The uncertainty brought by the coronavirus crisis could not have been more cruel to our couples. Years of planning and money saved to celebrate the perfect day. Friends and family travelling from far and wide, all put in danger. What to tell family and what to do? Not knowing if it can go ahead or even should we still do it? Unknown territory with no maps or experienced guides.
We have seen the worst we believe, and have been deeply impressed by the courage and adaptability of our couples. Below is the story of how events unfolded and the lessons we have learned so far. Although much uncertainty will remain, some lessons suggest a clearer way forward.

Our first calls and the start of the climb up the mountain of worry began around the 12th March. It soon became clear that this was a growing threat with no clear guidance or answers so we decided early on that we would remove some uncertainty for our couples. We told all our weddings in March, April and early May they could either postpone to later dates or carry on with the assurance that we would host their wedding as long as we were not shut down by the government. We also confirmed that Cornwall registrars would do the same. A few decided to look at new dates but the majority wanted to carry on for the time being. 

Friday 20th March 
Leading up to the 20th we had put extra hygiene and sickness reporting measures within the venue to protect our staff and customers. We were very aware that should weddings be able to continue the danger that our key staff would have to isolate due to coronavirus was high and therefore protecting each other from infection was our priority. And for our customers, we wanted to ensure they felt safe whilst at the venue so hand wash and hand sanitiser stock was increased and cleaning throughout the venue and accommodation stepped up. These measures were implemented quickly but soon became the least of our worries. 
After the government announcement on Monday 16th March that everyone should avoid pubs, bars and restaurants, we as primarily a wedding venue were somewhat left in limbo. There was no clear guidance to us regarding hosting weddings and no ban on weddings or restrictions on numbers attending so we were left with lots of questions but no clear answers on what to do. At this point all of our remaining March wedding couples were very worried and those in April and May too. 
On Friday 20th March at 5pm, after a long day of contingency planning and mid-wedding (what was to be our last for some time), the head chef came to the office to say there had been an announcement from the government that all pubs and restaurants must close that night!! Surely they would give more notice than that to weddings? Tuning in we heard the news ourselves and that this meant all social gatherings must cease which left us with no doubt that we had to close the venue.
At 7pm we had to make the hardest phone call to our bride and groom who were due to get married the following day on Saturday 21st March. In all that has happened so far, this couple and their family have been the hardest hit, they have had to deal with the most amount of disruption and disappointment, finding out just hours before their wedding day that it couldn't happen. And for them, we are all so sorry.
The kitchen had already prepared all of Saturdays wedding food plus food for 60+ Mother's Day diners so we moved fast and decided to offer takeaways on Sunday 22nd to our local customers. Some food was also delivered to local NHS workers and thankfully nothing went to waste. A big thank you to all of our customers who collected a roast that day. 
On Monday 23rd March, as you all know we were all put into full lock down and the venue plus the wine shop closed. Over that weekend we received hundreds of emails and calls and we went into overdrive contacting everyone scheduled to marry over the next 14 weeks.

For those of you getting married in July and beyond, lets wait and see what happens over the next few weeks. Listen to the advice and we will make a plan with all of you should we need to. For now we need to wait for a while before making any decisions so that is what we are doing and what we ask you do too. But you can always contact us with your concerns or questions and we are here to answer you and help wherever we can. There is also some good advice for couples available online in wedding forums and on sites such as Hitched and Bridebook. ​

We have heard a few worries that waiting will not leave enough time to make arrangements with suppliers and accommodation however most of our recommended suppliers are working in the same way we are and will postpone services and transfer deposits over to new dates. Accommodation providers are especially hard hit so most we are aware of are offering free cancellations or short notice cancellations. If you are booking through sites such as airbnb or booking.com they have made steps to ensure accommodation providers have a flexible cancellation policy. 
Our advice is to hold on for now and remember that we don't need you to confirm arrangements until 4 weeks before your wedding and you then have until 2 weeks before for your final, final numbers and balance payments. 
If anyone is struggling with suppliers or unsure what they should do then drop us an email and we might be able to make other recommendations or be able to help. 

For now, whilst we all wait for this to be over, life and nature continues on at the winery and our online wine shop is still sending out home deliveries which is a godsend for many; good food and good wine will get us through. Plus the precious daily exercise of course. 

After working very hard over the last couple of weeks to reassure our couples and our staff, we have had the time over the last few days to reflect and share our experience from within the weddings team. We are optimistic that we will back to hosting weddings from July 2020 onward but like everyone we are waiting and watching to see what happens over the next few weeks and what new advice we are given from the government and local authorities. Until then we are still here (working remotely from home) to answer questions and address concerns as best we can. We are hopeful that weddings will soon continue and for now we must all keep calm and carry on with planning for happier times.

Have you given much thought to what wedding rings you will exchange? Are you looking for something just a little bit different and unique to you, your partner or your story? Well today we wanted to share with you some treasure.

We have seen some of the most beautiful creations and ideas over the years and also heard so many lovely stories, like Nichola and Carl who chose to exchange wedding rings that had the outline of the Cornish coast etched into them, reflecting their love of this part of the country, where they chose to be married here at Knightor.
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​So today we thought we would share with you a few, mostly local, artisans who create beautiful bespoke wedding rings. All of whom use Cornwall and her landscape as their inspiration.

You may have met Becca at our recent open day? A talented silversmith, Becca Williams makes the most beautiful pieces and is inspired by the sea and the land in her work. Her jewellery is contemporary and she also offers bespoke jewellery making services. 

Becca also offers a make your own wedding ring service where you can go along to her studio in Penryn and make your very own rings for one another! You don’t need to have any experience of metalwork or jewellery making to get involved, Becca offers full guidance on the day, along with plenty of tea & biscuits. Sounds perfect!

For more information you can contact Becca on www.beccawilliams.co.uk
​All images Becca Williams Jewellery

If you love Cornwall and want to reflect so in your wedding rings, Justin and his team offer a beautiful range of rings that are perfect.
From rings cast in sand from Cornish beaches (or sand from your favourite place in the world if you can provide it),  textured rings to reflect the craggy rocks and cliffs along the coast to rings inlayed with wood, if you love nature, these are perfect.

To find out more about the work of Justin and his team, head over to www.justind.co.uk. 
​All images Justin Duance Jewellery

The sea is the inspiration behind so much of Emily's work. In her own words she tells us that "beach finds are the tools in the process of my making". You can see her inspiration clearly in her beautiful work, from the twisted shapes inspired by sea kelp, sea urchin textures to the beautiful contours of rock and pebbles from along the coast.

You can visit Emily at her studio in Hayle where she offers consultations and can talk you through her various offerings. She is also able to redesign and reimagine old jewellery for you, perhaps you have a grandmothers piece of jewellery you would like use but in a style that works for you?

 To find our more visit www.emilynixon.com
All images Emily Nixon Jewellery.

Hannah creates beautiful piece that reflect life stories, incorporating coastlines, mountains, skylines and landscapes. Her work is absolutely beautiful and perfect for couples looking for a truly unique wedding ring or jewellery for their day, or for a gift.

Hannah creates bespoke pieces, from cufflinks to rings, necklaces to bracelets. She was brought up in Cornwall and much of her Coastline range is inspired by the Cornish coast. It was Hannah who made Nichola and Carl's wedding rings we mentioned at the start of our story.
​To learn more from Hannah do check out her website on www.hannahlouiselamb.com

All images Hannah Louise Lamb

We hope that we have given you some beautiful inspiration on your wedding ring journey and look forward to hearing what you chose and why on your beautiful day.

Do you think dessert the best part of a Sunday roast dinner, or do you want to enjoy a delicious Sunday lunch without having to do all the work? 
How about a free dessert when you join us for Sunday lunch this weekend?

Throughout the rest of February and until the 8th March we are offering diners a three course Sunday lunch, with dessert free. Three courses for just £18.50.
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To reserve your table, do call us on 01726 851101 or email us on reservations@knightor.com. Please state 'Sunday lunch offer' on booking. 
We can cater for all sorts of dietary requirements, please just let us know what you require at the time of booking.

Offer valid for Sunday lunch only. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Valid until Sunday 8th March 2020