East Gippsland Wedding Planner

www.eastgippslandweddingexpo.com.au | EAST GIPPSLAND WEDDING PLANNER 2017 55 A stunning venue for nuptials and gorgeous wedding photos is Tamberrah Cottages, with delightful spots right around the Tambo Upper property of Jeanne and Robbie Fraser including an island in the middle of a rock-walled lake. A pretty footbridge to the island and the island itself make for great pictures, and the island has plenty of room for the wedding party for the main part of your big day. “We’ve had many weddings here,” Jeanne said. “People have been married on the island in the lake, in front of the lake, on the flat lawn area beside the restaurant with the lake in the background, and even up in the front corner of the property where there are some lovely trees, away from the water when there are a number of children. “There have been some very interesting and memorable weddings here. We’ve even had a helicopter land here with the groom, red carpet and all the works. “And in the 10 years that people have been getting married here, it’s only rained probably twice. We’ve had cloudy, cold days, but been really lucky with the rain.” When on one rare occasion it rained during a wedding, Robbie thought, “perhaps we should have somewhere that’s under cover - maybe we should build a chapel”. So a chapel and reception area with dance floor has now been built on the property, complementing the cottage accommodation, restaurant and beautiful gardens. And it’s all topped off with an antique cast iron bell, dating back to 1834 and originally installed in a church in Oregon. “It had to have a bell,” Robbie said. “I wasn’t going to begin building a chapel until I had a bell.” CHAPEL COMPLETE WITH ANTIQUE BELL When it comes to weddings, the licensed Windmill Pizza restaurant might be considered small, but if it’s an intimate wedding of up to 20 guests you’re looking for it can work quite well, the walls able to be removed on fine days and opened up to the fresh air or enclosed on chillier ones while still retaining the magical views over the lake to the mountains in the north. The restaurant makes for another interesting backdrop for wedding photos, with its windmill and waterwheel lapping at the lake and providing a relaxing serenity. With chocolate and wine on arrival and comfort and style within, the onsite cottages are perfect for wedding guests or the couple just beginning their wedded union. There are four cottages onsite, with a fifth nearing completion, that are perfect for wedding day preparations and a relaxing break after the stress of the big day.