We are just back from our honeymoon, and home in the UK, meaning the wedding (which took place on 7 September 2019) is still very much fresh in our minds. The 1909, however, made it so that it would be unforgettable, whatever happened.
The venue was the framework around which the event was created. The beautiful tree that hangs over the ampitheatre, the lawn strung with gorgeous overhead lights, and the building within which dancing would take place. Even without anything else, your day is likely to look beautiful with minimal florals or extra lighting. Then there are the lovely touches, from the hidden Celtic knot-work, the nine-sided cocktail tables mirroring the nine doors of the upstairs dancefloor, to the strung-lit trees, the simple arbor to be dressed by us, and the car service from the front door to the ampitheatre for those less mobile.
We looked at 14 venues before checking out and deciding upon the 1909, so we really saw a lot of their competition. We were offered several chances to look around beforehand and met with the owner Amir and Zenobia, the latter of whom dealt with all of our subsequent enquiries.
Zenobia talked us through all of our pre-wedding scheduling and constant questions, and aided us with decisions. She made for a warm, welcoming communicator from afar (we did most of our organising from our home in London). She made the planning and preparations so much easier than they otherwise would have been, and this meant that it all seemed to go fairly smoothly for what would turn out to be an incredible event. Zenobia would reiterate points, pricing and restrictions without complaint and was good at reminding us when deadlines were incoming so we knew what the next step was to be.
We would love to extend our thanks to all of the staff at the 1909 who worked tirelessly during the day itself, setting out tables, chairs and place settings; clearing up; making sure we were taken care of with meals, water and other beverages; aiding our guests; acting quickly upon any mishaps; and doing it all with grace and a smile. There's no doubt that very little time was wasted between them, and the courteous treatment of us and our guests was very appreciated even under such time pressure.
Special mention also goes out to Brian, the head chef, and his catering team who provided the gorgeous food and took care of all our guests with dietary restrictions and special requests. This really eased our minds, knowing that everyone would be able to dine safely and according to their needs. Some of these requests were not at all common, so they went above and beyond in our minds. From our perspective, it seemed that all of us received remarkable service and I hope that our party gave the staff the respect they deserved. Brian had previously provided a tasting for us and the bride's parents, on separate occasions (both included as part of the package), so we knew what to choose on the menu (although that was the most difficult part as a lot of it was delicious).
Thank you again to Zenobia, and Amir, for providing us this elegant, spectacular venue and grounds for a day that we and our families and friends will remember for a very long time.
We would highly recommend to anyone deciding to choose the venue that they make sure to hire the 1909's recommended day-of coordinator - Ilsie was unflappable and able to deal with any and all issues at a moment's notice. She would often appear, as if by magic, upon the merest utterance of her name (no joke, this happened numerous times - it seems she has an instinct for when help is needed). She seemed utterly tireless too, and was still cool and calm while clearing everything up with the help of the excellent 1909 staff at the end of the night.
The recommended bartender, Henry Steelhammer (probably his real name), was also excellent, helping us decide on signature cocktails, giving well-calculated amounts of alcohol required for the guest count and heaving things to and fro in preparation for the evening.
Overall, we felt we got more than value for money, we received an experience that was curated by us but delivered by an experienced team whose expertise lies in bringing the best out of an event, fielding any questions and problems with answers and solutions, exceptional under pressure and with customer service that left very little else to be desired. There was nothing that fazed them, and for the bride and groom (me), we felt unexposed to almost any of the moving parts that kept the day going. Sudden spillages were removed within a turn about the dancefloor and sudden panics were mopped up with decisiveness and confidence that meant we knew we could forget about it and concentrate on the whole point of the day.
We'll never forget our time at the 1909, and have been made to feel welcome to come back whenever we choose. We highly recommend using the 1909 for your celebration! read more