I got married to my Husband Liam on 14th June 2014 and we knew that we really wanted a DIY wedding venue, we looked at several venues that could do this but it was really only ever going to be one venue for us and that was a marquee in my Parents field, where I grew up overlooking Dartmoor. We were lucky that we had somewhere to put up a marquee and space to have the wedding, if we didn’t have that we would have definitely booked one of the DIY wedding venues we had viewed.
With no backup for bad weather we couldn’t have been anymore fortunate (lucky) it was the most stunning June day with beautiful sunshine all day, actually it was absolutely boiling!
I would so love to enjoy that weekend all over again it really does go far too fast – so to any Bride and Grooms planning your big day embrace and enjoy the lead up to the wedding as it will be over in the blink of an eye the planning is so exciting so definitely try and enjoy and try not to get yourself too stressed.
I started visiting some venues at the beginning of 2020 just before launching Orchardleaoccasionfoods but then Covid-19 put a quick stop to that, so it has been an absolute pleasure to get out again and meet some fellow friends in the wedding industry and visit their truly beautiful wedding venues – it definitely makes me wish I was getting married again (to the same person, not someone different!)
I have got my first wedding buffet on Saturday 8th May 2021 at Froginwell Vineyard just outside of Exeter which was meant to be March last year, Abbi and her Husband to be Matt have had a few date changes and I have everything crossed that 8th May will go ahead for them, I can’t wait to be a very small part of their special day which they have waited so patiently for and get some new photos of our buffet food all laid out – hooray!
I met Dani at Froginwell Vineyard and she showed me around, as soon as I walked in it just felt so fresh, bright and inviting and the paint on the bar area was so eye-catching I absolutely love the color.
Kate and Chris who own Froginwell …
By day, the traditionally restored 1903 Traction Engine has provided the unique backdrop for many wedding ceremonies and there is a beautiful oak framed terrace that overlooks the vineyard and the hexagon area where ceremonies can take place.
The oak beamed reception area which can seat up to 120 is filled with so much daylight spilling through the ceiling windows and the 3 large arched doors this is also where the gorgeous bar is located.
The decked area outside which overlooks the vineyard and endless space for kids to run around and explore.
Less than 20 minutes away i then headed over to meet Joanna at Higher Holcombe to have a look around her fairly new wedding venue, she has had 4 weddings take place there so far having only launched at the end of 2019 and they are adapting it all the time. It has the most wonderful feel to it, really laid back and so peaceful but you can really feel that alot of fun will be had at this venue.
Her passion for the venue shines through, all she wants is for the Bride, Groom and guests to have the best day ever.
The beautiful barn which isn’t even 2 years old yet, has a really rustic charm and the surroundings just go on and on!
They have over many years planted over 7,000 trees within the many acres at Higher Holcombe.
They use bell tents used for glamping which are kept up throughout the summer and a ‘Hobbit house’ which is such a fun little house for the overnight sleepover (pictured below) they are also in the process of building some shepherd huts too which will make more overnight accomodation.
When the venue is booked for a weekend wedding the main house is used to accommodate wedding guests too, so there are many options for guests to stay overnight.
Joanna was an absolute breath of fresh air to meet, so real, fun loving and friendly – the perfect venue host!
She inspired me to do a blog post, we are both very new in this industry so hoping we can both help each other along the way.
So if you are newly engaged/currently looking for a DIY wedding venue in beautiful Devon and reading this blog then don’t hesitate to visit Froginwell and Higher Holcombe both fantastic venues and so unique in their own way.
Ask yourself what are you looking for most out of a wedding venue?
Don’t forget if you are looking for local buffet food for your wedding/event then checkout our buffet packages/full product list https://www.orchardleaoccasionfoods.co.uk/buffet-food/ we are very laid back, we can do a bespoke buffet package for you, you can mix and match packages take food out -we can adapt if what your preference is.
