A Pemberton Story

The bride can hear the gentle chatter of her guests from where she sits nervously in the bride’s make up room in Pemberton’s stunning pavilion, her mother and bridesmaid fussing over last minute touches. Out in the garden, the well dressed crowd is basking in the sun, some under the shade of the pergola while the groom twitches as he waits, moving the gravel around with his foot, head down anxiously. Over in one corner near the hedge, immaculately groomed staff stand at attention by a bar clothed in white covered in uniformed rows of champagne flutes. And all the while the string quartet gently serenades the air, the warmth of romance and goodwill settling over the scene. Wet eyes welcome the most perfect bride as she finally walks across the grass and the day begins….

Bright coloured paper cones of rose petals are passed out and the staff stand in rows with trays of champagne as everyone raises a glass to the beautiful couple. Perfect little canapés begin to appear as the quartet strikes up another chord and the bride and groom wander into the extensive Pemberton gardens for wedding photos. From the wilderness garden to the rose bed in full bloom, the photographer captures the happiness they share with their friends and families.

As the sun turns orange the guests meander into the pavilion to tables set with crystalware, linen, dozens of little candles and bright flowers. The bride and groom chose a seated dinner on round tables, labouring over all the options they were given, from square tables to sideboard cuisine, French family style or plate and fork. They were even able to decide on the shade of their linen from Pemberton’s ample stores all conveniently included in their hire cost. The chandelier hangs in glory over the dance floor waiting for its time to shine but at the moment it’s just happy to cast light on the three-tiers of wedding cake adorned with pearls, flowers, icing and more…The guests eyes widen as they emerge through the large double doors and see this creation, they’ve never seen anything quite like it, they agree to each other. They return the smiles of the waiting staff lined up to greet them and guide them to their seats, and in a blink of an eye, the entrée is graciously served to their tables.

The chefs in the kitchen gently tip toe around the ovens as the laughter from the pavilion signals the speeches and the supervisor waits for the wink and a nod from the MC when it’s time for the last speaker. In perfect time, 180 delicious meals fly out of the kitchen, guests choosing between beautifully braised lamb shoulder or prosciutto wrapped chicken. “Hmmmm, says the groom thoughtfully, “I’ll try one of each.”

Over in one corner, the staff work secretly across a long table, laying out more candles and bringing through towers of raspberry kissed meringues and little crème brulees, perfect lemon tartlets and glasses of layered chocolate mousse. They stand aside to an audible gasp as the guests realise the grand dessert sideboard they have created. The choices!

The band turns on the amp and the mood of the evening changes, the party swings into action and after the first dance, the guests hit the floor. Some prefer a lighter mood so wander back into the gardens and the courtyard to sit with the twinkling lanterns and the roaring fire. A staff member brings them a little glass of port and a piece of wedding cake, three flavours to choose from.

Just before the coach turns back into a pumpkin, the bride and groom flee to their honeymoon suite and rows of taxis sit in wait for their guests. As they drive away, they turn for one last look, sharing stories of the night that was the perfect wedding.

And as they all put their heads on their pillows, the staff clear away another night that was. As they roll away the tables and chairs they discuss the details of this bride’s dress and just how perfect the garden was today. And as they lock up the long bi-folding glass doors that wrap around their favourite venue, they proudly boast to each other that Pemberton is just it, the best wedding venue in town.