As Venue Manager, Rachel is deeply involved in every aspect of the estate’s operations, from collaborating with the planning and front-of-house teams to engaging with couples and overseeing the estate's day-to-day functions.
How long have you had the pleasure of being the Venue Manager at Gabbinbar?
I have had the pleasure of being in the venue manager role at Gabbinbar since July 2023, so 15 months.
What first led you into the wedding industry, and how did your journey begin?
I was actually in the beauty industry before starting at Gabbinbar. At the time, the beauty industry really only consisted of casual work, and I was looking for something on a more full-time basis. My brother, who was recently engaged and planning his wedding, said to me, ‘Rachel, do you know what you would be good at? - being a wedding planner’. Ironically, after this one of my clients who I looked after at the salon was a wedding planner at Gabbinbar and told me about the vacancy, so I applied.
Did you step directly into the role of Venue Manager upon joining Gabbinbar, or did your path begin in a different capacity?
I started at Gabbinbar in the wedding and event planning role in June 2018. In 2020 when COVID hit I was fortunate enough to keep my job and handled the postponements for our couples during that time. Gabbinbar was closed for a short period due to restrictions and when we reopened I moved into the role of Gabbinbar Experience Manager. In this role, I managed the wedding planning and front of house teams and had a real focus on customer experience. With changes and a leadership restructure, I moved into the venue manager role in 2023.
Could you describe what a typical day entails for you as Venue Manager?
As the venue manager, no two days are the same, and that’s one of the things I love most about my role. My typical day starts with administrative tasks, followed by weekly meetings with my four key team leaders: the wedding planning team leader, front of house team leader, head chef, and venue services coordinator.
I am also a member of the sales team at Gabbinbar, where I respond to enquiries from new couples and host estate viewings. I often assist the wedding planning team in hosting meetings or providing on-the-day support. I’m involved in staff training and take on various tasks to ensure the venue runs smoothly. I collaborate with other leaders in the business to drive innovation and develop our offerings, working on rolling out new ideas and implementing effective systems.
What is it that you love the most about Gabbinbar?
The PEOPLE. The team, couples and vendors are by far my favourite part of Gabbinbar. The homestead and estate are pretty special too!
Gabbinbar operates with remarkable precision—what would you say is the key to this seamless execution?
The key to Gabbinbar's seamless execution is our team. Their training, dedication, and passion for providing our couples with an exceptional wedding experience is what makes everything come together so smoothly. Whether it's the planners, front of house, kitchen, or the operations team, everyone is committed to delivering an unforgettable day for our couples
Since you began in your role, how have you seen Gabbinbar transform or adapt over time?
One thing about Gabbinbar is that it’s always evolving. We’re constantly looking for ways to improve both the estate and what we offer our couples. Over the six years I’ve worked here, it’s been amazing to see the homestead and the estate undergo so many improvements. Being in a leadership role, I’ve valued having a hand in shaping how Gabbinbar sets itself apart in the industry. Watching our team push boundaries and reach new heights has been incredibly rewarding, and it's exciting to see how far we’ve come.
In your opinion, what truly sets Gabbinbar apart from other wedding venues?
What truly sets Gabbinbar apart is our team and their passion. We've been perfecting what we do for over a decade, and that experience has made us true experts in the wedding industry. Our team’s dedication to delivering exceptional weddings, combined with our deep understanding of what it takes to create unforgettable experiences, really distinguishes us from other venues.
Are there any exciting projects or upcoming developments at Gabbinbar that couples should anticipate?
In 2025, we're excited to continue perfecting the experience we offer our couples. As I mentioned earlier, there’s always something new in the works at Gabbinbar, but without giving too much away, I can share that we’re developing a new outdoor package that we think couples will love. We’re also focusing on ongoing improvements around the estate to make sure every corner of Gabbinbar feels just as magical as it should on your wedding day.
What hidden gem or often-overlooked feature of the venue do you believe more couples should take advantage of?
One hidden gem at our venue that I believe more couples should take advantage of is the orchard behind the Retreat. When in fruit, it creates a stunning backdrop filled with vibrant colours and lovely fragrances, making it particularly beautiful for pre-ceremony photos of the bride or groom and the wedding party.
Of the many weddings you have overseen, is there one that stands out as particularly memorable?
One that stands out as particularly memorable was a year into my role as a wedding planner. I had the pleasure of working with a couple whose vision was inspired by a special wedding the bride and her mother had attended in Italy when she was just 13. They sought to recreate that beautiful experience, and I formed a special connection with both the bride and her mother throughout the planning process. This wedding was the largest I had coordinated up to that point. The blend of emotions, traditions, and personal touches made it unforgettable. Recently, the couple returned to Gabbinbar for a friend’s wedding and asked the team about me, which was such a feel-good moment.
Is there a particular moment during the wedding day that you find especially moving?
One of the most moving moments during the wedding day for me is undoubtedly when the bride walks down the aisle. I also love the speeches. Hearing the heartfelt words shared by family and friends offers a glimpse into the couple’s journey and the love that surrounds them.
How do you continue to draw inspiration and ensure that each wedding experience remains distinctive and fresh for every couple?
We continue to draw inspiration and ensure that each wedding experience remains distinctive and fresh for every couple by leveraging the diverse backgrounds of our wedding planning team. Our wedding planning team members have worked in various fields such as retail management, interior design, hospitality, and even beauty therapy and bring a wealth of perspective and creativity to their role.
As a destination wedding venue, we welcome couples from all over the country and the world, each with their own cultures and vision for their special day. This diversity helps to keep us inspired and allows us to create truly personalised wedding experiences.
