We went into our search with a list. Not a long list, not even a very detailed list, but, something a little like this-
· Unique Space
· Within Budget
· Near Hotels
· Available 10/20/12
At the beginning of the venue search, a lot of neat places got ruled out based on us being a stickler for our date. But, we both have an attachment to the day, and it wasn’t going to change, even if the darn Zoo would be decorated for Zoo Boo. Price also played a big factor in crossing places off the list. In our eyes, it seemed more important to be able to have everyone we wanted there in attendance, rather than having to limit our list based on what we can afford. We had agreed earlier, back before we were engaged, that photography would be our big "blow-out the budget" splurge, which meant we needed to be, not frugal, but, mindful when choosing our venue.
Still, after the checklist and the eliminations, we had quite a list. A bit overwhelming in fact.
To the Excel Spreadsheet! (If you're looking into any non-hotel venues for your wedding or other event, let me know. I've got information on just about all of them!)
15 Venues in total. I sent a lot of e-mails and made a lot of phone calls to get the information I felt was most important to gather up before we decided to make visits. Especially since visiting venues meant taking time off work for me, and losing sleep for Fiancé. Not to mention the fact that seeing 15 places could never work. Can you imagine keeping 15 different places straight in your head? Even if your wrote things down, they would definitely blur together!
O.Ver.Whelming.
Our top choice, just by amenities, location and price, was “The Chadwick,” a banquet facility in Wexford, PA. Their packages included a cake, a coordinator and transportation to local hotels, among other things. We decided to take advantage of my company’s day off on Good Friday, and venture over to that side of town to look at “The Chadwick” and perhaps another spot, depending on how the visit went. (Bonus? Lunch at Chili’s. I wish they’d build one in Robinson!)
The Chadwick definitely had gorgeous rooms, and the coordinator we spoke to, Stacey, was more than helpful and very friendly. She helped us understand the minimum amount that needed to be spent, and she also helped us envision our ideas in their space. The room we would be using was decorated for a wedding the following day, so it was easier to visualize everything. We left the appointment feeling relieved with how smoothly the meeting had went and happy with all the information we had gotten, and the things we had seen. We were ready for another visit (after lunch of course!).
I scanned over the list of “close-by” locations that we wanted to check out. Because of the rain (it poured all day that day!), we decided to visit The Highland Country Club in Ross Township because I could drive there with my eyes closed, and we wouldn’t have to worry about getting lost in the rain. I had had trouble with them returning my e-mails after meeting their coordinator at the Bridal Show a few months ago, so I was skeptical about meeting with her, but, she was available and off we went!
When we got there, I noticed how “classic” the lobby felt. Very welcoming, but also very traditional. I didn’t know how I felt about that, because we wanted a “fun” vibe, and I didn’t know if we could get that from a country club. Boy was I wrong! Once we met Kristi (who was about as bubbly as a person can get), we became enchanted by the country club. The view from the reception room looked out over the golf course. Kind of like this –
Can you picture it in the fall? Can you? Huh, huh?
We could. And we loved it.
After taking a tour of the club with Kristi and talking to her about packages and pricing, we were smitten. Over the moon. And Kristi’s bubbliness and general energy were a big factor too. She got excited about all of our potential ideas and suggested some of her own. She teared up at our proposal story and the story of my ring. She told us prices and our jaws didn’t drop. She even showed us a copy of the contract we would be signing, were we to choose The Highland. No surprises, aside from the surprise that not only was it affordable, but, we would have run of the entire club (aside from the restaurant) from opening to close on 10.20.12. The kicker? She wrote “The Jamison Wedding” down on her info sheet. Mentioning my future last name is pretty much all it takes these days!
Being a bit of a “jump-in-head-first” kinda gal, I tried to force myself to be reserved about how much I loved this place. It had every element we were looking for, and I could literally picture us there. I could picture our friends and family getting down on the dance floor, relaxing on the terrace, and sitting down to dinner in the no-cover-needed dining chairs. (Chair covers are the bane of my existence, and any place that doesn’t need them? That’s extra points in my book!)
I knew that Fiancé shared the same feelings when, once we got in the car to go home, he said, “Is your mom home? Let’s stop by her house and talk to her.” Mom’s approval is key, for both of us I think, and, we were both just so excited to share all the details!
Though my mind was made up, I knew it would be irresponsible not to take another look at our Venue Spreadsheet. Looking it over, I realized there was not one place that matched The Highland in location (walking distance from our church), flexibility (the chef will make any recipe you give him, no extra charge, and that’s only the tip of the flexibility iceberg), and look (so traditional, yet unique, exactly the feel we’re looking for!). And with Fiancé eagerly agreeing by my side, it was done.
So, today, after a week of thinking, discussing and number crunching, I am so excited to share that we have picked our reception site!
Our wedding reception will be held on October 20, 2012 at The Highland Country Club in Ross Township, PA
Here are more pictures, though, as I’ve found with rings and bridesmaid dresses, they just don’t do the venue justice.
