It’s always great to chat with those suppliers who we see time and time again at Ash Barton, and who ensure our couples have the most amazing day possible.

Holly at Croyde Concierge is often described as a ‘godsend’. So were pleased to find a tiny gap in her busy schedule recently to have a quick catch up.  

Holly, tell us about Croyde Concierge and what services you provide for Ash Barton couples

“So, Croyde Concierge is a business made up of one person (me, Holly) and then I pull in super people to help me, depending on what’s asked of us. 

“Collectively we’re an extra pair of hands to help lighten the load and make things a little easier on the day! We offer a range of services but the main things we get asked to do are cooking breakfast the mornings either side of the big day, as well as the big day itself. That way guests can concentrate on each other and getting ready. We don’t class ourselves as caterers, but we can cook. So guests tend to order in a big shop and buy all they need and we cook it for them, making sure it’s all cleared away afterwards.

“We can also run the bar if people decide to supply all their own alcohol and stick with a DIY theme rather than a paid bar. 

“We also offer massages and treatments on site too, so people can relax and unwind before or after the big day. And we can also arrange qualified childminders to come in and look after the little ones when it gets too late so the adults can carry on dancing the night away.

“And finally, we arrange BBQs and can prep salads and refreshments to go alongside it. We can get the big party barn, (or any area for that matter) back to how you found it so you can have that extra time together before you set off home.” 

And how long have you been running Croyde Concierge?

“I honestly can’t remember! But I would say around eight years now, with the last three being spent at Ash Barton the majority of the time.”

“Cleaning, bartending, babysitting, waitressing, cooking breakfast and literally everything in between. Holly and her team are an absolute must! I honestly have no idea how we would have made it through the three days without their help. They are so lovely, friendly and always have a smile on their face. Nothing is too big or too small for them. Things just get done. Please do yourself a favour and book Holly and her team if you want your time at Ash Barton to be worry free.” Sarah and Dan 

What do you most love about an Ash Barton wedding?

“What’s not to love about it! I can honestly say every time we’re up there it feels like we’re part of the celebration and not just a day at work. Everyone is so happy and it makes me feel good being part of that. The house and grounds are so stunning and it creates such an amazing atmosphere. But I would have to say the best part is getting to work alongside all the other amazing people that work up there too.”

“Had the pleasure of working with Holly and the team at Croyde Concierge on Saturday night for Stuart and Gemma's wedding. They were absolutely fantastic and were so switched on looking after every aspect of the wedding party to ensure that everyone could relax and enjoy themselves. In fact, their service was hotter than our pizza oven!” Stone Artisan Pizza

So you work alongside other suppliers at Ash Barton? 

“Absolutely! That's the best bit. On a typical day you might have Katie from Best Day Ever pulling her magic strings and co-ordinating, Latitudes cooking up a feast and myself and Roz, cooking up breakfast and running the bar. We love it most when we’re all working alongside each other.

"If people have chosen to have a bar with FlyBar (who are also great) I might step in and help them too. A lot of us offer similar services and overlap, so if I’m not working directly for the bride and groom then I step in and work for the other suppliers instead. It works brilliantly.”

What’s been the most unusual wedding you’ve helped with?

“I really wish I had a crazy answer for this one but I don't! I did have to chauffeur a couples’ dog to and from the wedding back to his holiday home once, just so that he could walk the rings down the aisle. He stayed for pictures then I took him home. He was a lovely pup! 

“We often go to Ash Barton the next morning and people are still partying! That's the best thing about Ash Barton, there’s no curfew, so why not! That's always fun having silly conversations with those guests!” 

“Holly at Croyde Concierge saved the day on the Sunday and helped us clean up the tornado of mess we made. She is a MUST!” Jody and Neil 

What do you do on the actual day of the wedding? What time do you arrive?  

“Every wedding or party we’ve worked at is so different from the next, so the times we arrive and go home are always different. Recently we were there all weekend from 7am until 10 at night each day.

"When we run the bar, we could be there until the early hours of the morning. We don’t mind long days. It’s genuinely nice meeting everyone and the days just whizz past.”

How often do you meet or talk to couples before the big day? 

“I usually have contact with the couple a year or so before the big day, sometimes even longer than that for the super organised ones! There’s lots of emailing backwards and forth at the beginning then to touch base just before to finalise arrangements.” 

“Croyde Concierge were a massive help ensuring the glamping loos/ showers were pristine and even looking after our dog on the wedding day!!!” Amy and Matt

And lastly, what tips would you give to Ash Barton couples to ensure their day runs smoothly?  

“Always order more ice than you think you might need!

“And get someone in to help you keep on top of the cleaning. Previous guests that were not aware of this service have often said they wish they’d known. It’s not fun clearing up with a hangover!"