Your

Wedding
Issue 2
www.rookery-manor.co.uk

at Rookery Manor

TIME TO
SPARKLE
Putting
Flower on the
power
Roses are glitz
red for
romance NEW THIS

Rookery
SPRING!
Relax at

retreat & spa

Real weddings
Lynsey and matt’s
winter wonderland 
Bridal fashion ◆ Planning your ceremony ◆ Catering made simple ◆ and more...
Weddings you’ll love...
◆
Picture: mangoweddings.co.uk

at R ookery
Celebrate your
big day in
perfect style
Manor
Call us now on: 0845 409 09 40
www.rookery-manor.co.uk
 Rookery Manor – Somerset’s award-winning venue www.rookery-manor.co.uk
 Welcome ◆

C
ONGRATULATIONS on your
engagement and welcome to a winter
wonderland issue of Rookery Manor’s very
own wedding magazine. As Somerset’s
award-winning venue, we understand this is the Rookery Manor Weddings
most memorable day of your life – and it’s our aim to Tel: 0845 409 09 40
make all your dreams come true. We think planning Email: enquiries@rookery-manor.co.uk
the party of a lifetime should be fun,
so Your Wedding magazine is packed
with fantastic ideas and expert advice

Picture: RedPR Images – redpr.net

on every aspect of your big day. Inside,
you can read about a real-life winter
wedding, choose a magical setting for
Ian Clapp
Owner, your ceremony and preview this season’s
Rookery Manor
most gorgeous gowns. Plus, there is
the latest wedding news on everything from fabulous
flowers to stylish receptions and a whole lot more. So, Rookery Manor Bridal
put your feet up and enjoy flicking through the pages Tel: 0845 409 09 30
of Rookery Manor’s bridal magazine – it’s the most Email: bridal@rookery-manor.co.uk
relaxing way to plan the wedding of your dreams!

◆
We’d love to hear from you
If you have any comments or would like to advertise
your services in the next issue of the Rookery Manor
magazine, please contact:
Editorial
Editor: Amanda Cowley
amanda.cowley@redpr.net ☎ 01934 733108
Advertising Rookery Manor Spa
Sales Manager: Simon Page Tel: 0845 409 09 60
simon@rookery-manor.co.uk ☎ 0845 409 09 40 Email: spa@rookery-manor.co.uk
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort was made to ensure the information in this magazine was correct at the
time of going to press, the publishers cannot accept legal responsibility for any errors or omissions. Nor
can they accept responsibility for advertisement content or the standing of advertisers.
All Rights Reserved: Reproduction of any material, in whole or part, is strictly forbidden without the
prior written consent of the publishers. All material is sent at the owners’ risk and, whilst every care is
taken, Rookery Manor will not accept liability for loss or damage.

Your

Wedding at Rookery Manor

Published in 2010 by Rookery Manor, Edingworth,
nr Weston-super-Mare, Somerset BS24 0JB

Written, designed and produced by RedPR,

The Maltings, Cross, Somerset BS26 2EH Rookery Manor Florist
Printed by The Magazine Printing Company, Enfield, Tel: 0845 409 09 50
Middlesex EN3 7NT Email: enquiries@rookery-manor.co.uk

www.rookery-manor.co.uk Rookery Manor – Somerset’s award-winning venue 

 01934 813400
www.escapebleadon.co.uk

Escape is a unisex hair and beauty salon conveniently located in the

village of Bleadon, Weston-super-Mare – bringing you hair and beauty
services that you will not find anywhere else in the area.

Offering over 40 beauty treatments from bridal make-up and

packages to tanning and facials.

With our highly trained therapist having many years of experience,

we strive to deliver quality and excellent service.

For full treatment guide, please contact Leanne or visit our new and
exciting website.

Originality a speciality
We offer a friendly,
personal service,
producing handmade,
bespoke products to
make your occasion
that extra special
To chat about ideas
for your favours and
stationery, please
do not hesitate to
contact me...
Sybil
Tel:
01934 520282
Mobile:
07944 613441
E-mail:
forgetmenotfavours@sky.com

 www.forgetmenotstationery.co.uk
 Inside ◆
06 Real weddings
Romantic couple Lynsey and Matt get
married by candlelight

09 Wedding wish list

It’s never too early to start planning your
big day, so let’s go shopping!

11 I do... love weddings

How to choose the perfect venue for
your wedding ceremony

14 Step into the spotlight

Somerset’s top bridal show puts on the
style at Rookery Manor

16 Get the party started

Impress your guests with a wedding
reception they will never forget

18 At your service
Head chef Alex Thompson shares his
passion for buffets and banquets
21 Bridal fashion
Six pages of fashion as designers unveil
their stunning new collections
27 Make your shoes shine
Walk up the aisle in a fabulous pair
of designer bridal shoes
29 Let’s hear it for the boys
The guys are groomed to make sure
your big day goes without a hitch
30 Real weddings
The sun shines on Carly and Joe’s
traditional summer wedding
37 Flower power
Red roses spell romance for brides in
the secret language of love
39 Q&A
Wedding experts Kim and Lin have the
answers to your questions
41 Wedding Xtras
Don’t forget those finishing touches that
make your day so special
42 New! Rookery Retreat & Spa
Spoil yourself at the grand opening of
Rookery Manor’s luxurious new spa
Your

Wedding
Issue 2
www.rookery-manor.co.uk

at Rookery Manor

34 Suite romance TIME TO

Spend your wedding night in the SPARKLE
Putting
fLOwER on the
glamorous Diamond bridal suite POwER
Roses are glitz Front cover
red for Picture:Tom Gage Photographic –
romance
tomgagephotographic.com
35
nEw ThIS

Wedding album Rookery

SPRIng!
Relax at

Bridal fashion (above)

Rookery Manor’s award-winning gardens
retreat & spa

REAL wEddIngS Maggie Sottero at Rookery Manor

are guaranteed to make you smile Lynsey and matt’s
wInTER wOndERLAnd
BRIdAL fAShIOn ◆ PLAnnIng yOuR cEREMOny ◆ cATERIng MAdE SIMPLE ◆ And MORE...

Tel: 0845 409 09 30

www.rookery-manor.co.uk Rookery Manor – Somerset’s award-winning venue 

Real weddings

Winter
Wonderland
Romantic couple
Lynsey and Matt
get married
by candlelight

The wedding A magical

winter wonderland was the theme
of Lynsey Randall and Matthew
Johnson’s candlelit wedding. The
couple celebrated their marriage
with a white wedding, followed by
a romantic reception at Rookery
Manor.

The church Lynsey and

Matt were married at St Michael’s
Church in the Somerset village of
Enmore. Harpist Emerald Toogood
played Pachelbel’s Canon in D Major
as the bride walked down the aisle to
be given away by her father. She was
attended by her bridesmaids – sister
Karen, sister-in-law Claire and
friends Pat, Natalie and Beth.

The ceremony During

the candelit ceremony, Lynsey’s
parents, Derek and Sheila, and
Matt’s parents, Paul and Cheryl,
watched as the bride and groom
took their vows in the ancient stone
church. The couple then exchanged
bespoke platinum rings to match the
diamond solitaire engagement ring
presented to Lynsey by Matt when he
proposed during a trip to Barcelona.

The dress Looking ultra-

smart in a black Edwardian suit,
Matt was outshone only by his
bride’s stunning white satin gown
by Hollywood Dreams, featuring
a diamante and crystal-encrusted
bodice. A faux fur wrap kept the
winter chills at bay and Lynsey
completed the look with a sparkling
tiara. She carried a bouquet of red,

 Rookery Manor – Somerset’s award-winning venue www.rookery-manor.co.uk

diamante-studded roses created
by Rookery Manor florist Alison
Hawkins. Her bridesmaids kept up
the seasonal theme by wearing red
satin gowns and carrying bouquets of
winter foliage and white roses.
The reception After the
ceremony, the couple travelled in a
Rolls-Royce Phantom to a reception
for 130 guests at Rookery Manor.
A Caribbean steel band and frosted
glasses of Champagne greeted guests
as they walked through a floral
archway into the Desborough Suite.
Tables, decorated in white and
red with candelabras and flowers,
created a winter scene under the
starlit ceiling. As Lynsey and Matt
have travelled the world, each table
was named after one of the places on
their travels.
The menu The couple
chose a three-course wedding
breakfast, featuring a starter of
button mushrooms, followed by a
main course of chicken ballantine
stuffed with cranberries and a dessert
www.rookery-manor.co.uk
of Baileys cheesecake. Their three-
tier wedding cake was a fairytale
creation surrounded by snow and
candles – and topped with a replica
of Cinderella’s castle. As favours,
guests were given wedding crackers
containing chocolates and a personal
message from the bride and groom.
The party After the formal
reception, it was time to party with
guests waving giant sparklers as the
couple moved towards the dance
floor. A buffet of bacon butties kept
up the energy levels for dancing to
live band Pop Of The Ages. Roman
candles lit up the floor as Lynsey
and Matt enjoyed their first dance as
a married couple to the sound of A
Whole New World.
The honeymoon The
newlyweds spent their wedding
night in the luxurious Diamond
bridal suite at Rookery Manor before
setting off on an unforgettable
Disney honeymoon cruise in Florida,
followed by a relaxing 10 days in the
Mexican resort of Cancun. ➢ Pictures: tomgagephotographic.com
Rookery Manor – Somerset’s award-winning venue 
 ‘Our day was perfect in every way – we wouldn’t change a
thing,’ says winter bride Lynsey. ‘It was everything that we
could have dreamed of – and more!’
 Rookery Manor – Somerset’s award-winning venue
Get the look
♥ Winter wonderland
’Tis the season for white gowns, faux fur
wraps, red roses – and brides who want
to stand out from the crowd.
Wedding co-ordinators: Call Rookery
Manor’s experts on 0845 409 09 40.
♥ The dress
Lynsey’s wedding dress, featuring a
diamante and crystal-encrusted bodice,
was designed by Hollywood Dreams. A
tiara by Blossom and faux fur wrap by
Princess Bijoux completed the look.
Bridalwear: Call Rookery Manor’s Bridal
Boutique on 0845 409 09 30.
♥ The bouquet
Floral designer Alison Hawkins created
a gorgeous, seasonal bouquet with deep
red, diamante-studded roses.
Wedding flowers: Call Rookery Manor’s
florist on 0845 409 09 50.
www.rookery-manor.co.uk
Wedding
Wish List Shine on
Add a little sparkle to
your outfit with this silver
Milano clutch bag (£79.00)
by Siena Xzane. Call
It’s never too early to start planning for 0845 409 09 30 to buy.
your big day, so let’s go shopping!

Favours are Dress fit for

all about you a princess
Guests at your reception can
read all about your romance in a Traditionally, the role of a
personalised edition of flower girl is to scatter
Just Wed! Favours. The story of rose petals as she walks
how you came to tie the knot is down the aisle in front
a great way to keep family and of the bride. This lovely
friends entertained on your satin dress by Dessy is
big day. The silk paper scrolls guaranteed to make
beautifully and can even be tied any little girl feel like
with a ribbon to match your a princess. Stockists
colour scheme. Prices start at include Rookery
£65.00 for 50 copies of your own front page. Manor’s Bridal
Find out more at www.justwedmagazine.com Boutique on
0845 409 09 30.

Icing on the cake

It is almost a shame
to cut the cake when
it’s as gorgeous as
this Rose Lights
creation (£425.00)
by Just Scrumptious
Cakes. Illuminated
separators light up
the rose-decorated
tiers, which can be
baked in a variety of
flavours. Call 01458
830122 for a tasting
session.

Bowled over
Glass bowls filled with flowers
can look wonderful as a table
centrepiece. For more ideas on
wedding flowers, call Rookery
Manor florist Alison Hawkins
on 0845 409 09 50.

www.rookery-manor.co.uk Rookery Manor – Somerset’s award-winning venue 

 W hat’s
Wedding exhibitions
Sunday, January 23
Don’t miss the fun and fashion at Rookery
Manor’s spectacular wedding exhibition.
Doors open at 10.30am. Admission free.
♥ See Page 15 for full details.
Thursday, April 28
Pimm’s will be served on your arrival at our
spring evening wedding exhibition from
5pm to 9pm. Admission free.
Sunday, September 18
Another chance to see everything that
Rookery Manor has to offer at our twice
yearly wedding exhibition. Doors open at
10.30am. Admission free.
Thursday, November 24
Enjoy a glass of mulled wine at our winter
evening wedding exhibition from 5pm to
9pm. Admission free.
Designer showcase
Find the dress of your dreams when top
designer collections are showcased at
Rookery Manor’s Bridal Boutique:
Sunday, February 06
Madeline Isaac-James (10am-6pm)
For more details, call: 0845 409 09 09
www.rookery-manor.co.uk
10 Rookery Manor – Somerset’s award-winning venue
on
in 2011
◆
Saturday, February 26
Pronovias (10am-6pm)
Weekend, April 23-24
Maggie Sottero (10am-6pm)
♥ For more details, go to www.rookery-
manor-weddings.co.uk/wedding-shows.php
Rookery Retreat & Spa
Monday, January 17
Book a treatment at our luxurious new spa,
which opens today. Or treat that someone
special to a gift voucher, available now at
www.rookery-manor.co.uk
Weekend, February 11-13
Enjoy a wide range of health and beauty
therapies at the grand opening of Rookery
Retreat & Spa.
♥ See Page 42 for more spa news.
Coming soon...
Be first in line for our new swimming pool,
wet rooms, relaxation areas and state-of-the-
art gymnasium – opening mid-2011.
Rookery Brasserie
Friday, February 11
Fine dining is on the menu at the official
launch of our new brasserie. Enjoy a two-
course meal for £26.00 or three-courses for
£32.00, each served with complimentary
olives, breads, dips, coffee and truffles. For
those extra special occasions, try the Chef ’s
Table from £40.00, which also includes
amuse-bouche and a sorbet between courses.
♥ Rookery Brasserie is open daily for:
Coffee and cakes (10am-12noon); Light bite
lunches (12noon-3pm); Afternoon high tea
(3pm-5pm); Evening meals (6pm-9.15pm).
Special events
Don’t forget Rookery Manor hosts special
events throughout the year, ranging
from a romantic Valentine’s Ball to a
special Mother’s Day Lunch and fabulous
Christmas parties.
Keep in touch
For all the latest news, go to www.rookery-
manor.co.uk. You can also follow us at
www.facebook.com/rookerymanor or
at R
http://twitter.com/RookeryManor
ookery
Manor
www.rookery-manor.co.uk
TRUE ROMANCE: Whether you want to be married in the Rose Room (above) or under a starlit ceiling, Rookery Manor is the perfect place for you

I do...
Pictures: johnholbrookphotography.co.uk

♥
Rookery Manor celebrates its
10th anniversary as Somerset’s
award-winning wedding venue

love weddings
I
T is easy to see why so many couples
fall in love with the beautifully
restored Rose Room at Rookery
Manor. This handcrafted glass
gazebo is the focal point of an ancient
walled garden renowned for its tumbling
waterfalls and romantic lake.
But the Rose Room is not the only
perfect setting for a winter or summer
wedding at the 16th century manor. In
fact, the only slight hitch to planning
your ceremony here is that you may find
yourself spoilt for choice!
Set in an area of outstanding natural
beauty, Rookery Manor can offer a
secluded and tranquil setting for any type
of civil ceremony or blessing in one of four
unique marriage rooms.
For a truly grand affair, there is a choice
of two magnificent wedding suites. The
Desborough Suite is lavishly festooned in
ivory drapes to recreate the splendour of a
grand marquee whilst the Iris Suite offers
both sophistication and elegance under a
beautiful starlit ceiling.
Those who dream of saying their vows
al fresco may prefer the open-air romance
of the newest venue – the Island Gazebo.
Watched by family and friends, the bride
can make a magical entrance by walking
over a wooden bridge or sailing across the
lake towards her husband-to-be.
The man with the vision to make your
wedding dreams come true is owner Ian
Clapp, whose family has lived at Rookery
Manor for four generations. ‘Your wedding
should be a celebration that everyone
remembers and the day you will ➢

www.rookery-manor.co.uk Rookery Manor – Somerset’s award-winning venue 11

treasure forever,’ he says. ‘It is the most memorable day of
your life and we want to make sure it is absolutely perfect
with everything just as you want it.’
Rookery Manor weddings can be booked seven days a
week for civil ceremonies, Asian ceremonies, alternative
celebrations and civil partnerships. Each wedding is
tailormade with a choice of Diamond, Emerald and Ruby
packages to help you decide on the ideal way to celebrate
your special day.
One thing every bride needs, of course, is a fairy
godmother and Rookery Manor’s team of wedding co-
ordinators, led by the owner’s daughter Kim Popham, fits
those shoes nicely!
Kim has been working her magic since her dad decided
to turn the family home into a grand wedding venue. ‘I just
love planning a couple’s special day and making it the best
day of their lives,’ she says.
As well as helping you choose the setting for your
ceremony, it is a wedding expert’s job to make all your
dreams come true. From chair covers to floral decor – if
you want it, she will do her best to arrange it!
But first, here comes the difficult part. Will it be the
Rose Room, Island Gazebo, Desborough Suite or Iris Suite
that captures your heart? Whichever location you choose,
you can be sure Rookery Manor is the perfect place to say
‘I do!’.
♥ Book your appointment to view all that Rookery Manor
has to offer by calling 0845 409 09 40.

DREAM SETTING: Couples can say their vows in

one of four unique marriage rooms at Rookery
Manor, including the open-air Island Gazebo
(above) and the sophisticated Iris Suite (right)
Iris Suite picture: martinhillphotography.com

12 Rookery Manor – Somerset’s award-winning venue www.rookery-manor.co.uk

Especially
for you
Start planning a
ceremony that’s
as unique as your
partnership

Y
OUR civil partnership ceremony
should be as unique and special as
you are. While some gay or lesbian
couples choose to follow traditional
wedding etiquette, others may like to add a new
twist of their own.
You might like to walk down the aisle
together, for instance, attended by your best
friends instead of the conventional best man
and bridesmaids. And why not update an age-
old custom by carrying a pink horseshoe to
bring good luck to your partnership?
However you choose to celebrate your
special day, there’s only one hard and fast rule
– and that’s to make it fun and fabulous!
♥ Rookery Manor is licensed for civil
partnership ceremonies in four settings,
including the romantic Rose Room, pictured
right. Call 0845 409 09 40 to find out more.

CIVIL PARTNERS: Celebrating at Rookery Manor

Picture: Mark Taylor Photography – mtphotos.co.uk

Chordae
Fontium
Live Music for all Occasions
Dinner Parties, Weddings & Special Events

Chordae Fontium is a professional string

quartet, whose members are experienced
in providing high quality music for
any occasion.

The quartet has a wide repertoire including

favourite classical pieces by Pachelbel,
Mozart, Bach, Tchaikovsky, as well as
music in a lighter vein.

Chordae Fontium, String Quartet

Wells Sinfonietta, Orchestra

For more information contact

Ed Burns
Rookery Tel: 01749 870221
Manor Mobile: 07976 163737
E-Mail: mail@chordaefontium.co.uk
or visit the website: www.chordaefontium.co.uk

Music Poster A5.indd 1 17/7/08 15:37:01

 Step into the
Spotlight

STAR OF THE SHOW:

Designer gowns from
the stunning Starlet
collection by Madeline
Isaac-James are featured
at Rookery Manor’s
Bridal Boutique

14 Rookery Manor – Somerset’s award-winning venue

14 www.rookery-manor.co.uk
GLORIOUS GROUNDS: Historic Rookery Manor is the perfect setting for your wedding  Pictures: leehatherallphotography.com

Somerset’s top bridal show

is putting on the style
at 16th century manor

M
AKE it your new year’s resolution to visit Rookery Manor’s spectacular
wedding exhibition. It’s your chance to see all that Somerset’s award-
winning venue has to offer and a whole lot more. From the moment
its doors open at 10.30am on Sunday, January 23, this beautiful 16th
century manor will be the place to experience everything that goes into making your
wedding so special.
Wedding co-ordinators will be on hand to give their expert advice on how to choose
the ideal setting for your ceremony and plan the perfect reception. Flowers, limos,
bridalwear, spa treatments – you name it, they know about it!
Visitors will be invited to explore Rookery Manor at their leisure, so you can feel
completely free to wander around the magical marriage rooms, lavishly decorated
reception suites and magnificent gardens.
Inside the main hall, you will find more than 50
boutique stands – packed with ideas about everything
from photography to entertainment and chocolate
fountains to wedding cakes.
For the bride-to-be, this will also be your chance
to see the latest wedding gowns by top designers
Pronovias, Hollywood Dreams, Maggie Sottero and
– new for 2011 – the stunning collection by Madeline
Isaac-James.
Light lunches (or even a full English breakfast
if you arrive before 12noon) will be served in
FALL IN LOVE: Ruffle a few feathers at Rookery
the Rookery Brasserie and visitors can also enjoy
Manor’s wedding exhibition by falling for this
afternoon tea and homemade cakes. Fidji bridal gown by Pronovias
So much to see – and admission is absolutely free!

www.rookery-manor.co.uk Rookery Manor – Somerset’s award-winning venue 15

p
Get the
started
arty Be our guests at Rookery
Manor for a wedding
reception to remember
STAR TURN: Impress your guests with a reception in the luxurious splendour of the Desborough Suite
Main pictures: johnholbrookphotography.co.uk
Eat, drink and be merry!
GUESTS who are enjoying their
food and drink tend to socialise
more freely, so you need to plan your
wedding breakfast with care.
Your heart may be set on a five-
course banquet or perhaps you would
prefer an informal buffet. For a winter
wedding, you might even like to greet
guests with mulled wine and mince
16 Rookery Manor – Somerset’s award-winning venue
W
ITH its starlit ceiling
and ivory drapes
lavishly festooned
to recreate the
splendour of a grand marquee, the
Desborough Suite at Rookery Manor is
a magnificent setting for your wedding
reception.
As well as catering for up to 400
guests at a formal, seated reception,
it is also a great place to get the party
started with Roman candles lighting
up the dance floor.
This luxurious suite is just one of
the reasons you can feel confident your
guests will enjoy a day to remember in
the splendour of 16th century Rookery
Manor.
You might also like to consider the
sophistication of the Iris Suite, again
with seating for up to 400 guests. For a
smaller, more intimate wedding, there
is the elegant Rookery Brasserie or the
outdoor Marquee, complete with a
stylish Champagne bar.
Whichever venue you choose, an
pies – followed by a festive menu of
roast turkey with all the trimmings.
Whichever style of reception you
choose, Rookery Manor’s chefs will
help you create the perfect menu.
♥ Call 0845 409 09 40 to talk over
your wedding breakfast ideas.
Picture: johnholbrookphotography.co.uk
www.rookery-manor.co.uk
experienced team of wedding co-
ordinators will be on hand to organise
every aspect of your reception – leaving
you free to relax and have a great time
with your guests.
Rookery Manor can cater for any
kind of reception from a five-course
banquet to an informal buffet, thanks
to a top-class catering team led by head
chef Alex Thompson.
It is your big day and we never lose
sight of the fact that every bride and
groom is different. But the one thing
all couples have in common is the
desire for their reception to have the
Wow! factor.
This means reflecting your style
in everything from beautiful flower
arrangements to the most glamorous
of table settings. While a wedding
cake is traditionally the focal point
of a reception, you might also like to
consider an ice sculpture or chocolate
fountain for an extra bit of fun.
When it comes to entertaining
guests, your fairy godmother (also
known as your wedding co-ordinator)
will never be short of ideas. From
discos to live bands and fun casinos to
singing waiters (yes, really!), there are
endless ways to keep your family and
friends amused.
And, as a spectacular way to round
off the celebrations, it’s hard to beat
a firework finale – especially when
watched by the bride and groom from
the balcony of Rookery Manor.
♥ Start planning your party of a
lifetime by calling the wedding team
on 0845 409 09 40. Picture: peterjnicholls.co.uk

Go for the Wow! factor

FIRST impressions count, so a perfect
reception needs to have the Wow!
factor from the moment your guests
walk into the room.
This stunning red and black decor
added to the glamour of the Iris Suite
for the New Year’s Eve wedding of
Rookery Manor owner Ian Clapp and
his bride Nicky.
Romantic candlelight, black chair
covers with red bows and tablecloths
strewn with sparkling crystals can all
help to create your very own winter
wonderland.
♥ Get your wedding off to a stylish
start by calling 0845 409 09 40.
Picture: tomgagephotographic.com

www.rookery-manor.co.uk Rookery Manor – Somerset’s award-winning venue 17

 KEY INGREDIENT: Head chef Alex
Thompson can cater for every kind
of wedding reception
Picture: RedPR Images – redpr.net

S ample
Menu
At your
(Ch o o se o n e d

Smoked salm
ish from each
Starter

cream cheese
selection)

on, spinach
roulade
&

p
service
N
o m & celeriac sou
Wild mushro er & apricot pate EXT to the marriage ceremony itself, the wedding
ken liv
Coarse chic t chutney breakfast is undoubtedly the most important part
with aprico of your special day. This much-loved tradition is a
rse wonderful way for guests to relax and socialise as you
M ain Cou e
a rich red win celebrate your first meal together as a married couple.
ee f W el li n gton with
B sauce Rookery Manor prides itself on being the perfect place to
& mushroom duck with a
brea of
st entertain and impress your guests. It can cater for every kind of
H oney roast lsamic sauce wedding reception, ranging from an informal buffet to a five-
cherry & ba chilli salsa
a tomato & course banquet.
Tuna with The key ingredient for success is head chef Alex Thompson, who
Dessert is renowned for the quality of his cuisine. Alex’s fabulous food is
te sauce
ro fi te ro le s with chocola cream complemented by his professional catering team. Together, they
P otted
tatin with cl offer a high-class banqueting service that is always friendly, efficient
A pple tart int ch ee secake
O range & m and attentive.
‘I love the banqueting side of my job,’ says Alex, who started
out as a wine waiter serving football fans in the VIP boxes at
Manchester United. ‘It’s hard to beat the adrenaline hit of serving a

18 Rookery Manor – Somerset’s award-winning venue www.rookery-manor.co.uk

 Fine times at
new brasserie
F
GRAND RECEPTION: The glamorous Iris Suite at Rookery Manor  Picture: peterjnicholls.co.uk
OOD lovers can enjoy fine
dining at a new restaurant
top-quality menu to 400 guests at a wedding in the heart of the Somerset
reception. I really enjoy my part in making countryside. With chefs Alex
sure each couple’s wedding is the best day of Thompson and Nick Cardwell
their lives.’ at the helm, Rookery Brasserie
Whilst a three-course, sit-down meal is gaining a reputation as a great
remains the most popular choice, some place to eat out.
couples prefer a more informal option. ‘We want to give guests a fine
‘Guests always dining experience to remember,’
enjoy a good says Alex, whose signature dish is
carvery and hot salsa-filled sole, served with
often ask orange and mint new potatoes
if they can and seasonal vegetables.
come back Converted from a historic 19th
for seconds,’ century barn in the grounds of
says Alex. Rookery Manor, the brasserie has
He also recommends a ploughman’s supper come a long way from its humble
as an alternative to the traditional evening origins as a farmyard stable. In
buffet, explaining: ‘Served with local cheeses, those days, it was home to shire
pickles, crusty bread and salad, this is a horses that pulled carriages
relaxed and very sociable meal.’ belonging to owner Ian Clapp’s
As a versatile and experienced chef, Alex late great-grandfather.
has several specialities on his menu – from Today, the building has been
pork and pistachio terrine to Scottish scallops turned into an elegant brasserie
wrapped in smoked bacon with Parmesan and and lounge bar with seating for
rocket salad. 40-50 diners. Set in an area of
But he is outstanding natural beauty but
also a big close to major road networks, it
fan of simple is the perfect spot to socialise or
food cooked entertain corporate guests.
to perfection, ‘As well as being a lovely
especially when setting for an intimate dinner,
sourced locally. the brasserie can be used for a
‘For my own multitude of occasions, such
wedding, we had a seafood salad, followed as a business lunch or wedding
by roast beef with all the trimmings and breakfast,’ says spokeswoman
profiteroles – you really can’t beat it,’ he says. Nicky Clapp.
♥ Start planning your wedding breakfast ♥ Call 0845 409 09 20 to book
with Alex and his team at Rookery Manor by your table at Rookery Brasserie.
calling 0845 409 09 40.

www.rookery-manor.co.uk Rookery Manor – Somerset’s award-winning venue 19

 Rookery
brasserie
◆

Sample Menu
Appetiser
Seared Scallops
Sweetcorn puree & quail’s eggs

Duckling Three Ways

Toasted brioche and fruit coulis

Entree
Stuffed Saddle of Somerset Lamb
Pea and mint puree, rosti and Madeira jus

Pot Roasted Breast of Pigeon

Creamed savoy with date sauce

Desserts
Apple
Combination of four-way surprise

Classic Lemon Tart

The chef ’s treat

Cheese Platter
Selection of Somerset cheeses

Fine dining at its best

Call us now on: 0845 409 09 20

www.rookery-manor.co.uk
20 Rookery Manor – Somerset’s award-winning venue www.rookery-manor.co.uk
 SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL: Famosa (left) and Francoli (above)
designer bridal gowns from the Pronovias collection

White
weddings
Pronovias unveils its
stunning 2011 collection
at Rookery Manor

p
URE romance is the inspiration for the
exquisite new bridal collection from
Spanish designer Pronovias. Creative
director Manuel Mota’s unique style reflects his
passion for curved shapes, gemstone embroidery
and luxurious fabrics.
With matching veils and winter coats, these
simply beautiful gowns are the unforgettable
choice for each and every bride.
♥ Make an appointment to view the dress of
your dreams by calling Rookery Manor’s Bridal
Boutique on 0845 409 09 30.

www.rookery-manor.co.uk 21
Rookery Manor – Somerset’s award-winning venue 21
 Rookery bridal boutique
When it comes to those all-important finishing touches, We’ve got
Rookery Manor’s Bridal Boutique has it all the look
Rookery Manor’s Bridal Boutique
has a dazzling array of gowns, veils,
tiaras, jewellery, shoes and lingerie.
Call bridalwear expert Lin Ogden
(above) on 0845 409 09 30 to
make your appointment.

Sweet ‘n’
stylish
Step out at your wedding
in these Sweet Briar
court shoes with lace
edging and hand-made
camellias (£195.00) by
Diane Hassall.

Keep it
handy
This ivory duchesse
silk handbag (£69.00)
by Benjamin Adams is
just perfect for your
bridal make-up.

Hidden beauty...
From sensual and stunning to flirty and feminine,
lingerie can have a huge effect on how you look and
feel on your special day. This beautiful basque is part
of the Jupon bridal lingerie collection.

Fab
flowers
Rookery Manor
florist Alison
Hawkins is the
pick of the bunch Picture: tomgagephotographic.com
when it comes to
designing something Sparkle and shine
special for brides. Read all about the secret language of Faux fur wraps and sparkling tiaras add a touch of magic to
flowers on Page 37 – then call Alison on 0845 409 09 50 a winter wedding. Try Blossom tiaras and Princess Bijoux
to discuss your wedding bouquet. wraps at Rookery Manor’s Bridal Boutique.

22 Rookery Manor – Somerset’s award-winning venue www.rookery-manor.co.uk

It’s all
about
you
O
NE of the most exciting parts of
planning your wedding is deciding
what you will wear on the big day.
But even the most confident bride-to-
be can feel a little overwhelmed by the bewildering
choice of gowns on offer.
‘This is the most important dress of your life,
so you need to feel like a million dollars when
you’re wearing it,’ says Lin Ogden at Rookery
Manor’s Bridal Boutique.
As an expert on bridal gowns by top designers
such as Pronovias, Hollywood Dreams and Maggie
Sottero, Lin makes it her business to know the fit
and style of each dress.
Thanks to her expertise, the bridal boutique
has become a one-stop shop for everything from
gorgeous gowns to bridal accessories.
♥ Book your personal visit to Rookery Manor’s
Bridal Boutique by calling 0845 409 09 30.

dream dress: Yara in

a soft shimmer satin by
Maggie Sottero

23
 And the bride
wore...
Red
The winter wedding
dress for brides who
dare to stand out
from the crowd

24
 Lu

Glitzy shoes

Red hot: Sophisticated Verona high-

heeled shoes (£239.00) in red silk
by Siena Xzane

sparkling: Luxurious Astor shoes

(£209.00) with Swarovski crystals
by Benjamin Adams

Simply red: Glamorous Firenze peep-

toe shoes (£159.00) in red silk
by Siena Xzane

SPARKLE IN SCARLET
♥ Hollywood Dreams is
famous for its beautiful
range of designer gowns,
handcrafted in the most
luxurious fabrics GLITTERING: Elegant Lopez shoes
(£399.00) with Swarovski crystals by
Benjamin Adams
♥ Sumptuous satins, flowing
organzas and taffeta silks
are adorned with stunning
embroidery and embellished
with ornate beading

♥ Stars of this season’s

bridal collection include
red hot designs such as the
Roxy (opposite), Theodora
(above) and Montana (left)
RED alert: Dramatic Roma crystal-
embellished shoes (£239.00) in red silk
♥ Find your perfect style
by Siena Xzane
by calling Rookery Manor’s
Bridal Boutique on 0845 All special occasion shoes from
409 09 30 for a personal Rookery Manor’s Bridal Boutique
consultation
25
 Shrug
off the
winter
chill
E
VERY bridesmaid wants
to look glamorous but
a winter wedding is no
time for flimsy frocks.
When the weather turns
chilly, you have the perfect
excuse to indulge in more
luxurious fabrics such as satin,
velvet or brocade.
The bridal party will
probably spend some time
outdoors, so it’s worth
investing in a few accessories
to keep the cold at bay.
A white faux fur stole
or shrug is a great way to
look cosy and cute without
swamping your dress.
Winter muffs (worn instead
of carrying a bouquet) or a
pair of bridal gloves make
elegant hand-warmers.
And, if you want to avoid Cosy and cute: Winter
that icy wind nipping at your white faux fur wrap worn
over Lexi bridesmaid’s
ankles, a pair of Victorian dress in light chocolate,
wedding boots could be just both by EbonyRose
the thing!
♥ Bridesmaids’ dresses by
EbonyRose and Dessy are
stocked at Rookery Manor’s
Bridal Boutique. Call 0845
409 09 30 for details.

26 Rookery Manor – Somerset’s award-winning venue www.rookery-manor.co.uk

 Make your
shoes shine

Walk down the aisle

RED carpet
collection: in a sparkling pair of
Be the star of
your wedding in designer bridal shoes

T
A-list shoes by
Benjamin Adams OP designer Alessandro Pavan is a man who
knows how to make your shoes shine. As the
head of Benjamin Adams’ design team, it’s his
job to put the style into bridal footwear.
This season’s collection reflects his attention to detail
and design, strongly influenced by fashion-forward
movie stars and celebrities.
Every shoe is handcrafted in the finest duchesse silk,
embellished with sophisticated Swarovski crystals and
alluring vintage trims.
The result is styles like Charlize, Zeta, Lopez and
Gaga (to name-drop but a few!) in a red carpet collection
that really steals the show.
♥ Visit Rookery Manor’s
Bridal Boutique for a
great range of shoes by
Benjamin Adams, Siena
Xzane and Diane Hassall.
Limited edition:
Swarovski crystals and
an elaborate ruffle turn
this Sissy design (right)
by Benjamin Adams into
a work of art. Made to
order at £499.00

www.rookery-manor.co.uk Rookery Manor – Somerset’s award-winning venue 27

 Forget the rest,

Best!
now visit the

Over 40 years experience of

mens formal wear with over
500 suits in stock you can see
how you look before you book.
Huge selection of:- Menswear
with suits, Jackets, Blazers,
Shirts, Ties Etc from leading
brand names including:-
Magee, Gurteen, Brook
Taverner, Peter England,
Wolsey and Jockey. Ready
made suits 38” to 58”
Shirts 14.5” to 22”
Deane & Sons
Bath Street
Cheddar BS27 3AA
01934 742530
www.deansofcheddar.co.uk
 Looks to
suit the
occasion

ELLESMERE: Black Edwardian

ALL FOR ONE: Groomsmen lend their support to the man of the moment at Rookery Manor suit with ivory waistcoat and
Picture: johnholbrookphotography.co.uk amethyst cravat

Let’s hear it for

the boys
W
HEN it comes to weddings,
CHEERS TO US: the girls do tend to call the
Don’t forget to shots. But on the big day itself, IRONBRIDGE: Classic black
raise a toast to the it is the boys’ job to make sure tailcoat with pink waistcoat
bridegroom too! and rose cravat
everything goes without a hitch.
First, it’s down to the best man to check the
groom gets to the venue at least 20 minutes
before the ceremony – and to have the wedding
rings safely in his pocket!
It is also his job to set out the various duties
of the ushers, which can range from escorting
guests to their seats to giving out service sheets
and buttonholes.
After the ceremony, there’s time to relax for
photos and a celebratory drink before moving
on to the reception – where the boys find
themselves back in the spotlight.
Following a speech by the father of the
bride, the groom thanks everyone and proposes
ATCHAM: Grey herringbone
a toast to the bridesmaids before the best man suit with silver waistcoat and
steps up to the mark. gunmetal cravat
The groom then invites his new bride to cut
the cake, shortly followed by their first dance ♥ All menswear supplied by
together as a married couple. After that, the Peter Posh Formal Suit Hire,
available at Deane & Sons in
boys have only one last duty to perform – and Bath Street, Cheddar.
that’s to get the party started!

www.rookery-manor.co.uk Rookery Manor – Somerset’s award-winning venue 29

Real weddings

A perfect day
The sun shines on
Carly and Joe at their
traditional summer
wedding

The wedding Even the sun shone

to order on Carly Wilkins and Joe Lemon’s
perfect day. The couple celebrated their
marriage with a traditional white wedding,
followed by a summer reception at 16th
century Rookery Manor.

The church Carly and Joe were

married at the ancient church of St Peter and
All Hallows in the Somerset village of West
Huntspill. Opera singers sang as the bride
walked down the aisle to be given away by her
father. Carly was attended by her bridesmaids
– best friend Rebecca and future sister-in-law
Tracey. Joe’s nieces, Rachel and Holly, were
flower girls and Carly’s nephew, Jack, played
his part as pageboy.

The ceremony Watched by Carly’s

parents, Andrew and Elaine, and Joe’s parents,
David and Sylvia, the bride and groom took
their vows and exchanged rings. Carly’s gold
band had seven diamonds to mark the couple’s
time together before they were married. In
a romantic proposal, Joe had gone down on
bended knee on a beach in Cuba before the
couple celebrated their engagement with a
Champagne toast.

The dress Carly wore a stunning

diamond-white dress designed by Maggie
Sottero. A glittering tiara and cathedral-
length veil sparkling with tiny diamante
gems completed the look. She carried a long,
traditional bouquet of pink and cream roses.
Her bridesmaids wore baby pink dresses
complemented by the pink bows on white
dresses worn by the flower girls. Groom Joe
carried on the summer theme by wearing a
pink cravat and buttonhole with his black
tailcoat and pinstriped suit.

30 Rookery Manor – Somerset’s award-winning venue www.rookery-manor.co.uk

‘It was the best day of our lives. We both loved every minute
and Rookery Manor was a beautiful venue,’ says summer
bride Carly. ‘It was a perfect day that we will never forget.’

The reception After the ceremony, the couple travelled in a Rolls-

Royce Phantom (Carly had earlier arrived at church in a vintage car, pictured
above) to a reception for 100 guests at Rookery Manor. ‘We had Champagne
in the gardens with classical music playing while the photos were taken,’ says
Carly. Family and friends then took their seats for a magical reception under
the starlit ceiling of the magnificent Desborough Suite, festooned in ivory
drapes and lavishly decorated with floral arrangements of baby pink and
cream roses. ➢

www.rookery-manor.co.uk Rookery Manor – Somerset’s award-winning venue 31


The menu The couple chose a
three-course wedding breakfast for their
guests, who were seated on chairs decorated
with pink bows at tables sprinkled with
crystals. The starter of goat’s cheese tartlet
or pate was followed by a main course of
Beef Wellington, duck with cherry sauce or
vegetarian hot pot and a dessert of creme
brulee, apple tart or cheese and biscuits.
Their wedding cake – featuring four tiers
of Champagne and strawberry, chocolate,
blueberry and lemon, and fruit cake – was
decorated with pink and cream roses. As
32 Rookery Manor – Somerset’s award-winning venue
special wedding favours, there were cream
pots (handmade by Joe’s dad) with chocolate
hearts for the ladies and cream boxes of
chocolates for the men.
The party After the formal
reception, the couple were joined by 50
more guests for an evening buffet and disco.
All eyes were on Carly and Joe as they
took to the floor for their first dance as a
married couple – dancing to Thank You
For Loving Me by Bon Jovi. To round off
the celebrations, guests returned to Rookery
Plan your day
♥ Summer wedding
It’s the perfect time for brides
to indulge in the prettiest of
traditional white weddings.
Wedding co-ordinators: Call
Rookery Manor’s experts on
0845 409 09 40.
♥ The dress
Carly’s stunning diamond-
white wedding dress was
designed by Maggie Sottero.
Bridalwear: Call Rookery
Manor’s Bridal Boutique on
0845 409 09 30.
♥ The groom’s suit
Joe chose a black tailcoat and
grey pinstriped trousers with
a pink cravat from Peter Posh.
Formal suit hire: Call Rookery
Manor on 0845 409 09 30 for
more advice.
♥ The limousine
Carly and Joe travelled to
their reception in style in a
silver Rolls-Royce Phantom.
Wedding car hire: Call
Rookery Manor Limousines
on 0845 409 09 40.
♥ The bridal suite
The couple spent their
wedding night in the lavish
Diamond bridal suite.
Luxury accommodation: Call
Rookery Manor Hotel on
0845 409 09 09.
Pictures: junehedges-photography.co.uk
Manor’s award-winning gardens for a
spectacular firework display.
The honeymoon The
newlyweds spent their wedding night in the
elegant Diamond bridal suite before jetting
off on honeymoon to the paradise island of
Kuredu in The Maldives. ‘Rookery Manor
was a beautiful venue for our wedding
and the team were so helpful – there was
nothing they wouldn’t do,’ says Carly. ‘It
was the best day of our lives and we both
loved every minute.’
www.rookery-manor.co.uk
 Rookery
TriGgolS’
VINTAGE CARS
retreat & spa
◆

Grand Opening
www.vintagewedding-cars.co.uk February 11-13
email: info@vintagewedding-cars.co.uk

TEL: 01275 852440 Call us now on: 0845 409 09 60

www.rookery-manor.co.uk

Especially for you 2

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Favours Tel: 01278 723448 elegancefavours@googlemail.com

Mob: 07906986811 www.weddingfavoursjust4u.co.uk
Suite Spend your wedding
night in the luxurious
Diamond bridal suite
N
ewlyweds will find
themselves to the manor
born when they spend
their wedding night in the

romance
lavish Diamond bridal suite.
This romantic suite is furnished
with a four-poster bed and has glorious
views of Rookery Manor’s award-
winning grounds.
Situated in the manor house itself,
the Diamond bridal suite is a jewel in
the crown of the hotel’s AA four-star
guest accommodation.
An ensuite spa bath, plus your own
mini-bar and fresh flowers will help to
make your stay as unforgettable as the
wedding day itself.
As well as being the perfect place
to start your married life, Rookery
Manor can provide high-quality
accommodation for your guests in its
beautiful converted barns, stables and
coach house.
Each ensuite hotel room, named
after special wedding anniversaries,
has its own unique charm with
circular windows, beams and stunning
historical features.
♥ To book the accommodation for
JEWEL IN THE CROWN: The bridal suite at Rookery Manor  Picture: mangoweddings.co.uk your wedding, call 0845 409 09 09.

Est 1992

Treat your guests to something really different and unique for your
wedding party. The Royale Casino will set-up this fabulous attraction
for you at virtually any venue you have in mind, and guarantee a
memorable souvenir using your own personalised fun money.

Bring all the excitement of a real casino to your reception with American
Roulette, Blackjack, Poker, American Dice (Craps) and Baccara. In
addition, if you would like to experience some fantastic showmanship
then our Close-up Magician‘Serge’ trained by Derren Brown offers a
thrilling performance that will astound and amaze your guests.

For further information please contact:

AS SEEN O
Julie@theroyalecasino.co.uk
Free phone - 0800 389 4238
N TV
www.theroyalecasino.co.uk
 tomgagephotographic.com
WAlbum
edding
johnholbrookphotography.co.uk
www.rookery-manor.co.uk
martinhillphotography.com johnholbrookphotography.co.uk
For those special
moments that you
will never forget
A
S an idyllic venue for your
wedding, the glorious grounds
of Rookery Manor are picture
perfect – whatever the weather!
Set in an area of outstanding natural
beauty, these award-winning gardens are
the perfect backdrop for your photos.
Couples will find themselves spoilt for
choice as they pose beside the waterfall
and lake or wander through romantic
walkways in the walled gardens.
With photo opportunities like these
(plus the beautiful setting of 16th
century Rookery Manor itself), you can
be sure your wedding album will make
you smile.
♥ Snap up a date for your dream
wedding in the heart of the Somerset
countryside by calling 0845 409 09 40. peterjnicholls.co.uk
Rookery Manor – Somerset’s award-winning venue 35
A lison’s flowers & bouquets
◆

at R
Arrangements for
every occasion ookery
created just for you
Manor
Call us now on: 0845 409 09 50
www.rookery-manor.co.uk
36 Rookery Manor – Somerset’s award-winning venue www.rookery-manor.co.uk
Flower
power
Why red roses spell
romance in the
language of love

L
OVERS have always given roses as
a token of their devotion – and used
the language of flowers to send secret
messages to each other. But it was
the Victorian bride who adopted this romantic
tradition for her wedding bouquet.
Today’s bride still loves the idea of sending a
message to her groom by choosing flowers with a
meaning close to her heart. In olden times, it was
the white rose that was known as the bridal rose
with its meaning of pure, eternal love.
But thanks to St Valentine’s Day, it is the red
rose that has become the symbol of romance and
the perfect way to say ‘I love you’. A red rosebud
stands for budding desire while an open red rose
means ‘I’m full of love and desire’.
‘Red or ivory roses remain the most popular
choice for weddings,’ says Rookery Manor florist
Alison Hawkins, who created this stunning
bouquet of red roses and foliage (pictured right)
for a winter bride.
As a creative designer, Alison can turn her
hand to everything from a bridal corsage and
buttonholes to the most amazing bouquets and
floral displays.
At this time of year, roses mixed with seasonal
favourites such as holly, ivy and red berries look
spectacular, especially when part of a candlelit
marriage ceremony.
For a little extra sparkle, Alison can even add
a sprinkling of diamante gems to your bouquet
– an idea just made for that cascade of romantic
red roses.
♥ Send out the perfect message at your wedding
by calling Rookery Manor florist Alison Hawkins
on 0845 409 09 50.
Picture: wendygilpinphotography.co.uk

Royal brides with a passion for secret messages

MANY Royal brides have carried bouquets
of flowers with a hidden meaning on their
wedding day, including:
Princess Grace: Movie star Grace Kelly
held a bouquet of lily-of-the-valley (a sign
of purity and sweetness) at her wedding to
Prince Rainier of Monaco.
Queen Elizabeth II: The young princess
chose white orchids and a sprig of myrtle as
a symbol of her love for Prince Philip.
Princess Diana: When Diana Spencer
married Princes Charles, she carried a
bouquet of orchids, lily-of-the-valley,
yellow roses (for friendship), gardenia (for
secret love), freesias (for innocence) and
stephanotis (for happiness in marriage).
Autumn Kelly also chose white roses,
stephanotis, lily-of-the-valley and freesias
for her wedding to Princess Anne’s son,
Peter Phillips – but will Kate and William
continue the tradition?

www.rookery-manor.co.uk Rookery Manor – Somerset’s award-winning venue 37

SPECIAL MOMENTS: Rookery Manor’s
award-winning gardens create a romantic
backdrop for your wedding photographs
Picture: johnholbrookphotography.co.uk

38
38 Rookery Manor – Somerset’s award-winning venue www.rookery-manor.co.uk
Q&A
with Rookery Manor’s panel of experts

Kim Popham Lin Ogden

Wedding co-ordinator Bridalwear expert
Dressed to impress: Glorious gardens provide a beautiful setting
for weddings at Rookery Manor Picture: RedPR Images – redpr.net

Where can we marry come rain or shine?

Q
We would love to have an open-air ceremony for our
summer wedding but how do we avoid getting soaked if What you say
about us . . .
there is a downpour of rain?

If the weather is fine, there is no more romantic place

A to take your vows than the Island Gazebo on the lake at
Rookery Manor, says Kim. But if the heavens do open, you
can still capture the essence of an al fresco wedding by switching
at the last minute to the Rose Room, a beautifully restored glass
gazebo set in the ancient walled gardens.
How can I put the sparkle into my veil?
Just a note to say a massive thank-you to everyone at Rookery
Manor who helped make our day so special. You were fantastic
and made sure the day ran so smoothly. We didn’t have to
worry about a thing, everything was taken care of. We would
recommend Rookery Manor to anyone and the staff helped to
make it so special. You have a truly amazing venue!
Danielle & John
I wanted to thank you for your help at my parents’ wedding

Q I have set my heart on wearing a simple,

modern veil but at the same time I don’t
want it to look too plain. Can you help?
vow renewal service. It was a fantastic day, which everybody
enjoyed. You looked after each and every one of us, ensuring
that we stayed calm, and enabled us to fulfil our duties. On
top of that, you gave my parents the day they dreamed of. The

A Crystal scatter gives a very sophisticated but

contemporary look to the traditional veil, says
Lin. Richard Designs at Rookery Manor’s Bridal Boutique
grounds are impeccable and were the perfect backdrop for all
of the photos. The service and food were fantastic. I couldn’t
recommend Rookery Manor highly enough.
adds crystals and pearls to its beautiful collection of veils for a delicate Vickie
effect that will never hide your dress.

What’s the best way to give guests a night to remember?

Picture: tomgagephotographic.com

Do you have any suggestions for
Q a grand finale that will wow the
guests at our evening reception?
A spectacular fireworks display
A would be the perfect way to round
off your wedding celebrations, says
Kim. Many couples choose to entertain
guests at their evening reception with a
disco, live band or even a casino. But a
firework display will guarantee a grand
finale to remember – especially when set
in the award-winning grounds of Rookery
Manor!

www.rookery-manor.co.uk Rookery Manor – Somerset’s award-winning venue 39

 JUST WED!
®

Leonard Couch
Jewellers ◆ Goldsmiths ◆ Valuers
;LIQEKE^MRIXLEX’WNYWXEFSYX]SY
7 St James St, Weston-super-Mare, Somerset BS23 1SS
Tel: 01934 626212

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The perfect match
Engagement and
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fit together – just like
you and your partner
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Studley
Jewellers ◆ Goldsmiths ◆ Valuers
Est 1896
4-6 Broad St, Wells, Somerset BA5 2DN
www.studleysjewellers.co.uk Tel: 01749 673548
[[[NYWX[IHQEKE^MRIGSQ

Luxury limousines
◆

at R ookery
Great classic
and vintage
cars for hire
Manor
Call us now on: 0845 409 09 40
www.rookery-manor.co.uk
Wedding
X
Entertain your guests with
everything from a string quartet
tras
That finishing touch
Stylish chair covers with red organza sashes look wonderful
at a winter reception. Rookery Manor can provide organza
to a night at the casino sashes to match your colour scheme for that all-important
finishing touch. Call the wedding co-ordinators on
0845 409 09 40 to find out more.

Don’t forget
the favours
Make a lasting impression
on your guests by ordering
wedding stationery and
favours designed especially for
you. Forget-me-not Favours
and Stationery offers a range
of memorable designs by
Sybil, whose work has been

Be lucky in love featured at more than 300 weddings and occasions. Each
bespoke design can be handcrafted to match your colour
Family and friends will love to try their luck at a wedding scheme. Remember to order your wedding stationery on
casino – especially when playing with the bride and groom’s time at www.forgetmenotstationery.co.uk
personalised fun money! The Royale Casino brings the
glamour of Las Vegas to your reception with croupiers taking
bets on roulette, blackjack, American dice and baccara. It’s a
great way to entertain guests without any risk of a financial
hangover at the end of the evening. Get the ball rolling at
www.theroyalecasino.co.uk

Sounds like a
Chordae
great idea...
Fontium
Make sure your wedding sounds as good
as it looks by hiring one of Somerset’s
most popular string quartets. Chordae
Fontium, based in theLive beautiful
Music forcity all Occasions
of Wells, has a musical
Dinnerrepertoire
Parties, Weddings & Special Events

ranging from Bach to The Beatles. Its

Tempt your tastebuds
Chordae Fontium is a professional string
professionally trained
quartet,musicians have
whose members are experienced
Guests at Carly and Joe Lemon’s reception (see feature on
in providing high quality music for
toured with nationalany occasion.
orchestras and Page 30) were spoilt for choice when they cut their wedding
worked on television andhas radio.
The quartet Start
a wide repertoire including
cake. Each of the four tiers had a different flavour, including
favourite classical pieces by Pachelbel,
planning the music for
Mozart, your wedding
Bach, Tchaikovsky, as well as by Champagne and strawberry, chocolate, blueberry and lemon,
music in a lighter vein.
calling Ed Burns on 01749 870 221 or and fruit. The cake, decorated with pink and cream roses, was
find out more aboutChordae
theFontium,
string String Quartet
quartet at created by Val Bagatelas of Especially For You 2 at
Wells Sinfonietta, Orchestra
www.chordaefontium.co.uk www.especiallyforyou2.co.uk
For more information contact

www.rookery-manor.co.uk
Ed Burns Rookery Manor – Somerset’s award-winning venue 41
Tel: 01749 870221
Mobile: 07976 163737
E-Mail: mail@chordaefontium.co.uk
Rookery
retreat & spa

42
42 Rookery Manor – Somerset’s award-winning venue www.rookery-manor.co.uk
 Relax and unwind as a
new temple for body and
mind opens this spring

www.rookery-manor.co.uk 43
Rookery Manor – Somerset’s award-winning venue 43
 The great
escape
S Indulge in a day
TEP into Rookery Retreat & Spa
in the new year and you will find
the perfect setting for your total
enjoyment and wellbeing.
This exciting addition to Rookery Manor
has been created in association with Temple
Spa, one of the most exclusive lifestyle
brands in the UK. Its divine treatments are
aimed at busy people, the overstressed and
those that simply love the very best.
From Spring 2011, clients will be able to
indulge in a full range of spa therapies, plus
a new state-of-the-art gym and a superb
hydrotherapy pool. In the meantime, you
can try our amazing Garra fish spa (see
Page 47) or book your place for a beauty
treatment or spa therapy when the first
phase opens on January 17.
44 Rookery Manor – Somerset’s award-winning venue
of pampering at
Rookery Manor’s
divine new spa
Whether you need to be pampered,
relaxed, revived or inspired, give us a day
and we can work wonders. If you only
have an hour to spare, you will still feel an
amazing difference.
Anyone getting married will find Rookery
Retreat & Spa is the ideal place to relax in
the run-up to their wedding – and brides
can even book an exclusive Hen Weekend
just for the girls!
Busy corporate clients might like to start
their day with a Power Breakfast (see Page
45) or take time out for a Spa-Aperitif,
including a stress-busting, five-minute
shoulder massage.
After working up an appetite in the pool
or gym, you can kick back and relax with
a healthy lunch and perhaps a Temple-tini
cocktail (or non-alcoholic Spa-tini) in the
new Spa-tisserie.
However you choose to spend your time
at Somerset’s most luxurious new spa, expect
that feel-good factor, expect results – and
definitely expect to return!
♥ Everyone is welcome to attend the grand
opening of Rookery Retreat & Spa during
the weekend of February 11-13. Call us on
0845 409 09 60 to book a treatment or find
out more.
www.rookery-manor.co.uk
 Power breakfast
When a man really needs to look
his best, there’s no better way to
start the day than with a power
breakfast. Start with oats, honey,
fruit and juice to energise your
body – then take a 30-minute
expresso scrub-mask, which has
the same ingredients, to put some
energy into your skin as well!
♥ Treat yourself to a Power
Breakfast Facial at Rookery
Retreat & Spa, then buy your
own scrub-mask (£20.00) to
keep up the good work at home.

Refreshment for skin

Restore the natural balance of your skin with a beautifully
refreshing Essential Mist Tonic (£13.00). This alcohol-free
toner contains a Mediterranean-inspired blend of citrus,
tomato, rosemary, basil and ginger.

Temple Spa
secrets
The seriously cool lifestyle brand that
spreads its message in a bottle

Glorious
Smooth operator mud...
Sensitive skin needs a velvety moisturiser to leave it Purification (£20.00) is a
settled, smooth and dewy. Be Still (£32.00) contains vacuum cleaner for skin that
liquorice extract, famous for its anti-ageing and anti- really does what it says on
irritant properties. Suitable for men or women, this the label. Rich in minerals
high-performance formula is a great way to reduce the and natural mud extracts,
effect of stress on your skin. this deep cleansing mask is
♥ Feel the benefits of Be Still when you indulge in a designed to tackle oily skin
facial therapy at Rookery Retreat & Spa. problems. By keeping oil
at bay, it flushes out grime

Go on – spoil yourself from blocked pores to leave

skin feeling clean, cool and
Rookery Retreat & Spa offers a wonderful range of refreshed. Use as a weekly
luxurious treatments, using acclaimed Temple Spa face and back mask at
products – a total lifestyle brand for men and women. home – or book as part of
Spoil yourself by calling 0845 409 09 60 now. a professional treatment at
Rookery Retreat & Spa.

www.rookery-manor.co.uk Rookery Manor – Somerset’s award-winning venue 45

 Relax...
FACIAL THERAPIES
Power Breakfast
30 minutes
An express facial treatment
which provides instant skin
revitalisation – radiance restored!
My Kinda Skin
75 minutes
A prescriptive facial designed
to correct and bring balance to
the skin. People will notice the
difference.
Repose
60 minutes
A desensitising aromatherapy
holistic facial to calm the face and
psyche, leaving you and your skin
feeling relaxed and rejuvenated
Mediterranean Marinade
60 minutes
A totally luxurious facial, fully
loaded with natural ingredients
and vitamins to brighten and
nourish any skin
Windows Of The Soul
30 minutes
The perfect eye treatment
that attends to dark circles and
puffiness to put the sparkle back
into the eyes
Totally Quenched &
atR
Drenched
90 minutes
The ultimate anti-ageing
treatment, this facial is a must
for dry, dehydrated or neglected
skins. Youthful skin renewed
Go Guy
60 minutes
A male executive facial. You
will absolutely look your best
– promise!
Call us now on: 0845 409 09 60
46 Rookery Manor – Somerset’s award-winning venue
It’s time to indulge
in an exciting new
lifestyle experience
◆
BODY SCRUBS,
WRAPS AND
INFUSIONS
I’ll Be Back
45 minutes
A facial for the back – you’ll
leave looking just great
Mediterranean Infusion
60 minutes
A luxurious body treatment to
hydrate and nourish any skin
type, including a delicious mask
to the face
The Outer Glow
45 minutes
This invigorating and refreshing
all-over treatment leaves the
skin top to toe soft, revitalised
and hydrated
Turkish Delight
60 minutes
A body exfoliation with a
difference in true lathered,
Turkish style – pure escapism
LUXURIOUS MASSAGE TREATMENTS Glorious Mud Complete
Detox
Vespers Drift Away – 90, 60 or 30 minutes 60 minutes
A deeply relaxing massage using our very delicious Drift Away A powerful detox treatment
aromatherapy oil that will leave the skin super
Matins Fully Restored – 90, 60 or 30 minutes cleansed and soft – and the
An invigorating Swedish-style massage, using our energising mind relaxed
Matins blend of citrus-infused oils
AAAHHH! Foot and
Fiducae Touch and Go – 60 minutes Leg Energiser
Fiducae is a Latin word for faith and confidence. This amazing 30 minutes
face and body treatment will leave you feeling just that way This oh-so-good treatment
is instant relief for tired,
over-worked limbs – great for
anyone who is on their feet a
ookery
lot or spends a bit too much
time working!
retreat & spa
www.rookery-manor.co.uk
www.rookery-manor.co.uk
Sole
food
So how
does it
work?

Get hooked on the newest spa therapy

with a little help from Doctor Fish

F
ISH spa therapy may sound crazy, but
don’t knock it until you try it – because
it is surprisingly good fun! Visitors to
Rookery Retreat & Spa can have their
toes nibbled by Garra Rufa fish, a type of carp
nicknamed ‘Doctor Fish’.
During each treatment, clients dangle their
feet (or hands if you prefer to have a manicure)
in a tank of warm water. A shoal of 150 fish will
then nibble away at dry skin (especially around
the heels and soles) to leave your feet feeling silky
and smooth.
As well as being a relaxing experience, this spa
therapy is great fun to share with a friend. It is
recommended that you spend at least 20 minutes
with the fish to get the full benefit of the holistic
NIBBLERS: Garra Rufa fish
SINCE their arrival from
Asia, where this spa treatment
is enormously popular, Garra
Rufa fish have made quite a
splash in the UK.
These amazing, silvery
black fish originate from
mineral springs in Turkey,
where their health benefits
pedicure, which fits perfectly with reflexology were first discovered.
or a foot massage. Each of the tanks has top-of Not only do they nibble
the-range filtration technology and the water is away at dead skin cells to
constantly circulated to ensure the highest levels beautify the feet and hands,
of hygiene. but their saliva is thought to
Does it hurt? Not a bit. These tiny fish have contain a natural enzyme that
no teeth (only gentle suckers), so there is no heals the skin.
pain involved. All you will experience is a gentle This means the treatment
massage sensation that feels like little bubbles may be beneficial to skin
– rather like having your feet dipped in a glass of disorders such as eczema and
Champagne! psoriasis – as well as being
♥ Catch on to fish therapy, available now at one of the most relaxing spa
Rookery Retreat & Spa. Treatments start at therapies in town.
£20.00 – call 0845 409 09 60 to book.

How to be a natural beauty

THE natural make-up All-in-one systems, like the Perfect
collection at Rookery Lip Collection (pictured
Retreat & Spa is so left), make it easy to create a
pure that you can sleep look you’ll love. From liner
in it! to colour to gloss, each
Bare Escentuals have layer applies with perfect
made it their mission precision for a rich,
to include only the hydrating finish.
finest ingredients in As part of this
their highly acclaimed revolutionary new
products. make-up collection,
The result is bareMinerals, a make- it is proof that beauty can be healthy,
up line created from 100% pure, natural and good for you too.
crushed minerals. Each product is free ♥ Find out more about Bare
from preservatives, talc, oil, fragrance, Escentuals at the grand opening
dyes and other chemicals that may of Rookery Retreat & Spa on the
irritate your skin. weekend of February 11-13.

www.rookery-manor.co.uk Rookery Manor – Somerset’s award-winning venue 47

Rookery
Manor

Your 4 star luxury

hotel and spa
Call us now on: 0845 409 09 09
48 www.rookery-manor.co.uk