Boconnoc is a beautiful backdrop for weddings, and exceptional who people bring it to life.
For couples searching for a country house wedding venue in Cornwall, Boconnoc’s setting is often what first captures the imagination, from sweeping parkland and gardens to historic architecture and beautiful interiors, but what truly shapes a wedding experience is something far more personal. At this year’s Cornwall Tourism Awards, we were incredibly proud to see both recognised. Boconnoc was honoured with Gold for Best Wedding Venue, while our Hospitality Manager, Louise, received the Unsung Hero Award. A celebration not only of Boconnoc, but also the care and dedication given to every wedding we host.
We sat down with Louise to talk about weddings, service, and what it really means to look after life’s most important moments at a country house wedding venue in Cornwall.
How did you feel when you found out you had won the Unsung Hero award?
I absolutely love what I do, so hearing the announcement that I was an Unsung Hero was just overwhelming. I was completely and utterly stunned as the team had nominated me in secret. But there is a whole team working with me at each wedding, from housekeeping and maintenance to gardening, and the other wedding hosts; we all do it together.
What does a typical wedding weekend look like for you?
It begins with family and friends arriving, excitement, greetings, pots of tea, cream teas, helping with luggage, directions, rehearsals, decorating, and feeding guests. There’s a lot of showing people around, unpacking, chilling bottles, and helping everyone settle in. Then we focus on the pre-wedding evening plans and making sure that everything is in place for a good Cornish breakfast the next day.
The wedding day itself often starts early. Suppliers sometimes arrive at 6am for hair and makeup, so I’ll make sure they have everything they need. I make sure the couple are looked after, that they have a good breakfast. Some brides are nervous and need reassurance, while others are full of excitement and laughter. At the same time, I keep an eye on the groom and groomsmen to make sure they’re taken care of too. And the parents who are often apprehensive and emotional, I try to anticipate whatever they might need.
Throughout the day, there are endless questions, tiny emergencies, logistics, and particular care for elderly guests, or those who have extra needs. From start to finish, the day is about making sure everyone feels supported. And it doesn’t end when the music stops. There are goodbyes, lost shoes, phones, bags, cups of tea for suppliers leaving in the early hours, tidying, and laying up for breakfast. The next morning is another emotional chapter with farewells, cake parcels, floristry collections, and finally closing up the house once everyone has departed.
What makes a country house estate a special setting for weddings?
Boconnoc is such a special place because we can host over 50 guests with on-site accommodation, which makes the wedding an experience in itself, something many couples are looking for when choosing a country house wedding venue in Cornwall.
There are so many beautiful ceremony options too.We have the church right beside Boconnoc House. I do love hearing the cheering from the ceremony as the couple is pronounced married. Or the Dorothy Garden, which is so romantic, plus the estate is private, so apart from birdsong, there is total peace and tranquillity.
How do you ensure every event feels personal?
Every event feels personal because of the careful build-up to the day, thanks to Catherine, our Weddings & Events Manager, and her team. There are detailed meetings, conversations, and planning sessions. Communication is key – between us, the wedding suppliers, and the couple.
Our venue offers so many different possibilities that variations are completely normal. No two weddings are ever the same, which is something couples love about choosing a country house wedding venue rather than a more traditional hotel setting.
What do you love most about your role?
I love what I do, and I love looking after people.
I also love seeing the colours, flowers, outfits, and all the small details, from candles to orders of service. I love seeing everyone’s individuality come to life. And I love sitting down at the end of a weekend with a G&T and reflecting on a celebration that has gone so well.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
It’s always rewarding to be trusted with someone’s once-in-a-lifetime day. There are so many emotional moments. I’ve sat on the stairs with a father about to give his daughter away, both of us in tears as he told me about holding her as a baby. But it’s also knowing when guests need space, understanding that balance is incredibly important.
It’s a huge privilege to be part of these moments, and I never take that for granted.
When you look back on your career, what makes you most proud?
I’m so proud of where I work, the Fortescue family who I work for, and the team I’m part of.
I’m incredibly lucky to have a wonderful family and a very understanding husband, as I work long and unsociable hours. We celebrate 40 years of marriage next year, so I’m proud to fly the flag for marriage, and for the people at Boconnoc.
To learn more about weddings at Boconnoc visit our weddings pages or download a brochure, or email [email protected] to book a venue tour.
Wedding photographs of A&B’s wedding by Joshua Penrose
Portrait of Louise by Nick Walker