Fast Forward...

So let me get you all up to speed.

My fiance' proposed to me on July 31, 2009. And as soon as we got engaged, we were looking for the PERFECT venue where we could envision our special day. We searched high (most too high) and low. After our 6 month search, in January 2010 we booked our venue at:

How did we know it was the place?

• It fit our budget (my biggest concern!)
• It was warm, modern and elegant
• The staff was friendly, accommodating and professional
• The ceremony site was breathtaking: gorgeous rosebushs and beautiful pergolas
• The cocktail hour would be held on the patio overlooking the amazing golf course
• There was two rooms in separate buildings for both my fiance' and I to get ready on the same property
• There was ample parking close to the building
• The ceremony site outside, patio and ballroom had mics, speakers and I-Pod capability (the ballroom even has a drop down screen for slide shows

My advice to brides looking for their venue:

• Sit down and prioritize what is important in the venue
• Do your research- have questions ready
• Take notes when you meet for a consultation
• Pay attention to detail (For example: I noticed a typo with the online and printed version of the pricing guide and it could have cost me an additional $200 but I pointed it out and got it for the cheaper price!)
• See how the venue handles communication, if they are not consistent or reliable from the beginning, you bet they won't be there for your wedding day
• Go with your gut!