Well, we thought we had finished our run of “What’s Hot” articles from our favourite suppliers for this year, and then we had a late submission from one of our favourite venue’s to shoot a wedding at! The very Fab and Chic Combe House Hotel in Gittisham Devon – How could we say no? Well of course we couldn’t, so I am very pleased to introduce you to the very lovely Fiona…
WHAT’S HOT AT COMBE HOUSE DEVON FOR WEDDINGS ?
Welcome to “Somewhere Different, Somewhere Special” – that’s Combe House Devon, a diamond amongst country houses in the quintessentially English thatched village of Gittisham. When you get here and discover its serene peace and tranquility in the gorgeous Devon countryside, you could be a million miles from anywhere and yet it’s really close to key travel networks and ideally placed if you’re looking for a central location to gather guests from all points South, West, East and further North too!
(The Fabulous Combe House Hotel set in the beautiful Devon countryside – an idyllic Wedding Venue)
So what’s hot for wedding venues this year?
• At Combe we’re finding that people are definitely seeking something different from the norm. Individuality and Quirkiness , the ability to express themselves and style their celebration are featuring prominently so our three-room dining option is going down a storm. No more table plan worries, a solution to those awkward family situations and you get to move around three rooms with different groups of people rather than being obliged to spend the whole meal in one place! Don’t worry about triple speech-making – everyone can be together in the Great Hall for this.
(Speeches in the Great Hall at Combe House – wedding of Francesca & Tatton)
• And as a smaller, intimate setting the Georgian Kitchen is definitely a unique option.
• The emphasis is on Privacy and Comfort – a venue where couples feel their guests will be totally at home and can do their own thing without fear of disdainful looks from sometimes over-protective and quite frankly, rather annoying staff. You won’t find that at Combe, we’re all on hand to provide support and care wherever needed, in a professional, friendly yet discreet manner but we also know where to draw the line. It’s something some venues don’t quite get!
(Peace & Tranquility at Combe House a perfect place for romance – Wedding of Tatton & Francesca)
• Next up – Winter Weddings are becoming more popular, let’s face it, the dream of a summer wedding is little more than a myth since lazy summer days have become increasingly elusive. So why not be proactive and choose a wintry option with roaring fires, candlelight and cosy English charm – Combe has this in abundance. Cold is the new Hot! Your guests will have something to look forward to in the bleaker months and you won’t be clashing dates with bridal contemporaries or the social calendar. Plus you’ll have the added advantage of low season costs.
(Getting ready for a Wedding Ceremony in the Great Hall at Combe House – Wedding of Francesca & Tatton)
• Then back to basics, Less is More. Keep it simple, take the stress out of the equation and forget all the paraphernalia of favours and chair covers, fireworks and carriages. Instead, choose a venue like Combe where the classic interior, stunning views, warmth and character speak for itself. After all, what’s it all about – focus on the real meaning of your celebration and let the venue do the rest.
Weddings here are a lot of fun. They’ll attract discerning couples who appreciate sophistication in an understated kind of way and who are searching for something a little bit unusual and quirky (so Courtenay fits in like a dream!). This Elizabethan Manor House has an irresistible blend of original elegance and more contemporary twists on the historical themes. It’s not too vacuous and not too bijou and if you take exclusivity you’ll really feel as if you’ve lived here for years – in fact it’s quite upsetting on Sunday morning when strangers start to return to “your” house! The Linen Suite, beautiful Thatched Cottage or Tommy Wax Signature room with views over the 3500 acre estate present a dilemma in selecting your bridal suite – too much choice! How would you like to be gently woken in the morning with the sound of country life and Combe’s pheasants? Are you a horse lover because you’ll be able to see the thoroughbred Arabian horses gambolling on the nearby hillside and if you’re feline-friendly then you can have Maverick, the cream Burmese house cat, purring contentedly on your lap as you chat to your friends and family – but watch out for your peanuts! Or, if you can’t imagine your wedding day without including your best friend, that’s the four-legged variety, dogs are welcome – we’ve even had one act as ring bearer!
(Drinks reception – Champagne & Canapes in the Great Hall Combe House – Wedding of Francesca & Tatton)
A wedding for two – we’re happy with that. A wedding for 150 with an Indian theme in a giant Teepee and cascades of orchids and gerberas – Viki & Rana, that was one we won’t forget! Marcelle & Nick, a beautiful, elegant, Christmas Wedding. Jacqueline & Myles – paella, partying and plenty of staying power! Tatton & Francesca – vintage buses and vegetarian feasts (their Wedding Story by Courtenay is available to see as a reminder of their very special weekend). We love to make your wedding your own, it’s how it should be, creating a celebration unique to the two of you.
(Francesca & Tatton’s fantastic vintage Bus at Combe House)
Our Wedding Co-ordinator, Fiona, is available Wednesday to Sunday, so viewing is never a problem. Call her on 01404 540400 to arrange a visit and see why Combe is a dream location and hot contender for your special day.
“I couldn’t recommend Combe House, Fiona and her wonderful staff highly enough. If you are looking for that special venue for your wedding, a touch of something different with a warm welcome and first class service, give Fiona at Combe House a call, I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.”
Courtenay
