Wedding at Northcote Manor

The Countryside Celebration

Having met during a ceilidh at a wedding in Northampton, Claire and Andy’s courtship became something of an international affair. At the time of their meeting, Claire was living in Japan and Andy in Hawaii prior to his 15-month deployment to Iraq. Their first date was a weekend in Hawaii and, after constant contact throughout Andy's deployment, their second date followed a year later with ten romantic days in Athens.



The couple got engaged on New Year’s Eve 2007 and chose to marry in Devon. Although they now live in Germany, they didn't want Claire's grandfather – whose 82nd birthday was on the same day – to travel far. As fate would have it, he broke his hip a week before the event and was unable to attend, but the couple joined him for celebratory cake at his bedside the next day dressed in their wedding outfits.



Guests who had traveled from destinations such as the USA, Japan and New Zealand stayed at Northcote Manor for two nights. On the morning of the wedding, they were treated to a hawk walk around the grounds whilst Claire donned her beautiful bespoke dress. Cocktails followed before the civil ceremony in the Oak Room.



The Rosewood String Quartet accompanied the drinks reception and, at dinner, guests feasted on asparagus soup, Exmoor lamb and strawberries with Devonshire clotted cream. The cake made an amusing focal point: having asked the designer, Kim Simmons, to include a ninja (the subject of a personal joke between the couple), to Claire and Andy's delight, it was absolutely covered in them!



Their international guests were treated to a host of British customs throughout the course of the weekend: The Exmoor Border Morris introduced guests to Morris Dancing, while Signs of Life provided the music for a traditional ceilidh. In turn, the Japanese guests wore Kimono, giving the wedding a real international flavour.



Clare and Andy were characteristically adventurous for their honeymoon, retracing Darwin's footsteps for ten days in the Galapagos.



Clare has several tips for a successful day: “Plan everything exactly how you want it and then learn to delegate or use a wedding planner. You should have time to enjoy your special day with your friends and family, rather than thinking about the details.” In addition, she advises, “Make the effort to find a quality wedding photographer as the photos will retell your wedding day story for the rest of your lives.”

The venue
Northcote Manor Hotel, Umberleigh, North Devon
01769 560501 www.northcotemanor.co.uk

The dress
Bespoke gown from Sue Anable Bridal Design Studio, Scunthorpe
01724 840002 www.bridaldesignstudio.co.uk

The flowers
Susan’s Flower Shop, Crediton
01363 775818 www.susanscrediton.co.uk

Photography
Kensa Photography
01363 84125 www.kensaphotography.co.uk


Copyright WED Magazine 2010