Rocks, waterfalls for weddings
If you want picturesque rocks and waterfalls for the backdrop to your wedding, Taranaki’s newest venue may be for you.
Taranaki couple Mike and Alex Cole built a house on their Wilson Rd property in Urenui but had no specific plans for the other half of the land - until their landscape designer told them they should host weddings.
‘‘When we came to look at developing the other half of the land we got in touch with a friend of ours, who is a garden designer,’’ Mike Cole said.
’’And as we started to design the garden, the suggestion was made that with the view that we have and the ambience of the site, it might just be perfect for a marriage ceremony venue.’’
The location has a rock wall and waterfall theme, which partly came about because they were putting a rock wall in front of the house and it made sense to carry it on, Mike said.
There are also paths, a stream, boardwalks, semi-mature trees and simple grass areas.
‘‘The bride makes her entrance from above everybody, so they’re all down below her,’’ Alex said.
They planto be open yearround, weather permitting, and have a pergola that will be weather-proofed.
The Rocks will hold an open day on November 5 from 11am to 4pm, and parties who book their basic package on the day will receive a 50 per cent discount.
The couple, who immigrated from the UK in 2003, run their business BritsNZ from home, helping other families who want to move to New Zealand.
They don’t have any background in the wedding industry. ’’We’ve been married 28 years so I think we’re a fairly good testament to it all in all,’’ Alex said.
‘‘It sort of evolved over time but also we love this piece of land,’’ Mike said. ‘‘The atmosphere and ambience is very calming and very gentle. And we just felt that sharing that with people through what is usually a very happy day made perfect sense, rather than just running a few chooks and a few cows across it.’’
Because they worked from home, if people wanted Thursday or Friday weddings it could be worked out. They said the venue could also be available for proposals, schools who wanted to have a picnic and games day or other small boutique events.