sketch so we could really visualize them.

Who Was Your Wedding Photographer?

We both hate having our photos taken so we were dreading trying to find a photographer, but we pretty quickly found Alex Toze wedding photography , who not only knows Rockbeare Manor really well but is also Devon based and specialises in photos which are ‘of the moment’. He was just amazing, and took some incredible photos. But more than that he became part of the day, we really enjoyed our time with him, even the couples photos which we both thought might feel awkward.

When we received our wedding photos back we were blown away by the moments he captured, he was just incredible to work with.

What Was The Best Part Of Your Wedding Day?

Actually getting married was the best part for both of us. We would have gone ahead even if it could only have been us!

…Very very closely followed by how wonderful and attentive the team at Rockbeare Manor were. Much of the credit should be given to Davy, who, in our planning meeting (which was the day after the winter lockdown was announced), said:

'let’s focus on what you can do, rather than what you can’t'

and from that moment we knew that he would make sure our day was right for us. He got us as people straight away and that relationship with him is the main reason we think it turned out how it did.

Covid Restrictions Sadly Meant No Dancing. How Did You Keep Guests Occupied Throughout The Day And Evening?

This was the thing we gave the most thought to, and in the end it was really simple. After the ceremony we had a traditional timeline of drinks reception and photos, followed by the afternoon tea which took us to 4pm. That's when we did something a bit different.

We hired a saxophonist, Carlo who not only plays jazz but also chart music and even some Christmas songs. He also uses cool backing tracks so it feels very current. He did two sets for us up to 6pm. Alongside Carlo we worked with the team at Rockbeare Manor to come up with a cocktail menu which we has specially printed, and because Rockbeare Manor do cocktails so well, the combination of the jazz with the drinks felt very much like being in a really nice cocktail bar.

The lights were dimmed, we had a lot of candles and the time flew by as people felt the shift into the evening part of the day.

We encouraged guests to dress in black tie and some even changed into another outfit for the evening.

Did Less Guests Mean That You Had More Budget To Spend In Other Areas?

We had a moment once the reduced numbers were introduced where we looked at each other and said 'let’s spend our original budget on less people, but make it the best it can be' …and we really did!

We covered almost all the drinks, added additional flowers and did the food and wine pairing for dinner. We even had one Champagne to accompany dessert and then a different one for speeches which was right after the dessert. We also left personalised cards in every room, and bags full of cans of coke, paracetamol, mints and a lot of chocolate because we knew they would be needed the next day!

This was only something we were able to do because we had less people.

What Advice Would You Give To Other Couples Having A Wedding During The Pandemic?

Our advice would be not to let things like guests wearing masks or reduced numbers bother you. We were so busy looking at each other and being nervous we can’t even remember seeing our guests in masks. During the wedding ceremony Matt and I didn’t need to wear a mask anyway, and neither did the Bridesmaids when they walked down the aisle. All the other guests were happy to wear them and some even enjoyed finding one to match their outfit.

Being part of the wedding meant so much more to our families than any concern for having to wear a mask.

Not one guest missed a disco or photobooth, even though originally we planned to have both, because in the end it turned out our entertainment was each other.

Even though people say to us 'did you just have 15 guests?' we always say

it never felt like 'just' anything.

We spent quality time with everyone and it felt so incredibly special, that

even if we could go back and have 50 or 100 guests, we actually wouldn't.

Cyndi and Matt - our heartfelt thanks to you both for sharing the details of your beautiful wedding day at Rockbeare Manor, our very special wedding venue in Devon. You both showed such courage and commitment to make your big day happen, against all the odds - and with such style !!

From all of the team at Rockbeare Manor, we wish you all the very best for your future together as Mr and Mrs.

For more Real Weddings and advice from couples that got married during the pandemic click here!

For new wedding enquiries, or options for intimate weddings this year please get in touch with the team - we'd love to hear from you.

Manor House Wedding Venues

Sun, 31 Jan 2021 12:37:08 GMT

There are so many wonderful wedding venues in Devon, and indeed up and down the country – from low-key beachside locations, to marquees in idyllic spots or rural barns oozing character. The options for newly engaged couples are almost endless, but in this blog we explore the beauty of manor house wedding venues using our very own Rockbeare Manor in Devon as an example.

Rockbeare Manor is a fine historic house set in mature parkland in Devon and like many manor houses of its time, it was not only conceived as a family home, but also as a place for entertaining. And what better opportunity could there be, to welcome friends and family to enjoy and celebrate, than a wedding?!

Manor houses have so much to offer as a location or venue for weddings and here are 5 reasons why…

The First Impression

There is no doubt about it, manor houses were built to impress and that impression is something that begins from the moment that you set eyes on the entrance. That’s when the suspense and anticipation comes, and an intrigue of what’s next.

Then there is the driveway, which at Rockbeare Manor was very much part of the designers plan. It’s lined with trees from start to finish, but reveals a series of carefully composed naturalistic views or “windows” through these trees, across the park.

This all culminates in the open view to the front of the house – the next first impression. With its wrought iron, regency balcony spanning across the front of the house, supported by six fluted Doric columns which just reinforce that sense of grandeur.

And it doesn’t stop there…a grand entrance hall, atmospheric and fascinating Billiard Room, incredible Dining Room and first floor Drawing Room with private balcony, affording the most magnificent views.

The Views

As with many country estates, arguably one of the finest features is the parkland and far reaching views that can be seen from within it. The park at Rockbeare Manor here in Devon was made around 1820 from 33 previous enclosures and it’s registered by English Heritage, as one of the gardens in England considered to be of National Significance.

In the style of the time, epitomized by the work of Capability Brown and Humphrey Repton, the landscape was designed to give a sense of freedom, naturalness and space and the views are a very significant part of this.

The ha-ha that can be found if you explore beyond the flower meadow at the front of Rockbeare Manor, creates a vertical barrier which not only prevents grazing animals from wandering into the adjoining gardens, more importantly, it provides an uninterrupted view of the landscape beyond, giving a continuous vista which creates an illusion that the garden and landscape are one.

Finding a wedding venue that has beautiful backdrops for photographs is on the priority list for most brides and grooms and that’s an area where manor house wedding venues will not disappoint! At Rockbeare Manor we are lucky enough to be able to see all the way to Dartmoor National Park, including Cawsand Beacon, as well as The Haldon Belvedere, an iconic landmark which sits high in the hills of Haldon Forest, above Exeter.

The History

Every manor house will have an interesting and diverse history and much of that will come from the characters that have lived in them. From the people, to the paintings, sculptures and architecture – it will all tell a story.

Rockbeare Manor has passed from family member to family member since 1859 when William H C Nation, a wealthy Magistrate and non-practicing barrister, who died un-married, left Rockbeare Manor to his nephew Spencer Follett. The house, passing down the female line, through the Follett’s and the Griffith-Williams, was eventually inherited by Caroline, Mrs. Gerard Noel, who lived at Rockbeare with her husband and family in recent times.

(Sir William Webb Follett - born 2 December 1796 in Topsham – 28 June 1845)

The Character

Each manor house is unique and has character, in abundance. It’s something that can’t be replicated – it’s original, interesting and it creates talking points and intrigue of a bygone era when it was likely to have had many more staff working there than the number of people residing in the manor itself.

Rockbeare Manor is Grade I listed and although it had a thorough and very extensive renovation in 2015 / 2016, it’s beautiful, individual features were kept very much intact. Having been on the Historic England at Risk Register due to its run down state it was given a new lease of life, sensitively transformed into an immaculate contemporary venue whilst still very much retaining all the beauty of its past. This just adds to the interest of the venue and it’s historic, yet uncluttered feel, coupled with a contemporary colour pallet is the reason why many couples choose Rockbeare Manor as their wedding venue .

The character highlights include the Adam style dining room of circa 1770 - a remarkable example of its period by any standards. Bowed each end and framed by large Ionic columns with apricot-coloured scagliola which stand in each corner, as well as an attractive and imposing fireplace and incredible ornamental plasterwork.

Then there is the Georgian staircase, the chimneypieces in almost every room (including some bathrooms!), The Drawing Room which is complete with the most intricate trompe l’oeil. Its well-proportioned rooms, where light floods in from every angle through the huge sash windows have intrinsic dignity.

The Lasting Impression

Manor house wedding venues are places that will leave a lasting impression on not just you but all of your friends and family who have experienced and witnessed your wedding day, in what is a magnificent historic building, a one-off. Your wedding is another small but very important part that contributes to its rich and varied history.

As with many manor house wedding venues, Rockbeare Manor becomes yours to enjoy as your own, to welcome your nearest and dearest for what will always be a momentous occasion, irrespective of the number of guests, budget, or bells and whistles.

The location is something tangible, it creates a feeling that stays with you forever, just like the memories.

As locations for special occasions go, manor houses really have got to be the perfect option – the beautiful settings, wildly grand and historic interiors, and the myriad of rooms to be explored. Just think, if walls could tell stories, we have no doubt that there would be many to listen to!

Contact

For more information on holding a wedding or event at Rockbeare Manor please do get in touch – we’d love to hear from you. Virtual tours also available.

Farewell 2020

Thu, 31 Dec 2020 12:36:37 GMT

Wishing You All A Happy New Year!

There isn't much to say about 2020 that hasn't already been said and so we're not even going to go there...!

What we would like to do is wish our past, present and future Brides, Grooms and clients, the happiest New Year - whatever your plans. No doubt you are staying at home with your nearest and dearest, but hopefully you have a nice bottle of fizz chilling ready for the point that you welcome the New Year in. That's certainly our plan!

We've had some gorgeous sunny, blue sky days in Devon this December, and today (New Years' Eve) was no exception. We took a stroll down to the lake, met some friendly swans on the way, as well as the sheep that are grazing happily at the moment in the field in front of Rockbeare Manor.

We have been able to make the most of our beautiful surroundings even more so this year and no matter what the season - it never disappoints. The landscape is stunning, views endless, and Rockbeare Manor stands very elegantly overlooking it all, in it's own very private corner of the Devon countryside.

If you've been to Rockbeare Manor, which is just outside of Exeter in Devon, you may have spotted the lake which can be seen at its best from the balcony at the front of the house. Today it was frozen - not quite thick enough to skate on but you never know we might get chance one day!

We're looking forward to 2021 - we have SO many weddings and events in the diary and we are itching to get started again. It will be an amazing feeling to get back to hosting weddings and events in the normal way but we'll never forget the beautiful, intimate weddings that have been held at Rockbeare Manor in 2020. Have a look at our recent blog 'Getting married in a Pandemic' to see for yourself just how stunning they were.

Newly Engaged ?

If you are newly engaged - CONGRATULATIONS. We have had a sea of enquires coming through since Boxing Day and so we can only assume that LOTS of you found something shiny underneath the Christmas tree this year. I wonder how many proposals will happen this evening as the clock strikes midnight?

What an amazing way to end a challenging year!

If you have already contacted us and left us with your address, one of our gorgeous brochures will be with you very soon. If you haven't yet requested a wedding brochure, you can do so very easily by contacting us here .

We would also LOVE to show you around our very special wedding venue in Devon and so please do get in touch to book your private viewing. You won't regret it we promise!

For more information on weddings at Rockbeare Manor head to our weddings page and for lots of wedding inspiration, current photos and real weddings, our Facebook and Instagram feeds are a must see.

All that is left to say, from all of us at Rockbeare Manor, is that we wish you the happiest New Year and all our very very best for 2021.

Let's make it great!

Aimée, Andy and the Rockbeare Manor Team x

Dine, Stay And Unwind

Wed, 30 Sep 2020 11:36:38 GMT

At Rockbeare Manor, Devon

*******FOR THE MOST UP TO DATE INFORMATION AND DATES CLICK HERE *******

2020 has certainly presented a very new set of challenges to us all ! At the start of the year when we were looking ahead to a busy diary with lots of weddings and events - we could never have imagined that most of those would need to be postponed, or that March 14th would be the last 'normal' wedding that we would host in 2021. But sadly that looks to be the case. The current government restrictions that have been placed on the hospitality and events industry have meant that there has been hurdle after hurdle to jump since March and as it stands at the moment (30th September) only weddings for 15 guests are permitted.

After the relaxation on the hotel and restaurant sector back in July we saw a surge of people wanting to get away for a relaxed staycation in Devon and Cornwall (we can think of nowhere better!), and it got us thinking! You couldn't get a hotel room for love nor money, and most of the high quality hotels in Devon and surrounding areas were fully booked for the whole summer. With us still unable to hold weddings in any form, we thought that there must be something positive that we could do, until restrictions eased.

That's where the idea for Dine, Stay and Unwind came from and within two weeks of having the idea, by 1st August it was live on social media, on booking.com and Airbnb and we were ready to take bookings!

The Dine, Stay and Unwind package includes an overnight stay for two in one of our luxurious bedrooms, along with pre-dinner Prosecco and a three course a la carte menu with coffee. You'll then wake up to a sumptuous breakfast starting with granola served with yoghurt and fruit compote, warm pastries or homemade fruit smoothies, then followed by some delicious hot options including a full English breakfast, or smoked salmon and scrambled eggs.

We have been so astonished but the warm response that we have had from all who have enjoyed Dine, Stay and Unwind so far. It certainly feels good to breathe life back into the venue after such a long period during lockdown where we were unable to welcome guests. Never before has Rockbeare Manor been open to the public in this way which means that it’s an amazing opportunity for our friends, old and new, to come and enjoy the food, stunning gardens and landscape and even have a relaxed overnight stay.

"As soon as you step through the door you are made to feel very welcome and like you are at home. Nothing is too much trouble."

Not only that, guests have plenty of time to explore the grounds, play Billiards, table tennis and garden games or simply relax with drinks in the Library or Drawing Room. There is a real tranquility at Rockbeare Manor - it's only 15 minutes drive from Exeter, yet you really are in the middle of stunning Devon countryside and so it's the perfect place to unwind.

"Rockbeare Manor is special. The property, the location, grounds, food and staff were first class. To indulge oneself in the Rockbeare experience was a privilege. Thank you"

Dining At Rockbeare Manor In Devon

Food has always been hugely important to us at Rockbeare Manor and so we always aim for it to exceed expectations. We have taken inspiration from our wedding menus when planning the options for Dine, Stay and Unwind and this has worked really well, particularly for Brides and Grooms who are due to have their wedding with us in the future, as they have been able to get a really good idea of not only the style and standard of food, but also service. Dishes are created using the finest local ingredients and prepared by our experienced chefs here at our kitchen at Rockbeare Manor.

Some of the most popular dishes so far have been our Antipasti platter which guests share as a starter. It includes fine cured meats such as bresola, parma ham and Milano salami, and it's accompanied by asparagus, mozzarella and olives. For main course, the sirloin of Devon beef really has been a huge hit as well as the fillet of Hake as it's a light but really tasty main course, served with saffron crushed new potatoes and a brown shrimp beurre noisette.

The desserts are always the hardest thing to choose between! During September and October we used both apples, and damsons from the orchard at Rockbeare Manor which can be found in the Walled Garden. Our apple tarte tatin with vanilla ice cream is a classic dish - light and tasty with so much flavour. Definitely the most popular dessert so far has been our warm chocolate fondant with honeycomb, raspberries and clotted cream ice cream.

" A Great find. Usually a wedding venue and so a much more relaxed and personal experience. Beautiful Manor House, luxuriously furnished with spacious and elegant bedrooms. Definitely recommend and will be revisiting".

The events were a huge success with many fully booked dates so we can't thank all those that attended for their support whilst we were unable to operate as a wedding venue.

Tips For A Relaxing Wedding Day By Katherine From Nova Wedding Photography Devon

Sat, 29 Aug 2020 11:37:12 GMT

Relax, Its Your Wedding Day…

When invited by Aimée at Devon wedding venue Rockbeare Manor, to write a guest post I thought it would be helpful to share our experience in what makes for a relaxed wedding day. ‘Relaxed’ and ‘wedding’ are not usually synonymous but with a bit of fore thought and planning you really can float effortlessly through your wedding day, enjoying every, single, joyous minute of it.

We’re very fortunate to have photographed many lovely weddings at Rockbeare Manor and the venues luxurious but unpretentious vibe is perfect for a stress-free wedding and well suited to the un-staged, discreet way in which we shoot weddings. Rockbeare Manor seem to have a niche in couples that are seeking a relaxed, chilled-out event in Devon.

A highlight for us was shooting the wedding of the owner’s Aimée and Andy last October, an informal but incredibly special wedding that we were honoured to capture. Of course there will always be some last minute stresses in the build up to the day but thinking about a few things before hand can help to make your day flow effortlessly, from that first glass of fizz to the very last dance.

Its About Time

During our initial meetings we always have a chat about getting the timings right on the day to achieve the ultimate in relaxed weddings. We always consider the time of the year and making the most of the natural light. Sunsets at Devon Wedding Venue Rockbeare Manor are exceptional and as a wedding photographer you sleep with your fingers crossed the night before in the hope to be blessed with one.

The views from the Rockbeare Manor are stunning; Devon hills layering off into the distance with poplars framing the picture. At our first meeting with you we will talk about what time sunset is on your chosen date so we make sure you’re not mid-speeches when its all turning golden outside. Planning in plenty of time between the end of your ceremony and going in to dinner to enjoy simply being at your own wedding is so important too. Its such a sublime part of the day, with the formalities out of the way you should be able to mingle effortlessly with your wedding guests, enjoying the canapés you carefully chose and not feel in the slightest bit hurried through your day.

Rockbeare Manor does this ‘down time’ exceedingly well and we are in our element unobtrusively capturing relaxed scenes and interactions in the gardens, from casual banter between guests to tense Jenga moments and competitive connect four! Do make sure you have time to enjoy this time too.

A month or so before the big day we'll have a final catch up, preparing a shot planner so we're fully prepped for the day. We make a list of your ‘must have’ group photos and finalise the days timings so when the day arrives you have NOTHING to do apart from be your amazing selves.

Location, Location, Location

Or actually just one location. Having your ceremony and reception in one place saves a load of stress, no logistics to plan and no chance of being stuck behind an angry caravan driver on a skinny Devon lane when you could be enjoying a cocktail seconds after your ceremony. There is a very definite flow to a wedding that is all in one place and your guests will thank you for it!

Being able to get ready just a few steps from your wedding ceremony makes for a very chilled preps and you would have to work very hard to be late for your ceremony! On the subject of getting ready, Rockbeare Manor has the coolest back drops and we LOVE shooting preps here. The Billiard Room is insanely cool room for those final touches and the bridal suite is out of this world with its palatial proportions, tons of natural light, beautiful antique mirrors and plenty of space to get back for a full length bridal wedding dress portrait. Our un-staged style means we shoot preps unobtrusively but are always on hand ready to help with a button hole or a second opinion if needed.

As wedding photographers Steve and I have the privilege of witnessing some very poignant scenes and capturing them respectfully and as unobtrusively as possible is very important to us. We’ve had lots of lovely feedback about how we were a calming presence before the wedding ceremony, so if you are a little nervous about having a photographer around during this part of the day, don’t be, there are some incredibly special moments to be captured and we see it as an absolute privilege to be the ones to capture them and you will cherish being able to look back at them.

Break The Rules

If the thought of walking down the aisle, making a speech or dancing self-consciously in front of 100 pairs of eyes makes your palms clammy - then simply don’t put yourself through it. Have the day that you both want, not the one you think you must have. Question everything you think you know about weddings! Take the ceremony, you could walk down the aisle together or you could do the legal bit at a registry office the week before and have a best friend or celebrant create a completely personal ceremony or blessing on the big day.

Rockbeare Manor is an incredible wedding venue in Devon has some beautiful outdoor settings for your ceremony and getting hitched outside feels much less formal. Whatever you decide make sure you talk through the ceremony details with your wedding photographer. If you are releasing 300 doves after ‘the kiss’ then its really good to know about it before hand! (NB.The dove thing has never happened, but you know, be prepared for curveballs)! If you’re having speeches but you know a certain person isn’t too comfortable with public speaking you might consider having your speeches during your drinks reception. Its far less stage-like, feels more spontaneous and means the ashen-faced speech giver can get it over with enjoy their dinner. So right at the start of your wedding planning think about what you ‘don’t want’ as much as what you ‘do want.’

Don’t Let Rain Dampen Your Spirit

You may be weather obsessed in the run up to the big day, I know I was, but in our experience, the weather has never spoilt a wedding day - come the day with all its excitement and emotion, the weather will actually be the last thing on your mind. Rockbeare Manor have a wonderful stash of brollies and some of the sweetest pictures are taken in the rain. Embrace this before the big day and get mentally prepared for the possibility of a wet wedding. The beauty of shooting a wedding at Rockbeare Manor, if the heavens do open and going outside is off the cards then we have a wonderfully elegant interior to use! It rarely rains ALL day and we keep an eye on the weather and be ready to whisk you outside if it dries up.

We're so fortunate to be recommended photographers at this stunning Devon Wedding Venue only 5 minutes from our home in Whimple and after a very tricky year for everyone planning, hosting or working within weddings, we can’t wait for 2021 and being back here capturing many chilled-out long, hazy relaxed weddings.

Do get in touch with us if you’re planning your Rockbeare Manor wedding we’d love to hear from you. And some final words of wisdom from one of our couples…

‘Don’t sweat the small stuff!’

Katherine and Steve Pankiewicz www.novaweddingphotography.co.uk

Wedding Planning At Our Special Wedding Venue In Devon

Tue, 28 Jul 2020 11:37:13 GMT

Rockbeare Manor is more than just a luxurious Wedding Venue in Devon. When you book with us, you don’t just get a stylish, 13 bedroom Country House to enjoy exclusively, you also receive a personal service and are sure to be well looked after by our passionate and friendly Events Team, who are committed to making your day special.

We know that wedding planning isn't easy and the idea of keeping everyone happy on the day can be overwhelming, so we have it covered for you! You will have a dedicated Event Manager to look after you and all of your guests on your special day, ensuring everything is taken care of. From setting up and bringing your decor vision to life, to announcing your first dance and bringing all of your guests together, we're on hand all day.

The planning and support doesn't end there, in this blog post we're going to tell you all about our personal service and how we support you from the moment you enquire through to the day itself.

First Impressions

Weddings are our speciality, and our team are experts in what they do and pride themselves on taking the time to get to know each couple that they meet. When you first visit the Manor you are in safe hands as one of our Event Managers will lead you on a tour of the house and answer any questions you may have. We like to spend time getting to know you so don’t be surprised when you’re treated to our Chef’s famous chocolate brownie and a cuppa (or a glass of bubbly!) whilst we take the time to talk through how your day could look at Rockbeare Manor.

Initial Planning

Once you have booked, you will no doubt have questions that crop up throughout the planning process. An Event Manager is always on hand to answer your questions, whether you want to call the office or email during unsociable hours because you’re up gone midnight enthralled in planning, we're here for you.

We appreciate that some planning is much better done at your wedding venue, whether it's to visualise your decor, meet with a supplier or simply show your parents the location of your wedding, you can arrange this with our Events Team who would be delighted to welcome you back.

Getting nearer

3 or 4 months before the wedding we will invite you to Rockbeare Manor for a planning meeting. This is a private appointment where you and your other half will sit down with one of our Event Managers and talk everything weddings! From the itinerary, to the food, drink, suppliers and speeches. The meeting will take about an hour an a half and you will get the opportunity to make the final arrangements for your bedroom allocations too. After this meeting you will feel reassured that the plans are on track, and we will guide you as to what your next steps should be.

During the week leading up to your wedding day we will meet to collect decor and discuss the layout so we can bring your vision to life whilst you’re getting ready. It's more than likely by this point you will have met some of the team here at our special wedding venue in Devon but if you haven't met your Event Manger already, this is the point at which we will introduce you to the person running your day. You're always in safe hands - every one of our Event Managers are experienced, professional, and personable.

The Big Day

Your special day has arrived! As you journey down the enchanting driveway to your dream Devon wedding venue, rest assured that your friendly Event Manager will be there to greet you and take care of everything. Our Events Team of happy and hard working individuals will be quietly preparing everything in the background so that you can relax and get ready for the day ahead with a glass of bubbly in hand.

Your main point of contact will be your Event Manager who will make announcements (unless you have a Toastmaster or Best Man taking on that role), keep timings on track, ensure you always have your favourite drink in hand and most of all, coordinate the day to perfection ensuring that you and your guests are having the best time! We will liaise with your suppliers and keep your itinerary running smoothly, whilst you lose yourself in the romance of the most unforgettable day, indulge in the most delicious food and drink and soak up stunning views of our Devonshire parkland.

Don't just take our word for it, hear what the wonderful couples who have wed at Rockbeare Manor in Devon have to say by clickinghere .

For more information about holding a wedding at Rockbeare Manor near Exeter in Devon, please visit our wedding venue page or call us on 01392 797444 - we would love to show you around and find out all about your plans.

Rachel & Steve's Black Tie Summer Wedding

Sun, 28 Jun 2020 11:36:49 GMT

Wedding Venue In Devon - Rockbeare Manor

Rachel and Steve’s summer wedding, held at our exclusive Wedding Venue in Devon , was both elegant and understated. When you hear their romantic proposal story, it comes as no surprise that their special day was full of thoughtful and personal touches.

“Steve proposed in early December in 2017. Over dinner the night before, he told me that I had the next day off and that I was going on a spa day with my friend. The next morning, I woke up to four envelopes that had to be opened at certain times throughout the day. The final envelope told me to go home and get ready for dinner at my favourite restaurant. I walked through the door to find our house lit by candles and Christmas lights. Ribbon with lots of pictures of us was attached to the front door, led me to the kitchen and then to the Christmas tree. He was down on one knee waiting for me”.

Growing up in Devon meant Rachel had her heart set on this special location, she had her eye on Rockbeare Manor as a wedding venue since before the engagement, and couldn’t wait to visit when the time came.

The Big Day

When the day arrived, the sun was shining which meant Rachel and Steve could have the outdoor wedding ceremony they had dreamed of. Our quaint terrace, which affords beautiful parkland views with the Devon countryside beyond, was dressed with floral sprays along the aisle and either side of the Pavilion, framing the steps where the bride and groom said their wedding vows.

Whilst the events team prepared the wedding venue, Steve and his groomsmen were getting ready in the Billiard room, enjoying a game and a drink or two. Rachel and her bridesmaids were upstairs in The Drawing Room preparing for the day, “I loved the morning getting ready with my bridesmaids and family. Lots of prosecco flowed and it was relaxed and stress free! It was so nice getting ready in the bridal room and looking down seeing our guests arrive”.

When the time came to walk the aisle, Rachel had good company “My two older brothers walking me down the aisle was a special moment, they were typical older brothers throughout, joking down the aisle … ‘wouldn’t it be funny if I pushed you in that fountain’”. Following the ceremony the guests spilled onto the lawns for the reception , where they enjoyed celebratory drinks and an array of garden games, whilst the talented singer Sam De La Haye entertained.

The guests were then seated ready for a delicious wedding breakfast and Rachel and Steve prepared to be announced into the Ballroom and see everything they had spent a year and a half planning, come together for the first time. “We both loved walking into the Ballroom after being announced in. The noise was so loud, and everyone was in such good spirits, it felt like the party had started then! But also seeing how everything had come together was lovely, it's hard to picture after 18 months of planning, but seeing the flowers, candles, menus, name tags and other little bits and bobs placed in the room was so nice”.

In keeping with the theme, the wedding breakfast gave the guests a taste of Devon. Dining from our lavish Barouche Banquet Menu , the guests indulged in a selection of locally sourced foods; “We only had a handful of guests that lived locally so we wanted the wedding to be a celebration of Devon and the West Country. From the food and the West Country platters we had as starters, the afternoon tea for pudding and the evening food of pasties! And the wedding cake made from cheese, all sourced from Devon and Somerset. We were so pleased with our choice of wedding menu and the quality of the food was amazing”.

As the evening drew in and dinner came to an end Rachel and Steve snuck off for a romantic stroll through the parkland to bask in the glorious evening sun before speeches. “The best bit of advice I was given was to take 20 minutes out, away from your guests as husband and wife. We skipped out when pudding arrived and just took it all in for a moment. It was really lovely and we got some of our best shots there because it was natural”.

Decoration And Styling

Rachel and Steve chose elegant pastel tones and blush pinks which paired so beautifully with the botanical floral displays, to bring to life their glamorous summer wedding at Rockbeare Manor, which is just 7 miles from the vibrant City of Exeter.

The groomsmen donned classic tuxedo’s whilst the bridesmaids wore nude pink dresses with a hint of sparkle. “I’ve always wanted an elegant and glamorous summer wedding and Rockbeare Manor as a wedding venue was the perfect backdrop for that”.

When planning their decor, Rachel and Steve took inspiration from Pinterest , we think you’ll agree that the result is a Pinterest dream wedding board itself! Everything tied in so beautifully, from the rustic copper arch which hung the perspex welcome sign, to the tall geometric vase table centrepieces.“The little touches of decorations such as the mirror table plan, prosecco station on the bar and the greenery on each setting were all stolen from Pinterest but before deciding on anything, we just asked ourselves if it was elegant and would it fit with Rockbeare Manor”.

Advice For Future Couples

Reminiscing on the day, Rachel shared some valuable advice fo future couples; “If you’re having readings – and if you trust them – let that person choose it. We let my oldest school friend choose the reading and it’s even more special knowing that those were the words she wanted to say to us”.

A simple, yet important tip - soak up the day and trust in your suppliers,“Just enjoy it, I know it sounds silly but, in the lead, I thought I’d be stressed in the morning, but you don’t need to be! The team at Rockbeare Manor took care of everything, trust your suppliers, and let them get on with it. It will be the perfect day, but try to relax because the day goes so quickly so enjoy every moment”.

Finally, some lovely feedback for Rachel and Steve’s wedding venue Event Manager, “One last thing, whenever I talk about our wedding to others that have got married, I always bring up the fact that Davy always ensured we had a drink in our hand, knowing what we both drank. I didn’t think much of it at the time but that wasn’t the case for friends on their own wedding. Just a minor thing that on the day made us feel really looked after!”

Wedding Suppliers

Photography - Gramp Lampard Photography

Videography - Lion Island Media

Flowers - The Flower Girls

Entertainment - Sam De La Haye & Black and Gold

Wedding Dress - Mikaella, Grand Jour

Matching Bridal Party Robes - The Little Lovebird

Destination: Devon - 6 Things To Do And Places To See

Sun, 31 May 2020 11:37:14 GMT

We've become particularly aware lately of how lucky we are to live and work in one of the most beautiful counties in the country. Devon is full of incredible beaches and coastline, vibrant seaside towns, historic landmarks and great places to eat and drink. All these things combined, are certainly among the advantages of getting married in Devon and with all of this on our doorstep, there is no shortage of things to do if you are planning a weekend of celebrations with friends and family.

There is always a lot to think about when planning a wedding, particularly if you are not local and so to help, we’ve put together a list of our favourite things to do in Exeter and surrounding Devon to make it a memorable time for all. And the list has something for everyone!

Something For The Wanderers

Take a stroll through Dartmoor National Park and its wild, open, moorland full of rare wildlife and deep river valleys. We recommend visiting one of Dartmoor’s many Tors such as Haytor Rocks where you can find some of the most breathtaking views.

Highland Cattle, Brentor Church and Sourton Tor on Dartmoor - by Emily Fleur Photography

Something For The Adventurers

Haldon Forest promises more than never-ending tree top views and peaceful strolls, it also has a range of activities for you to enjoy whether adventuring alone or with friends and family. This beautiful park has a selection of walking trails to chose from, several of which are accessible. You can even hire a mountain bike and explore one of 7 trails, ranging in grades of difficulty. Or take to the high rope course with the family at Go Ape , finishing with a swing on the zip wire.

Haldon Belvedere can be seen in the far distance when standing on the balcony at Rockbeare Manor, our countryside wedding venue in Devon. We're very lucky to be in such a picturesque spot, and to have the opportunity to have all of these beautiful places on our doorstep. Whilst our events and wedding venue is just 8 miles from the centre of Exeter in Devon, 4 miles from Exeter airport, and 5 miles from the M5 motorway, we're cocooned in countryside as far as the eye can see.

Something For The Family

If a day at the beach is what you had in mind you could visit Exmouth. It's just 10 miles from Rockbeare Manor and is a family friendly seaside town on the Jurassic Coast, which offers plenty of walking and cycling routes too. It is also home to the award winning Fish & Chip shop Krispies, crowned the best fish and chip shop in the UK!

A little further afield but one of our favourite waterside towns is Dartmouth . It's an incredibly picturesque South Devon destination with lots of hustle and bustle and well known for its Royal Regatta and Food Festival. It's well worth a visit.

Dartmouth - on the banks of the River Dart, South Devon

If you prefer a peaceful, secluded spot where you are likely to have the beach to yourself, you could travel further South and visit one of South Devon’s hidden gems such as Moor Sands or Lannacombe Beach . Here you will see the West Country at its most rugged and unspoilt, with some of the best scenery in the area.

Something For The Foodies

We are definitely spoilt for choice in terms of great places to eat in the Exeter area, but we love:

The Pig - just outside of the market town of Honiton. If you have ever stayed or eaten at one of The Pig locations you will know what to expect and won't be disappointed. Luxurious but relaxed surroundings, a kitchen garden, fabulous local food and an imaginative wine list that must be explored!

Sunset at The Pig, in Gittisham, Devon

The Jack in the Green - Our most local pub, just a couple of miles from Rockbeare Manor and a definite Devon dining institution! There is always a warm and friendly welcome from Paul and the team and the food is always top-notch, and beautifully presented. Matthew has been the Head Chef at the Jack for 26 years now and his dishes continue to surprise and excite.

The Holt - We love The Holt! It's in the market town of Honiton and the food there is outstanding, often feeling like a fine-dining experience but in incredibly relaxed surroundings. For something more casual, they offer a huge selection of delicious Tapas dishes, perfect for sharing.

All the above eateries have space for larger groups if you want to arrange a get-together with lots of family and friends, either the night before, or day after your wedding.

Something Local

Spend an afternoon at Darts Farm , a national award-winning Farm Shop which is sure to give you a unique shopping experience and the best food and drink the region has to offer. Not to mention it is based just outside of the charming, quaint and historic estuary town, Topsham where you can stroll along the River Exe and take in the beautiful views.

From Topsham you could hop on the passenger ferry and take a trip across the Exe to discover some lovely walks, as well as two local waterside pubs, The Turf (one of our personal favourites!) and Double Locks .

There are short or long cruises available to discover the wildlife of the Exe estuary or even over to the sandy beaches of Exmouth.

Great food at The Turf Hotel, River Exe

Another firm favourite has got to be the River Exe Cafe , and award winning restaurant, which literally floats on the River Exe!

The River Exe Café is a seasonal, family, and dog-friendly restaurant open from 1st April until the 30th September each year. The restaurant offers a wide range of locally sourced food and drink and is surrounded by amazing views.

The River Exe Café, pictured below, can be accessed by boat: Either a Puffin Water Taxi from Exmouth Marina, or on your own boat.

Something Cultural

Last but not least is the vibrant city of Exeter, famous for it’s connections to Harry Potter and its delicious cream teas, this historic city is sure to captivate you with it’s stunning architecture and delicious eateries. You could enjoy a high tea overlooking the impressive medieval Cathedral or perhaps take an Underground Passage Tour, one of Exeter’s top attractions. You might prefer to explore the Quayside by kayak or peddle boat before venturing to one of it’s many restaurants, cafes and bars.

When you attend a wedding at Rockbeare Manor, our Devon wedding venue you will be spoilt for choice and captivated by the variety and beauty that this stunning county has to offer. Devon really is the perfect place for a destination wedding in the UK, and we're very lucky to have a little part of it to ourselves.

If you are recently engaged and looking for your dream wedding venue then please do get in touch , we would love to chat through your wedding ideas with you.

A Message From Devon Wedding Venue, Rockbeare Manor

Thu, 30 Apr 2020 11:36:40 GMT

You Can't Cancel Love

If the last couple of months have shown us anything, it's that life is full of surprises. Few of us remember a situation that has affected so many people in such a breadth of different ways, as those seen lately due to the coronavirus pandemic. But with adversity comes strength, unity and determination and it's been fascinating to see how people have pulled together in these hugely challenging times. For us, it has certainly reinforced something that we already knew...the wedding and hospitality industry is full of wonderful, creative minds that will go to the ends of the earth to help and support their clients.

There are fantastic wedding professionals countrywide, but we're lucky to have so many talented wedding suppliers based here in Devon - the photographers, florists, décor providers, make-up artists, entertainers, cake designers and indeed the other wedding venues in Devon who have been working so hard to accommodate a mass of postponed weddings. And it all seemed to happen overnight!

Despite the (often imbalanced) reports about the wedding industry found in the media lately, it's not been an easy time for any of them. Many wedding suppliers are family businesses, or consist of just one or two self employed people and the worry being faced by many of them, having built up successful and brilliant companies over many years is daunting to say the least. It's not any easier for the larger wedding businesses either...with big full time teams to look after, and huge overheads which don't just go away when the events aren't running.

But... it's not all doom and gloom! The mood out there amongst our industry friends is inspirational and even with the uncertainty they are facing, the overwhelming majority are going above and beyond to facilitate postponements for their couples in the fairest way they possibly can.

It makes us very proud to be part of an industry that cares so much!

Now, a message to those couples who have so far made the difficult decision to postpone their wedding, or if your wedding this summer is still hanging in the balance....

How amazing you are! We've been speaking to lots of you lately and we have been so humbled by your understanding, and willingness to work with us to re-arrange your wedding in the most challenging of circumstances. We really do appreciate it enormously and genuinely cannot wait for your wedding to come around. When it does, the team here at Rockbeare Manor, along with all of your trusted suppliers will work together to make sure that it is well worth the wait! Just imagine the party...it is going to be immense!

Stay positive, as you are. What will be will be - you can't cancel love and we'll still be here to host your big day, even if it's a little later than planned.

As we're spreading a little love today, we would also like to share some of the wonderful, kind comments sent to us by those couples whose weddings have been recently postponed.

"First and foremost we just want to thank you so much for all of your help through this really difficult time, the communication and willingness to help your brides and grooms has been outstanding!"

"Since we first stepped foot in Rockbeare Manor we were so impressed with the warm welcome and professionalism from the staff which has continued throughout and still remains. You are such a lovely team and we really hope all is going ok for you all."

"We are so very grateful for your guidance and support".

"I can’t express how grateful I am to you and your Directors for the time and consideration you’ve given us. We would love to confirm our new date with you".

"Thank you so much, we can look forward to it again now. It will certainly be a different feel but it will still be just as amazing! Many thanks for being so accommodating."

"Thanks Helen, we are just relieved it can be rescheduled. We are looking forward to a winter wedding now."

"Thank you for being so helpful and understanding in these challenging times".

"I appreciate how helpful everyone has been, and most importantly I hope everyone keeps safe and well".

We are so looking forward to the day we can fling the gates to Rockbeare Manor open again! We're very proud of reputation we have built since we opened as a wedding venue in Devon in 2016, and we have a talented events team waiting in the wings, raring to go! It's a labour of love, it's personal and everything we do here is based on trust, transparency and an ultimate desire to do our absolute best in everything that we do (it's not like we put any pressure on ourselves or anything!!)

We are still here at the end of the phone , seven days a week, to take your calls if you have any worries about your wedding date or to answer any questions that you may have. We can be reached on 01392 797444 or by email at info@rockbearemanor.co.uk.

Wishing you all the very best, The Rockbeare Manor team.

About The Author.....

Aimée Spencer-Carveth / Director at PM Hospitality

Aimée has had a career in the wedding and events industry for over 20 years and in this time has worked with some of the biggest catering and events businesses in the country. Her passion is held firmly in the hospitality industry. Since 2007 Aimée has managed wedding venues, but she has been at Rockbeare Manor since it's transformation from beloved family home to wedding venue in Devon back in 2015.

Rockbeare Manor has two sister venues of which Aimée is also very much involved in - Coombe Lodge and Priston Mill , both in Somerset.

The Ultimate Guide To An Intimate Wedding Ceremony At Rockbeare Manor

Fri, 28 Feb 2020 12:37:17 GMT

When planning your Wedding Day it’s easy to get lost in the fine details of décor, outfits and entertainment, finding inspiration from all the dreamy real wedding pictures that Instagram and Pinterest offer, but what often gets overlooked in the planning process is the wedding ceremony itself.

The Wedding Ceremony is one of the most important parts of the day, the moment that all of your guests come together to witness you and your beloved say I do! At Rockbeare Manor we think there is something truly beautiful about focusing your energy and pouring your love into the ceremony itself, so we have put together some handy tips to make sure your wedding ceremony is unforgettable, for all the right reasons.

Timing

No doubt one of your first questions will be, ‘what time are we going to get married?’ As the main focus of the day, it is important to consider how the timing of your ceremony will impact on the rest of your itinerary. We recommend between 2 – 2.30pm for your ceremony, this allows enough time to get ready in the morning without feeling rushed, with plenty of time for food, drink and celebrations!

A wedding ceremony typically takes between 25 -30 minutes dependent on readings and any other special touches that you have planned.

Location

Whether you have chosen a local Church close to your heart, or the room that gave you goosebumps at your dream venue, it is important that the location is somewhere you can picture saying your nuptials. At Rockbeare Manor we have several ceremony locations, both indoor and outdoor to choose from, and we’re sure at least one of them will capture your heart!

We have 2 beautiful indoor locations to choose from:

The Dining Room holds up to 100 guests, affords beautiful views of the parkland, is blessed with the most magical lighting all year round through its magnificent bay windows, and contains the most elegant chandelier sure to wow your guests!

The Ballroom holds up to 160 guests, surrounded by windows and skylights there is no shortage of light. A spacious and beautiful location that works as a blank canvas so that you can play with as much or as little décor as you like.

Our couples who have their heart set on an outdoor wedding ceremony often ask ‘what if it rains?’. Don’t worry, we have it covered! With a dedicated Event Manager on hand on the day, we will decide on the morning whether we can hold an outdoor ceremony so that your ceremony isn’t rained off. That way you can sit back and relax while the team are busy sun dancing and setting up!

The South Pavilion, located on the south lawns, is a beautifully quaint spot to hold an outdoor ceremony. Surrounded by the picturesque parkland and situated next to the peaceful fountain, the orangery and it’s courtyard offer a charming backdrop for your special moment.

Seating

Now that you know your location and timings, the next aspect of the ceremony to consider is seating. As your guests are invited to take their seats they will naturally look for guidance. Traditionally the Bride’s family and friends sit on the left, with the Groom’s family and friends on the right. You may, however, decide you want a more informal arrangement and ask your guests to sit where they like, this is a perfect opportunity for some beautiful signage “pick a seat, not a side, we’re all family when the knot is tied!”

Grand Entrance

For the procession, you will need to think about who you would like to walk you down the aisle and what order you want your bridal party to walk in. If you are particularly nervous about this part you could walk in with your bridesmaids both in front and behind you for moral support, or if you prefer the idea of a more dramatic entrance you could have your bridesmaids enter individually first before you make your grand entrance, the possibilities really are endless!

Readings

Incorporating readings into your wedding ceremony can be a really fun way to add personality, or include your loved ones in your day. Don’t be afraid to get a little adventurous, readings don’t have to be poems or traditional stories, they can be anecdotes, a letter from a friend or something that gets the crowd laughing! Readings are traditionally held before exchanging of vows but they can be scattered throughout the ceremony.

Music

Choosing your music is the perfect opportunity to put your personal touch on the day and add depth to a very special and intimate moment. It is also a really fun part of the planning process that you can do together. Try to choose music that is relevant to you and your beloved, it could be something that reminds you of a special memory, makes you laugh or a song with lyrics that could have been written about you!

Here is a guide to creating a playlist for your ceremony:

1.Seating of guests: 3-5 songs to play in the background whilst your guests are choosing their seats

2.Grand entrance: 1 song for the all-important aisle walk! This should be a special one

3.Signing of the register: 2 songs to play in the background whilst you sign the register and have photos taken

4.Grand exit: 1 song to walk out to with your new husband or wife, make it an exciting one!

Exit

It's official! That means it's time to celebrate with your guests! We like to remind our couples that you don’t get much time together on the day, so this is a perfect opportunity to steal 5 minutes together and take in the moment. You can head off into a quiet room such as our cosy library whilst we distract your guests with drinks or by creating a confetti tunnel!

Your Wedding Ceremony is a very special moment, a moment that you've been waiting for, for what feels like forever. A moment that will fly by in an instant. A moment that you will look back on fondly for the rest of your life. So, make it a good one, add your personal touches and soak up every minute!

For more information about holding a wedding at Rockbeare Manor please visit our wedding venue page or call us on 01392 797444.

Emily And Will's Winter Wonderland Wedding At Rockbeare Manor

Tue, 31 Dec 2019 12:36:50 GMT

With so many beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces, Rockbeare Manor lends itself to host weddings in all seasons. Whether you’re looking for a venue with a picturesque parkland, plenty of space for all of your family and friends, or a country home with an elegant and inviting interior, we’ve got you covered.

Winter weddings are utterly magical and Christmas ’tis the season for cozy fires, warming mulled wine reception drinks and crisp enchanting wedding theming.

Emily and Will married at Rockbeare Manor in winter and we couldn’t keep these stunning pictures of their beautiful winter wonderland to ourselves.

The bride and groom adorned the venue in Christmas themed décor. The Dining Room (one of our favourite indoor ceremony spots), was given a sprinkling of Christmas cheer with these adorable botanical chair hangings, a simple, yet stylish touch to what is already an impressive room.

The groom and his groomsmen arrived in style wearing on-trend classic navy blue suits!

Emily looked incredible in her understated but stunning fish tail lace overlay wedding dress, complimented so perfectly by a gorgeous botanical bouquet.

She chose cool grey wintery tones for her bridesmaids to wear for her special day, Alex Toze captured the moment Emily revealed her dress to her besties - it’s safe to say they loved it!

They celebrated after the wedding ceremony with our warming mulled cider served with caramelised orange which went down a treat with their guests.

Embracing the season, Emily had her wellies at the ready for a romantic stroll through Rockbeare Manor’s scenic parkland with her new husband. This crisp winters day allowed for the perfect backdrop for their wedding photos.

As the night drew in the Manor was romantically lit by the glowing lanterns dotted through the hallways.

Following their wedding breakfast Emily and Will took to the dance floor for their first dance in our enchanting Ballroom as their guests watched adoringly before flooding the dance floor themselves.

With comfy sofas by the roaring fires the guests were able to relax and chat in-between sets.

And what better way to finish their perfect day than with a sparkler tunnel, cheering on the happy couple!

It’s safe to say Emily and Will celebrated in style and showed us just how to embrace winter and create a romantic, cosy and stylish winter wedding!

For more information about holding a wedding at Rockbeare Manor please visit our weddings page or call us on 01392 797444.

All images by Alex Toze Photography

Real Wedding - Farmers Connie And Chris' Fairytale Devon Wedding

Mon, 30 Sep 2019 11:36:51 GMT

Connie & Chris dreamed of an elegant wedding day where they could step out of their wellies and into their gowns! Rockbeare Manor was the perfect location, not only because it was close enough to their farm for the groom to milk the cows before saying his vows, but because the stylish Manor House afforded a picturesque backdrop in the countryside, capturing Connie & Chris’ roots in style. We asked Connie to tell us all about her beautiful Wedding Day…

How did you choose the venue ?

With both of us being farmers and spending most of our days in wellies and overalls, I knew from the start that I wanted our wedding to be the complete opposite; clean, white, elegant and stylish. The wedding venue had to be within a certain distance of our farm, as on the wedding morning Chris would have to milk all the cows and feed the calves before we got married. Luckily I stumbled across Rockbeare Manor online and at only 25mins away from us it seemed great. It was the first and only venue we looked at, I didn’t need to see any others it was exactly what I was looking for. A grand white building set within acres of its own land, it was just perfect. The staff were amazingly helpful and friendly.

How did you feel on the day?

The morning of the wedding I felt less nervous than I thought I would, just excited to see Chris. The men had rather a stressful morning on the farm with the parlour breaking down and a cow falling ill, but after a hectic vet visit all was well and they could leave, only to get stuck in traffic, eventually getting to the venue via cross country they made it with time to spare to fit in a quick game of snooker.

Tell us all about your special day…

The weather was drizzling in the morning but thankfully cleared and the sun shone allowing us to have the ceremony outside. Walking down the aisle I looked around at all our friends and family that had given up their time to spend the day with us, that’s when the tears came, I realised how lucky I was. After the ceremony, we all gathered on the lawn for a glass of bubbles and to listen to the Swing Kings. My mum made all our bouquets and the table centerpieces were large and grand to save money on these I found a company who could do them with artificial flowers.

The wedding breakfast was beautifully presented and tasted amazing the highlight being the raspberry crème brûlée for dessert. The speeches were both emotional and hilarious, with stories on how we met from Ben reducing everyone to fits of giggles. We kicked the evening off with our first dance which was ‘Something Just Like This’ by Coldplay

What did you wear?

My dress was called Madison by Morilee, I found it after trying on many, many dresses, being used to only wearing old work clothes I found it hard to find something that suited me and that I felt comfortable in. After traveling to Newport Wales I eventually tried on my dress and although it was completely opposite to what I had in mind, I fell in love with it. We didn’t have a particular colour scheme in mind, everything just had to be pale and elegant. The bridesmaids wore a floor-length dusky pink, backless gown and looked stunning, my daughter was my flower girl and my two nephews page boys. Chris and his groomsmen all wore navy blue three-piece suits.

How did you pick your bridesmaids?

I had 5 bridesmaids, my three sisters my niece and my best friend, my daughter was my flower girl, it was a pretty easy decision to make they are the most important girls in my life, I get their advice about everything and can rely on them being totally honest with me. I don’t live near my sisters so we set up a group chat to share photos of dresses, flowers, decorations etc They helped me choose what to go for and my friend Emily came with me to try dresses on and was on hand at all times!

What are your top tips for other couples?

Go to as many wedding fairs as you can, they are great for getting new ideas

Choose everything you want, if you can’t afford it find away around it, for example, artificial flowers or making things yourself

Relax and trust in the suppliers, they do it all the time and know what they are doing.

And the honeymoon?

We’ve yet to go on honeymoon, it’s difficult to get away from the farm, we were very lucky we managed to find someone to milk the cows on our wedding evening, he just so happened to be the local fireman.

If I were to do it again, I wouldn’t change a thing.

Suppliers:

Venue and Catering: Rockbeare Manor, Exeter, Devon, EX5 2FE www.rockbearemanor.co.uk

Photography: Aurelia Allen Photography www.aureliaallenphotography.com

Dress: Morilee (Madison) All about Eve Bridalwear Newport

Bridesmaid dresses: online at TFNC London

Hair: Gorgeous bridal hair, Exeter 07812000567

Make up: Emma Roberts MUA Newton Abbot

Grooms outfits: Ted Baker Moss Bros

Flowers: unique designs by Tina, Exeter 07866 586070

Transport: Tractor by Buglers

Entertainment: The Swing Kings, Plymouth 07447011629

Rockbeare Manor - A Piece Of History

Wed, 14 Aug 2019 12:53:51 GMT

If you’ve attended an event at Rockbeare Manor, you will know how perfect it is for weddings and special celebrations. The combination of attentive service, delicious food and picturesque scenery is sure to make for a memorable occasion. But what is most charming about holding your wedding at Rockbeare Manor is that you bring history to life while creating your own special memories.

The Manor is steeped in history. Initially built for an Exeter woollen merchant and banker, Sir John Duntze, it eventually made its way through the generations of the Nation family for 160 years, passing into the hands of Caroline Patricia Griffith-Williams. Caroline later married Mr Gerard Noel Esq. and, unbeknown to them at the time, held the first of many marital celebrations at Rockbeare Manor. Caroline and Gerard built a happy family home and found themselves at the heart of the community in the village of Rockbeare, often hosting meets and garden parties for the local residents.

Lovingly restored with its history in mind, Rockbeare Manor still contains many original features and sentimental charm, keeping its beloved history alive. Caroline’s mother, Delia Follett commissioned a local Exeter theatre company to craft the magnificent décor in the Drawing Room, which remains largely as it was in 1920 when it was created, complete with the most intricate trompe l’oeil (French phrase meaning ‘deceives the eye’ used to describe paintings that create the illusion of a real object or scene).

Affording panoramic views of the beautiful Devonshire countryside from the impressive balcony, you can easily lose yourself in its regal charm. It’s also a unique backdrop for capturing the perfect photographs of the newlyweds or even to throw your bouquet!

One of the most significant rooms of the house is the Dining Room with the tremendous crystal chandelier as the focal point. Mr Noel acquired the chandelier from one of the other family Estates, Riddlesworth Hall in Norfolk, which in 1946 was converted to a well-regarded school and later attended by Lady Diana Spencer.

The Dining Room was once a place for the family to begin and end their day together and it is now one of our key ceremony locations, where friends and family gather for the most special moment of the wedding day. Not losing touch with its history, the room is also used for breakfast, where guests staying overnight dine at a large oval table, reliving yesterday’s celebrations.

When you walk through Rockbeare Manor you will find original pieces such as grand mirrors, a sweeping staircase and the statue of Sir William Webb Follett (born 2 December 1796 in Topsham – 28 June 1845) who lived at Rockbeare Manor, and was an English lawyer and politician who served as MP for Exeter (1835 – 1845). He served twice as Solicitor-General, in 1834-5 and 1841 and as Attorney-General in 1844. He was knighted in 1835 and was reputed to have been the “greatest advocate of the century”.

Mr Gerard Noel with Aimée and Andrew Carveth of PM Hospitality, on their wedding day at Rockbeare Manor

4th October 2019

What is most heart-warming about Rockbeare Manor today is that it remains close to the family. Mr Noel, who lived on the outskirts of the estate until October 2020 when he very sadly past away, would often visit the Manor and those who were lucky enough to meet him, would have no doubt been given an insight into the history of Rockbeare Manor, along with the happy family memories that the Manor holds for Mr Noel.

Back in 2017 we hosted Mr Noel's 90th birthday, where 160 of his friends and family gathered for a celebration lunch in our Ballroom. The positive response and well-wishes that we received for the next chapter in the story of Rockbeare Manor really solidified the importance of giving the loving family home a new lease of life.

Rockbeare Manor is not just a beautiful wedding and special events venue, it is a little piece of history nestled in the Devonshire countryside.

Q & A With Aimee Spencer-Carveth, Director At Rockbeare Manor

Tue, 12 Feb 2019 12:37:18 GMT

Our Director, Aimée , has helped hundreds of couples to get married in the 20 years that she has worked in the wedding industry, and so in this blog, she gives some of her best tips to the newly engaged.

1) What’s the most important thing to think about when planning your wedding?

It’s easy to say, but it’s very important to remember that the most important thing is the fact that you and your other half are getting married! It’s not unusual for all of the little details to take over, I mean, really take over!! Don't get me wrong, these are all part of the fun of the planning stages but the bottom line is that it’s about the two of you, getting married, in front of all of your dearest friends and family.

That’s about as special as you can get!

Work as a team with your other half, listen to one-another's ideas and take it one step at a time.

2) I work full time and have little family support – How am I meant to find the time to organise a wedding?

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all of the jobs that need doing but there are some very good, easy to follow planning timelines that you can find online, so use them to keep on track. Make a simple list and tick things off, one by one.

You can also talk to us! We love nothing more than chatting about weddings, it’s what we are passionate about, and so if you are struggling to know what you should be doing next in the planning phase – just ask!

If you don’t have a big family network to help – what about your friends and future in laws? They are likely to feel really honoured if you were to ask them for their input, and very much appreciate playing a small part in your big day, regardless of whether they are related to you or not.

We are lucky to have a brilliant team of Wedding and Event experts at Rockbeare Manor and that in itself should take a lot of pressure off you. We’ll have a planning meeting with you about four months before your big day and in that, we’ll talk through the whole day from start to finish and make sure that everything is organised with absolute precision.

But, for those who are recently engaged, or planning a wedding this year – top of the list in terms of ‘things to do’ after booking your venue and catering (if applicable) should be:

Confirm the time of your ceremony with your vicar, celebrant or registrar.
Book a photographer to ensure that you get your first choice.
Start looking for the all-important wedding dress. You will find many designers will need 7+ months’ lead time.
If you have a favourite band or DJ book them in early too, or if you don’t, ask your friends (or us) for recommendations.
Send out your save the date cards. This is traditionally done 6-12 months before the wedding, but there is no harm doing it earlier if you wish.

If you ensure that your guests are well fed (and watered) and can enjoy a good boogie, the rest will all slot in to place. But we can point you in the right direction of a huge bunch of lovely suppliers who will guide you through the plans, whilst you focus on having the best wedding day imaginable.

3) How can I get my partner to be more involved in the day?

This is a tough one, but from experience, it’s very normal for there to one person taking the lead in the planning process. Sometimes a Bride, sometimes a Groom, and occasionally a parent. It’s about making sure that the key people have involvement, because their opinion does matter. If your partner isn’t showing much interest, think about the things that they love….music, wine, food, entertainment? Perhaps narrow down some options then ask for their opinion once the leg work has been done!

What about asking them to research options for the honeymoon? This is something that could take a bit of time, and is a huge responsibility, but definitely fun too.

What is your partner’s favourite colour? Could that be the main theme for the day?

Could they help to design or make a quirky table plan? Or how about organising a guest book, for all of your guests to stick a Polaroid photo, or sign and write a message to the newly married couple? The planning phase can be overwhelming for some people, but the chances are, that your other half will want to get involved as time goes on.

If you’re stuck for ideas, you can always talk to somebody here at Rockbeare Manor.

4) I’m not imaginative when it comes to themes for the day, or colour schemes. How do I choose?

With all the beautifully styled photoshoots that you see all over Instagram, Pinterest and social media it can feel daunting, and a lot to live up to, for anyone! But what they are very useful for is inspiration. What instantly grabs your attention? How you feel when you see a certain image, or style of décor?

If in doubt - in my view, simple and elegant wins every time. Start with the flowers, and everything will flow from there.

Remember, less is always more! Try to resist the tempation to spend lots of money, on cheaply made, bad for the environment items that you found on Amazon, or in the wedding aisle of your local home store!

So many couples who are getting married at Rockbeare Manor, have told is us what a relief it has been for them, knowing that the venue is just beautiful as it is. There really is no need to break the bank on elaborate decoration, in whatever form. We have decorated our interiors very tastefully in a gorgeous, warm, neutral colour palette set off with impressive chandeliers, luxurious fabrics and probably the comfiest, softest sofas in the world (so we are told by lots our happy couples!!).

The venue really can work with any colour theme or style.

We can also share with you, things that we’ve seen work particularly well in the past here at Rockbeare Manor. But definitely talk to your florist and photographer too – if you haven’t chosen them yet, again, this is something that we can help with as we have a list of lots of local suppliers.

If you’re newly engaged and would like to discuss your wedding at Rockbeare Manor, our Grade I Regency wedding and events venue near Exeter, please just get in touch by calling 01392 797444. We’d love to hear from you and would be delighted to show you around our beautiful venue, and to talk through your plans for your special day!

Thank you so much to Rolling Pictures Photography for the stunning images featured in this blog, of the gorgeous wedding of Neil and Sean.

The Wedding Industry Awards

Thu, 13 Dec 2018 12:36:41 GMT

Hosting weddings and special occasions is what we love! We have an absolute passion for hospitality and events, and it’s always a huge pleasure to welcome all guests to our beautiful Devon wedding venue.

We recently had the amazing opportunity to host the Wedding Industry Awards . Top event professionals from across the south west came together for a prestigious awards ceremony at Rockbeare Manor.

As we are based just outside Exeter, and only five minutes from the M5 the location was perfect for our guests who were travelling from all over Devon, Cornwall and Somerset.

Our venue played host to 175 guests on the night. These awards recognise the fantastic wedding suppliers throughout the UK and is the only regional and national client voted event in the wedding industry. The calibre of the finalists was of a very high standard (including both our sister venues, Priston Mill near Bath , and Coombe Lodge near Bristol ), and it confirmed how lucky we are in this region to see such talented businesses that help make people’s wedding day perfect in every way.

Guests tucked in to canapés such as goat’s cheese mousse, pickled apple and candied walnuts along with blackened mackerel with chive and yoghurt on sourdough, all created by Rockbeare Manor’s own team, led by Head Chef Ben Upton. These were served alongside gin and tonic cocktails and plenty of Prosecco!

Coombe Lodge award winners - Andy Carveth, Aimée Spencer, Martha Richards, Tom Baxter, Becky Jury

The highlight for us was seeing one of our sister venues, Coombe Lodge (near Bristol) come Highly Commended in the category of Best Countryside Venue, an accolade which they whole heartedly deserve.

As our own Director, Aimée Spencer said:

‘It has been a real honour to host the Wedding Industry Awards this year, and to welcome so many industry professionals to our venue, of which we are very proud. The evening was a huge success with a fantastic atmosphere throughout.’

If you’re newly engaged and would like to discuss your wedding at Rockbeare Manor, or have a special event that you are planning, please just get in touch by calling 01392 797444. We’d love to hear from you and would be delighted to show you around our beautiful Devon wedding venue.

Keeping Children Entertained At Weddings

Fri, 08 Jun 2018 11:37:21 GMT

One of the most frequent dilemmas that we find couples have when planning their wedding at Rockbeare Manor is whether they should invite children. It’s surprising how quickly the number of invitees can add up, and so having adults only is an easy way to moderate the ever-expanding guest list. But, weddings are special family occasions and for some, it just wouldn’t be the same without children there.

Aimée, Director at Rockbeare Manor, has two children aged 4 and 6 and wants to share her tips for keeping the little ones entertained if you choose to include them in the wedding celebrations.

“Let’s be honest, weddings can be tedious for children. It’s a long day, quite often they may not know many other children there, and parents no doubt will be asking them to be on their best behaviour all day. That can be hard during the Ceremony, or two-hour Wedding Breakfast, not to mention lengthy speeches. I don’t know about you, but I can definitely sympathise with them on that note – it’s hardly surprising that they will want to run around at times. That’s why if you’re planning a wedding, I’d always encourage you to think about how you can keep the children entertained during the day – trust me, it will be worth it in the end!

During The Ceremony

This is likely to be the most sensitive and emotional part of the day, and where it’s most important for the kiddies to be on their best behaviour. Registrars and Vicar’s are generally pretty relaxed about having younger ones around, and often embrace it by making them feel part of the ceremony, but it can still be a good idea to have some books and quiet toys available nearby so that there is something to hand if the little ones get itchy feet!

The Drinks Reception

Time of year may plan a part in your choices here but if it’s a nice day there is lots you can do – at Rockbeare Manor we’ve seem giant garden games, space hoppers, mini kites and hoola hoops to name just a few. There are also options that will work no matter what the weather and time of year - colouring stations, kids snack boxes with colourful balloons attached, and one of my favourites is a children’s wig-wam. You can fill it with comfy blankets and cushions so that they have their very own den to hang out in, whether that be inside or out. You can also surround the wig-wam with toys, puzzles and games so that there is something for them all to do.

The Wedding Breakfast

Children’s menus will vary from venue to venue but whatever you decide, a little tip of mine would be to make sure that you try to feed the children as soon as you can. They are likely to be hungry so if they aren’t having a starter but everyone else is, make sure that you serve their main course at the same time as all your other guests have their starters.

For under 10’s we always like to give the kids something yummy for their meal – our local sausages and mash with gravy, followed by our homemade chocolate brownie and Salcome Dairy Ice Cream always goes down very well!

Thanks to Nova Photography and Alex Toze Photography for providing the images in this blog.

Spring At Rockbeare Manor

Mon, 16 Apr 2018 11:37:22 GMT

This year has shown us that you can never quite tell what the British weather is going to throw at us. In early March last year we had blossoms and spring bulbs blooming a plenty, whereas this year we had inches of snow. It just goes to show that you can never predict the British weather!

We’re pleased to say though that our daffodils (which appear in their thousands) have been as resilient as ever and are still standing proud, not to mention the grape hyacinth’s and cyclamens. The grounds are really pretty in Spring time and can make such a fascinating backdrop for weddings at this time of year.

The house and grounds in spring time

At Rockbeare Manor it’s not all about the grandeur of the front of the house – the front façade is impressive, but there are other, much more secluded spots that would make the perfect addition to your wedding album. One of our favourite places for photographs is on the little path that leads through a very natural wooded area, as you are approaching the Manor. There are trees either side, and the ground is a carpet of little spring flowers providing no end of colour and interest. On a crisp Spring day, with a light mist it seems magical.

Rockbeare Manor in Spring

Springs finest flowers

As for your wedding flowers, Spring provides no end of classical options. Peonys and roses are always gorgeous – show stoppers that will provide instant elegance to your wedding. Tulips and gerberas would be perfect for a fresh and vibrant feel, or for a vintage, rustic or countryside look, how about sweet peas?

Whilst Summer is often the first port of call for many, it’s always worth considering the other seasons as they all have so much to offer in their own individual way.

If you are newly engaged and would like to discuss your wedding, or Rockbeare Manor as a possible venue for your big day, please just get in touch by calling 01392 797444. We’d love to hear from you .

Just Engaged? How To Start Planning Your Dream Wedding

Mon, 29 Jan 2018 12:37:24 GMT

We’ve already heard from so many couples who got engaged over the Christmas and New Year break. And here at Rockbeare Manor , our romantic wedding venue in the beautiful Devon countryside, near Exeter, we’d like to offer our congratulations to you all!

If you’ve recently got engaged, it can be easy to feel a little bit overwhelmed by all of the decisions that need making when planning your wedding. Having been involved with lots of weddings over the years, our expert team have learnt a thing or two, and thought we’d put together a few top tips to make it easier to get the ball rolling.

Choose A Venue!

It’s true to say that without a venue, not much else can happen! So our advice to you would be to leave all of the other decisions that need to be made (for now!), and focus on finding the venue of your dreams.

Many of Devon’s most popular wedding venues get booked up months or years in advance, all the more reason to make choosing a venue your priority.

And if you find that your preferred date isn’t available, don’t be afraid to consider other options such as Sundays or even a weekday which are becoming more and more popular due to the saving that can be made in venue hire fees.

And try to choose a venue that best reflects you as a couple. Whilst it’s so important that you have a venue that reflects your personalities, you do of course also need to keep a budget in mind when you are selecting venues to view.

Colours and Themes

Once you’ve decided on your venue, and you’ve got a date booked, it will be much easier to focus on a colour scheme, or a theme. Rustic, vintage, romantic, art deco, modern … there are so many great ideas to choose from. At Rockbeare Manor, we’ve purposefully kept our colour palette neutral, so that it works against any colour scheme or theme. We’ve hosted weddings with all sorts of colour schemes here, and they’ve all worked equally well.

Think about what suits your personality, and of course, your budget! If you’re choosing to have fresh flowers, do some research about what’s likely to be in season during the time that you’re getting married. Flowers that are in season are going to be a lot cheaper than having to import them from overseas at other times of the year.

Faux flowers are becoming evermore popular as they can be so effective, and you can create a big impact whilst still staying within budget.

The Clothes

There are some fantastic ideas for wedding dresses that really do suit all shapes and budgets. Think about what you’re likely to be comfortable in, and what fabrics and shapes you like. It’s great to be traditional, but we are seeing that more and more, couples are choosing to do things their way without perhaps the formality that used to be the norm. We often see men wearing tweed suits instead of a top hat and tails, and brides tend to look a lot more relaxed now than twenty years ago!

Whatever you end up wearing, Rockbeare Manor’s grand, sweeping staircases and velvet sofas are going to provide the perfect backdrop for your photographs!

The Food

We’ve written about this in previous blogs , mainly because we love to showcase the skills of our brilliant Head Chef, Ben. We really do love our food here, and we genuinely enjoy working with couples to create a menu that will suit their guests’ taste buds!

Work out what your budget is, and let your Chef guide you as to what works with parties of your size. It’s best to find out if your guests have any dietary requirements, and we’ve found that most of our couples tend to do this when they send their invitations out. We source as much of the menu as possible from Devon itself, so you can be sure that the food will be of the best possibly quality.

Our beautiful wedding venue in the Devon countryside can be exclusively yours too. Contact us for a viewing of Rockbeare Manor and talk to our friendly and knowledgeable team about your very special day.

Brides and Grooms Give Their Top Wedding Planning Tips

Tue, 10 Oct 2017 11:37:27 GMT

As we are now fully into autumn, it’s a great time to reflect on the summer and all the wonderful people who have held their weddings at Rockbeare Manor. We’ve loved working with each and every one of them, creating unique and personal weddings at our beautiful venue in Devon .

Whenever possible, we try to keep in touch with those that have married at Rockbeare Manor. We love to get their feedback, and of course always try to learn from them and their experiences, if we think it might help others. We always ask whether they have any tips that they’d pass on to future brides and grooms. Here are just a few brilliant tips to help you ensure that your wedding day is the day of your dreams.

Helen and David Franks said it’s important to take some time out during your day: ‘Immediately after our wedding ceremony we took five minutes to be alone as husband and wife for the first time. After all of the nerves and excitement leading up to the ‘I do’ it was a perfect way to savour that moment and catch our breath before the celebrations started.’

Stephanie and Anthony Murray’s advice was to keep the entertainment to a minimum: ‘Too many extra activities in the evening aren’t needed! One or two to entertain the guests is enough to ensure the party and dancing continues through the night.’

Lins and Matt Stacey told us: ‘We’d say that our top tip is to not feel pressured into doing anything because of tradition or the expectations of others. Choose the things that make you happy, and everybody will be happy with you.

Also, a bonus tip from Lins…flat shoes! Your feet and dance-floor loving guests will thank you!’

Amanda and Mark Smedley, said it was all about the preparation: ‘I think the one that worked best for me was to plan the morning and getting ready. It meant that the morning was really calm and everyone enjoyed it. I really didn’t want to arrive feeling stressed or rushed and by planning everyone’s hair and makeup timings, it meant we could all relax and have fun. We were even ready EARLY and so had a longer drive in the cars to the church which was great.’

Lizzie and Brett Woodgate said: ‘Delegate things you may be worried about on the day to someone you trust. Make a note of when you need to pay people so you can keep an eye on the budget. And on the day, don’t worry about trying to talk to everyone, they will come to you!’

Sarah and Ben Carter recommended leaving things to the experts: ‘Trust your suppliers; choose ones that you trust and who have a good reputation and then leave them to deliver! They are the experts in their field and if they need anything from you they will let you know so don’t stress about the details.'

We hope the above is useful in helping you with your big day. We’d love to talk to you about having your special day at our perfect wedding venue in Devon . If you’d like to come and have a look around, give us a call on 01392 797444 or email events@rockbearemanor.co.uk .

Food and drink choices for your wedding day

Mon, 14 Aug 2017 11:37:28 GMT

Here at Rockbeare Manor, one of the most picturesque wedding venues in Devon, we know all too well the difficult decisions that couples face when planning their wedding. Canapés or no canapés? Champagne or prosecco? Disco or band?

We often find the part that many enjoy the most is choosing the food and drink for the day, although if you or your guests have any particular dietary requirements, this process can be more difficult, as you try to ensure that the needs of all of your guests are met.

Fortunately, our experienced Events Team, not to mention our brilliant Head Chef, Ben Upton, are here to help and advise you with your food and drink conundrums, to ensure that you get the best possible outcome when it comes to your choices.

We want you to really enjoy this element of the wedding planning process and so we have put together some helpful tips for you.

1.Vegetarian or vegan?

If you and your partner are either vegetarian, or vegan, there is no reason why your menu couldn’t be predominantly this way too, and we love nothing more than the challenge of making vegetarian or vegan choices just as inventive and delicious! We are really proud of the variety in the menus that we offer and our aim is always to help you select a menu based around what you think your guests will also enjoy but most importantly, what you and your partner will love! Head Chef Ben Upton has picked some of his favourite dishes as ideas for those that are considering a fully vegetarian or vegan menu.

Starters

Somerset Brie, Thyme infused pear with walnut bread and an apple salad (vegetarian)

Bruschetta of chargrilled Mediterranean vegetables with basil oil (vegan)

Main Course

Wild rice risotto, roasted cauliflower, cep mushrooms with hazelnuts and salsa verde (vegetarian and vegan)

Desserts

White chocolate parfait in a dark chocolate shell, with honeycomb, raspberry crystals and passion fruit coulis (vegetarian)

Layered summer fruit pudding with berries, fruit coulis and speciality ice cream (vegan)

2. You’re teetotal

It might be that both yourself and your partner are teetotal, or you have lots of guests attending that don’t drink alcohol. If so you can still make an impression with our selection of Reception Drinks. Aimée, Director at Rockbeare Manor, suggests the fresh fruit and elderflower cooler as a lovely non-alcoholic alternative. Visually it’s impressive, served in a wine glass with a mint garnish, and it’s really refreshing too. Another option is to do a mix of two drinks so that you have an alcoholic and non-alcoholic option. Prosecco is always popular, accompanied by Elderflower Pressé served in Champagne flutes to create that sense of occasion.

We would always recommend making sure that wine is available for your guests during the meal, but in addition, you could choose some of our locally sourced soft drinks as well, such as cloudy lemonade or perhaps apple juice, which comes from Four Elms Farm in Sidmouth, Devon.

3. For those with a sweet tooth…

At Rockbeare Manor we LOVE food and drink!! The team here have put many hours into refining our menus, constantly improving them and seeking out those quirky ideas that will make weddings here stand out. If you have a sweet tooth, why not consider our mini-afternoon tea stands for your canapé reception?

Or, our Ice Cream Tricycle which serves luxury Devon Dairy ice cream. Both these options can be amended to suit guests with dietary requirements or intolerances if required.

4. Is it gluten free?

This is a question we get asked very frequently as many people are now choosing to go gluten free as a lifestyle choice. Most weddings that we host here at Rockbeare Manor have at least one guest who is gluten intolerant or Coeliac and so our Chefs are used to amending our menus to suit.

The below menu is entirely gluten free and would make for an incredibly impressive wedding breakfast menu for all guests.

Starter

Poached salmon and crayfish with seared scallop and saffron crème fraiche

Main Course

Roast rack of lamb with a herb crust, grilled artichoke, gratin dauphinoise, pea puree and rosemary jus

Dessert

Summer fruit and elderflower Champagne jelly with clotted cream ice cream and nougatine crisp

As all of our food is made from scratch, our Chefs just amend the recipes where necessary, using gluten free flour in our cakes and desserts for example. And, if you ever want proof of how yummy they are, you must visit and try some of our famous gluten free chocolate brownie!

5. Is it local?

Devon and the West Country is a beautiful part of the country and we are so lucky to be able to host weddings here. Our delicious menus are made with only the finest ingredients from suppliers who we know and trust, and we use the local influences in our menus wherever possible.

Our ‘West Country Platter’ is served as a sharing board on our Barouche menu. It incorporates all kinds of lovely things such as Quickes Vintage Cheddar, Cornish Brie, Devon glazed ham and local belly pork served with cider chutney to name but a few.

For your evening food you could select our homemade pasties. As well as Traditional pasties, our vegetarian version is to die for….Butternut squash, spinach, with ricotta and toasted pecans!

Whatever you decide to serve your guests, with Rockbeare Manor as the venue for your wedding, you can’t go far wrong, but our biggest piece of advice is that it’s your day!

Don’t feel that you need to play safe – embrace the sense of occasion and choose something that will WOW your guests!

We’d love to help you to plan your picturesque Devon wedding at Rockbeare Manor. If you’d like to discuss your requirements, call us 01392 797444.

Devon Wedding – Vanessa And James’s Perfectly Styled Day At Rockbeare Manor

Wed, 05 Apr 2017 11:36:54 GMT

Saturday 1st April was the day that friends and family came together from far and wide, many travelling to Devon from the United States to be there for Vanessa and James’s wedding day. It’s a day that had been planned to perfection by Vanessa in particular, a Bride with a fabulous eye for style, and determined to make their Devon wedding day one that was very individual to them, and memorable for all who attended.

The wedding at Rockbeare Manor had an elegant vintage style theme, with a blush pink and pastel colour palette, mixed with sage green tones which were enhanced by the wonderful eucalyptus and foliage garlands, used firstly to frame the aisle, and then moved onto the tables for the wedding breakfast. In all, the venue, style and theme made for a beautiful Devon wedding.

We were fortunate to work with some very talented and professional South West based suppliers for this wedding, and all no doubt had been a great support to the Bride and Groom before hand, as well as coordinating the styling on the wedding day itself. Kirsten from The Little Wedding Helper was instrumental in the whole day, and supplied many of the accessories that contributed to the overall style of the wedding, and that was only enhanced by the unbelievably elegant flowers by Foxy Buds and Emma Hewlett .

De Winton Paper Co is one of our favourite stationers, located nearby, just outside of Exeter. Harriet creates classic, classy designs and did an amazing job on the place cards, table plan and not forgetting the menu display – a pale grey watercolour wash with a combination of calligraphy and typeface, mounted on a rustic barn door and decked out with fresh green foliage.

The Ballroom at Rockbeare Manor looked so stunning for this wedding. With banquet style seating, dark grey table linen, and contrasting white linen napkins tied with grey velvet ribbon, scented candles, tall silver candleabra, delicate flowers and a mass of foliage; it was impressive to say the least.

At the happy couple’s request, the menu was entirely Gluten Free, starting with Grilled Capricorn Goats’ Cheese on a Beetroot Biscuit, Fig Jam and Rainbow Chard, followed by Carved Organic Beef Sirloin, Roasted Shallot, Gratin Dauphinoise with Green Peppercorn Sauce, and for dessert an English afternoon tea cake display of Miniature Carrot Cake, Lemon Drizzle and Tiny Raspberry Pavlovas.

After the meal it was time to transform the Ballroom for the evening party. It’s amazing how different the space can feel later on in the evening – it’s just so versatile and it’s safe to say all the guests had a brilliant night.

Congratulations James and Vanessa. We wish you all the best in the future as Mr & Mrs!

All images in this blog by Copper and Blossom Photography

For more information about weddings or other special events at Rockbeare Manor, Exeter, Devon, please contact us – we’d love to chat and help you create your perfect wedding day.

Rockbeare Manor – Regional Finalists At The Wedding Industry Awards

Wed, 01 Mar 2017 12:36:43 GMT

We were thrilled that Rockbeare Manor was recently awarded Regional Finalist in two categories at the South West Wedding Industry Awards: ‘Best Countryside Venue’ and ‘Best Newcomer’. The wedding venue awards are judged purely on the feedback gained from couples that have held their special day at that location and as we were a brand new wedding venue in Devon at that time, the competition against us with the more established venues in the area was strong. During the eligibility period for the awards we had only completed 7 weddings, but we knew that it would be worth a try!

The Awards are a two stage process with a hand-picked panel of wedding experts creating a shortlist of suppliers – from individuals and independents to high street favourites and designer brands.

We had a great evening when the ceremony came around, and whilst we didn’t go home with an award, it was great meeting up with our fellow Regional Finalists such as Mel and Justin at Maxi Photography and Christine at Peboryon luxury cakes.

The best bit about entering the awards, was definitely the feedback that we received from the couples who had their wedding here at Rockbeare Manor. Such kind words describing how wonderful their wedding day at Rockbeare Manor was, and we can’t thank you enough for that. To read them all please click here .

If you are engaged and looking for a breath taking wedding venue for your special day please do get in touch – we’d love to chat through your vision for the day and show you around our beautiful venue in the glorious South West. We’re just 10 minutes from Exeter, and even less from the M5 so links both North, West and East couldn’t be better! Call us on 01392 797 444 or request your brochure here.

www.rockbearemanor.co.uk

Happy New Year!

Fri, 06 Jan 2017 12:36:44 GMT

Wow, what a year it’s been!

It was on Sunday 10th January 2016 that we opened the doors at Rockbeare Manor for the very first time, to newly engaged couples looking for their perfect Devon wedding venue. At the time we were only 2 months into a very intensive 10 month renovation programme and so we were naturally a little apprehensive about what the reaction of the potential brides and grooms would be. The Ballroom was really just a shell – covered in scaffolding with a concrete floor, there were other rooms that hadn’t been decorated in nearly eighty years, and what is now a beautifully light and airy Atrium, was boarded over awaiting the feature skylight. But, we hoped that everyone would see through the temporary disarray and be able to visulise the incredible change that it was going through. And Phew…they did!

From that first day, we met couples that went onto book their wedding with us, some for as early as August that year so it really was a very exciting time.

Our first event was in June – a formal dinner and party for 130 guests (no pressure then!), but of course it all went smoothly and the atmosphere was fabulous. We were all so thrilled to be welcoming people to our brand new Devon venue, something that we are all incredibly proud of and so the smiles were permanently on our faces.

We were then lucky enough to be chosen as the venue to host Exeter Chiefs player Tom Johnson’s launch party for his Testimonial Year. The weather couldn’t have been better, the music was creating a really relaxed vibe and the invited guests enjoyed Prosecco and canapés on the South Lawns on a balmy summers evening.

Since then, it’s been non-stop (and great fun!) with photo-shoots and masterclasses, stunning weddings, Christmas parties and corporate events and it was topped off when The Wedding Industry Awards selected us as a regional finalist for ‘Best Countryside Venue’, and ‘Best Newcomer’ for the whole of the South West. Awards are given purely on votes and feedback from couples that have been married at the venue and so that really did mean a lot to us.

So, what does 2017 hold for us? Well, naturally we’ll be hosting lots more amazing events – it’s what we love, and we’ll be making each and every one really memorable for those hosting or attending an event with us. Our team will also be growing so we look forward to welcoming some new, super-talented people to Rockbeare Manor in the coming months. Finally, we have very nearly completed the refurbishment of twelve luxury bedrooms within the house which will be available for guests as of March so we’ll make sure we give you a sneak preview of those very soon.

So from all of us here at Rockbeare Manor, we wish you all a very happy, fun-filled New Year with lots of laughter, love and dancing!

rockbeare

Candles & Glitterballs for a Luxe Winter Wedding

The Vision

The Celebrations Continue....

The Portraits

At Rockbeare Manor, there is no shortage of beautiful backdrops for unforgettable wedding portraits. Whatever the season come rain or shine, summer or winter there are endless opportunities to capture timeless keepsakes that couples will cherish for years to come.

The Copper Bath Tub!

Happily Ever After

The Remarkable Renovation of Rockbeare Manor

Ten Years Since the Renovation of this Historic Devon Landmark

From Family Home to New Beginnings

A Labour of Love

Bringing Iconic Spaces Back to Life

The Dining Room

Sash Windows

The Ballroom

The Drawing Room

The Atrium

The Fountain

The Hallways

The Staircase and Landing

Bedrooms and Bathrooms ﻿

The Billiard Room

Milestones Along the Way

Looking Back — and Ahead

Thinking about your own celebration?

Lucy and Will's Impeccably Styled, Spring Wedding

The Couple

The Inspiration

The Vison

The Details

The Ceremony

The Ballroom

The Portraits

The Suppliers...

Lucy & Will say....

Pride Month at Rockbeare Manor

Little did Chloe know that just a few months after that first visit, she'd be wearing a ring on her finger!"

Rockbeare Manor Team - Fundraising for Hospicecare

Fundraising Events for our 10th Anniversary Year !

Devon Business League

Dartmoor in a Day - 30k Challenge

The role of an Event Manager on your wedding day

1/ They give you the warmest welcome

2/ They work behind the scenes to make sure everything is set up according to plan, and on time

3/ They are on hand to help with the finishing touches

4/ They will ensure that the wedding party is in position and ready for the wedding ceremony

5/ They will ensure a smooth transition from Ceremony to Reception

6/ They will be there for all the huge moments of the day

Lucy and Donovan's Chic Wedding At Rockbeare Manor

The Dress

The Groomsmen

The Bridal Party

The Décor

The Entertainment

Lucy & Donovan say:

September At Rockbeare Manor

Gold award from Muddy Stilettos two years in a row!

Muddy Stilettos - Devon - Awards 2024

5 Things You Should Know When Planning A Winter Wedding

5 Top Tips When Planning A Winter Wedding

1 - Stay Warm

2 - Don't Be Afraid Of The Rain...Or Snow!

3 - Use Candlelight At Every Opportunity

4 - Plan Your Travel Routes And Allow A Little Extra Time

5 - Identify Beautiful Indoor Backdrops For Photography

A Few Words From Becca, Our Featured Bride...

We Hope That You Enjoyed The Blog!

Rockbeare Manor win 'Wedding Venue of the Year'

Rockbeare Manor Win Prestigious Gold Award

Meet Some Of Our Fab Local Food And Drink Suppliers

The Magic Of Winter Weddings - Megan And Josh

Real Wedding

From The Photographer // Ant

From The Bride // Megan

The Suppliers //

Beautifully Appointed Bedrooms At Rockbeare Manor, Near Exeter – Part 2

Autumn Is An Incredible Season For Weddings!

6 Reasons To Get Married In Autumn

- It’s Different!

Bedrooms and Bathrooms