We met in John Gandy’s - a bar just off Exeter High Street. Conor was visiting the UK to work at a weight loss camp for children that was taking place at the University of Exeter that summer and Lauren was simply in the right place at the right time. The evening included a preview of the signature dance moves anyone who knows Conor will surely marvel at, a run through of his many tattoos, much confusion over drink terminology, and a bare foot race across the cathedral green - but we don't want to give everything away before the big day... let's just say 8 years, 3 dogs, 1 degu, 6 homes, 2 degrees, 7 cars, and 1 upper tribunal immigration court battle later we’re getting married and we couldn’t be more thrilled to share the day with you – our friends and family. So see you at the wedding!
Tidbits
How did you first meet?
See Our Story!
Who made the first move? How?
It depends who you ask... but we're going to say Conor! He texted Lauren the day after they met and later called to ask her on a date.
What's your favorite activity together?
Walking our dogs! We love taking them to new places and watching them race around after one another.
What's the most memorable trip you have taken together?
Our engagement! Conor asked Lauren to marry him on a trip to Cornwall in May 2019. The whole weekend was beautiful from start to finish
What's the best meal you have eaten together?
Pear and blue cheese pizza and truffle pasta in Italy. Hands down.
Schedule
Friday,
July 16, 2021
Woodland Meet and Greet
3:00 PM to 10:00 PM
We want to make sure we give our guests travelling from afar a proper Devon welcome and provide as much opportunity for them to meet and get to know our extended family and friends as possible. If you can, please join us for a meet & greet BBQ which will include cocktails, mocktails and plenty of forced fun! Social dogs on leads are not only welcome but highly encouraged!
Please feel free to arrive at Shilstone before the ceremony is scheduled to start. Conor will be there to greet you, along with his groomsmen and best man and brother Ryan. Free to explore the beautiful courtyard and if you feel like getting in the party mood early an onsite bar will be open!
We're getting married! Take a seat and support us as we say "I do". So we can look out and see all your lovely faces, we are going to ask that phones stay in pockets or fabulous clutches for this portion of the day!
International Visitors: Although the closest airport to the wedding location is Exeter, few international flights serve this airport. We therefore recommend flying into London (to any airport bar London City) and then travelling to Devon. You can do so via train, bus or short flight to Exeter Airport. We would recommend bus or train over flying however, as they travel to towns/locations near the wedding site and recommended accommodation.
Canadians: Ryan (Conors best man and brother) has most kindly agreed to act as our official Canadian travel liaison and we will be working with him to do our upmost to make the travelling plans as straightforward and manageable as possible so you are able to enjoy a relaxing break along with the wedding
All Guests: Whilst Devon is not exactly stuck in the dark ages when it comes to public transport, it is not like London or Halifax - local buses have only recently increased from once an hour to every half hour near where I grew up. So, if patience isn't your strongest quality you may want to consider hiring a car! If you are travelling alone and would like to discuss sharing in transport or accommodation with other guests to reduce costs let us know and we will look to set up a 'buddy up' system with some of our guests!
Local Transport
There are ways to get around in Devon via public transport. However if you feel more comfortable or would like to use taxis we have listed some companies bellow that serve areas closest to the wedding location. Please be advised Uber and Lyft aren't really an established 'thing' yet in Devon. If you are concerned about transport or have questions please let us know - we can recommend minibus companies for larger parties or alternative local providers if your staying further afield.
Companies to the East A2B Taxis - 01548 854050 – Kingsbridge based company Acorn Taxis - 01548 511549 – Kingsbridge based company Badger Cabs - 01803 840400 – Totnes based company One 2 One Taxis - 07766 406129 – Kingsbridge based company Coast 2 Coast – 07719 946224 or 07938 538030 – Kingsbridge based company Mikes Cab – 07807 034928 – Kingsbridge based company (8 Seater) The Salcombe & District Taxi Co. (a.k.a. Taxi - Mike) 07714 512516 – South Milton based company
Companies to the West Ace Taxis – 01803 882121- Brixham based company Ivy Cabs – 01752 895555 – Ivybridge based company Plymcabs - 01752 777777 – Plymouth based company Taxi First – 01752 222222 – Plymouth based company Wembury Cars – 01752 862151 – Plymouth based company
July is the high season for Devon holiday makers. If you can we would advise that you make your travel arrangements as soon as possible for the best rates and availability. We are more than happy to help organise and advise you on this so please get in touch if you would like some pointers
We will be organising some group outings and events for our travelling friends and family to see the surrounding area where we first met and fell in love. Please feel free to join us on these adventures if you are planning on arriving a few days before the wedding - the more the merrier!
Yurts For Life - Yurt Makers in Devon, Totnes, UK
Sacha and her team at yurts for life offer a unique and exciting form of accommodation close to the wedding venue. Erected upon demand, these 18’ yurts combine all the romance of camping (being close to the great outdoors, star filled night skies…) with all the comforts of indoor accommodation. Each yurt is equipped with a wood burning stove, bed(s), bedding and furnishings. Up to four people can be accommodated in each yurt.
We know however that 'rustic living' is not for everyone, so please see bellow some further accommodation options. If you are concerned of have any questions about this please let us know.
Weeke Farm, Modbury– (0.6 miles) Ann Rogers - Tel: 01548 830219 £30-£35 per person, per night no price variation depending on occupancy This is a working farm, so please do bear this in mind.
Yarnhay, Modbury – (1.5 miles) Sue Irish – Tel: 01548 830244 £20 per person, per night no price variation depending on occupancy yarnhay@yahoo.co.uk
Annapurna, Bed and Breakfast, Modbury – (1.9 miles) Carol Ferrand - Tel: 01548 831299 £35 - £40 per person, per night, at any time of the year
The Ware House, Ugborough – (1.9 miles) Philomena – Tel: 07866 518333 5 bedrooms sleeping 10 guests
The Anchor Inn at Ugborough - (2 miles) Tel: 01752 690388 From £85 per room, per night with double occupancy
(Good for groups)
Barn Owl Bed and Breakfast, Modbury – (2.1 miles) Tel: 01548 830084/07503 919969 £55-£85 per night
The Exeter Inn, Modbury – (2.1 miles) Tel: 01548 831225 From £70 per room, per night See Trivago or similar
Plantation House Hotel, Ermington – (3 miles) Richard - Tel: 01548 831100 £150 to £250 per room, per night with double occupancy
Devon Longhouse – (3.7 miles) Kim and Nick Pearse – Tel: 01548 830946 or 07722 147194 1 double room and 1 twin room from £48.00 per room, per night airbnb.co.uk/rooms/6771234
The Turtley Corn Mill, Avonwick – (4.7 miles) Tel: 01364 646100 £110-£160 per room, per night with double occupancy
The Grange Bed and Breakfast, Ermington – (4.8 miles) Andrée and Eddie Livermore - Tel: 01752 830427 From £35 per person, per night with double occupancy
Thornham Bed and Breakfast, Ermington – (4.8 miles) Valerie and Derek Hemsely – Tel: 01752 896045 From £65 per room, per night with double occupancy
The Hayloft Bed and Breakfast, Lixton – (5.2 miles) Christine and Jeremy – Tel: 01548 559033 Rooms from £80 per room, per night
hayloftatlixton@aol.co.uk 11 Cadleigh Manor Bed and Breakfast, Ivybridge – (5.6 miles) Sharon Murphy - Tel: 01752 895678 £70 - £90 for one night with a double occupancy
Crosspark Holiday Let– (8.2 miles) Emma – Tel: 01548 559278 £75 per night with a minimum of 2 nights stay and no price variation depending on occupancy
The Henley Hotel, Bigbury-on-sea - (8.4 miles) Martyn Scarterfield and Petra Lampe – Tel: 01548 810240 From £95 per room, per night thehenleyhotel@btconnect.com
Burgh Island Hotel, Bigbury – on – sea – (9 miles) Tel: 01548 810514 From £290 including breakfast
For all our friends and family who have lots of questions, please check out our Q & A first!
When is the RSVP deadline?
Please submit your RSVP no later than 17th April 2021.
Can I bring a date?
Your invitation will have included the names of those invited. However, should you have a significant other you would like to attend who has not been included on your invitation please let us know.
Are kids welcome?
Yes! Shilstone is a beautiful location in the heart of the Devon countryside with a lot for children to explore and enjoy. Of course we would like all our attending parents to enjoy themselves and can envision that the party may get a little more raucous as the night progresses. If you are worried about this please send us an email and we can have a chat with you about it and talk through possible recommended child care options.
What time should I arrive?
Meet & Greet: For our wedding 'Meet & Greet' on Friday 16th July we ask that you arrive any time from 3pm. We appreciate that some people may be working or travelling to Devon during the day and understand that you may only be able to attend for part of the day/evening. We will remain at The Glade until 9 pm so there will be plenty of time to meet and get to know everyone!
The Wedding: Our ceremony is due to start at 2pm so your arrival time should be before the main event - try not to cut it too close and ensure you get a good seat.
Where should I park?
The Woodlands has onsite parking and we will ensure there are signs directing you to the parking. Part of the beauty of this location is its position in a wooded area. Therefore, there is a small walk from the car park to the BBQ site. Members of our wedding party will be at the car park to help direct guests to the party!
Our wedding venue Shilstone has onsite parking and is easily located via Sat Nav/ GPS if you are driving or arriving by taxi. Members of staff at Shilstone will also be there to help direct you to the car-park on the day.
Are the ceremony and reception locations wheelchair accessible?
Yes - Shilstone is a fully accessible site however part of its charm is its wildlife so we cannot guarantee all surfaces are smooth!
What should I wear?
Meet & Greet: Even with a lovely fire pit and inside space, the woodlands can become cool in the evening, so you may want to bring a warm jumper or jacket.
The Wedding: We want all our guests to feel comfortable on our big day, so as long as its 'you' feel free to don whatever you like - be it a frock or a three piece, don't feel tied to abiding to any stereotypes! The best version of you is whatever you feel most comfortable in.
What kind of shoes should/shouldn't I wear?
While our venue for our wedding day celebrations can accommodate heels, flat shoes or trainers may be the best option for our 'meet & greet. There is a short walk to the location and we want to make sure nobody has sore feet before the big day!
Whom should I call with questions?
Conor and I are both happy to answer any questions you have - however I can't promise if it's a shoe or hemline emergency that Conor will be of great help!
