The professional, experienced team at Northridge Public Golf Course say they take a flexible approach to weddings – listening to each couple's vision and doing everything they can to make it happen. The Northridge clubhouse extension, which includes the 150 capacity banquet hall, has been in use for forty-five years and offers couples a wall of windows overlooking the picturesque golf course and gardens that are beautifully maintained by the City of Brantford. It's hard to believe such a natural setting exists right in Brantford, and with their affordable, all-inclusive packages, flexible (and mouth-watering) menu options and the ability to host your ceremony and reception all in one place – plus a round of golf for the guys in the morning – we're not surprised that most of Northridge's business comes from referrals. In fact, we spoke with several brides who fell in love with the hall at Northridge after seeing it decorated for other events.

Northridge provides all catering and bartending services exclusively, couples have four different wedding packages to choose from and the neutral hall décor can accommodate any wedding style or colour. At Northridge, you'll get a taste of your food and hall set-up before the wedding day and an accommodating payment plan. Plus, if you're like brides we've interviewed who have already experienced how Lesley Ann Bowen, Event and Marketing Supervisor, and her team aim to make all dream weddings come true, you'll love having Northridge Public Golf Course as an option for your Brantford area wedding day. Let us explain...

Personally speaking...

At Northridge, the key players who help execute your wedding day are Lesley Ann, Event and Marketing Supervisor and Amy Steinman, Food and Beverage Supervisor. Amy has been in the food and beverage industry for fifteen years and has managed food and beverage operations at Northridge for one year. The Sherwood caterers are also a part of every wedding at Northridge as they are Northridge's exclusive caterers and have been serving Brantford and area residents for twenty-nine years, Lesley Ann told us.

Lesley Ann has three years of experience organizing various events from weddings and banquets to golf tournaments and seminars. She has been at Northridge since 2007 and told The Ring that she has been a part of about twenty-five weddings in that time. Lesley Ann took a course in Event Planning from the University of Waterloo but says that most of the knowledge she has gained in this field comes from the experiences she has had in the job itself. "Trends in weddings seem to change all of the time," Lesley Ann told us, "so we always have to be on our toes and able to adapt."

But being on her toes seems to be something that Lesley Ann loves most about her job – not to mention the personal aspect that each wedding entails. She told us that she loves helping to create a special memory for brides and grooms that will last for a lifetime. "Seeing their smiling faces at the end of the evening and hearing them say that the months of preparation were all worth it makes me love my job," Lesley Ann told us. "I love that all brides are unique and that no two weddings are ever the same... that keeps my job interesting!"

When we met with Lesley Ann, we could tell by her enthusiastic attitude that she would be great to work with when planning a wedding and genuinely cares that each one goes off without a hitch. And we're not the only ones who feel this way. Christine Blais is having her wedding photos and reception at Northridge on August 22, 2009. During the planning stages of her wedding, Christine told us, "Lesley Ann and her team were very professional and made me feel very comfortable." Doug and Kimm Hodd, who had cocktails, dinner and their reception at Northridge in May 2008, couldn't agree more. Kimm told us, "Lesley Ann was in contact with us regularly from the time we booked with their hall through to after the wedding was over. She and her team were able to answer all questions and returned all calls promptly. They were very professional, yet friendly and relaxed."

The accommodating team...

To execute the perfect wedding day for each couple who books Northridge involves the coordination of many people, according to Lesley Ann. "I am personally present at every wedding to make sure that things run smoothly and to deal with any last minute changes or surprises." She told us that she arrived at the hall long before the couple arrives and stays until dinner is finished and the party begins. That's when the Assistant Banquet Supervisor takes over to ensure that the evening ends just as wonderfully as it began.

Amy also plays an important role in making sure every event is set for success. "Amy supervises her staff to ensure that every table is set perfectly and that every glass sparkles," explained Lesley Ann. "Amy's staff also look after the bar for the evening to make sure that everyone has a good time and gets home safely." Northridge provides all catering and bartending services exclusively.

Because Lesley Ann has seen every wedding style from a "simple wedding done all in white to a camping/outdoor themed wedding with live trees to an elegant gothic-style done in rich reds and blacks," Northridge approaches each one with flexibility and an accommodating attitude. "We like brides and grooms to come to us with their vision and we will do everything we can to make it happen," Lesley Ann said.

A large majority of wedding bookings at Northridge come from referrals, which is also why pleasing their clients is very important. "Sometimes a bride will have been at a previous wedding at Northridge and was so impressed with the food and service she decides to hold her reception with us," Lesley Ann told us. In fact, brides often refer Northridge so much so that they end up holding weddings for two or three friends of recent brides. "One of the best compliments that we can get is from referrals," Lesley Ann told The Ring. "This lets us know that brides, grooms and guests alike recognize the hard work that we put into each and every wedding."

Doug and Kimm were one such bride and groom who would definitely recommend Northridge for other couples planning their weddings. They also agree that the team at Northridge is very accommodating. Kimm says that she loved the large selection of options they offered and the fact that they were very flexible and offered suggestions. Doug and Kimm wanted their guests to relax between the wedding and the dinner and Northridge allowed them to use their package to open the bar for pre-dinner mingling and cocktails while the wedding party was having pictures taken.

The course, the ceremony and the clubhouse

Northridge Golf Course was established in 1957 and is owned by the City of Brantford. The clubhouse extension, which includes the banquet hall (where receptions are held) was added in 1964.

The well-manicured golf course and gardens provide a picturesque view from the banquet hall, not to mention entertainment for the groom and his groomsmen on the morning of the wedding. That way, they can have their golf game and you can rest assured that they won't be late for the wedding. Christine told us that the fact that the golf course was so close to the reception hall was a one of the reasons she and her golf-loving fiancé chose Northridge for their wedding. Kimm told us, "They had a fun morning golfing their nervousness away!" The golf theme even continued throughout the day as Doug and Kimm used Northridge's mini-putt golf course instead of tapping glasses to get them to kiss during dinner. "We had a lot of children and golfers at the wedding and they enjoyed attempting a hole in one."

The banquet hall itself holds a maximum of 150 people. Lesley Ann describes the décor in the banquet hall as minimal and neutral so that they can accommodate "any style or colour of wedding that brides may dream of." The hall is wheelchair accessible and has a gorgeous wood stained bar, hardwood floor and a stone fireplace. We also found the hall easy to find with ample parking, which is so important in a reception venue – especially for out of town guests.

While Christine's wedding was still set for the future at the time we interviewed her, she did tell us that she fell in love with Northridge the very first time she walked through the doors. She also had a chance to view the hall all decorated and told us that it was "absolutely stunning in the evening... The table linen was crisp white and the hall was beautifully set up."

Lesley Ann says that the best feature of the banquet hall is the view – and we couldn't agree more. Two walls of the hall are made up entirely of windows that overlook the first and ninth holes of the golf course as well as the large, colourful gardens and allow tons of natural light to flood the room. "That is one of our advantages over many other halls in Brantford," explained Lesley Ann. "We are an easily accessible location with a beautiful, natural setting."

Kimm told us that the windows in the banquet hall made it feel very open and bright. "We had a spring wedding and the trees and shrubs were blooming... it was so pretty to look at and have pictures by... We had such a beautiful and fun day... the whole event is a wonderful memory as we started our married life together."

There's also a spot along the ninth whole that can accommodate small, outdoor ceremonies. Lesley Ann told us, "Brides and grooms may use this space and bring in their own chairs and archway." Northridge has also held indoor ceremonies in their banquet hall in front of the stone fireplace. Lesley Ann notes that on-site ceremonies are becoming a more popular option to cut down on travel time between locations and to save time in general. Not to mention the convenience it offers guests, and Northridge is more than happy to accommodate this request.

Just a taste...

The menu options at Northridge vary and aren't limited by what you see as Lesley Ann says that they welcome new ideas as well. But regardless of what you choose as your wedding menu, Lesley Anne told us that you shouldn't worry about the food. "Our caterers are at every wedding to ensure that we exceed the expectations of every guest in attendance. Their focus on presenting a delicious meal with outstanding service is one the reasons that we are so successful." We're sure that The Sherwood caterers' twenty-nine years of experience probably also has something to do with the success.

Lesley Ann says that the most popular wedding meal entrees at Northridge are roasted rosemary chicken and top sirloin of beef, hand carved at a carving station. "The chicken is incredibly moist with a remarkable flavour. The beef is a specialty with guests having the option to choose how the meat is cooked (rare, medium, well-done)." The dessert buffets also include a variety of desserts to satisfy the sweet tooths and meals are offered in both buffet and family-style service. What Christine says she liked best about the options that Northridge offered was the wide variety on the menu. "They offer everything from rosemary chicken to lasagna."

In case your mouth doesn't water like ours did when checking out Northridge's menu options, they also hold a wedding menu tasting at the beginning of every year for all of the brides and grooms who have booked the hall for that year. "It's a really fun day where couples see the room set with tables and chairs, sample many of our foods and wines, and find the answers to questions they may not have even thought of yet," Lesley Ann told us. Brides seem to love this service as they often tell Lesley Ann afterwards that it wasn't until the menu tasting that things became real for them. "They are in their reception hall, eating their wedding food, getting prepared for their big day!"

Packages & prices

In terms of weddings at golf courses, Lesley Ann says that people are often surprised to find out how affordable Northridge is. "I believe that golf courses may have a reputation for being expensive and out of reach for a lot of people; however, we have four different wedding packages that will suit any budget." She adds that Northridge can (and has) done small, lower budget weddings, large extravagant weddings and everything in between. "We really can provide services at any price point," Lesley Ann told us. The wedding packages at Northridge range from a basic meal only to a package including a meal, hors d'oeuvres and beverages. The average bride spends approximately $3000 to $5000 on their wedding reception at Northridge. Ceremonies on-site start at $250.

"The prices were very reasonable and fit perfectly in my budget," Christine told us. She also said that Northridge included all linens, napkins (in the colour of your choice) and table skirts in some of their packages, which was something that she says were not included in some other venues she looked in to. Doug and Kimm seem to agree and told us, "Northridge's prices were very comparable to other halls."

Walking you through it...

Lesley Ann recommends that couples book Northridge about ten months before their wedding, though they will gladly book earlier or later than that if the hall is available. “The popular wedding season seems to shift every few years,” says Lesley Ann. “Recently, August, September and October seem to be booked the earliest.”

The best way for a couple to contact Lesley Ann is by email or phone, at which point you can book a consultation with her to see the hall and grounds. Luckily for brides, Lesley Ann has a flexible schedule where she can meet with the couple during the day, in the evening, or on a weekend. “We meet at Northridge for a tour and to look over options and pricing,” explains Lesley Ann.

One of the nicest things about booking with Northridge (aside from the obvious) is that they only require a deposit of $5 per person (estimated) at the time you book and the final amount isn't due until the month after the wedding. "This differs from the majority of other halls that require full payment before the wedding date," Lesley Anne told us, "and it appeals to couples who may wish to use wedding gifts to help pay wedding costs."

In March or April every year, Northridge holds a wedding menu tasting. All of the couples who have weddings booked in that year are invited to go and sample some foods and wines. Then, about a month before the wedding date the couple finalizes their menu, room set-up, schedule, and any other important details. The week before the wedding (either in person or by phone or email), Lesley Anne double checks details with couples and makes sure any last minute changes are accommodated and times for vendor drop offs (e.g. cake, décor, DJ equipment) are organized. Of course, Lesley Ann assured us that these aren’t the only times couples can talk with her. “From the time of booking to the wedding day, brides and grooms know that they can always call, email, or arrange another meeting with me to discuss anything.”

On the wedding day, staff arrives well before the guests do to prepare for the evening. Lesley Ann is also there before the guests and she stays until dinner has been served and cleared. “During the reception, brides and grooms just get to sit back and relax, making their months of planning well worth it,” she says.

After the wedding day, couples receive an invoice in the mail for the remaining balance, which they have thirty days to pay.

Details, details, details

• It is ideal to book Northridge Public Golf Course at least 10 months in advance.
• To book your wedding date, an estimate based on $5 per person is required with the remaining balance due 1 month after the wedding.
• Prices vary depending on the package you book, but the average bride spends about $4000 at Northridge.

Take a tour...

To meet with Lesley Ann Bowen and check out the gorgeous landscape and hall at Northridge Public Golf Course, she can be contacted at 519-756-6345 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . More information on the packages and menu options that they offer can be found on their website at www.northridgegolf.ca. The golf course is located at 320 Balmoral Drive in Brantford.