Emily Jolly

Venue Director

Gellifawr’s mission is to become the UK’s best wedding venue. We have built a strong, ambitious and inspirational team to help us achieve this goal. Gellifawr is blessed with the most magical positioning of any venue we can think of owing to us being nestled in the outstanding Gwaun Valley. 

As well as building up a strong business in a rural area and helping our team to have well-paid long standing jobs we are also very proud of our charity efforts including sponsoring a young inclusion football team.

Rea Edge

Venue Manager

Rea is our Venue Manager. She has been part of the team since March 2021 and joined mid pandemic.

Since joining our award winning wedding venue in Pembrokeshire, Rea has successfully ran over 200 weddings along with now being an integral part of our sales & marketing team, playing a key role in helping us publicise and promote Gellifawr Woodland Retreat.

Rea says “My favourite wedding memory at Gellifawr would be playing a part in the Welsh International rugby player, Gareth Davies & his wife Katy Davies’s most special day.”

Beth Howells

Accommodation Manager

Beth is our Accommodation Manager at Gellifawr. She takes on 15 cottages & 7 ensuite rooms in her stride. 

Beth organises a whole team of housekeepers ensuring the venue’s cleanliness is maintained throughout the whole year. Beth is a local lady only living down the road, and hope that one day, Steffan, her son will become part of our team. 

Beth says “Gellifawr Woodland Retreat would not be the same place without the family atmosphere”

Briscoe

Executive Chef

Simon Briscoe is our Executive chef and has been at Gellifawr since the beginning of it’s current journey. 

Briscoe is the heart and soul of Gellifawr’s kitchen cooking for over 500 weddings. Each and every one cooked to perfection using locally sourced produce. 

Briscoe says “I love working with my team/family, I say “family” as we all work as equals in a very relaxed kitchen environment – that’s my way of working & it provides a much happier environment.”

Sarah Luke

HR & Wedding Coordinator

Sarah is one of wedding coordinators at Gellifawr whilst also taking care of HR. You may have also heard of HoneySuckle Bakery which is our on-site bakery, owned by Sarah herself. 

Sarah creates bespoke wedding cakes for most of our couples, and her baking is just exquisite. You will either find her with the bride ensuring her day is ran to perfection, or in the kitchen decorating your cake in perfect detail. 

Sarah says “I am incredibly proud of every wedding I have had the pleasure of playing a small part in.”

Dave Phillips

Head Chef

Dave is our Head Chef at Gellifawr and plays a key role in producing some quality dishes to our couples. He is particularly good at taster events and his eye for detail is really something else.

One of Dave’s favourite aspects about cheffing is meeting with couples and curating bespoke menus. Whether that’s re-creating your Mamgu’s traditional welsh cakes or fancying a nine course Italian inspired menu, Dave is your man.

Charlie

Chef

Charlie has been with us for over 8 years. Working at Gellifawr since the ripe age of 17 he has developed many attributes. He has worked in all departments and knows Gellifawr like the back of his hand.

Charlie’s current position is cheffing alongside Briscoe & Dave in the kitchen. He can produce some marvellous food and is always on hand in case of any emergency. You can truly count on our Charlie. 

Jo

FOH Supervisor

Jo has also worked for us for over 5 years, and is actually Charlie’s sister. Her daughter Milly also works alongside her within the housekeeping team.

Jo always strives for the best on your wedding day ensuring each knife, fork & spoon is polished to perfection. We couldn’t ask for a more efficient member of staff. 

Minipal

Bar Manager

Minipal has worked for us for over 5 years and originates from Hungary. Working his way up the ladder after serving over 200 weddings at Gellifawr, he is now our bar manager.
Whether you’re wanting a bespoke cocktail hour, or just want to sample our wine, Minipal is your man. 
You will probably notice we also have a ‘Pal’ who is part of the team. This is Minipal’s dad. We love the family aspect that the business holds and are forever grateful for their dedication towards the Woodland Retreat. 

Pal

Head of Maintenance & Grounds

Pal is the head of our maintenance & grounds team. He has been with us since the evolution of Gellifawr Woodland Retreat. Pal is the man you need when there is a touch up of paint, a new light bulb is needed, or you just need someone to help you with any task. This man is one in a million and we are so grateful he is still part of our team. 

Pal says “Gellifawr is my family”