After just five years on the Midlands wedding scene, The Windmills has gained quite a reputation.
KZN brides can’t stop cooing about this boutique hotel in picturesque Curry’s Post.
We recently named The Windmills in our Top 5 Midlands Wedding Venues and we wanted to find out more about what makes it so popular, so we called up manager Andre Schoeman.
Safindit: Who are the people behind The Windmills?
Andre Schoeman: Iain Buchan is the owner and his amazing management team is made up of myself, Romie, Lise, Henri, Charles and Joyce. Our whole approach at the hotel is that each staff member is a “shareholder”, thus making sure that all staff have vested interest in making sure that all guests are treated like royalty.
S: Can you give us a little bit of history about the place?
A: The hotel was purchased 5 years ago. It was your typical motel style set-up. After extensive refurbishment and a complete rebranding process the hotel is now a 4 star venue, renamed The Windmills Boutique Hotel.
S: You only began hosting weddings in 2010, but have become one of the area’s most popular venues. What do you think brides love about The Windmills?
A: We make sure that each bride is treated like our only bride. We spend a lot of time working with the bride before her special day to ensure that every detail is covered. Our magic though has to be our amazing glass chapel that overlooks our dam.
S: What’s changed since those first weddings?
A: We learnt that each bride is unique in what she needs for special day. We have learnt to be flexible so that each bride can live out her fantasy.
S: Do you have any particular weddings that stick out in your mind for good or bad reasons?
A: Every wedding has been special and unique in its own way.
S: What kind of person does it take to work at The Windmills?
A: We are passionate about what we do. Each and every staff member love what they do.
S: Weddings can be very stressful to organise. How does your team stay calm and focussed?
A: We realize that nerves play a big part during the build up and the actual wedding day. We keep that in mind when dealing with all the requirements and emotions.
S: What kind of experience do you hope to give your brides?
A: That each bride can live out her childhood fantasy.
S: What are some of the challenges you/ your team faces daily?
A: To make sure that each wedding is unique and has a “new” look to it. We constantly strive to update value adds to each wedding, thus enhancing a brides special day.
S: What do you enjoy most about your job?
A: Seeing the satisfaction and joy from each bride and groom that they had an amazing wedding.
