Whew! It is so nice to sit down after a busy weekend! James and I met with both of our parents to explore options for wedding venues. My parents live in Kenosha, WI so our opportunities to get together to make wedding plans are few. James and I had been going to a number of venues that we might be interested in and chosen our top 3 "do-able" venues to show to our parents. We have been in contact with the church but don't know availability yet...so we have two dates that we are targeting.
We started at a favorite, but one we thought may be a bit out of our price range. We were right. We still love the venue but it will be too expensive - Two Rivers Country Club and it's gorgeous river view is out.
Next we went to Colonial Heritage. This was a front runner for me going into the day. The building and grounds are gorgeous and it should be more in our price range. After our tour and meeting with the event coordinator, we are heavily favoring this option. They are so very accommodating and willing to let us use virtually their entire grounds for getting ready and for pictures. The venue is exactly what I have envisioned for our reception from the drive up to the balconies to the ballroom. Now for the most important question - do they have availability for the date(s) we are considering? They had one but a tentative hold for the other...
***After hours between the two venues we were hungry, so we stopped in to CARMINES - which is newly re-opened at the Williamsburg Outlet Mall (the old one). Food is delicious as always! ***
Our final venue - Fort Magruder Inn. This was not our favorite going in but we like it and it is the most affordable. The feel when you drive up is not what either of us envision but when you get into the ballroom is it picturesque with crystal chandeliers. There is a nice courtyard we could use for cocktail hour. This venue had a tentative hold for the first date but was available for our second date.
So, decision time. Almost miraculously, all six of us are in agreement about the venues - we think both venues within our budget would be great and we have the same favorite...but how much more ($$$) do we like it? If we go a bit more expensive there, where can we cut back to stay on budget. I really don't want to bow our budget with our first decisions...
The other big agenda item for the weekend with my parents was a meeting with Gene King of Creative Worth Photography. We'd met him at a bridal show and were impressed with not only his photos but also his knowledge of Williamsburg and wedding venues and his suggestions for logistics on the big day. The meeting went well, we are comfortable with him, my parents like him and are impressed with him...another win!
All in all a great weekend of families coming together and starting our wedding process. Thank you to my parents and James' for joining us and supporting us - now, during this process, and in our lives. <3
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