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One of the the many things that has been preoccupying me lately (and not leaving time for blogging) is that Jen and I have decided to make it legal and get married. It’s the second time for both of us, so we’re aiming for a comfortable rather than glitzy event.
The wedding is in Melbourne on Saturday 20 October. We decided that Melbourne was overall the most convenient venue for family and friends. The reception/dinner is going to be in an upstairs function room at an old Melbourne cafe institution, the Tamani Italian bistro in Toorak Road, South Yarra (where Jen used to eat almost every day when she lived in inner city Melbourne in the 80s). This was a last minute decision made only yesterday, after we initially booked a ritzy wedding venue in the Dandenongs but then went cold on the idea.
We were hoping that we could have the actual ceremony at a venue in King’s Domain or the Botanic Gardens, but Jen has just discovered that that whole area is booked out on the 20th for some big cycling event. So this is a request for suggestions for an alternative within striking distance of South Yarra i.e. on that side of the river. It would be nice if it was fairly visually striking, and preferably with some sort of covered area (like a rotunda or something) in case of rain (although at a pinch we could simply retreat to the restaurant for the ceremony in the event of crook weather).
We were also wondering if any Troppo reader might be able to put us onto a good bluesy/jazzy singer/pianist to play at the dinner?
It isn’t easy organising your wedding in a city several thousand kilometres from one’s current home, given that Jen hasn’t lived there for 17 years or so and I hardly know Melbourne at all. So any suggestions will be gratefully received.
Can’t help with the musician, but congratulations anyway, and good luck with the weather. It sounds like it will be a delightful occasion
Can the Melbourne idea and go to Las Vegas. I did. So much easier.
Armagnac!
Fawkner Park on Toorak Rd West, just a short walk from the restaurant, would be nice that time of year. There is a pavilion in the middle of the park. You would need to make arrangements with City of Melbourne (03)9658 9954. Good luck.
Birrarung Marr? Near Fed Square? http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/info.cfm?top=25&pa=1273&pg=1281
Can’t recall if there is any sheltered areas, but the bells would make a very striking place to have photos/the ceremony..?
lovely news. congratulations to you both.
Congratulations
An idea – check out
http://www.stonnington.vic.gov.au/lifestyle/parks/selection
maybe ring the Council number listed
Sorry – don’t have better info – I’m on the other side of the river in Heidelberg.
Your wet weather plan is a good idea – it can be very cold in Melb in October (but we like it that way and anyone who doesn’t always has the option of going to Qld)
City of Port Philip might also be worth contacting.
Excellent news! I will try to make it, uni permitting.
Yes, congratulations KenJen!
I sincerely hope that isn’t really you in the photo.
Congratulations!
St Kilda Botanic Gardens.
Don’t know Melb at all, but congratulations to you both. FDB and FXH are the resident musicians, but not sure where they’re based.
There’s a Resturant, called Le Gourmet located directly across from Fizroy Gardens, which might suit your purposes. It’s not south of the Yarra, but its not far. Just a stretch Hummer ride down Punt Rd.
Congratulations to you both. Great photo. Regarding a bluesy/jazzy singer pianist, suggest you contact Ross Hannaford or Joe Camilleri who know Melbourne musicians of the precise ilk you’re after, like a London cabbie knows The Knowledge. You would then be able to check out recommended artists performing live, well ahead of Oct. 20. Good Luck.
Very best to you both, indeed.
{Good to see Ken has (been made to have) had a shave for the photo.}
Woohoo! Fabulous news! Congratulations to you both.
How romantic. Hope you have a lovely wedding and find a really good crooner.
(So what you have been doing is illegal?) Make an honest man of him Jen.
Try the Alma Park Rotunda:
About Alma Park
Facilities checklist
About Alma park
Alma Park was formally established as crown land in August 1868, on request from residents of East St Kilda. Known formally, as the East St Kilda Recreation Reserve, it was used as a loam deposit, a depot for road metal and also a grazing ground for goats and fowl. In 1859, the land was severed into two by the Brighton railway line.
In 1867, designer Clement Hodgkinson was commissioned to design the St Kilda recreational reserve, known today as Alma Park, Clement had an impressive portfolio, he had previously designed Treasury Gardens, Fitzroy Gardens and Flagstaff Gardens in Melbourne. Later he was commissioned to design St Vincent’s Gardens in Albert Park.
I will think about th music.
J