Rachel Zheng put $1679 down on an iconic harbourside wedding venue. Just weeks before her big day, it closed
Rachel Zheng had booked Sydney’s iconic harbourside Kirribilli Club almost a year ago — then she was told without warning the venue was shutting down just weeks before her big day.
The soon-to-be bride was caught up in the closure of the iconic wedding venue, which shut down on June 27, just eight days after it was placed in voluntary administration.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Brides-to-be left in the lurch as wedding venue shuts doors.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Rachel and partner Steven were set to host their reception at the club, on July 13.
The loved-up pair had invited 100 people to the venue’s Harbourview Room, complete with a three-course dinner and canapés.
The couple put down a 10 per cent deposit of $1679 on the $16,790 package price. However, the pair are unlikely to see the payment refunded anytime soon.
On Wednesday, Zhang appeared on Sunrise alongside Nat and Shirvo, explaining the nightmare scenario.
Zhang said she only found out about the closures from a staff member who was made redundant.
“I found out (about the closure) over a call from a staff member who had been made redundant,” Zhang said.
“I got a call saying that they would no longer be trading and our reception wouldn’t be going ahead. It was shocking.”
Zhang slammed the approach.
“It was just out of the goodness of that staff member who felt bad for us, and he went out of his way to contact all the other couples that had events.
“When I got the call, I was at work, so it was abrupt and shocking.
“I didn’t even have time to process the emotions or cry about it.”
Zhang said she then went into “solutions mode” to find a new venue.
“All of my bridesmaids and the lovely groomsmen and the groom’s mother came together, and we just called as many venues as we could and explained our situation.”
Fortunately, Rachel managed to get an emergency booking at Le Montage in Lilyfield, in Sydney’s inner west.
“They have bent over backwards for us,” Rachel said.
“They have embraced us as a client and really helped us through the whole process.
“They allowed us to sign a contract in one day and essentially planning our entire reception in one day. We have been so grateful for this. They have been really wonderful.”
