VENUE: JOANNA, BRICKHOUSE VINEYARD

Tell us about yourself and what you do.

Owner of Brickhouse Vineyard

What inspired you to be involved in this campaign shoot?

I was inspired by a remarkable ethos behind the shoot, celebrating diversity in the bridal world.

What is your favourite thing about working in the wedding industry?

My favourite aspect of working in the wedding industry is being embraced by a vibrant community of suppliers and freelancers, all united in creating unforgettable memories. There's nothing quite like witnessing the joy on couples' faces as their dream wedding unfolds - being a part of that happiness is truly rewarding.

What is your proudest achievement?

My proudest achievement lies in the creation of Brickhouse Vineyard - a picturesque wedding venue intertwined with a vineyard. Despite facing numerous challenges and lacking prior experience in the wedding industry, my husband and I embarked on this journey with unwavering determination. 

In August 2015, we made the bold decision to leave behind our corporate careers in London and relocate our young family to Devon. We found Brickhouse; a historic gem constructed from handmade bricks—an exquisite grade II* listed house brimming with potential. We were captivated by its charm, including the dilapidated threshing barn adorned with the attached Devon Round House, and a modest hobby vineyard planted by the previous owners. At the beginning of our journey, we had no prior knowledge of growing grapes and making wine, nor a firm plan for what we were about to create, but we had passion and determination to make our dream a reality. Using our combined experience in executive roles, we’ve transformed the location into a successful wedding venue with a fantastic team, and a hobby vineyard into a commercial business - in 2018 Brickhouse Vineyard was born. 

Our transition to Devon was not without its trials, and there were moments of uncertainty where we questioned our decision to leave behind our former lives in London. Yet, through collaborative effort and resilience, we have managed to create a successful business that is both unique and fulfilling for both of us. And finally, eight years on, we are starting to get the balance we always wanted – now we can spend more time as a family and still carve out something for ourselves.

Which women inspire you the most and why?

J.K. Rowling - Before becoming one of the wealthiest authors in the world with her Harry Potter series, Rowling was a struggling single mother living on welfare in Edinburgh, Scotland. Despite facing numerous rejections from publishers, Rowling persisted in pursuing her dream of becoming a writer and eventually found massive success with her beloved book series.

This year’s International Women’s Day 2024 theme is #InspireInclusion. What does this mean to you?

To me, #InspireInclusion means recognising and celebrating the diversity of women's experiences, perspectives, and contributions. It means actively working to break down barriers and create opportunities for women from all walks of life, including those who may face systemic discrimination based on factors such as race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Ultimately, #InspireInclusion reminds us that true progress towards gender equality cannot be achieved unless all women are included, respected, and valued for their unique contributions to society. It calls on individuals, organisations, and communities to take meaningful action to create a more inclusive and equitable world for women everywhere.