I Do, With a View at Secrets on the Lake
A ceremony beneath the trees, birdsong and views over a sparkling hinterland lake – could anything be more romantic? In search of the perfect place to say “I do”, bride-to-be Ida Fink Gundtoft discovers love at Secrets on the Lake.
A few years ago, if you’d asked me to picture my dream wedding, I probably would’ve shrugged and said something about fairy lights, a live band and a picturesque smorgasbord. But these days, with my fiancé D’Arcy by my side and my dog Ruby wagging along behind us, I’m dreaming of something quieter – simpler. I’ve realised it’s less about Pinterest boards and more about finding a place that feels like love.
Our venue-hunting journey has taken us to beaches, barns and ballrooms, but nowhere stirred my soul quite like Secrets on the Lake – a tucked-away treasure overlooking the glimmering waters of Lake Baroon in Montville. Standing hand-in-hand with D’Arcy, as the sun filters through the tree tops and a kookaburra chuckles from a distant branch, I know exactly what I want… and where.
While planning, I had the joy of meeting Aldy Johnston, the heart and soul of this love-soaked haven. She guided me through the gardens she and her husband George began shaping almost four decades ago – a living tapestry of rainforest paths, cascading vines and storybook timber cabins, each lovingly handcrafted. I could already picture our intimate ceremony unfolding here.
“I think small weddings have a place,” Aldy smiled. “And they are so romantic.”
And just like that, I was completely, utterly sold.
Aldy’s own love story is the kind that belongs in a romance novel. She met George at 14 years of age. They’d ride bikes to school together, bump into each other at the local pool. He wanted more. She said ‘no – too young’. Heartbroken, George set off to travel the world. Eight years passed. Then, one day, George returned, determined to find ‘the one that got away’. He did. He took Aldy to the Highland Ball, proposed, and she said ‘yes’. Eight weeks later, they were married – and that was 57 years ago.
“What’s the secret to a long marriage?” I asked her.
She smiled, “Pick the right one.”
No fuss, no fluff. Just the same grounded love that seems to wrap itself around every timber beam and treehouse balcony at Secrets. It’s no wonder that celebrities like Natalie Cook and Lisa Origliasso from The Veronicas chose this place to say “I do”. But you don’t need star power to feel like royalty here.
The gardens glisten with breathtaking ceremony spots, from the ornate gazebo of The Deck with its trickling waterfall soundscape; the leafy intimacy of The Gardens; fairytale charm of The Peninsula with the lake as a backdrop; or The Lakehouse with panoramic views and the ability to seamlessly transform from ceremony to reception for up to 30 guests. Other reception options include the Sunset Deck for up to 80 guests, The Gallery for up to 40; and the intimacy of The Hideaway Private Dining Room for up to 20 guests.
Each one feels like its own little world – perfect for someone like me who craves moments that feel personal and private, even on a big day.
“The delight about this place is that we’ve got so many unique spots,” Aldy said. “They are all magic, even for something small and simple.”
Secrets on the Lake isn’t just a wedding venue – it’s a place that holds space for every chapter of a love story. Proposals, honeymoons, anniversaries – it’s all welcomed here, cradled in handcrafted beauty and the care of event coordinators who are nothing short of Fairy Godmothers offering unparalleled service from planning through to the coordination on the day.
Whether a picnic proposal or intimate occasion, staying in or enjoying the views from the award-winning onsite restaurant, Dining on the Deck, the food reflects the care and attention synonymous with Secrets on the Lake.
And there’s plenty of accommodation, nestled amongst nature with stunning views, fireplaces and spa baths. Guests are spoilt for choice with spacious and charming treehouses ranging from Romantic Luxury to Premium Penthouse Treehouses; through to Cabins and Studio Apartments, setting the perfect tone for a relaxed occasion, large enough for getting ready with your bridal party, and a treat for guests who’ve travelled from afar. That’s a big tick for my Danish family, who’ll be flying halfway across the globe. Cue my heart melting just a little more.
Oh – and the biggest tick of all? Our dog, Ruby, can come too.
“As long as pets are minded, they’re very welcome,” Aldy assures me. I nearly cried.
As we explore the grounds, I can already picture it: D’Arcy, Ruby and me, barefoot under a canopy of green, promising forever as the lake sparkles behind us; a small table for our nearest and dearest, candles flickering in the twilight, laughter spilling into the night. This is a place where love stories are planted and grown, just like the gums surrounding us.
I’m reminded of Aldy’s earlier words about her marriage with George: “We love each other but we also respect each other. We’re a team.”
I want that. Not just for the wedding day, but for the 57 years thereafter.
We might go for a quiet elopement. It might grow into a bigger celebration. Either way, I know that this is a space where love is honoured. Because at Secrets on the Lake, your wedding isn’t just an event. It’s a beginning. A story you’ll never forget. And I, for one, can’t wait to start mine.
So, have I found the place? The one that feels like us? It’s a secret only the lake knows.
THE SECRET TO THE PERFECT WEDDING
Curious about what Secrets on the Lake has to offer? From intimate elopements to breathtaking ceremony spots, explore the magic for yourself. Check out this info to start dreaming!
