Your wedding guests enter the gates from Landsborough Maleny Road, leaving behind the stresses of city life, and enter a new world – a rainforest drive which snakes around, and opens to reveal expansive gardens, meticulously mowed lawns, trees, flowering bougainvillea, festoon lighting and a magnificent homestead.
Arriving guests are directed along the northern path, where you will be spellbound by the spectacular views over the valley up to Mt Coolum, Mt Ninderry and beyond. The grassed helipad is often used to fly the bridal party in for a unique entrance.
The wedding area includes an open air pavilion and wedding lawn, vineyard, water fountain…..Leaving the inside of the Manor’s reveal for the reception.
The bridal party receive special treatment….Staff professionally pin button holes on the groom and groomsmen, give them a drink to settle their nerves, perhaps some hot chip for their nervous tums!
Meanwhile the bride and bridesmaids, are upstairs receiving final touches to makeup, hair, pre wedding photographs, and psyche up.
During the last 15 years of my involvement with Maleny Manor, the MM te
am have continued to be awarded for their professionalism and consistency of excellence. They are trained to be respectful, helpful and their genuine love of their jobs shines through. Marlene at the helm, takes pride in her staff and the elegance of the venue, and delights in detailing the latest renovations ….
With the fresh lick of paint, and new carpets, Maleny Manor has an updated modern look, yet has retained its character and charm with its wooden pillars and beams, and winding wooden staircase to the guest bedrooms and bridal suite upstairs.
The new French Bentwood Louis chairs, a la classic French cafe … have a modern twist when the table ensemble includes the latest in textures, layering with the work of Love Bird Weddings and the talented of Mondo Floral Designs. And it is difficult not to feel like taking a moment out to sit on the luxurious lounge settings in the bay window and French Doors to enjoy the winter’s sun.
From wedding chapel one moment, the Pavilion takes on a chameleon-like transformation in minutes to an open air function area with chairs and fire pits, or into a reception with long tables and grazing tables with décor from soft romantic sheets of white silk cascading from the rafters, mounted floral bouquets or a simple elegant décor.
Couples can choose their theme, and Sarah and Lockie who married in the pavilion on the weekend, chose to walk down the aisle to a shower of rose petals, across the lawns to the lounges under the spectacular Ash tree to finalise the signing of the register and certificates. It signified the end to a most beautiful ceremony of a couple who met at band camp 8 years previously, the boy from the country met the gal from the city. I could tell there was much more to this story which would have been unveiled at the reception later in the evening. Lockie and Sarah shared their personal vows, and how special that the bride walked down the aisle to music played by a fellow friend and music maker.
A much loved poem of Nanna’s was included, and for the country folk – “Banjo Patterson’s “As Long as Your Eyes are Blue”.
Immediately following the formalities, introduction, and guests’ congratulations, the bridal party and guests are ushered together for a group photo with the magnificent views as the backdrop. Meanwhile, the pavilion transformed into a welcoming reception area, with bars and bar stools in the garden, staff serve champagne cocktails and canapes with a smile – the family photos are being taken.
Guests will hardly notice the bride and groom have escaped with the photographer for a quick photo, as they can certainly enjoy this time relaxing, playing lawn games, exploring the vineyards fountains, and gorgeous gardens whilst catching up, as most weddings are reunions – of family, friends and loved ones…It is around this time that I depart, knowing the rest of the wedding is in good hands.
Written by Karen Faa, Sunshine Coast Celebrant