Ashgrove Acres is not just an event centre, it’s a labour of intense love. Behind this beautiful new facility is a family that’s poured their hearts into making their dream come true.
The wedding industry isn’t new to Kevin and Charmaign Derksen, who have owned D&M Rentals, a wedding tent and event supplies company, for years. Kevin appealed to the family to further the endeavour, leading to the birth of Ashgrove Acres in the summer of 2015.
The first wedding was booked even before the building went up and the grounds were prepared. Within a tight deadline of just two months, the family rallied hard, through blazing sun and heavy downpours, to provide an impressive wedding venue for their first guests.
After one meeting with this family, one feels their passion and dedication.
“Our whole focus from day one was to [create a centre] of rustic elegance,” says Alecia Richards, co-owner and sister to Charmaign. “We didn’t want it to be like every other venue out there.”
Every aspect of the building and grounds has been cleverly planned. Before building, the three couples who share ownership went to great lengths to visit other event centres and consult with caterers, sound people, and professionals of all stripes to build a facility that would be ideal for everyone involved in a couple’s perfect day.
“We took the standard that was out there and we raised the bar,” says Kevin Derksen.
The wedding centre, built on Mom and Dad’s expansive country lot, has a completely enclosed building with large unobstructed windows surrounding the main hall. This allows outside light to flood in, creating an outdoorsy feeling with no exposure to the elements or annoying bugs. Massive wrought iron and crystal chandeliers hang from the light-strung ceiling, casting a romantic evening glow.
Guest comfort is also of huge importance to the owners. The building is equipped with heating and air conditioning, allowing for perfect climate control and the ability to extend the rental season. Every aspect of it is handicap accessible, including a push-button entry family washroom.
“We also wanted to cater to the women,” says Charmaign. Much emphasis was placed on large washrooms with plenty of stalls and an elegant sitting area for primping before and during the wedding. The parking lot, pathways, and patio are either hard-packed surfaces or cobblestone to prevent sinking heels and muddy shoes from ruining an evening.
The grounds are neatly manicured and family-friendly. Lush grass covers a wedding courtyard surrounded by enormous shade trees. A timber arbour adds to the rustic effect. Lanterns, lighted trees, and scattered antiques provide extra ambience. A red hip-roof barn lends itself well to country-style photo shoots.
Outdoor greenspace provides opportunities for lawn games and a play structure for the children. Outdoor and indoor seating is separate, minimizing downtime between the ceremony and reception.
With the family home on the same site, managers are always available throughout the event should needs arise. “We do regular walk-throughs of the event centre, checking on washrooms, cleaning up spills or whatever,” says Charmaign.
The event centre is located 30 minutes south of Winnipeg and enjoys highway access.
