Love & Wine

The countryside setting competes with beaches, cities and gardens as a contender for the most magnificent wedding venue. Setting the scene of your love story is important and you want your wedding day to be remembered in years to come. Out of all the stunning venue options, there is something so dreamy and charming about a wedding set amongst the tall grapevines of a winery. As well as opting as a great alternative, the many advantages of having a wedding at a vineyard are difficult to compete with. Breaking away from the hustle and bustle of the city and suburbia, a wedding out in the country creates a serene and magical atmosphere.

Stop And Smell The Rosé

If you’re a wine aficionado, then your ideal wedding setting may be Lightning Hill Estate. The country charm vineyards emanate make for the perfect rustic-chic or boho-vintage wedding. Cementing your deep love and relationship for your partner in this intimate setting immediately creates an affectionate and close celebration with all your family and friends.

Fitzsimmons of Lightning Hill Estate expands on this thought as she describes how vineyard settings bring an aura of romance because the countryside holds this “subconscious sense of love, family, laughter, passion, space, and long lush green rows that ooze growth and a sense of peace.” This ‘space’ that Fitzsimmons touches on here is pivotal for the vineyard setting being viewed as a prime wedding location. For Lightning Hill Estate, the venue’s main advantage is that they are located just off the freeway, yet you cannot hear a single car! Its wide-open spaces make guests feel as if they are back in the countryside, while in reality the venue is “1.3kms off the highway in Officer and 2.5kms off the Monash Freeway”. The versatility, in terms of location, that this venue holds is magnificent – some would say it’s the best of both worlds! With not far to travel, guests can indulge in fantastic scenery, natural landscapes and beautiful wines.

You Had Me At Merlot

There is a certain romance to being in the countryside. Vineyards offer more than just spectacular views – guests can connect to your wedding, the luscious wines produced and the relationship the winery has with the area. In this
case, Fitzsimmons calls the twenty-acre plot home. Priding herself in creating “a relaxing and welcoming environment for couples”, Fitzsimmons ensures everyone feels at home on her beautiful and rustic vineyard. This homely charm cannot be
bought, and while the day may call for dancing and celebrations, the countryside setting exudes serenity and peace. In our discussion, Fitzsimmons mentions the fact that “many of us originated from the countryside but for various reasons have had to move to suburbia. It is always calming to be back in a natural environment, and it makes people feel like they are back home.”

Vineyard venues are particularly appealing for couples who are looking for both a magnificent outdoor and indoor space. With ample room to get creative, couples can utilise venues dedicated to wedding event space and on-site restaurants. With plenty of amenities and a dreamy backdrop for photos, there is no doubt why vineyards have become increasingly more popular in recent years.

As Lightning Hill Estate is still a relatively new venue, Fitzsimmons has cleverly harnessed this budding market and sees the fascination and allure to vineyards and all it has to offer. When asked why she believes this certain type of venue has risen in popularity in recent years, Fitzsimmons says “I think the more the city expands the more people crave a moment in the country – it’s something they don’t have at home.” While there is still very much the trend of big, glamorous weddings in grand receptions, Fitzsimmons finds this style “stiff and separational – people don’t relax or mingle.”