All the latest wedding news for couples getting married in Devon or Cornwall, along with bridal fashion and beauty inspiration and honeymoon ideas.
Harbour Hotels introduces new foodie concept called Harbour Kitchen
Harbour Hotels is also introducing a new foodie concept, Harbour Kitchen, to five of its properties including St. Ives Harbour Hotel & Spa as well as Padstow Harbour Hotel (pictured) and Fowey Harbour Hotel. Harbour Kitchen will pride itself on championing Great British classic dishes created with unexpected twists, offering in-season, sustainable and local produce. John Pollard, the group executive chef, is a great supporter of locally sourced food so the menus will enjoy wild-caught seafood, grass-fed meat and fresh seasonal produce as well as internationally inspired dishes such as steamed mussels with Thai coconut chill and lime, and seabass fillet with mussels, pak choi and miso broth.... read more
Posted: 22 July 2021
Harbour St Ives hotel and spa enjoys a refurbishment
St. Ives Harbour Hotel & Spa, one of Cornwall's finest properties, has enjoyed a refurbishment with all rooms renovated in a chic colour scheme of pink, blue and green, while the exterior has been repainted in a charming Cornish slate colour and decorated with hanging baskets, botanical plants and new signage. This popular coastal retreat offers guests an oasis of calm just a stone's throw from the pristine Porthminster Beach. A recent refurbishment of the exterior and interior has seen all rooms benefit from a renovation including the popular outdoor terrace. A retreat from city life, the 52-room sea-view property is the perfect antidote for guests of all ages looking to reset, disconnect and spend some much-needed time outdoors.... read more
Posted: 20 July 2021
Get those dancing shoes on - weddings are restriction free!
The day has finally come – wedding ceremonies and celebrations are restriction free! Grab your dancing shoes and get ready to sing at the top of your voice: "Celebrate good times... come on!"It's been a long road that many of us have tentatively navigated over the last 16 months; from us here at County Wedding Magzines HQ to suppliers and couples. There's been small highs and many lows, as each glimmer of hope was put out by another government announcement.Lockdown 1.0 turned into 2.0 and then 3.0, wedding guest numbers went from 0 to 12, 15 to 30 and now we can actually invite all of our loved ones, friends and family dear to our hearts to the big day.There's really been no better time to say 'I do', not only will it be mask free (personal choice), socially distance-free and rule-free; but it will be a true celebration of marriage, a union of friends and family, love and friendship.... read more
Posted: 19 July 2021
New Harbour Beach Club & Hotel opening in Salcombe
Harbour Hotels is bringing the resort experience to the South Devon coast with the launch of Harbour Beach Club & Hotel, a luxury family-friendly retreat, this summer. Located on the charming shoreline of South Sands Beach in Salcombe, the 50-room bolthole is inspired by its surroundings with many of the chic rooms boasting unrivalled seaside views. Complementing existing accommodation at Salcombe Harbour Hotel & Spa, Harbour Beach Club & Hotel will celebrate holistic wellness and reconnecting with nature by offering outdoor adventures and water sport activities, and an award-winning spa with treatments inspired by the ocean setting.... read more
Posted: 15 July 2021
Enjoy a minimoon aboard the Bluebird Bus
The 1970s converted Canadian school bus, lovingly named the Bluebird Bus, is now available to book for staycation minimoons this summer. Set in a secluded spot opposite a vineyard on a family-run farm in South Devon, this relaxing off-grid couples retreat is the ultimate getaway. The rustic conversion sleeps two guests and one dog and offers everything needed for a honeymoon escape complete with a gas oven, hob and charcoal barbecue. A seven-night stay costs from £356.... read more
Posted: 13 July 2021
Salcombe Dairy launch new home delivery service
Salcombe Dairy has launched a new home delivery service for ice cream with eight of the most popular flavours, including honeycomb, salted caramel and blackcurrant sorbet, now available to order through the online shop and delivered straight to the door. Managing director Dan Bly says, "The packaging technology and dry ice chemistry have now advanced enough to keep frozen products cold enough during the courier delivery process, which is exciting. Our ice cream is packed in recycled denim as well as with dry ice to ensure it arrives safely frozen and ready to enjoy a taste of Devon wherever you live in the country."... read more
Posted: 8 July 2021
Cornish sparkling wine Wild Life Botanicals offers ultra-low alcoholic beverages
Wild Life Botanicals, a sparkling wine created in Cornwall that's ultra-low in alcohol (0.5% ABV) yet ultra-high in goodness, is the ideal option for wedding guests who want to toast the couple with a sophisticated fizz. It's infused with an uplifting elixir of eight vitamins, minerals and five botanicals each chosen for their health-giving properties. They have just 0.5% ABV and benefit from more than 60% fewer calories than champagne or prosecco. Ideal for the traditional morning bridal party gathering - brides and their bridesmaids can enjoy a glass of fizz while they get ready and the newly launched 20cl minis called the 'Wild Child' are a fun way for guests to enjoy their own mini-bottle of fizz during the reception and evening party without the need to worry about sharing bottles or glasses.... read more
Posted: 6 July 2021
Cornish singer-songwriter Josiah Mortimer releases debut album called Shimmer
The Cornish singer-songwriter Josiah Mortimer has recently released his debut album called Shimmer consisting of nine acoustic-rooted tracks reflecting on the past year with themes of unity and hope. Drawing on folk influences, Josiah plays acoustic guitar, kalimba, bass, mandolin, and all vocal parts on the album. All funds from Shimmer will go to Global Justice Now which is campaigning for greater global access to Covid vaccines and Josiah is available to book now for weddings.... read more
Posted: 1 July 2021
Win an overnight stay with Mercure
Whether you're planning a wedding, celebrating an anniversary or simply need a night away, this staycation prize is a welcome getaway treat courtesy of Interstate Hotels & Resorts.At one of the most sought-after Mercure wedding venues in the UK, the lucky winner and their guest will stay in the best room in the house, the Wedding Suite, with dinner and breakfast at the hotel of their choice.The Mercure Leeds Parkway Hotel is one of the most desirable wedding venues Yorkshire has to offer, set in the picturesque Golden Acres Park with formal gardens and a picturesque gazebo for dreamy outdoor weddings. While, The Mercure Chester Abbots Well Hotel is a tranquil four-star hotel set amongst two acres of landscaped gardens with a backdrop of beautiful rolling Cheshire countryside and Welsh mountains providing an idyllic setting for any wedding. Or, why not check out Cotswold's Mercure Gloucester Bowden Hall Hotel for character and setting? This four-star Georgian country house boasts 12 acres of its own park and woodland providing the perfect Gloucestershire backdrop for a truly scenic wedding.... read more
Posted: 29 June 2021
The Ivy Exeter has opened, located in the heart of the city, and the 128-seat restaurant offers all-day dining in a beautiful setting. Open seven days a week from morning until night, The Ivy Exeter is also home to an intimate private dining room for up to eight guests, as well as an outdoor terrace. Guests can expect a taste of glamour that The Ivy establishments are well-known for, with tasteful interiors complementing the eclectic dining and drinks menus. Vibrant floral and bold patterns, soft furnishings, stylish gold fittings and a colour palette of green and red match the quintessential Ivy design.... read more
Posted: 29 June 2021
Toast the happy couple with a glass of NINE ELMS No.18
Award-winning NINE ELMS No.18 is a ruby velven – a new type of sophisticated non-alcoholic drink, created in London, that has been specially designed to complement good food.Intricately crafted from the juice of four types of dark berry and aromatised with a complex blend of botanical infusions and distillates, this intriguing non-alcoholic indulgence is full of flavour & character – complexity that gradually reveals itself when sipped & savored with something delicious to eat.With its juicy red & black fruit, uplifting herbaceous notes, warm & earthy spice, gentle acidity & soft tannins, NINE ELMS No.18 is most enjoyable served with something richly savoury - try it with antipasti, charcuterie, chargrilled vegetables, roasted meats or cheese.... read more
Posted: 28 June 2021
Celebrate World Chocolate Day with Haute Dolci
Sweet-toothed diners are in for a treat this World Chocolate Day as London added a new luxury dessert parlour to its dining offer. Situated on Wembley Park Boulevard, Haute Dolci has a stunning open design that draws inspiration from both Italian and French heritage; the eatery combines fashion sensibilities with the art of food and desserts, to ensure a sumptuous and unparalleled customer journey. The restaurant boasts a backdrop of exquisite finishes inspired by Statuario marble and on the mezzanine level, a cherry blossom tree will transport diners to Paris' iconic cherry blossom display outside of the Notre-Dame, adding to the air of elegance at this must-visit dessert house. The tree, constructed from a real cherry tree trunk and six metres in diameter, will provide an ethereal focal point to the decadent eatery, with beautiful bloom-filled branches spanning across the width of the restaurant.... read more
Posted: 25 June 2021
Cornwall-based independent celebrant Sabine Smith talks pets at weddings
Sabine Smith, the owner of Perfect Day Ceremonies, is a Cornwall-based independent event celebrant covering weddings throughout both regions. With more dog lovers acquiring a furry friend during the lockdown period, many couples want their pets to play a significant role at their weddings so we ask Sabine for some pet-friendly ceremony options. She tells us, "Wedding ceremonies are a family affair and more and more couples are wanting to make their fur babies a part of their celebrations. There are certainly plenty of ways for four-legged friends to join in!"... read more
Posted: 24 June 2021
The UK’s Favourite First Dance Songs As Wedding Size Limits Lift
From the 21st June, limits on wedding sizes lifted and couples across the country will be getting their wedding playlists ready, but what could be more important than the first dance song - especially for the next four weeks when this dance it the only one allowed! Selecting a song which has meaning to the special couple can be tricky. Many couples know that whatever song they choose will go on to forever be known as 'their song', which adds pressure to making the right choice. It's perhaps then no surprise that there are almost 1,000 first-dance dedicated playlists on Spotify to help couples choose, but which songs are the most favoured?New data analysed by five-star hotel, The Grand, York has revealed the most popular songs to play during a first dance in 2021.Analysing over 57,000 songs on Spotify, the current top ten list has been revealed, and the results might just be surprising.Securing both first and third place is the hugely successful Ed Sheeran and taking second, is 2021 X Factor winner, James Arthur.... read more
Posted: 23 June 2021
Bridal wellbeing coach Sally Jackson reveals tips for body confidence
Sally Jackson is My Wedding Godmother, a bridal wellbeing coach helping brides prioritise themselves. When it comes to the topic of body confidence, Sally explains how most brides feel nervous about their upcoming wedding and reveals tips about how to to help this. She tells us, "If you struggle with body confidence issues, you can quickly shift from feeling excited about the special day to dreading the thought of being on show. it's perfectly normal so take heart, you're not alone!"... read more
Posted: 22 June 2021
New launch from local vegan restaurant
If you're planning a get together with your best girls or boys, the latest launch by award-winning vegan restaurant brand Stem & Glory is just the ticket. Great for adding an authentic flavour to your pre-wedding celebrations, the business has introduced the 'finish-at-home' vegan pizza. The launch is part of a rapid expansion of its online store serving restaurant-quality meals well beyond its home towns of Cambridgeshire and London to all over the UK. The pizzas have a Stem & Glory healthy twist including a lip-smacking menu of toppings made in-house entirely from vegetables and each one arrives ready for you to bake at home. Founder Louise Palmer-Masterton said, "We created our artisan pizza menu during the first lockdown, intending to launch at our new Cambridge site, but the latest lockdown has allowed us to develop it into a finish-at-home version.It has been so well received we will definitely be keeping it in our online store after we open again."... read more
Posted: 22 June 2021
Whether you're planning a night away for your hen do, or having your best buds getting ready with you on the morning of your wedding, elegant Instagrammable loungewear is essential! What's more, if you feel relaxed comfortable and stylish, this will show in the pictures. Luxury pyjama and loungewear brand Jayde, has a new white collection which will be perfect for the bride, the mothers, and her friends before the wedding, on the big day itself - and why not take the new items on honeymoon too!... read more
Posted: 21 June 2021
Government changes outdoor wedding restrictions
One thing the pandemic has highlighted is the archaic wedding laws couples are still governed by; and although this was due to be revised in government in the next year or two, MPs have decided to bring forward a change in outdoor weddings. From 1st July to 30th April 2022, couples can tie the knot outside without the restrictions of it having to take place under a permanent licensed structure, ie, a gazebo or pagoda. This is a much needed boost for wedding venues with booking in the next nine months and are having to adhere to social distancing requirements and outdoor weddings being preferable.... read more
Posted: 21 June 2021
Do you live up to your star sign when it comes to relationships?
If you're here reading County Wedding Magazines you're on your journey towards walking down that aisle to meet your one and only at the end of it - aaah! Have you looked to the stars to see how compatible you are? Are there things you wish you knew about your partner to really put a smile on their face? From personality type to the perfect date here Holistic Therapist Katie May at Switchback Travel presents the kind of partner you are, according to your star sign....... read more
Posted: 18 June 2021
Get together this summer with Moët & Chandon and Carbis Bay Hotel & Estate
Moët & Chandon has created a collection of Summer Champagne experiences with hospitality partners across the UK to elevate and celebrate shared moments of togetherness. For something a little different this Summer, Moët & Chandon have developed the ultimate refreshing cocktail with the 'Frozellini' slushie cocktail available from the Moët & Chandon Slushie Machine across UK venues. Inspired by the iconic Champagne Bellini cocktail, the Frozellini is the perfect Summer drink for a unique aperitif with friends. Other exciting cocktails to try include a bespoke Moët & Chandon Champagne Cocktail to toast in the season including the 'French 75' consisting of zesty gin, lemon and Moët Impérial and for something truly special there is the 'Moët & Chandon Sloe Gin Fizz', a wonderful combination of Moët Rosé Impérial, Sloe Gin & Lemon Juice.... read more
Posted: 17 June 2021
Are memories a match made in heaven when planning a wedding? Here's what couples forget!
Here, the wedding experts for Autowise present 5 of the most common things left off the to-do list when arranging a wedding. 'You may think you're a person who remains calm under pressure, but when it comes to weddings, all bets are off! Planning a wedding is basically a full-time job in which you have dozens of people working underneath you. It's easy to miss some vital details here and there. With that in mind, here are the most common.... read more
Posted: 16 June 2021
One small step for couples, one giant leap for weddings!
Prime Minister Boris Johnson's recent announcement only had one element that an estimated 50,000 couples - who have weddings within four weeks of June 21st – wanted to hear: can their wedding day go ahead??The great news is yes, weddings can happen from June 21st which was music to the ears of many – whoops and cheers! However, with every Government announcement there's some fine print too; so here's the lowdown of what you need to know....... read more
Posted: 15 June 2021
Celebrate this Father's Day at Jurys Inn Plymouth and Jurys Inn Oxford
This Father's Day, gather the family together and celebrate! Jurys Inn & Leonardo Hotels has a location to suit everyone with all properties located in city centres across the UK. Jurys Inn Plymouth is a stylish hotel, ideally situated for guests visiting the vibrant harbour city. If the countryside is what your dad is craving, head to Oxford, known as The City of Dreaming Spires, and soak up stunning architecture and history. The four-star Jurys Inn Oxford is centrally located which makes for a perfect base for a family adventure.... read more
Posted: 15 June 2021
The sun is shining - and here's why it's making us all happier!
It's almost a universal fact that many of us just feel better when the sun is shining. Whether it's because we can forgo our winter coats, or because we love sitting in a pub garden after work and can just relax, we all seem to feel calmer when the sun in shining. Here, Health Practitioner and Skin Specialist, Tammy Richards at Pure Optical explains the science behind why the sun makes us feel happier and how it can even improve our physical health and wellbeing...... read more
Posted: 14 June 2021
When Mark Lee from Mark Lee Photography set up this shoot at Cheshire's Park Manor, he wanted to seek out like minded suppliers to collaborate on creating stunning inclusive images; and what better showcase this gorgeous shoot than Pride Month! Mark says, "For months I've been coming across posts on Facebook on issues from the LGBTQ+ community over double standards within the wedding industry. Some finding that they were being charged more or that some suppliers just wouldn't work with a same sex couple. Then a supplier wanted to know how to create a logo for same sex supplier so not to offend. And another supplier unsure how to word his contract... this got me thinking. Why is this so difficult? Why does there need to be an issue regardless of who you are and who you want to marry? The law has changed so why are people still living in the dark ages? It's time to accept everyone."... read more
Posted: 11 June 2021