We just got married there and if you want a grade and review to include in your consideration here you go:
Venue: A+ (spacious, modern style, with stage). For a quick overview, the place is beautiful. Classy looking. We had the ceremony outside on a patio overlooking a water garden. Mid-Afternoon sun was to our guest's backs. It helps having the perfect weather. We had the option of using a gazebo on the grass, but for our 100-guest event, our choice was perfect. A pre-wedding cocktail hour for guests who arrived early was held in a lobby where the staff served ahi poke and lumpia (my favorites) with a bar. The post-wedding reception was held inside a large ballroom with stage and dance floor.
Service: A+. Service was outstanding and it started with Rachel and Phyllis, who run the place/department, on the first day that we met to consider having our wedding there. Knowledgeable, they answered a lot of questions that we had. This was our 2d marriage each (late '80's) so our concept of what's trending these days was almost non-existent. Here's where Rachel/Phyllis's experience came in handy, throwing a number of ideas at us starting from the decorations and set up to ceremony to menu and reception. We started to get the hang of it, and added a few of our ideas to put our own stamp on the event. I know that with some folks, the idea of something new can be frowned on especially if it's outside their past experience but they were enthusiastic and encouraging in saying "Sure! Why not?" I liked that attitude. it seemed liked they were on our side, and allowed us to feel that it was a collaborative effort rather than a cookie cutter event. The serving staff was outstanding.
Food: From the appetizers to the "chip bar" to the reception meal and donut bar (we eschewed the traditional wedding cake), the entire fare was an A+. The Chef did an excellent job. We were allowed the usual "tasting" weeks before and Shawn had to listen to my story of growing up on an asparagus farm. Instead of the half-cooked, crunchy asparagus you see at banquets nowadays, I wanted it boiled and soft, and Joel knew exactly what I wanted. It's the little things (and they were pretty consistent about it) that I appreciated most about them and their willingness to work with you.
Extras: my bride and her sister were into crafts, and had a ton of well done decorative items and signage for the event. Again, Rachel/Phyllis were open to it and allowed them to put them in, and in doing so, allowed my wife to have the feel good sense of "owning" her wedding especially when she heard the random guest compliments about the crafts afterwards. Second, an item that got forgotten leading up to the day was a "guest sign in book" but quickly upon finding out, Phyllis went to the store, bought a large enough canvass for the guests to sign and write a brief message in time before the guests arrived. Perfect.
Cost: A+. Very reasonable. I can't say how other venues charge but there was a substantial degree of flexibility of pricing that allowed us to afford the event that we wanted and ended up having.
Conclusion: 5-star events place. Phyllis/Rachel are class acts. Both of us would recommend this place as a venue for your wedding without hesitation and yes, should we ever renew our vows, this is the place we will do it. read more
