102 | EVENTS Allely Estate Sue Russell Plenty to savour at Allely Estate The expansive grounds at Allely Estate are the perfect location for outdoor celebrations. Purchasing a premium wedding and event venue in the midst of the CO9ΖD pandemic would not be something for the fainthearted to contemplate, however for Peter and Catherine Cooke the decision made good business sense oering an opportunity to expand their business interests and to mark their own stamp on Allely Estate’s special history and Mourney. Catherine is a renowned Business Advisor as owner of The Engine Limited and she has been instrumental in the increase of interest and leads for Allely (state. You can see from the website that there is a significant eort concentrated in to story-telling and contributions of current testimonials and blogs from many happy clients. There has been considerable thought and execution in to the customer journey at Allely Estate since purchase. Located at 3 3 S+1 , Kumeu, Allely (state comprises an original substantial turn of the century villa owned by the Allely Family and first located in +illsborough. The villa has several entertaining spaces including a special bridal room for brides (or grooms) to use prior to the big event. Outside a permanent marquee can accommodate gatherings of up to 300 guests. Ζnside it features wrought iron chandeliers, a six-metre high ceiling, underfoot Astroturf ȵooring and removable clear sides. And beyond this are expansive grounds where, those choosing to celebrate a wedding or special occasion outside, are spoilt for choices of location. “The grounds are home to stands of mature trees and beautiful gardens set amongst a rural setting bordered with vineyards and orchards,” Peter says. The majority of the weddings held are ceremony based and when a couple first approach Peter and the team regarding booking the venue, they are provided with a dedicated Client Manager (in the lead up to) as well as a dedicated Event Manager (for the special day). “We know there is so much to think about and often a couple won’t know where to start but the most important thing is to settle on a date and then prioritise to book the venue as the main focus and as early as possible.” The main wedding season runs October through to March and when Business North spoke with Peter September this year was already fully booked. Because of Allely’s size it is an ideal setting for cultures who often celebrate weddings with large numbers of guests, such as Pacifika and Ζndian communities as well as very private for those weddings that require intimacy or no media attention. Peter says Allely Estate is very much part of the local Kumeu community. “Last Sunday we hosted, (in conjunction with Kumeu Rotary and the Muriwai Community Association) sponsored and donated to “The grounds are home to stands of mature trees and beautiful gardens set amongst a rural setting bordered with vineyards and orchards,” raise necessary funds for Muriwai displaced residents which raised ,000 ( 0 donors donated and the fundraising is still ongoing on TradeMe under ‘Muriwai Fundraiser’ toward supporting that community following Cyclone Gabrielle. Allely Estate’s history, as the original vineyards for the Selak family ties it to this community in a visible and meaningful way. The Selak family trust still owns the land and buildings.” Asked what attracted them to own and operate a hospitality business in such a special space Peter says he’s always enjoyed the sector. ȊYou have to be a heart-centric person, wanting to provide clients with memorable experiences, top service and memories to cherish.” He’s also proud of the fact that the majority of sta are from the local district. Peter says his key role is to be behind the scenes supporting and enabling the sta to deliver excellent service. “I think special people are drawn to work in this industry. They enjoy seeing clients having a wonderful experience and they have a cooperative nature to them in terms of helping out when and where needed.” And there’s a deep and personal connection the couple have to this sector. Peter and Catherine married in October 2020 after meeting by chance in 01 across a bar and Peter returning to New Zealand to be with Catherine. Their celebration features on the website and really oers viewers a sense of how special this couple is. ȊOur love for each other overȵows in the way we approach what we do and how we deliver. “We’re a venue of choice, along with we were the venue for the NZ Bride & Groom Wedding of the Year 2020 (a wedding planned and delivered in a month - something we do often.) In fact we delivered two weddings after the January storm this year with 2 and 3 days planning. We are renowned for really take care of our clients, giving them exactly what they want.” Allely (state also hosts its own events. Ζn mid April they had over 170 people for ‘Greece Comes to Allely (state’ which oered guests the chance to experience authentic Greek Food, Dance and Music. They have many other in house events coming up including a Quiz Night in May and the Roaring 0’s - time to dress up, be nostalgic - no great night started just with a salad! CREATING MEMORIES CELEBRATING 0800 MANDAP www.mandap.co.nz YEARS
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