Oh winter, I do love you so but I wish, just a little that my fingers and toes weren’t so darn cold! I was so happy this past weekend to have Mr Polka back after he spent a week away for work and Ms Gingham is home too so it feels a little like the family is back together! Are you making Winter travel plans? I think they’re a permanent fixture on most agendas aren’t they?

We love to kick off our week with a huzzah and a pop of champagne (though admittedly it’s virtual champagne this early in the day!) and a shout out to the members of Ms Polka Dot’s Directory. We are growing its pages every day with every kind of vendor. From incredible Flowers, Stationery & Paper Goods, beautiful Bridal Gowns and even Hair & Beauty. We love amazing vendors so if you’ve found one, be sure to tell them about us!

yarra valley wedding reception

One of the most frequent requests I receive from brides is finding a venue that is close to a city with all in one capacity for a wedding ceremony and reception plus accommodation. Well this week’s vendor of the week Chesters at Yarra Valley Conference Centre ticks all the boxes and more!

Located in beautiful Yarra Valley wine region, Chesters of the Yarra Valley can seat up to 100 guests with beautiful surrounding gardens for your ceremony.  There are over 42 guest rooms on site (and the 42 are just the ones with an en-suite!), so each and every one of your guests can stay the night and wake up the next day for a celebratory breakfast!

The food is a high priority to the team at Chesters who can create anything from a BBQ feast, to a three course sit down dinner. They’ll work with you to ensure the food suits your taste and wedding – there’s even a wood fired pizza oven for tasty pre and post wedding meals (or perhaps serve them up at midnight to keep guests going all night long!)

We asked Louise of Chesters of the Yarra Valley five questions in five minutes –

What is your favourite after five drink?

A really nice glass of wine. We have such a variety of great local wines from boutique venues and I love tasting the different varieties available.

Your favourite weekend away?

Spending time with close friends bike riding in all the different areas in Victoria. Being active during the day and then sharing scrumptious dinners.

Favourite restaurant?

This would have to be Hargreaves Hill Brewery in Yarra Glen. They never let us down, food and service are exceptional.

What can we find you eating fro breakfast on a Sunday morning?

A baked bean toasty with melted cheese on a sourdough bread with a latte and freshly squeezed orange juice, yummo!

Your favourite wedding story?

One of our conference guests really wanted to have their wedding here. It meant a lot to us because your wedding day is such an important event in your life and to want to spend that here must mean we are doing something right. It is a huge compliment!

Visit Chesters of the Yarra Valley’s page to find out more about our Vendor Of The Week. Chesters of the Yarra Valley is a member of Ms Polka Dot’s Directory