From workplace romance to a dreamy candlelit proposal, Hollie and Adam’s love story unfolded with candles and glitterballs in a dreamy corner of Devon.
“We’ve always loved rural cabin-style, off-grid weekend breaks,” Hollie says. “Adam proposed during a trip to a beautiful shepherd’s hut on the edge of Dartmoor.” The couple arrived to a wood-fired outdoor bath surrounded by candles and fairy lights under the stars. “Adam had strawberries, sushi and our favourite bottle of champagne waiting for dinner.”
Their December wedding at Rockbeare Manor was also a beautifully atmospheric affair. “We wanted a candlelit, black-tie party with lots of bows and glitterballs!” says Hollie.
The wedding day dawned crisp and sunshine-filled, with golden winter light streaming into the manor’s elegant halls. The venue was styled with soft candlelight, shimmering details and romantic floral touches. Hollie wore a sleek, minimalist gown by Sassi Holford, while Adam looked sharp in a classic tuxedo. A private first look at the foot of the grand staircase was followed by a romantic walk down the candlelit aisle together, soundtracked by a loop-pedal violinist playing Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol.
A playful twist from best man Ian added the fun factor to the ceremony. “He ‘misplaced’ the rings and asked all the guests for help!” laughs Hollie. “After checking under their chairs, one of my oldest friends became ring-bearer after finding them sellotaped underneath her seat.” The vows were traditional with a personal touch, and Hollie’s parents signed the register – all while the registrar kept a close eye on her veil, ensuring it didn’t brush too close to the many candles lining the floor and plinths framing the beautiful bay window ceremony space.
After the ceremony, guests mingled over cocktails and canapés to a string soundtrack, while a magician roamed the room with sleight-of-hand tricks. Dinner was a feast of smoked chicken salad, slow-cooked short rib of beef and sumptuous sticky toffee pudding.
As the winter night set in, evening guests arrived and a DJ took to the decks to spin a series of dance floor-fillers. Later, everyone spilled outside into the crisp night for a dazzling sparkler tunnel beneath the stars. There was no big first dance moment – and that was intentional. “Adam has two left feet, so we opted for a last dance with our friends and family,” says Hollie. “We danced to Afterglow by Wilkinson and Becky Hill.”
The reception also featured a photo bath - a copper tub beautifully styled with flowers, a neon sign and glitterballs - which quickly became a guest favourite. “As the drinks flowed, the exuberant manner in which everyone entered and exited the bath increased,” laughs Hollie. “Needless to say, the poor bath didn’t make it and lost two feet!”
From a spirited evening of celebrations to late-night pizzas, the the day was - in Hollie’s words - “spectacular” from start to finish. As for words of advice for other couples, Hollie recommends booking a venue stylist. “Also, make sure you set aside protected time for ‘wedmin!’”
Photography Nova Wedding Photography novaweddingphotography.co.uk
Megan Maxwell Photography meganmaxwellphotography.co.uk
Venue Rockbeare Manor rockbearemanor.co.uk
Styling Room for Bloom instagram.com/roomforbloomevents
Dress Sassi Holford sassiholford.com
Suit Suit Supply suitsupply.com
Hair Cindy Beddard Bridal Hair cindybeddardbridalhair.co.uk
Make-up Amy Elizabeth Makeup Artist amy-elizabeth.com
Engagement ring Fenton fentonand.co
Wedding rings Wylde Jewellers nicholaswylde.com
Flowers, décor & stationery Room for Bloom instagram.com/roomforbloomevents
Cake Oakyarde Cakes oakyardecakes.co.uk
Entertainment Joel Grainger joelgrainger.co.uk
Josh King Magician jkmagic52.co.uk
DJ Future Media future-media.co.uk
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