08 November 2022
A Couple’s Weekend at Deer’s Leap Weddings
By Lottie Dainton Writer
Picture the scene… it’s late September on a Saturday afternoon, the sun has been shining all day and golden hour is now stealing the show. The sunlight softly dapples through the trees, where friends and family have gathered in one of Devon’s undiscovered secrets. You can hear children laughing, the clinking of glasses and acoustic music playing – it really is a dreamy set-up.
As a Wedding Copywriter, I’ve been fortunate enough to work with Deer’s Leap Weddings & Retreat throughout 2022, so when I was invited to one of their much-loved couple’s weekends I really did jump at the chance. Owner, Heather, had initially told me a little bit about their annual couple’s weekends, explaining that it was an opportunity to gather those who were old and new to the venue, together to reminisce, inspire and mingle. Many couples had been back year after year (when they had tied the knot back in 2015 etc), whereas some couples were planning on getting married here next summer. However, they were all here to celebrate the same thing – the fact that Deer’s Leap had become an integral chapter in their love story.
First things first, I headed to the bar (which was free may I add) and grabbed myself a delicious glass of bubbly. Owners, Heather and James, are renowned for their generosity towards their couples, with the open bar being just one of their gestures. As I took a sip from my prosecco, I took the opportunity to wander around the venue while the sun was still making an appearance.
There are so many pockets of magic that Deer’s Leap has to offer. For this particular event, Heather and James had hired various items and filled the lawn space with fun and games. I’m talking… a bouncy castle, a sheep rodeo ride, skittles, face painting and so much more. The event is family-friendly and completely caters for children – they really were in utter heaven. I made my way into the yard area, said a quick hello to the horses who were tucked away in the stables and found myself in the glamping area. Wow! Cue all the heart eyes. Their luxurious tents sat perfectly in an open field with views that stretched for miles and miles. Individual timber blocks (with toilets, and washing-up facilities) were beautifully named, and designed for each tent to use freely. I could just imagine roasting marshmallows, falling asleep under the stars and waking up to the rolling countryside here!
After I had mentally checked into their gorgeous glamping space, I ventured into their other onsite accommodation, the Farmhouse and Hartford Cottage. From the moment you walk through the charming gateway, you feel like you’re at home. The Farmhouse really is incredible, it has a massive kitchen area with a huge dining table for guests to sit at, the cosiest rooms and fireplaces, and even a sauna and 2 hot tubs! Their bedrooms have all been carefully considered too, filled with thoughtful details and little luxuries. When couples visit for this event, they can enjoy an overnight stay in their accommodation, allowing them to really relax and unwind over the event.
I made my way back to the Stone Barn, where a talented duo was playing acoustic tunes, as guests chatted and mingled. It was wonderful chatting with everyone about their wedding day – what they did, how they styled it, and why they fell head over heels in love with Deer’s Leap. Couples who had previously tied the knot here were offering their advice to those who were newly engaged and still in the midst of wedding planning – all while delicious cocktails were being served up! Every couple I spoke to mentioned the warmth of Heather and James, and how welcome they were made to feel during their time here. If the venue itself isn’t enough to entice you – their owners are!
A sweetie treat table awaited couples and their children (which of course I helped myself too), while Heather & James whipped up a delicious feast for everyone to enjoy. It was a huge honour to be invited to this event and it was impossible to ignore the passion of the owners, and the love they feel for their couples and the weddings they host.
Photos by Little Silver Photography
