Reviewing John Schidowka, General Manager, and Jim Evans, Clubhouse/Food & Beverage Manager, The Oaks Golf & Country Club
Review is written by Staff @ The Ring and is based on • Interviews with this vendor
If you're looking for a wedding venue with upscale service and acres of scenery, The Oaks Golf & Country Club offers a wonderful choice. Your wedding will be framed by tall oak trees, green rolling hills and spring-fed ponds on the sandy banks and bluffs above the Thames River. Located near Delaware on the outskirts of London, The Oaks is considered one of Southwestern Ontario's premiere private golf clubs attracting not just brides and grooms but also famous golfers such as Fred Couples and John Daly. Bridal couples will especially like the club's private hall accented by an extraordinary patio setting ideal for a day ceremony and evening reception. On your wedding day, you'll have a friendly and devoted staff, top cuisine, and an endless pick of dazzling photo sites.
Personally speaking...
The Ring visited The Oaks for a tour and met with General Manager, John Schidowka, as well as Jim Evans, Clubhouse/Food & Beverage Manager, who spoke about the club's success at hosting special occasions. John, a member of The Club Managers Association of Canada, told us, "We’ve been doing wedding receptions and banquets since The Oaks opened in 1993." For John, it's easy to tell what draws couples to The Oaks, "The private club atmosphere is only minutes from downtown London and our hall is an intimate private setting for up to 150 people." The Oaks can provide all event services including an in-house chef and full staff. You can also get advice on special touches to create a wedding experience uniquely your own. Since The Oaks is a members-only golf course and country club, it's a very private venue, although anyone can hold their reception there. The club has a strong reputation as a par-72 championship course. The natural beauty, dedicated club staff, and first class kitchen make The Oaks a prestige venue welcoming clients who enjoy an exclusive atmosphere.
Style and service
Over the past seventeen years the club has gained a reputation for impeccable service. Jim Evans, the Clubhouse/Food & Beverage Manager, is your direct contact to arrange your wedding at The Oaks. Jim shared with The Ring some of his experience helping couples plan their wedding. He's used to answering a ton of questions with the most common concern of the bride being, "What will it cost?" And the groom asking the pressing question, "Are any golf games included?"
Jim never tires of hearing how his wedding clients and guests feel about The Oaks. "I love it when the bride and groom, their parents and other guests tell me how great everything was," he says. The Oaks attracts couples who are mixing and matching their event to suit their personal style. A wedding that really knocked Jim out was a double wedding for two sisters whose fiancés were friends. "It was great!" says Jim. "Many of our weddings have been for young couples who have chosen a style all their own – not necessarily traditional, although we have had that style too."
Professional and picture perfect
Jim has over fifteen years experience in the industry and is a graduate of the Fanshawe College hotel and restaurant management program. He definitely knows the protocol. Jim's message to the prospective bride and groom: "You can expect a magnificent setting, exceptional cuisine and a dedicated staff of professionals to make your wedding reception a truly special occasion." Jim says the service is first class, as you would expect from a private club. The Royal Canadian Golf Association recently held its annual tournament at The Oaks and raved about the amenities and professional attention saying, "The Oaks raised the standard for food and beverage service at their National Event."
Timing and details are important to Jim who makes sure that everything runs smoothly to enhance your comfort. An extra advantage of the club is the expansive and picturesque setting that offers 'more than you can shoot' photo locations.
Your country club wedding
At The Oaks, you're invited to have your wedding ceremony on the intimate and airy outdoor patio overlooking the greens with seating for up to 150 guests. Situated just outside the banquet hall, the patio is encircled by manicured shrubs and trees, the perfect backdrop to which you can add your own flair. Guests can also enjoy the patio for mingling if you decide to use the club hall as your main space.
The banquet hall is a superb choice offering room for 150 seated guests. The hall features a sable toned carpet with leaf motif and seating area surrounded by windows with fabulous views of the club grounds. Your guests will sit comfortably in high back upholstered chairs at tables for 6 to 8. In the room you also have a raised, tiled area with large bar that's a perfect spot for the buffet and dancing. Rental of the hall includes room set-up, tables, chairs, linens, china, silverware, glassware, podium and microphone – all for $750. You can access the hall from 4 pm the day before your wedding to do any decorating or other set-up. The club has a wheelchair accessible washroom, general washrooms, cloakroom, and plenty of free parking. Let your guests be whisked away by golf cart from the parking lot to the hall. There's also a drop off area for those who would rather not jaunt up the hill.
Making The Oaks your venue
When you phone for information, the first questions Jim will always ask is what date you'd like and how many people you plan to have at your wedding. He'll then invite you for a tour and go over menu choices, which are individually made, and review the timing of your schedule. From there, the real planning begins with The Oaks handling all of your requests. Keeping you happy is Jim's job and he knows many brides like to take the 'hands-on approach' to planning their wedding. To accommodate your vendor search, Jim has a recommended list of DJ's, photographers, decorators, flower and cake suppliers who will meet with you personally. On your big day you'll have Jim and his highly trained staff on-site to take care of you and your guests.
Feeding the family (and friends)...
The Oaks offers flexible catering and charges $30 to $50 for plated service and $40 for buffet-style. You can download the club's catering brochure, which features menus for served meal selections, buffets, late-night buffets, hors d'oeuvres, as well as a wine list by visiting their website here.
The bar offers a choice of house wines – Peller Estates and Italian labels – or you can import wine. You're welcome to bring your own wine for a corkage fee of $12 a bottle. There's lots of options at The Oaks so inquire about sparkling wine and champagne service, host and cash bar, and the food station menu.
Details, details, details
• You'll need to book 1 year ahead, but call Jim and check for availability.
• $1000 is your deposit, with the balance due upon receipt of the bill or day of event.
• All billings are based on the guaranteed number of guests or the actual attendance, whichever is greater.
• All prices quoted are subject to tax and a service charge (15%).
• SOCAN (Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada) also require an additional licensing fee for all events using live or recorded music $57.55 + tax (subject to change).
In other words...
"Thank you so very much for the beautiful facility, grounds and service we received when we held our wedding at your club. We could not have asked for a better mood, environment or service, and we are so thankful for your hard efforts." - Bryan & Sarah
"Thank you for all your hard work with regards to our magical wedding. The Oaks was breathtaking. Your food & service were 5 star. We had a great time & will have memories for a life time." - Kelly & Scott Montgomery and Brenda & Brian Lang
"We were absolutely thrilled with the service and overall experience that we had at the Oaks for our wedding. The set-up was fantastic and the food was incredible. Jim paid a lot of attention to detail for every aspect of our wedding. He was very helpful in planning our event, and was accessible the entire wedding day to ensure everything ran smoothly. We would recommend getting married at the Oaks to anyone, and certainly will in the future." - Scott & Kris McKay
If you're looking for a wedding venue with upscale service and acres of scenery, The Oaks Golf & Country Club offers a wonderful choice. Your wedding will be framed by tall oak trees, green rolling hills and spring-fed ponds on the sandy banks and bluffs above the Thames River. Located near Delaware on the outskirts of London, The Oaks is considered one of Southwestern Ontario's premiere private golf clubs attracting not just brides and grooms but also famous golfers such as Fred Couples and John Daly. Bridal couples will especially like the club's private hall accented by an extraordinary patio setting ideal for a day ceremony and evening reception. On your wedding day, you'll have a friendly and devoted staff, top cuisine, and an endless pick of dazzling photo sites.
Personally speaking...
The Ring visited The Oaks for a tour and met with General Manager, John Schidowka, as well as Jim Evans, Clubhouse/Food & Beverage Manager, who spoke about the club's success at hosting special occasions. John, a member of The Club Managers Association of Canada, told us, "We’ve been doing wedding receptions and banquets since The Oaks opened in 1993." For John, it's easy to tell what draws couples to The Oaks, "The private club atmosphere is only minutes from downtown London and our hall is an intimate private setting for up to 150 people." The Oaks can provide all event services including an in-house chef and full staff. You can also get advice on special touches to create a wedding experience uniquely your own. Since The Oaks is a members-only golf course and country club, it's a very private venue, although anyone can hold their reception there. The club has a strong reputation as a par-72 championship course. The natural beauty, dedicated club staff, and first class kitchen make The Oaks a prestige venue welcoming clients who enjoy an exclusive atmosphere.
Style and service
Over the past seventeen years the club has gained a reputation for impeccable service. Jim Evans, the Clubhouse/Food & Beverage Manager, is your direct contact to arrange your wedding at The Oaks. Jim shared with The Ring some of his experience helping couples plan their wedding. He's used to answering a ton of questions with the most common concern of the bride being, "What will it cost?" And the groom asking the pressing question, "Are any golf games included?"
Jim never tires of hearing how his wedding clients and guests feel about The Oaks. "I love it when the bride and groom, their parents and other guests tell me how great everything was," he says. The Oaks attracts couples who are mixing and matching their event to suit their personal style. A wedding that really knocked Jim out was a double wedding for two sisters whose fiancés were friends. "It was great!" says Jim. "Many of our weddings have been for young couples who have chosen a style all their own – not necessarily traditional, although we have had that style too."
Professional and picture perfect
Jim has over fifteen years experience in the industry and is a graduate of the Fanshawe College hotel and restaurant management program. He definitely knows the protocol. Jim's message to the prospective bride and groom: "You can expect a magnificent setting, exceptional cuisine and a dedicated staff of professionals to make your wedding reception a truly special occasion." Jim says the service is first class, as you would expect from a private club. The Royal Canadian Golf Association recently held its annual tournament at The Oaks and raved about the amenities and professional attention saying, "The Oaks raised the standard for food and beverage service at their National Event."
Timing and details are important to Jim who makes sure that everything runs smoothly to enhance your comfort. An extra advantage of the club is the expansive and picturesque setting that offers 'more than you can shoot' photo locations.
Your country club wedding
At The Oaks, you're invited to have your wedding ceremony on the intimate and airy outdoor patio overlooking the greens with seating for up to 150 guests. Situated just outside the banquet hall, the patio is encircled by manicured shrubs and trees, the perfect backdrop to which you can add your own flair. Guests can also enjoy the patio for mingling if you decide to use the club hall as your main space.
The banquet hall is a superb choice offering room for 150 seated guests. The hall features a sable toned carpet with leaf motif and seating area surrounded by windows with fabulous views of the club grounds. Your guests will sit comfortably in high back upholstered chairs at tables for 6 to 8. In the room you also have a raised, tiled area with large bar that's a perfect spot for the buffet and dancing. Rental of the hall includes room set-up, tables, chairs, linens, china, silverware, glassware, podium and microphone – all for $750. You can access the hall from 4 pm the day before your wedding to do any decorating or other set-up. The club has a wheelchair accessible washroom, general washrooms, cloakroom, and plenty of free parking. Let your guests be whisked away by golf cart from the parking lot to the hall. There's also a drop off area for those who would rather not jaunt up the hill.
Making The Oaks your venue
When you phone for information, the first questions Jim will always ask is what date you'd like and how many people you plan to have at your wedding. He'll then invite you for a tour and go over menu choices, which are individually made, and review the timing of your schedule. From there, the real planning begins with The Oaks handling all of your requests. Keeping you happy is Jim's job and he knows many brides like to take the 'hands-on approach' to planning their wedding. To accommodate your vendor search, Jim has a recommended list of DJ's, photographers, decorators, flower and cake suppliers who will meet with you personally. On your big day you'll have Jim and his highly trained staff on-site to take care of you and your guests.
Feeding the family (and friends)...
The Oaks offers flexible catering and charges $30 to $50 for plated service and $40 for buffet-style. You can download the club's catering brochure, which features menus for served meal selections, buffets, late-night buffets, hors d'oeuvres, as well as a wine list by visiting their website here.
The bar offers a choice of house wines – Peller Estates and Italian labels – or you can import wine. You're welcome to bring your own wine for a corkage fee of $12 a bottle. There's lots of options at The Oaks so inquire about sparkling wine and champagne service, host and cash bar, and the food station menu.
Details, details, details
• You'll need to book 1 year ahead, but call Jim and check for availability.
• $1000 is your deposit, with the balance due upon receipt of the bill or day of event.
• All billings are based on the guaranteed number of guests or the actual attendance, whichever is greater.
• All prices quoted are subject to tax and a service charge (15%).
• SOCAN (Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada) also require an additional licensing fee for all events using live or recorded music $57.55 + tax (subject to change).
In other words...
"Thank you so very much for the beautiful facility, grounds and service we received when we held our wedding at your club. We could not have asked for a better mood, environment or service, and we are so thankful for your hard efforts." - Bryan & Sarah
"Thank you for all your hard work with regards to our magical wedding. The Oaks was breathtaking. Your food & service were 5 star. We had a great time & will have memories for a life time." - Kelly & Scott Montgomery and Brenda & Brian Lang
"We were absolutely thrilled with the service and overall experience that we had at the Oaks for our wedding. The set-up was fantastic and the food was incredible. Jim paid a lot of attention to detail for every aspect of our wedding. He was very helpful in planning our event, and was accessible the entire wedding day to ensure everything ran smoothly. We would recommend getting married at the Oaks to anyone, and certainly will in the future." - Scott & Kris McKay
