Words Vicki Ravlich-Horan, Images by Courtney Hoorwood
In a past life I was a wedding caterer, so when he ‘put a ring on it’, I knew a few things for sure. It was going to be a small, intimate affair, maximum 80 guests. I’d seen far too many big weddings which stretched budgets and the bride and groom. I wanted a beautiful venue where we could get married, have the photos and the reception. And, of course, the food had to be amazing!
I only wish Falls Retreat had been around then, as they would have ticked all my boxes and more. With over 10 years of creating that special day for over 120 couples, Emma Walters from Falls Retreat says, “The key to helping create that special day is ensuring on the day the bride, groom and guests can just turn up and enjoy it! We offer a one stop place to get married with onsite accommodation, incredible food, a stunning venue with waterfall views and amazing photo opportunities and, of course, our dedicated wedding staff who take care of all the small details to ensure everything runs smoothly from start to finish.”
Emma says that Falls Retreat’s focus on connecting people with food, nature and each other is a perfect match for weddings and elopements. “We allow nature, including the beautiful outdoor ceremony area with Owharoa Falls in the background, to take centre stage while our focus is on providing incredible menus utilising produce from our organic veggie gardens.”
Her tips for couples planning their wedding are simple: “Keep focused on what is important to you as a couple, remembering that a great day can be a simple formula of good food, good company in a beautiful setting. Don’t get too caught up in minor details and let the experts guide you so that you can enjoy the planning process.”
One such couple who did just that are Yanika and Curtis Reed, who were married at Falls Retreat in March this year and sent this letter of thanks to the team:
“We just wanted to say how grateful we are for our wedding. Your team, yourself, and the venue went above and beyond and delivered a thousand-fold! We were so impressed; our guests cannot stop raving about how incredible the day was. The food, drinks and service. The kitchen staff were incredible, we cannot get over the taste of the food and standard! We are so happy with the day and how things went, thank you so very much. You made our day run so seamless and enjoyable ❤️”
Emma’s tips for couples planning their wedding are simple:
Take advantage of off-peak times
While summer is always a popular time to get married, winter offers a number of advantages, from off-peak pricing to the intimate cosy atmosphere of Falls barn with the fire burning. Plus, take it from me, when you plan a winter wedding, you’ll never be disappointed by the weather, as it’s part of the plan, unlike a cyclone in February.
Small and intimate
Keeping your guest list to those close to you or under 60 will help the budget plus it opens up a lot more options, be it venue, menus or those special touches. Plus, these will be the people you really want to celebrate your big day with, and the atmosphere will reflect that.
Trust the experts
Most of us don’t have more than one wedding and there is a lot to consider, much of which you have no experience of. So trust the experts, especially your venue/caterer. It’s their job to ensure you and your guests have an amazing day.
Make sure the food is great!
Let’s face it, even if you have every detail perfect but the food is bad, that’s what people will remember. Every celebration deserves great food, and your wedding is no exception!
Perfectly located in the stunning Karangahake Gorge (between Waihi and Paeroa), Falls Retreat is only 1.5 hours from Auckland and 1 hour from Tauranga and Hamilton, making it a central spot to celebrate your big day.
The beautiful property, complete with boutique accommodation means you can stay on site the night before and/or the night of your wedding. Plus, the photo opportunities are endless, from the pergola overlooking the stunning Owharoa Falls to the garden to the rustic barn.
Check out their Intimate Winter Wedding Special.
Available for 12–48 people in June, July or August from $3900 and includes full venue hire as well as accommodation for 10 people, plus celebrant and décor.
Email events@fallsretreat.co.nz to find out more information and to start planning your special day.
fallsretreat.co.nz
