Boris Johnson’s decision to slash the number of people allowed at weddings from 30 to 15 amid the Covid-19 pandemic was a devastating blow for thousands of couples and venues around Britain.
But for one family, the ruling gave their intimate wedding venue business the much-needed boost they had been hoping for.
Former NHS manager Joanna Szczepura and husband Matthew, a former IT manager for JP Morgan, bought Grade Two listed Brickhouse in sleepy Mamhead, Devon in 2015.
Hidden away in the hills with its own three-acre vineyard, the couple initially hoped to make a living selling their home-grown wine to local bars and restaurants.

Former NHS manager Joanna Szczepura and husband Matthew, a former IT manager for JP Morgan, pictured with their two daughters Emilia, nine and Ellie, four, bought Grade Two listed Brickhouse in sleepy Mamhead, Devon in 2015

Brickhouse Vineyard is now fully booked for ‘micro-weddings’ every