ADVERTORIAL
T IMELESS
T IFFANY ’ S
by Victoria McGuin
Arriving at family-run Weddings at Tiffany’s in Maleny, you can see this is somewhere special. A stunning panoramic view of the Glasshouse Mountains, offset by the manicured sloping lawn with viewing deck and wooden swing. Topiary, wild jasmine, elegant statues and gently cascading water features…. the attention to detail is second-to-none. Victoria McGuin paid a visit to find out what goes on behind the scenes.
The Chapel
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HINTERLAND TIMEs – DECEMBER 2014
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FTER APPRECIATING the landscaped beauty upon my arrival, I see the chapel perched above the view…. White wood, large windows, chandeliers, glass and silver candelabras. Classic, understated and perfect as it is, or easily adaptable for splashes of colour or flowers to change the tone. The neutrality of this peaceful space means anyone can be married here, whether by a celebrant, minister, priest or friend. I head into the main house, sit in a comfy armchair with a cup of tea and notice a cork board covered with ‘thank you’ cards from happy couples. Words jump out at me: special, perfect, incredible, amazing, wonderful setting, cannot thank you enough. This family-run business is clearly doing a superb job at making people thrilled with their special day. Kelly Tilse owns Weddings at Tiffany’s, alongside her husband David and her parents, Colleen and David. As she sits down for a chat, I comment on the black and white framed photographs of Audrey Hepburn in the bar area, on the coasters and in the hall.
The Family
“Breakfast at Tiffany’s is one of my favourite films,” she smiles. “I was watching it one afternoon when we’d just acquired this venue and thought, why not, ‘Weddings at Tiffany’s’? The film is classic and timeless, and we will be too.” The building itself was originally an art gallery and tea house, called ‘Malcolm’s of Maleny,’ before becoming a restaurant. By the time Kelly and her family found it, it was pretty run down. “We revamped the garden, built the chapel and decks. Basically gave it a massive overhaul to return it to its original splendour.” Kelly was a wedding floral designer, who had been in Maleny since 2007. she realised, just from listening to couples, that they wanted a venue that “ticked all the boxes”. With her passion for flowers, Kelly first and foremost decided to create an exclusive floral design studio, Tiffany’s Flowers, along with dedicated stylists to ensure couples had everything at their fingertips. she also knew that people were looking for a beautiful place that could be used in all weather. somewhere neutral, with excellent food, amazing views, the ability to have the ceremony and reception on site, and where they could put their own stamp on the wedding theme. Realising they had found the perfect location for this, the family stepped up to the challenge, and it has clearly paid off. since they began, the venue has catered for over 25,000 guests, with over 10,000 booked for 2015-16 already. “We generally have four weddings a week here, so it is busy.”