Reviewing Holly Dowding, Owner, and Hilary Hall, Event Planner of Dowding Wedding Gardens
Review is written by Staff @ The Ring and is based on • Interviews with this vendor • Interviews with past brides
If getting married outside is a dream of yours, Dowding Wedding Gardens is a destination that will likely make your must-see list this year. Run by Holly and Del Dowding, this property offers a ceremony location, an on-site wedding planner, a great spot for wedding photos, and an option for outdoor tent wedding receptions.
Staff at The Ring made the short twenty minute trip to Dowding Wedding Gardens to find out more about their unique wedding setting. Holly Dowding, Owner, and Hilary Hall, Event Planner, were only too happy to give us a tour around their six acre location - one that is growing quickly with additional wedding services and options. Let us explain...
In the beginning
As a husband and wife team, Holly and Del Dowding have been working with water for almost fifteen years. Now located at 8615 Olde Drive in Mount Brydges, Holly and Del originally began developing ponds in their Strathroy backyard in 1993. Then, thanks to popularity and their town's by-laws, the Dowdings moved their enterprise out into the country.
Since moving to Mount Brydges, Dowding Wedding Gardens has expanded beyond all predictions, now incorporating several ponds, waterfalls, and koi fish, giving it a private, park-like setting - a setting that has been hosting weddings since 2000. They host between ten and twenty weddings per season in their gardens and the new Japanese garden is a favourite setting for most of the brides who choose Dowdings for their special day.
Water garden weddings
Holly and Del's pride and joy is The Wedding Garden, a secluded space, designed specifically for their own children's weddings, that's complete with a gazebo surrounded by gardens. In fact, four of Holly and Del's five daughters were married in this space, which can hold up to 200 guests. Like it had with their water and garden business, word spread that Dowding could accommodate weddings, and they began hosting the weddings of their friends and neighbours, then ultimately complete strangers. "It was so rewarding to be a part of these important days... We knew we had to find a way to offer even more."
Gerry and Corinne Angell held their wedding ceremony and reception at Dowding, telling us they were set on having both there after they fell in love with the scenery and what Dowding had to offer. "Their gardens are beautiful and a lot of dedicated work has been put into making it a wonderful, memorable experience for wedding couples," says Corinne.
When Holly and Del brought Hilary in, it was to act as a wedding planner, specializing in wedding customization services for a fee. Hilary explained, "I want to ensure a stress free day for the bride and groom," because, as we all know, "when you encounter headaches, you lose the elegance of the day." Hilary's job is also to help the bride and groom make sure they get the best value for their money. "It's such a happy time!" says Hilary. "It's nice to share in someone's happiness and it's rewarding to help them achieve their desired wedding."
Karrie and Darrell Snow say they would definitely recommend Dowding for other couples who are planning their wedding. They hosted their wedding ceremony and reception at Dowding and told us that the team was amazing to work with. "They help with all of your needs for the day and make sure you get what you want in the budget you have." Karrie adds that their experience was very comfortable and Holly, Del and Hilary made her and Darrell feel like friends instead of a pay cheque. "The team did an awesome job making sure that the day went off without a hitch. Everything was perfect."
Stepping their focus on weddings up even more, Hilary plans to help couples secure tents, DJs, catering, officiants and even bartenders (but couples would have to purchase their own liquor license). "We have been complimented by customers who say we've provided terrific personal customer service," says Hilary, who also specializes in being able to direct staff in making sure that everything runs smoothly - a top priority. Holly says, "I love to watch the groom's expression as his bride walks up the path - she takes his breath away!"
Over the years, guests, couples, and Dowding's customers have had use of the property just for their photos. This is good news for brides contemplating a traditional church wedding but is short on finding great photo–friendly locations. Couples can rent Dowding Wedding Gardens for this single purpose only, with several locations on its six acres that offer rocks, trees, ponds, waterfalls and even a wooden bridge over a stream as backdrops for incredible wedding photos.
Even better, couples are also able to hold their reception on-site as well as their ceremony. With such a spacious, naturally beautiful location that seems so perfect for weddings, it only makes sense. Couples will be able to host their reception in the beauty of the outdoors with a close-to-unlimited guest capacity.
Holly and Del picture the bride and groom having their photo shoots while their guests stroll through the grounds' ten current water features boasting 33,000 gallons of water surrounded by tall evergreens. Much to the delight of your guests' (or your own) children, a model train meanders its way through a man-made miniature canyon, construction site, feed mill, aqua duct and tunnel. And recently, the Dowdings built a train station that doubles as a full service outdoor bar.
Holly says it's their personal touch that is starting to spread by word about this romantic location. "We really care about our brides and grooms and their guests. We want to ensure that they have a positive experience."
Gerry and Corinne were one such couple who had a positive experience at Dowding and say that the beautiful gardens and great service are just some things that they couldn't find in other ceremony and reception locations. They add that they "liked everything about the options" at Dowding as there were so many, but that Dowding was great in helping them choose what they wanted. "They made my wedding day beautiful, everything about it was spectacular," adds Corinne.
It's only natural
Aside from a forest of evergreens, the property is covered in gardens, including a dry riverbed with flowering shrubs, stone garden, perennial nursery garden, green house and a waterfall. Supplied free are the birds, croaking frogs and toads found in many areas of the property.
The main reason that Karrie and Darrell chose Dowding Wedding Gardens for their ceremony and reception was the grounds, which they describe as absolutely beautiful. "The layout of the gardens and the waterfalls is just so relaxing and perfect for pictures," says Karrie. "Dowding does an amazing job keeping the grounds updated and very nice for pictures."
Wedding site rental and planning options
Dowding Wedding Gardens offers various Ceremony and Reception packages for 200 people; however, individual packages can be arranged.
The reception package includes an evening lighting in the gardens - hundreds of glass votives and mini lights illuminate the garden and structures. Hilary says it's incredible. "Torches guide you through your romantic evening stroll through the garden... Lanterns hang off the koi cottage overlooking our two large ponds... Large breathtaking fountains and waterfalls are illuminated..."
If the couple only wishes to have their Ceremony at Dowding, the fee is $250, plus $2 per chair. Dowding also offers a recommended list of officiants, DJ’s, photographers, florists and videographers to make your planning stress free.
Details, details, details
• The Wedding Garden seats up to 200 guests and is $250 for the ceremony and pictures.
• The Japanese Garden offers unlimited seating. The wedding ceremony can be performed on the bridge or on the island.
• There are guest chair and cabana rentals available on-site, with electricity available.
• To book this outdoor location for your ceremony & pictures, a non-refundable deposit of $200 is required.
• The remainder of your balance is due 10 days before your wedding day.
• Many couples call ahead but also drop in to check out the site they have heard about through friends and families.
• There are 10 water features at Dowding Water Gardens - more than 33,000 gallons of water.
• Photos can be taken on the property for a $100 non-refundable deposit; however, the Gardens are not available if a wedding is booked for that day.
• A new washroom with 4 flush toilets and sink area now available outside at Dowding for guests' convenience.
In other words...
"Weeks after [our wedding], speaking with our friends and asking what they thought of the wedding, a common theme surfaced. Not only were our friends and family impressed with the choice of location, but they were also impressed with how every little detail was thought of and how seamlessly smooth everything went.
Our wedding day was perfect. Everything happened as we had hoped it would, when it was scheduled to happen, the way it was supposed to happen. We couldn't have asked for it to be any better, and we must acknowledge that Hilary was a huge part of the success.
From the very first time that we sat down with Hilary... she left us with the feeling that she had things under control and there was no need for us to worry at all. She made us feel that if there was anything at all at any time that seemed to be going off course, it was her responsibility to steer it back onto course. She proved to be a resourceful captain of our cruise ship named "Wedding Day".
If we could offer any advice to any couples contemplating if they should secure Hilary's services or not... it would be not to give it a second thought. Let her do what she does best... take charge, organize, offer you choices, and most of all... let her help you make your special day the best that it can be. Exactly what she did for us." - Karen & Vern Moyer
"Our pictures look great...thanks to your water gardens!!" - Darren & Kim Mc Arthur
"Thank you for letting us use your beautiful gardens and fountain for our pictures. You have amazing landscaping." - Chris & Danielle Bloemendal
"From the moment we visited Dowding Wedding Gardens and saw the spectacular scenery, we knew that was where we wanted to get married. Both my husband and I had always wanted an outdoor wedding and Dowding helped our dreams become a reality. Everyone was so friendly, welcoming, and extremely helpful! They worked around the clock to make sure all the plans were taken care of, that the garden looked beautiful, and that we were happy and stress free. On the day of the wedding, they were there to make sure the guests were looked after, and they made sure that everything went smoothly, right up to the tiniest detail, like holding my train and laying it out just before I walked down the aisle. We have had so many people comment on what a beautiful location we had picked for the wedding, and we can only echo their thoughts/comments. Thank you Dowding for making our fairytale wedding come true!" - Vicki & Paul Greaves
"We are extremely grateful for the beautiful wedding location at Dowding Wedding Gardens. Our day was gorgeous and all of our guests had an amazing time! We will never forget our wedding day and how spectacular the grounds looked in all of our photos. Our guests were very grateful for the convenience of having the ceremony and reception at the same location. The out of town guests were especially happy, as they did not have to fill hours of time at a coffee shop. Our day went smoothly and on schedule. We would like to thank the staff at Dowding Water Gardens for all of their effort in making our day special." - Paul and Erin Brodie
"Our wedding at Dowding Wedding Gardens was absolutely amazing! I couldn't have asked for a more beautiful setting. We had so many compliments on our wedding and even had a few people tell us it was the nicest wedding they had ever been to. Our pictures turned out beautiful too, the ones we had time for there anyway. Thank you to you and all your staff for helping make our day so incredibly special!" - Jenny
If getting married outside is a dream of yours, Dowding Wedding Gardens is a destination that will likely make your must-see list this year. Run by Holly and Del Dowding, this property offers a ceremony location, an on-site wedding planner, a great spot for wedding photos, and an option for outdoor tent wedding receptions.
Staff at The Ring made the short twenty minute trip to Dowding Wedding Gardens to find out more about their unique wedding setting. Holly Dowding, Owner, and Hilary Hall, Event Planner, were only too happy to give us a tour around their six acre location - one that is growing quickly with additional wedding services and options. Let us explain...
In the beginning
As a husband and wife team, Holly and Del Dowding have been working with water for almost fifteen years. Now located at 8615 Olde Drive in Mount Brydges, Holly and Del originally began developing ponds in their Strathroy backyard in 1993. Then, thanks to popularity and their town's by-laws, the Dowdings moved their enterprise out into the country.
Since moving to Mount Brydges, Dowding Wedding Gardens has expanded beyond all predictions, now incorporating several ponds, waterfalls, and koi fish, giving it a private, park-like setting - a setting that has been hosting weddings since 2000. They host between ten and twenty weddings per season in their gardens and the new Japanese garden is a favourite setting for most of the brides who choose Dowdings for their special day.
Water garden weddings
Holly and Del's pride and joy is The Wedding Garden, a secluded space, designed specifically for their own children's weddings, that's complete with a gazebo surrounded by gardens. In fact, four of Holly and Del's five daughters were married in this space, which can hold up to 200 guests. Like it had with their water and garden business, word spread that Dowding could accommodate weddings, and they began hosting the weddings of their friends and neighbours, then ultimately complete strangers. "It was so rewarding to be a part of these important days... We knew we had to find a way to offer even more."
Gerry and Corinne Angell held their wedding ceremony and reception at Dowding, telling us they were set on having both there after they fell in love with the scenery and what Dowding had to offer. "Their gardens are beautiful and a lot of dedicated work has been put into making it a wonderful, memorable experience for wedding couples," says Corinne.
When Holly and Del brought Hilary in, it was to act as a wedding planner, specializing in wedding customization services for a fee. Hilary explained, "I want to ensure a stress free day for the bride and groom," because, as we all know, "when you encounter headaches, you lose the elegance of the day." Hilary's job is also to help the bride and groom make sure they get the best value for their money. "It's such a happy time!" says Hilary. "It's nice to share in someone's happiness and it's rewarding to help them achieve their desired wedding."
Karrie and Darrell Snow say they would definitely recommend Dowding for other couples who are planning their wedding. They hosted their wedding ceremony and reception at Dowding and told us that the team was amazing to work with. "They help with all of your needs for the day and make sure you get what you want in the budget you have." Karrie adds that their experience was very comfortable and Holly, Del and Hilary made her and Darrell feel like friends instead of a pay cheque. "The team did an awesome job making sure that the day went off without a hitch. Everything was perfect."
Stepping their focus on weddings up even more, Hilary plans to help couples secure tents, DJs, catering, officiants and even bartenders (but couples would have to purchase their own liquor license). "We have been complimented by customers who say we've provided terrific personal customer service," says Hilary, who also specializes in being able to direct staff in making sure that everything runs smoothly - a top priority. Holly says, "I love to watch the groom's expression as his bride walks up the path - she takes his breath away!"
Over the years, guests, couples, and Dowding's customers have had use of the property just for their photos. This is good news for brides contemplating a traditional church wedding but is short on finding great photo–friendly locations. Couples can rent Dowding Wedding Gardens for this single purpose only, with several locations on its six acres that offer rocks, trees, ponds, waterfalls and even a wooden bridge over a stream as backdrops for incredible wedding photos.
Even better, couples are also able to hold their reception on-site as well as their ceremony. With such a spacious, naturally beautiful location that seems so perfect for weddings, it only makes sense. Couples will be able to host their reception in the beauty of the outdoors with a close-to-unlimited guest capacity.
Holly and Del picture the bride and groom having their photo shoots while their guests stroll through the grounds' ten current water features boasting 33,000 gallons of water surrounded by tall evergreens. Much to the delight of your guests' (or your own) children, a model train meanders its way through a man-made miniature canyon, construction site, feed mill, aqua duct and tunnel. And recently, the Dowdings built a train station that doubles as a full service outdoor bar.
Holly says it's their personal touch that is starting to spread by word about this romantic location. "We really care about our brides and grooms and their guests. We want to ensure that they have a positive experience."
Gerry and Corinne were one such couple who had a positive experience at Dowding and say that the beautiful gardens and great service are just some things that they couldn't find in other ceremony and reception locations. They add that they "liked everything about the options" at Dowding as there were so many, but that Dowding was great in helping them choose what they wanted. "They made my wedding day beautiful, everything about it was spectacular," adds Corinne.
It's only natural
Aside from a forest of evergreens, the property is covered in gardens, including a dry riverbed with flowering shrubs, stone garden, perennial nursery garden, green house and a waterfall. Supplied free are the birds, croaking frogs and toads found in many areas of the property.
The main reason that Karrie and Darrell chose Dowding Wedding Gardens for their ceremony and reception was the grounds, which they describe as absolutely beautiful. "The layout of the gardens and the waterfalls is just so relaxing and perfect for pictures," says Karrie. "Dowding does an amazing job keeping the grounds updated and very nice for pictures."
Wedding site rental and planning options
Dowding Wedding Gardens offers various Ceremony and Reception packages for 200 people; however, individual packages can be arranged.
The reception package includes an evening lighting in the gardens - hundreds of glass votives and mini lights illuminate the garden and structures. Hilary says it's incredible. "Torches guide you through your romantic evening stroll through the garden... Lanterns hang off the koi cottage overlooking our two large ponds... Large breathtaking fountains and waterfalls are illuminated..."
If the couple only wishes to have their Ceremony at Dowding, the fee is $250, plus $2 per chair. Dowding also offers a recommended list of officiants, DJ’s, photographers, florists and videographers to make your planning stress free.
Details, details, details
• The Wedding Garden seats up to 200 guests and is $250 for the ceremony and pictures.
• The Japanese Garden offers unlimited seating. The wedding ceremony can be performed on the bridge or on the island.
• There are guest chair and cabana rentals available on-site, with electricity available.
• To book this outdoor location for your ceremony & pictures, a non-refundable deposit of $200 is required.
• The remainder of your balance is due 10 days before your wedding day.
• Many couples call ahead but also drop in to check out the site they have heard about through friends and families.
• There are 10 water features at Dowding Water Gardens - more than 33,000 gallons of water.
• Photos can be taken on the property for a $100 non-refundable deposit; however, the Gardens are not available if a wedding is booked for that day.
• A new washroom with 4 flush toilets and sink area now available outside at Dowding for guests' convenience.
In other words...
"Weeks after [our wedding], speaking with our friends and asking what they thought of the wedding, a common theme surfaced. Not only were our friends and family impressed with the choice of location, but they were also impressed with how every little detail was thought of and how seamlessly smooth everything went.
Our wedding day was perfect. Everything happened as we had hoped it would, when it was scheduled to happen, the way it was supposed to happen. We couldn't have asked for it to be any better, and we must acknowledge that Hilary was a huge part of the success.
From the very first time that we sat down with Hilary... she left us with the feeling that she had things under control and there was no need for us to worry at all. She made us feel that if there was anything at all at any time that seemed to be going off course, it was her responsibility to steer it back onto course. She proved to be a resourceful captain of our cruise ship named "Wedding Day".
If we could offer any advice to any couples contemplating if they should secure Hilary's services or not... it would be not to give it a second thought. Let her do what she does best... take charge, organize, offer you choices, and most of all... let her help you make your special day the best that it can be. Exactly what she did for us." - Karen & Vern Moyer
"Our pictures look great...thanks to your water gardens!!" - Darren & Kim Mc Arthur
"Thank you for letting us use your beautiful gardens and fountain for our pictures. You have amazing landscaping." - Chris & Danielle Bloemendal
"From the moment we visited Dowding Wedding Gardens and saw the spectacular scenery, we knew that was where we wanted to get married. Both my husband and I had always wanted an outdoor wedding and Dowding helped our dreams become a reality. Everyone was so friendly, welcoming, and extremely helpful! They worked around the clock to make sure all the plans were taken care of, that the garden looked beautiful, and that we were happy and stress free. On the day of the wedding, they were there to make sure the guests were looked after, and they made sure that everything went smoothly, right up to the tiniest detail, like holding my train and laying it out just before I walked down the aisle. We have had so many people comment on what a beautiful location we had picked for the wedding, and we can only echo their thoughts/comments. Thank you Dowding for making our fairytale wedding come true!" - Vicki & Paul Greaves
"We are extremely grateful for the beautiful wedding location at Dowding Wedding Gardens. Our day was gorgeous and all of our guests had an amazing time! We will never forget our wedding day and how spectacular the grounds looked in all of our photos. Our guests were very grateful for the convenience of having the ceremony and reception at the same location. The out of town guests were especially happy, as they did not have to fill hours of time at a coffee shop. Our day went smoothly and on schedule. We would like to thank the staff at Dowding Water Gardens for all of their effort in making our day special." - Paul and Erin Brodie
"Our wedding at Dowding Wedding Gardens was absolutely amazing! I couldn't have asked for a more beautiful setting. We had so many compliments on our wedding and even had a few people tell us it was the nicest wedding they had ever been to. Our pictures turned out beautiful too, the ones we had time for there anyway. Thank you to you and all your staff for helping make our day so incredibly special!" - Jenny
