Some Good and Some Lack-Luster

Sorry this post come a little after the fact, but last week I got in touch with the event coordinator for Brookside Gardens and I wanted to let you all know my thoughts.

First of all, the gardens were gorgeous. There was a Japanese style "tea house" set in a Japanese influenced strolling garden. It was so much fun just to explore all the little paths and bridges, and it was the perfect spot to have some wedding pictures taken. However, the tea house has a standing capacity of 50 people, so we wouldn't even be able to have our ceremony there. The only ceremony spot that would fit all of our guests is the "Wedding Gazebo," which was nice, just not quite as exciting. That was only the first downside.

When I called this week I discovered that the tent which was shown in their pictures and mentioned in their flier had to be rented separately along with the tables and chairs. Plus, as the rain plan, our wedding would be held in the visitor center with the reception out under the tent. While I'm sure we could supply plenty of umbrella's I wasn't thrilled about the visitor center or the walk from it to the tent in the rain. So a long story short, I can't wait to go back and visit the gardens in the spring, but it's not on my list for wedding venues. That means our #1 choice is Woodend Sanctuary and our #2 is Gramercy Mansion. I've already made appointments to show both places off to my and Mike's parents! I'm definitely happy with how things are turning out so far.

We've found our #1

Turning into the drive way of Woodend Sanctuary (owned and operated by the Audubon Society), you are welcomed by the white portico and shining windows at the top of the hill with a beautiful lawn and trees spread out before you. Going up the driveway you pass a Nature Center, too. Right away I liked this place, but when we got inside there was no one there to meet us! It took me until we got home over an hour later to realize we had shown up at the wrong time. What could have been a disaster, though, turned out to be a very good thing.

Our first round at Woodend Sanctuary was at 11 a.m. Though the person we expected to meet was missing, a former events manager who was working at the gift and bird seed shop answered a few of our questions and showed us the main rooms. The house was empty except for some paint covered tables in a side room where kids activities were set up. As we walked through the main hall I was a bit disappointed by how plain it was. There are nice glass doors opening onto a pretty tented patio. The rooms all have beautiful wood floors, too, but at the time there were no tables or chairs- it was just empty. It was simple, which I liked, but maybe too simple.

From the patio we headed outside and began to stroll the grounds. They are perfect! The mansion is on 40 acres or woods and fields. We walked down a field stone path to a majestic stand of trees. This was the ceremony site. Beyond the circle of trees, there are benches scattered around where you can sit and enjoy the natural scenery. Pleased with the setting, but confused about the absence of the Event Coordinator we headed home only to realize our mistake.

We liked the grounds so much we decided to go back at our appointment time of 4:30 p.m. to find a very different scene than in the morning. Andrew, the Event Coordinator, met us in the main hall, which had been transformed. There was going to be a Bat Mitzva that evening and the caterers were getting set up. With just a few cocktail tables and bright linens, the room looked cheery and full of color. The patio was warm and welcoming filled with dinner tables and fun center pieces. Andrew answered all of our questions and gave me the impression that they were flexible and easy to work with. He also told us about the walking paths that cover the 40 acres and mentioned that some people encourage guests to bring a walking shoes! By the time we left we were already calling Woodend our number one choice. With the perfect mix of indoor and outdoor space, the elegant simplicity of the building and the grounds, and the easy rain plan we felt really good about our new favorite venue.

For those of you who I talked to before this weekend, you might remember that Mike and I were also planning to go to Brookside Gardens yesterday. Because of our time mix up we didn't make it to our appointment, but we did stop by the gardens to walk around. I will be calling their office this week to ask my long list of questions and get a better sense of their rain plan. Once I have all my information together for the gardens, I'll let you know what I think.

Until then, comment away!!

PS- We did not take pictures while Woodend was being set of for the Bat Mitzva, but if you want to see pictures of it all dressed up, click here.

One Down

So, I am officially taking one venue off the list. If I'm not crazy about a venue, then it should go.

Though Linganore's rolling hills were beautiful and the simplicity of the buildings were charming, the rain plan made me nervous and the pavilion was too plain.

But don't be fooled into thinking I am any closer to picking a venue! (That would be too easy and definitely not enough fun) I am visiting Woodend Sanctuary and Brookside Gardens on December 12th.

Stay tuned for stories and photos!