So many couples have had to adapt and change their wedding plans over the last 12 months, some numerous times. Cyndi and Matt are the perfect example of a couple very much in love, who took it all in their stride and ended up with the perfect outcome! One which they would choose to do all over again, even if they had the option of a larger wedding.
So folks, if you’re still umming and ahhing over a possible micro wedding, let C + M explain why their intimate December celebration was the perfect choice for them, and why it might be for you too…
Cyndi says…
We got engaged in May 2020 and knew that we didn’t want a long engagement so hoped for a winter wedding that same year. Exclusivity, guest accommodation and stylish interiors were a must and the venue had to have seriously good food and wine options – Rockbeare Manor ticked all of those boxes. We felt it had everything and more on our wish list.
I actually purchased my Enzoani dress via Instagram from a shop called Perfect Daze Bridal, only about a month before the wedding – not the way I pictured buying the most important dress of my life! I had by that stage already purchased one that was very simple but once it was announced that the numbers for weddings would stay at 15 I decided to up my dress game!
I wore the most beautiful jewelled headpiece and veil from Richard Designs and my shoes were from Bella Belle in the US. Matt wore a tuxedo from Next, and some bespoke cufflinks I bought for him a couple of years ago.
The calligraphy work of Maria Manuscript who I again found on Instagram really finished the look of the wedding off. She created the most beautiful place settings edged in gold leaf, menus to match, ribbons for my flowers and bespoke signage all made by hand and with immense care and skill.
We wanted all our flowers to be British and as wild as possible. Charlotte at Floren Studio in Topsham understood exactly what we wanted and we fell in love with the inspirational mood board that she created for us. Our colours were white, lots of green and just a hint of red which felt very wintery. Keeping It Vintage provided us with lots of gold candlesticks which were placed in-between the flower arrangements on the main table to bring the whole thing together.
We had to downsize on the cake after we realised that we could only have 15 guests at our wedding but are so pleased with how perfect it turned out. It was two tiers with embossed details on the icing, gold leaf and exquisite sugar flowers almost exploding out of the cake. Provided by Dollybird Bakes, we chose sticky toffee for the main layer and white chocolate and raspberry for the top.
All our catering was provided by the Chefs and team at Rockbeare Manor and they didn’t disappoint! After the wedding ceremony we were offered French 75 cocktails and craft beer alongside a delicate and delicious afternoon tea. At our planning meeting, our Event Manager Davy helped us come up with a food and wine pairing meal that would be 6 courses in total, with wines to match each one. This aspect of the day really made such an impact on us and our guests.
In the evening, as restrictions didn’t permit a disco or dancing, we had a cocktail hour where the team at Rockbeare Manor made us the most amazing cocktails, whilst we listened to chilled music by our talented Saxophonist, Carlo Sax. It was brilliant!
We both hate having our photos taken so we were dreading trying to find a photographer. But, we were lucky enough to find Alex Toze, one of Rockbeare Manor’s recommended suppliers, who not only knows Rockbeare Manor really well but also specializes in photos which are of the moment. He was just amazing, and took some incredible photos. But more than that he became part of the day. We really enjoyed our time with him and were blown away by the moments he captured.
Best part of the day
Actually getting married was the best part for both of us, we would have gone ahead even if it could only have been us two! Very very closely followed by how wonderful and attentive the team at Rockbeare Manor were.
From one couple to another…
Don’t let things like guests wearing masks or reduced numbers bother you! You won’t even notice on the day and a wedding, no matter how many guests, can still be the most special day of your lives.
Even if we could go back and have 50 or 100 guests we actually wouldn’t. We spent quality time with everyone and it felt so incredibly special. No one missed a disco or photo booth even though originally we planned to have both, because celebrating our marriage and having fun with our closest friends and family was the most important thing.
Venue Rockbeare Manor
Photography Alex Toze Photography
Bridal Boutique Perfect Daze Bridal
Bridal Accessories Richard Designs
Groom’s Attire Next
Bridal Make-up Laura Le Page
Bridal Hair Brigitte Fisher
Cake Dollybird Bakes
Stationary Maria Manuscript
Florist Floren Studio
Music Carlo Sax
Decor Keeping it Vintage
Based on a weekday wedding in March.