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Simple easy service with one of Canberra's most experienced celebrants. (I have married over 1400 couples.) Your beautiful, memorable and personalised alternative to a Registry Office wedding. Only one one-hour meeting required and the next time we meet, it's your wedding day!

26 January 2012

Ginninderry Homestead - classic country charm so close to town



Hello, and welcome
     Here begins another busy year of wonderful weddings,

     To begin 2012, I want to let you know of another special place to hold your wedding and reception - Ginninderry Homestead.
     Like Tuggeranong Homestead which I wrote about in my last blogpost, this is a county-style setting, right on the edge of suburban Canberra. It's in Macgregor, on the north-western edge of Belconnen. It's easy for you and your guests to get to, but you'll all feel like you're 'miles away' out in the countryside on a huge private estate. This beautiful place even has a river running alongside, and you'll get some spectacular photos.
      The owner/managers are mother-and-daughter team, Sue and Amelia. They are my friends - we're fellow gardeners, and for me, that's a favourite basis for a friendship. Like my romantic Heart Garden in Weston, the extensive gardens of Ginninderry Homestead, also with romantic styling, have been part of the Australian Open Garden Scheme. Another gardening friend of mine, Janet, married her longtime love, Rick, on the front lawn of the Homestead in early September 2010.
Rick and Janet, just married


     On the property there's a purpose built reception hall, with lots of space for lots of guests to dine and dance. The wedding ceremony can be held on the front lawn, or in a side garden, near the labyrinth, overlooking what I think is Ginninderra Creek (Yes, there's a labyrinth! This garden is a 'must see'!)

          Because this spectacular place is also a popular Canberra 4.5 star boutique hotel, the wedding party can stay the weekend in luxurious Georgian style. 
     For your wedding reception, you can provide your  own caterer or Amelia and Sue will recommend one for you. (In my memory, I think they recommend Flair Gourmet Service). If I were planning a country garden wedding, and I didn't plan to travel out past Yass to my most favourite place, Crisp Gardens and Galleries, then Ginninderry Homestead would be my first choice. Everything about it is 'just right'.

     As usual, to see more photos to go with this post, you can visit the slideshow to the right.
Amelia puts the finishing touches
to the elegant reception setting
at Ginninderry Homestead.

Bride Online Ask an Expert
     Bride Online's Ask an Expert service is a really helpful resource for everything to do with weddings. Last year I was selected as one of their experts and I've answered a few questions already.
     I recommend you pay Bride Online a visit, not because they pay me to say this - they don't - but because it's full of useful information and beautiful images. By the way, I have no commercial affiliations with any of the wedding suppliers I mention in my blog posts. I simply like to tell you of their good work from my own personal experience.

Hudsons
     Have just seen an article in the Canberra Times about Wendy Hudson from the National Botanic Gardens. I've known Wendy for a long time. She does a great job as wedding co-ordinator at the Gardens, as well as caterer. (Perhaps you could have your wedding at Ginninderry Homestead and book Hudsons to do the catering - that would be an excellent plan.)
     We have in our fair city, so many wonderful wedding sites and so many good restaurants, reception venues and caterers. It must be hard for couples to make their choices from all these options. I hope though that if you are looking for a celebrant who is totally committed to helping you make your big day a complete success, you'll find this choice very easy!

UPDATE AUGUST 2012
I think Ginninderry Homestead is a brilliant place to hold your Hens' Party. You can all enjoy the Day Spa, have a party in the magnificent homestead then stay the night. Pure class!
     
If you are planning to marry, congratulations! 
     If you would like me to be your celebrant, or you'd like to know more about the service I offer before you make your decision, please phone me any day between 9am and 9pm on 02 6161 0718 or on my mobile 0406 376 375. You can email me directly, or through this email contact form.

Till next time
Sincerely
Michele