Let's Get Merry
Earlier in the week Annabelle and I attended a Merivale promotion in Sydney. Some of the city's most renown venues are part of the Merivale stable - the first being Establishment, centrally located in the heart of the city on George Street. Together with other members of the press and bridal industry, we met in the Main Bar that had been completely transformed with settings of sweetpeas, mirrors and crystal to show us how lovely this area could look when set for a wedding. The high, ornate ceilings and imposing marble bar were definitely features of this room.









They can handle every detail from flowers, stationery to cake meaning you can leave everything in their capable hands.

Next we were taken to EST., the impressive award-winning restaurant on the 2nd floor. This area seats around 130 guests and is tastefully neutral meaning most colour schemes will look fantastic here. The restaurant was adorned with simple vases of orchids which worked beautifully here. I thought it was a very sophisticated space.





A feature of this area is the use of a special 'bridal party room' where the group can sneak away to relax or preen before or during the night.



After a short walk in the glorious Sydney sunshine, we arrived at Ivy, a little further up George Street. Wow, what a place. The first area we were shown is specifically set up for weddings - the Sunroom. There is a guest welcoming area, bright and sophisticated in its green palette.









The seated area of the Sunroom is spectacular. It's large windows overlook the bars on the lower levels enticing guests to party on after the reception. This room was set up with a striking black and white theme. Large vases of gypsophila were simple but very effective.







The Ballroom was the next stop. Huge is the best way to describe it. The super-sized zebra-striped carpet offset the enormous modern, white chandeliers. This area has a 60 person balcony overlooking the busy city streets, perfect for guests to sneak a breath of fresh air during the reception.







The highlight of the trip was our next step - drinks and delicious canapés poolside at the Pool Club next to Uccello. Having left Adelaide at 4am, pitch black, bucketing down with winter rain, it was heaven to arrive at this sunshine-filled oasis. This area is just so hip - my handy-snaps really don't do it justice. It felt it a bit 'Rat-Pack' with retro furniture and relaxing private cabanas. Surrounded by the tall city buildings, I can only imagine how magical this place would look at night, with guests milling around the pool, drink in hand, enjoying the views.





We were also shown the Penthouse, where the couple can stay on their first night - just stunning. We had a fabulous time and thoroughly enjoyed our tour of these magical settings. Really something to accommodate all tastes and so centrally located for interstate and international guests. Do visit the Merivale website - it is full of information and beautiful photos of all of the venues under their umbrella.

I'll leave you with a pic of Annabelle enjoying a juice (yes, we refrained!) poolside.



Posted by Jane Cameron

A Wonderful Weekend Away
On Saturday night I attended the launch of The Farm - a spectacular venue in the Barossa Valley, SA. Elli and Saskia Beer, daughters of the irrepressible Maggie Beer, have opened The Farm with a view to offering a really flexible function centre for weddings and corporate events alike. The venue itself was architecturally designed and it shows. What struck me was the perfect, neutral minimalism of the room - it would lend itself to any style of decor and could be dressed up or left just as it is. And it's big - the area could easily seat 150+ for dinner or many more for cocktail functions. The view, overlooking a lake is beautiful too, with expansive windows letting the natural sunlight flood indoors.





Now, the food - let's talk about the food! It was fantastic. There were little puffs of parmesan that burst with gooey cheese as you bit into them, delicious mushrooms on puff pastry shells, Maggie's famous paté on toast, an asian style beef carpaccio followed by goose rillette - and that was just to start. After pre-dinner drinks by the lake, on a perfect summer's night, we were led into the function centre where a large table was set with platters of smoked trout, Saskia's lamb and chicken, farm-style pies, salads and rustic loaves of bread. So much food!

I had a great time mingling with culinary celebrities including Maggie and the lovely Kylie Kwong and wine legends including the respected Peter Lehmann, who was a jolly nice chap.

There is plenty of local accommodation ranging from the large Novatel hotel, to quaint little B&Bs so it would make a really lovely wedding destination for couples wanting to treat their guests to the sights and tastes of the beautiful Barossa Valley.

Posted by Jane Cameron

Wallflowers
Look at these striking Wallpower murals that I found at French Dressing in New South Wales. Available in lots of different designs and ginormous at almost 3m square, they would be a great way to theme any space with great impact. Prices start from $1317.80AUD + delivery.





Posted by Jane Cameron

The Beautiful Boyd Baker House
Undeniably Australian and a national architectural treasure, the Boyd Baker House makes the perfect environment for a unique ‘Australian Bush Wedding’. Situated only 45 minutes from the heart of Melbourne and serviced by the delicious Ed Dixon Food Design, the Boyd Baker House makes an authentic and upmarket setting for couples who want something truly different for their big day. Featured in the Wallpaper Guide to Melbourne the Boyd Baker House is recognized for its sensational interiors as well as architecture. Completed in 1963 and finished in local quarried stone, the house is an organic property, unlike any other in Australia.
Several entertaining options and function spaces exist on the 34 acre property, including the Roy Grounds library, the Dower House and of course the Boyd Baker House which is complete with centre courtyard. The Boyd Baker House is also able to accommodate the wedding party and wedding breakfast the next day making it a fabulous place to celebrate you marriage. Visit www.boydbakerhouse.com.au for all the info.







Posted by Emilie Harrison

First Class all the Way
Last week I took a little trip away to stay at Royal Mail Hotel in Dunkeld, Victoria. The restaurant there has received great reviews, won prestigious awards and weekend bookings are filled until next year so I was looking forward to visiting. Travelling from Adelaide, it was a 6 hour drive, which is a jolly long way to go for dinner, but believe me when I say the journey was as good as the destination. With the recent rains, and spring burgeoning, the scenery was absolutely spectacular. Sweeping plains and gum-studded paddocks - it was green and lush, just breathtaking.


The wattles were in full bloom right across the countryside



We dined at the bistro on our first night which was relaxed and casual, but it was on our second night where we dined at the fine dining restaurant, we truly understood what all the fuss was about. We choose a 10 course degustation menu which, despite sounding overwhelming, was just right. The serves were small allowing each one to be savoured. The combination of flavours was inspiring. My favourite course was Spring Vegetables - a delicate salad of shoots, leaves and flowers. No, I lie, my favourite was one (of the 3!) dessert courses - pistachio, hazelnut and honeycomb that actually tasted of honey. The wine list (read BOOK) was enormous with something to satisfy even the most knowledgeable wine buff. It really was a fabulous night.


The view from atop Mount Sturgeon

Although Dunkeld is a very small town, there is plenty to do in the way of nature walks, history walks and general relaxation - we saw lots of kangaroos, kookaburras and other interesting birds not to mention the stunning native flora. Three hours drive from Melbourne it is an idyllic spot to be married, and a perfect way to make a weekend of it for guests who haven't seen the glorious Grampians or Australian countryside.


A beautiful native flower arrangement at the restaurant

The Royal Mail Hotel offers many different accommodation options to suit varying budgets, just be sure to make your plans well in advance for this popular destination. Definitely worth a visit.

Posted by Jane Cameron.

Most brides searching for the perfect venue in Sydney will already know of The Tea Room Gunners' Barracks and The Tea Room QVB, but may not have heard of the third venue in Manuel Spinola's impressive arsenal, Sergeants' Mess. Opening in July 2009, this new venue, with its sparkling waterfront location has breathtaking harbour views. Its intricacies of design, luxury space and absolute privacy will leave everyone captivated. Holly Orsman Smith, Group Marketing Manager, reveals the venue will be renovated and revitalised in a style that pays subtle homage to the simple glamour of the 1960s. Able to accommodate 300 seated guests, or 500 cocktail guests, Sergeants' Mess will be a truly exclusive offering with an elegant backdrop suitable for all styles of weddings. Exclusive site viewings are available by appointment only by telephoning Holly on 02 9283 7279.