Where to even start? Perhaps by stating confidently that you have never been to place like Projekt 3488. There is no comparison. It is in a world of its own.
You won’t find a vineyard or a winery, a brewery, or even paddocks with grassy fields. That’s not what Projekt is.
It’s an experience. One that you and your guests won’t be forgetting any time soon.
As soon as you arrive in an unsuspecting area of Warburton and see the strong double red brick facade of what was once a masonic hall, with monkeys on the walls and coloured lights beaming through the small circular window upstairs, you’ll have an idea what you’re in for.
Owner and creator Mark Fenech and his partner Sandi will take you on the tour of their masterpiece. Mark, like Projekt, is one of a kind. Both charming and disarming, you’ll be shocked at how quickly you’ll find yourself talking so frankly with someone you’ve only just met. He is intrinsically linked with the venue as it is not just his creation for a place to gather and celebrate love, but also his home.
You’ll see immediately that it’s impossible to just make a wedding venue like Projekt. It only comes from a lifetime of tastefully collecting interesting bits of furniture and decor. Mark’s gift, and there’s no other word for it, at creating an atmosphere like this, works as a natural magnet for other exceptionally talented artists who have lended their craft to the walls, ceilings and entertainment that makes Projekt 3488 stand alone as the most unique wedding venue I’ve ever seen.
The enchanting reception hall offers incredible versatility to transform from a ceremony space, to a dining hall to a dance floor thanks to Mark’s ingenuity with the invention of a concertina table that’s frankly hard to explain but never fails to gain the awe of guests as they watch the transformation in action. If this were a club, you’d be hard pressed to find a better one in Australia. If an epic dance floor experience is high on your list of priorities, look no further.
The garden at Projekt is yet another extension of Mark’s infinite creativity. In the space of just a few years, Mark has transformed a carpark into a secret garden that appeals to all ages. Watch your grandparents and kids alike get lost in its wandering pathways, ponds and perfectly placed flora. Your guests will love the hidden seats, the outdoor fire pit and the upstairs deck overlooking the Warbuton mountains. With its proximity to the Redwood Forest and the Yarra River, there are no shortage of photo locations nearby, but of course, you could always get them all done onsite!
Projekt really is a year round venue as it doesn’t rely on the outdoors or weather to give your guests an incredible experience. Nearly all of my favourite nights out in the Yarra Valley have been at winter parties here. This is also a great way to to trial the party atmosphere!
Another great thing about Projekt is it probably won’t leave you on the fence. You likely found this blog by googling Yarra Valley wedding venues and had a vineyard venue in mind. So you’ll either read this and know it’s not the venue for you, or you’ll drop everything to visit it and will be incapable of finding anything else like it. If you want to give your guests the gift of having something to brag about to everyone they encounter, this could be the venue for you.