Your Devon and Cornwall Wedding news and ideas from around the area

LYMPSTONE MANOR IN DEVON RECEIVES SUITE OF AWARDS

Devon's Lympstone Manor has announced award wins following the first Michelin Hotel Awards and the AA Hospitality Awards. Lympstone Manor retained 5 AA Rosettes at this year's AA Hospitality Awards. Honoured for their culinary excellence, the award places Lympstone Manor amongst just 19 other restaurants in the UK to hold 5 AA Rosettes. The hotel was also acknowledged in the AA Notable Wine List, making it one of only 298 establishments awarded the AA Notable Wine List Award. Following from the first inaugural awards ceremony on October 1st; Lympstone Manor was awarded Two Keys in the newly launched Michelin Hotel Awards.

How to avoid pre-nups becoming a wedding alarm bell

As one of the most popular seasons for wedding proposals approaches, couples are being reminded to factor pre-nuptials into their plans well ahead of the big day. No longer associated with the rich and famous, people from all walks of life and finance levels are entering into nuptial agreements. And often it's not the couples themselves who initiate the idea to enter into a nuptial agreement, it can often be suggested by their parents. "It's becoming more common for couples to take out an agreement because their parents have helped them financially more than perhaps, they did 5 to 10 years ago," said Sally Ward, a Senior Associate solicitor in Family Law at leading law firm, Ellisons Solicitors.

Salcombe Gin partners with Fortnum & Mason

Salcombe Gin, renowned for its craftsmanship and distinctive flavour profiles, has partnered with Fortnum & Mason to create Salcombe Gin x Fortnum & Mason Moscatel Cask Aged Gin 2024 Release, the iconic British retailer's first single cask aged gin. The special new release, which is exclusive to Fortnum & Mason, is available from all Fortnum & Mason stores and online. The single cask aged gin is £69.50 and available in a 50cl bottle, ABV: 46%. Inspired by Salcombe Gin's love of adventure, the exceptional single cask aged gin showcases a unique approach to cask ageing of cask first, liquid second. Working with world famous Fortnum & Mason, known for its extraordinary food and drink experiences, the new release started its journey in Portugal.

Donations instead of wedding gifts - support VOW for Girls

From unconventional venues to unique attire choices, modern couples are redefining what it means to celebrate love. But what if one of these unique touches could mean helping change the lives of millions of girls around the world? This is where VOW for Girls steps in. Founded by Princess Mabel van Orange of the Netherlands, a serial entrepreneur for social change and founder of VOW for Girls, this unique charity aims to tackle the urgent issue of child marriage through a creative and powerful funding method. Instead of the usual wedding day traditions, VOW for Girls invites couples to use their special day as a force for good. By saying 'I do,' couples can empower millions of young girls to say 'I do' to a brighter future.

Experience a Magical Cornish Christmas at Scarlet Hotel

Experience a magical Cornish Christmas at the stunning Scarlet Hotel in Mawgan Porth where the Xmas break is all about relaxation and wellness. Couples can unwind in peaceful lounges admiring stunning clifftop views, take tranquil walks on the beach, and enjoy leisurely days of rest while evenings are filled with exceptional food. Christmas Day begins with a refreshing clementine fizz breakfast, followed by a four-course lunch. The curated menu, created by head chef Jack Clayton and his team, showcases the finest locally sourced ingredients that the Cornish coast has to offer. On Boxing Day, guests are invited for an invigorating dip in the ocean, followed by a choice between a relaxing Clifftop Hot Tub or a peaceful Candlelit Copper Tub experience for two.

Winter wedding colour trends set to dominate 2024 & 2025

The date has been set, the invitations are out. Have you planned a winter wedding for this season and are still looking for inspiration for your decorations? Trend expert Ella Citron-Thompkins from Diamonds Factory tells us which five colour schemes are ideal...Ice Princess: silver, white, blue, grey: For those who prefer classic elegance, the "Ice Princess" colour scheme is perfect. The cool colour palette of silver, white, blue and grey creates an elegant, frosty look and adds a touch of fairytale magic to your winter wedding. Crystal clear accents such as ice crystals, sparkling fairy lights and shimmering decorations fit perfectly and create a magical, almost arctic atmosphere.

Great Taste awards reveal Cornwall’s best food and drink in 2024

The Guild of Fine Food has released the results for Great Taste 2024 and Cornwall has won 27 awards, including 17 1-star, nine 2-star and one 3-star, the highest accolade available at this level. Nearly 3,500 companies from 115 countries around the world entered Great Taste this year, between them offering 13,672 products for review. The UK entered 8,008 products from 2,528 companies. Each entry was meticulously blind-tasted by the Guild's expert judging panel of more than 500 food critics, chefs, recipe creators, buyers, retailers, and other specialists in the field of food and drink. Entries were analysed across 92 judging days, each receiving detailed feedback, on whether or not they obtained an award.

St Michaels Resort, Falmouth to host Oyster Weekend in November

St Michaels Resort, Falmouth has been the proud sponsor of the Falmouth Oyster Festival for more than twenty years – a tradition that runs deep in the local area. Due to rising costs, the festival has been cancelled this year, but the team at St Michaels has confirmed that a community event will be held to fill the void at the resort. The weekend-long event from the 15th until the 17th of November will celebrate the famed local delicacy, as well as the Falmouth community and will mark the beginning of the oyster dredging season this autumn in beautiful Cornwall.

Top tips for a happy marriage

Victoria Walker, family lawyer and partner at Moore Barlow gives her top tips for a happy marriage! A happy marriage is built on a foundation of effective communication, love and mutual respect. Here are my essential tips to strengthen your partnership and foster lasting happiness. Wishing you all the best for your hopefully happy ever after. Before getting married... Don't rush! Take your time to really get to know the person. Ensuring that you both share similar or complementary aspirations is key. I've encountered couples where one person desired early retirement or to work overseas while the other was not in agreement, leading to irreconcilable differences and the end of the relationship. There have also been instances where one partner was satisfied with a simple and less demanding lifestyle, while the other was not. Qualities that were initially endearing might become sources of frustration later on.

Fun and immersive Halloween experience set to take place this Autumn at Bedruthan Hotel & Spa

This October, the luxurious Bedruthan Hotel & Spa in Cornwall invites families to a magical and immersive Halloween-themed experience. Set against the hauntingly beautiful clifftops of Mawgan Porth, this not-too-spooky adventure is designed especially for children, offering a perfect blend of eerie and enchanting delights. As guests arrive, they will be guided by the hotel's Halloween helpers into a forest, where the seasonal atmosphere is set by glowing pumpkins, twinkling candles, bubbling cauldrons, and a few playful surprises. Families can enjoy a Spooktacular story session, partake in Halloween-themed arts and crafts with the Create team, and explore the captivating surroundings.

Tick tock, the clocks go back...enjoy a Restorative Sleep Break at Cornwall's Scarlet Hotel

Tick tock, the clocks go back...enjoy a Restorative Sleep Break at Cornwall's Scarlet Hotel in Mawgan Porth this autumn. This adults-only hotel is a luxurious well-being sanctuary boasting far-reaching views of the North Atlantic coastline. The hotel exudes natural calm, bringing the outside in through a simple design aesthetic and tall glass walls that showcase the wild natural surroundings. The new Restorative Sleep Break includes invigorating guided cold-water immersion, soothing rituals and mindfulness practices, late check-out, and sleep-inducing amenities by Neom Wellbeing, Namaste, and Atlantic Blankets. A two-night stay for two people is offered in one of the stunning sea-view rooms. This curated package is designed to help guests re-balance and rest, drawing on ancient Ayurvedic principles and the healing power of nature.

How to Manifest Anything: practical secrets to turn all your dreams into reality

Renowned manifestation coach and author Victoria Jackson has released her highly anticipated second book, How to Manifest Anything, published on 12th September 2024 by Octopus Books.Following the success of her debut book, "Manifesting For Beginners," Victoria returns with an essential guide that answers the most pressing questions about manifestation. "How to Manifest Anything" is written with Victoria's signature 'agony aunt' concept, providing a practical, dip-in-and-out collection of the most popular and recurring questions people have about manifestation as they incorporate it into their daily lives. Whether you're wondering how to manifest your soulmate, attract financial abundance, secure your dream job, or troubleshoot delayed manifestations, this book offers the guidance you need.

Dog-friendly Family Fun Day set to take place in Exeter on Saturday 21st September 2024

A dog-friendly Family Fun Day is set to take place in Exeter on Saturday 21st September 2024 in collaboration with Guide Dogs for the Blind. A great way to escape from the wedding planning and grab the girls (and guys) to enjoy a low-key, pre-wedding hen date with your dog! There will be a dog-themed charity raffle and an ice cream van complete with dog ice cream. There will also be a Guide Dogs for the Blind stand including a Tombola and merchandise with all proceeds going to the charity locally. There will also be opportunities to meet a Guide Dog and learn more about how the puppies and dogs are raised and trained.

Devonia spring water introduces new website

Devon-based bottled water brand, Devonia is delighted to announce the launch of its new website incorporating the new branding which was introduced earlier this year. The new platform has been developed with a focus on enhancing customer experience and to showcase to consumers Devonia's sustainable collect, wash, reuse process, which ensures its bottles are refilled on average eight times. Some of the key features of the new website include highlighting the positive environmental impacts of Devonia's reuse processes and a customer-first approach to business, plus offering an integrated order system that enables both new and existing customers to place orders efficiently.

Advice from a divorce lawyer before your wedding day

As a divorce lawyer, one of the things that Joanna Farrands, a family lawyer and partner at Moore Barlow, helps couples soon to be married with is a prenuptial agreement. Here, she shares her advice... "These are increasingly common and popular as a way of considering your finances and future ahead of the wedding. Now, these can sometimes have a bad reputation. Some people dismiss them as they aren't the most romantic gesture, but in reality, a prenuptial agreement with your partner is a sensible, practical thing, and the conversations you have when going through it can make your relationship even stronger.

Goodybag collaboration with Yankee Candle - don't miss out!

For couples coming along to the County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Shows at Bluewater, Kent, Mercedes-Benz World, Surrey and Ascot Racecourse, Berkshire, they're in for a treat because in the Goodybags you'll find a Yankee Candle Votive. Yankee Candle Filled Votives come in the Signature Collection-exclusive and tried-and-true fragrances, making these tiny treats an easy (and adorable) way to try something new. Hand-illustrated labels, vibrant wax colours, and a premium soy-wax blend create an inspired addition to your home. Decided on a favourite? Arrange several of the same fragrance together to add sparkle and scent to your mantel or table.

Goodybag collaboration with Mocktails - don't miss out!

For those looking for booze-free options this wedding season, Mocktails Uniquely Crafted, is the non-alcoholic premium cocktail brand perfect for big-day guests; and when attending County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Shows at at Bluewater, Kent, Mercedes-Benz World, Surrey and Ascot Racecourse, Berkshire, you'll find a sample in your Goodybag! The alcohol-free, ready-to-drink beverages are perfect for those looking to offer a range of beverages at their wedding. Mocktails showcase a delectable collection of flavours, each carefully crafted with the finest ingredients, spices, and botanicals sourced from around the world.

Devon Air Ambulance open brand new charity shop on Crediton High Street

Devon Air Ambulance has just opened its doors to a new charity shop on Crediton High Street this month stocked with pre-loved garments, accessories, bric-a-brac and more. A sustainable way to buy wedding gifts, decor and occasion wea routfits, charity shops are treasure troves for couples planning a celebration. This new charity shop was previously occupied by Exeter Leukemia Fund (ELF). It has neem kitted out with repurposed and reused materials left by the previous tenant, demonstrating the charity's commitment to sustainability. The charity's retail shops make a significant difference, not only to the local people in the communities they serve, but as a vital income stream to support the lifesaving service it provides.

Dream themes

Planning a wedding is a stressful time, but allocating a theme can help by making the important decisions slightly less difficult. Here, editorial assistant Sophie Clark has created a guide to inspire you for your big day. From Regency-core to overflowing natural elements, there are plenty of themes to draw inspiration from to help you navigate your wedding planning. Not only could it narrow down a specific colour scheme from which you can arrange the bridal parties' outfits, but it can project the atmosphere you want to achieve at your dream-like wedding. This will ensure that the memories created on your special day are timeless, and that the photos will turn out absolutely divine to give you something to reminisce on.

Padstow Distilling Launches Bespoke Wedding Batches After Award-Winning Year

Padstow Distilling, the Cornish distillery that secured four standout awards at this year's IWSC awards, is now supplying bespoke batches of premium spirits to couples celebrating their weddings in the UK. The artisan drinks brand opened new premises in the Cornish town of Padstow in April, where local founder and head distiller David McWilliam has been hand-crafting small batches of gin and vodka using ingredients from the romantic shores of North Cornwall's coast. Despite increased production capabilities in the new distillery, batch size is kept purposefully small at 60 bottles, allowing David to closely oversee every element of distillation. This means that small trial or bespoke batches are only ever a day away and these are perfect for wedding favours, and similar specialist celebrations.