Micro weddings have become a bit more of a thing these days, mainly because of the pandemic, but we have been fans of them for years and we hope you might become a fan of them too! During our time in our event hire business we have covered massive parties of 220 people down to 20 and 30 guests and although both have their place, there is something really special about the intimate celebrations.
Read MoreInterview with Colleen and Linda from A Passionate Pear
When it comes to the wedding industry so much of what goes into making the day happen is never seen or spoken about. One such aspect which is super important is the food! It comes out on time, immaculately presented and tastes delicious and then you get on with the celebrations, right? But have you ever thought about what goes on behind the scenes? Linda and Colleen from A Passionate Pear were kind enough to answer a bunch of questions (there are a lot) that I sent them with thoughtful, honest answers along with a bit of humour.
What these guys do is nothing short of amazing! If you ever have a chance to peer into the little catering tent and then sit down and enjoy the meal that appears in front of you, your mind will be blown!
This conversation covers everything from how early food starts arriving for the wedding, to how they design their menu and what happens long after you’ve finished your meal and are back on the dance floor. There is also a funny story that involves a tea towel!
A big thank you to Colleen and Linda for taking the time to do this. I really appreciate it and I hope anyone reading this finds it as interesting and entertaining as I did.
Read More10 things you need to know if you are having a marquee or shed wedding on a private property
After years of doing weddings and with about 80% of them in marquees, tipis and sheds on private properties we have learnt a thing or two about what makes for a good day! Now I get that these 10 things aren’t super exciting but they are so important to consider and they make a big difference to how much both you and your guests will enjoy themselves and how smooth the day will run.
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Real Wedding - Annie and Al's Black Tie Farm Wedding
When Annie and Al decided to get married they settled on a marquee wedding at Al’s family farm ‘Pretty Tower’ in Western Victoria on a gorgeous Spring day at the end of October. It was a black tie affair with everyone turning up to celebrate in style. In true country style all their friends and family pitched in across the board to bring this special day together- from the talented bride doing all the invitations and stationary herself to friends chipping in doing all the florals.
Annie knew she wanted Paula Symons as their caterer and selected their date to fit in around her hectic schedule. Paula and her team smashed it out of the park serving up delicious hearty food for 120 of their favourite people.
They opted for classic white folding chairs and to add that rustic touch they paired them with our raw timber trestles and moss green linen napkins.
Tony Evans was there to capture all the special moments and you can see for yourself this was a cracking day. Relaxed but elegant and a real celebration of Annie and Al surrounded by their friends and family.
To see more of this stunning garden wedding scroll down here.
Annie and Al’s vendor list
Photographer - Tony Evans Photography Hire - The Little Black Sheep Hire Co Caterer - Paula Symons Catering
Flowers- Georgie Fraser and Annie Head-on. Marquee - Pure Vibe Hire Lighting - Tipi Tribe DJ - Rutherford Entertainment
Annie’s Dress - Anna Campbell Al’s Suit - Foster’s Mensland, Ararat
Image - Smith + Archer
Country hall weddings- the reasons they make brilliant venues
Some of the old country halls in our area are absolute gems full of character that lend themselves perfectly for a celebration- just as they have done for years! Not only are they loaded with character they usually tick a bunch of other boxes such as having all the amenities right there (no need to worry about port-a-loos or a catering tent with no running water), electricity, air conditioning, oodles of parking…. the list goes on. Without a doubt though it is the character of the place that lends itself so well to a country party.
With country halls usually comes the feeling of country hospitality. They are generally very lenient when you can get access meaning you can get in and do the hard work early, hopefully leaving you and your friends and family to have a relaxing Friday afternoon to kick back, relax and enjoy a well deserved beer.
Image - Smith + Archer
Image - Smith + Archer
Image - Smith + Archer
They allow you to deck them out however you please with no limitations placed on you. This can include things like your furniture choices from what chairs you’d like, lounges, bar tables and stools, right through to hanging masses of fairy lights like the images of the Dean Hall here to make a cute hall completely magical.
Image - Smith + Archer
They can also be a lot lighter on the hip pocket- meaning you can either keep that in the bank, or you can make sure you get that freakin awesome band you were hoping to book or go all out on a caterer that is going to blow you and your guests minds. Ultimately it means you can look at your top priorities (be that food, flowers, photographer, band….. the list goes on) and know the money you saved on a venue can go towards those things that will make a massive difference to your day.
Image - Smith + Archer
For me personally, it is still all about the character that oozes from them. So maybe go for a drive and check out what halls are about. I’m sure the buildings themselves love being involved in another couples special day and if their walls could talk imagine the stories they could tell from all the celebrations over the years gone by.
Some of the cutest country halls in our area that we have worked in include the Dean Hall, Raglan Hall, Moyston Hall, the Cobb and Co at Buangor and the chapel part of Sterling Place in Dunkeld. I’m sure there would be a stack more hidden gems around! Part of the fun is unearthing them!
Ten reasons why to have a Winter wedding →
Believe it or not there are a stack of reasons why to have a Winter wedding. Sure, if you manage to snag that perfect Summer’s day and balmy evening here in Victoria well it’s hard to top! But geez they are few and far between.
So here’s a bunch of reasons to consider having a Winter wedding-
Image via Stories by Ash
You are more likely to book all those vendors you’ve had your heart set on. Photographers, caterers and celebrants can only be in one place at once and although they might still be flat out chances are you’ll beat the hoards.
You’re guests will love having their social calendar spread out over more than the October-March months. No more trying to fit in Christmas, holidays, races, other friends weddings…. the list goes on and on.
Image via Stories by Ash
3. The weather is actually more stable. Averages are between 4 and 20 over the Winter months not anything from 6-45! With weddings from October through to April you really need to cater for a hot (and sometimes windy) day followed by a chilly night when temperatures drop. We’ve all been out on a hot uncomfortable day and then come nightfall you are so cold all you want to do is go home.. Ah, the joys of Victorian weather.
4. Your guests will (or at least should) come dressed appropriately.
Image via Grown and Gathered
Image via Jamie Oliver
Image via Donna Hay
Image via Tessa Barton
Image via Adventures in cooking
Image via Donna Hay
5. A hearty Winter feast means no Macca’s run on the way home! Instead of cheeses that have gone a bit manky sitting in the sun think thick soups, roast vegetables and slow cooked meats and sipping on delicious mulled wine- oh so good!
Image via Pinterest. Photographer unknown
Image via Jim Pollard goes click
Image via Sinclair and Moore
6. No flies or mozzies! Enough said.
7. No tan lines to worry about for the girls and no sweaty armpits for the boys. Tick and tick! Instead of melting under your wedding dress layer up and stay cosy. Think a beautiful fur coat, knitted scarf or a cape. So magical!
Image by Jonathan Wherrett
Image by Jacki Potorke Photography
Image by iZo Photography
Image via Dan O’Day
Image by Stories by Ash
8. AMAZING photos! Winter really does lend itself to beautiful images with the softer light and green grass.
9. There is less chance of bushfires, torrential rain and floods (this usually happens with Summer storms), heatwaves and dust storms- we’ve had them all and they aren’t fun!
Bouquet by Sarah Winward
Flowers by Tinge. Image Ciara Richardson
Flowers by Finch and Thistle
Image via Jo Flowers
Flowers by Amy Osaba
10. Your flowers wont be wilting before your very eyes and not only that winter flowers are stunning. Early and mid winter think tulips, hellebores, poppies then come August through to early September all the ranunculus, blushing bride, magnolia buds and blossoms are out. Then have luxurious velvet ribbon draping from your bouquet.
Honestly there is a stack more reasons to have a Winter wedding so I hope you seriously consider it!
Image by Tony Evans Photography