LONG overdue review on the Villa, but hopefully well worth it. I met the owner of the Villa, Billie, at a wedding show. Immediately, my now husband and I were impressed. They were new venue vendors and eager to work with us despite our UNIQUE wedding (midnight wedding on July 4). Billie and I met at the Villa and it was love at first sight. Such a beautiful building. At the time, the outdoor grounds were unimpressive due to the season and the fact they had literally just opened. Also, the outdoor terrace had these HUGE/MASSIVE umbrella stands. I affectionately called them transformers. They were hideous and oddly, different colors for the awning. We discussed remove prior to the wedding and Billie said that would happen. But once inside...SOLD! There is so much space inside of the Villa. I was actually overwhelmed with the space options because the more space equates to more decorating ($$$). Lol! But, that was one of the main reasons to book...so many options. Throughout the planning process, Billie would allow me to come with my decorator and bridesmaids whenever I needed too (and never rushed us). I was thrilled to be her first contract. That process was very efficient too. I was nervous since we were both 'green', but the contract signing and review was absolutely professionally done. Billie was always very complimentary of my wedding ideas and became a social media fan (thank you Billie for the shout out on your social media when I appeared on Say Yes to the Dress).
Now, do you remember those 'Transformers'?. It was getting closer to the wedding and they were still there. We had placed in the contract they would be removed. I spoke to Billie and she reassured me they would be removed and they eventually were. They were so MASSIVE she had to hire a certain piece of equipment to remove those umbrellas. Thank God she did.
Rehearsal was an hour (we did go over...I think this is the one time Billie was a little agitated with timing ... shoot, I was too because I really like to respect rules and other people's time.) I would suggest Brides take advantage of purchasing extra time for this. An hour just isn't long enough...not even for the most prepared and I PROMISE you, I was very prepared. It was the wedding party who wasn't. Oh, I did have one minor issue, but it was also resolved. Billie had enhance the place a little (which I knew she was since the venue was new), but unfortunately the new additions did not meet my decor expectations. Billie had a few HUGE planters placed outside under the area that was to be my 'arch'. I am not a greenery person, so I was thankful when Billie agreed to use a hand truck and have them hidden from sight on the day of the wedding. I think each planter was well over 100 pounds. They were moved to the 'side'...but they still were visible in my pictures, however. No biggie though. Also, on the inside, I had paid for our initials to be uplighted on the wall in the reception area. Unfortunately, Billie had just added a new chalkboard wall in the room. Oddly, the chalkboard wall is not centered (for good reason) along the wall. Looks beautiful but again, it did not go with my year long plans of Urban Chic which included my already paid for monogram uplighting. There is a GOD however, because there was nothing I could do about the removal of this chalkboard wall as it was now a permanent fixture. My decorator and I decided to hang white, sheet curtains in front of it so my monogram uplighting could still be centered alongside the wall and not look weird adjacent to am empty chalkboard wall. Fast forward to the day of...my uplighting guy breaks my monogram uplighting. Sigh! So, that chalkboard wall that I hated became my blessing. Billie's Mother was on-hand helping out and hears about my broken uplight. She takes immediate action and replicated my monogram design on that chalkboard wall. When I tell you I was SURPRISED and full of joy at this beautiful and QUICK gesture by her Mom. I tell everyone to this day that this is EXACTLY what customer service should look and feel like. She did an AMAZING job! Pics to come!
Day of the wedding was absolutely phenomenal. Billie let us in hours in advance and my decorator was there since morning setting up. Other vendors (cake, lighting, dj, photogs, etc.) described coming to set up easy as pie, as well. The bridal suite now had the CUTEST flower wall which makes for the BEST photo backdrop ever. Billie was around the entire time. She just made my day (should I say night) go so smoothly. She gave us ample time to clean up afterwards and even pitched in a little. Billie is amazeballs. She is such a sweet soul; easy to work with; and professional. I pray that her business is growing and from the looks of her social media; business is REALLY good. To anyone looking for a beautiful venue...the 'House of Love' will surely meet every expectation. read more
