Pictured above: Sarah Davis who has joined the team at
Shottle Hall
A Derbyshire wedding venue has taken on a third wedding
co-ordinator as it gets ready for its busiest-ever year.
Shottle Hall, near Belper, has taken a record number of bookings
in 2011 and has added Sarah Davis to its 30-strong team.
The family-run venue, which is part of the Chatsworth Estate,
has been hosting weddings for the last five years. Set in 14 acres
with views across the Ecclesbourne Valley, the hall has its own
luxury marquee, Orangery, bar and eight bedrooms, each individually
designed by internationally acclaimed artist Adam Walkden.
Sarah has given up a jet-set lifestyle in order to join her
mother Joanne Nicol and brother James Davis in running the family
business. Sarah previously worked in the tourism industry in
resorts across the Mediterranean.
She said: "My previous job allowed me to live in some of
Europe's best holiday destinations, but I am very excited about my
new role as wedding co-ordinator because I will be helping to
create the most romantic and memorable day of two people's
lives.
"Shottle is very much a family-run business and we pride
ourselves on the personal touch. Everyone has a slightly different
vision for their perfect day and my job is to help that vision
become a reality, so that the happy couple can relax and enjoy
their big day.
"Shottle has been something of an undiscovered secret but word
is definitely spreading. Part of my role will be helping us to deal
with the extra demand, while preserving our philosophy that every
wedding we host here is special."
Sarah joins her mother Joanne and Tammy Trauntner as Shottle
Hall's third dedicated wedding co-ordinator. Couples can either tie
the knot inside the hall itself, in the Coach House marquee or -
weather permitting - in a romantic outdoor ceremony pavilion.
Shottle Hall was built by George Compton Bell in 1861, exactly
150 years ago, and for many years it was the home of Scottish Laird
of Blantyre, the Honourable Walter Stuart, whose Highland cattle
roamed the fields. It was turned into a hotel and wedding venue
following a multi-million pound refit in 2002.