Gummibear!

[peaches]

Date: 4/22/2009 8:30:48 PM
Author: emeraldlover1
OMG...I spelled it crapet...HAHAHA.. I'm terrible at proof reading and spelling when I don't have spell check. I hope Musey doesn't kill me for that.

Cracking up at crapet! Sounds like an appropriate description considering the plaid.

And I'm guaranteed to have a last minute freak-out. I know there's tons more for me to do but have no idea WHAT that is! My dress still needs alterations, I still need shoes and accessories, we need to come up with our song list, I still have to order invitations and favors, I still need to finalize the menu and work on a seating chart. Sooooooooo much left to do!

 

[gummibear]

Date: 4/22/2009 9:15:58 PM
Author: peaches

Date: 4/22/2009 8:30:48 PM
Author: emeraldlover1
OMG...I spelled it crapet...HAHAHA.. I''m terrible at proof reading and spelling when I don''t have spell check. I hope Musey doesn''t kill me for that.

Cracking up at crapet! Sounds like an appropriate description considering the plaid.

LMAO! Crapet! Yes, I''m sensitive to crapet colors, too.

EM1- I showed FH the Troutbeck Inn and he pretty much said no...Trip Advisor had some mixed reviews as well, so I think I''ll keep it on the list, but it will be at the bottom. Trip Advisor said the food and setting are fabulous, but the rooms are terrible and they don''t even give you keys....they leave them unlocked!

My goal now is to get a list of about 10 choices and then start eliminating based on price, options, etc. I think we''re close to reaching that 10, but it seems like everyday I find something new! I guess we''re lucky to be in an area that has so many choices, but there must be hundreds and hundreds of them! I totally trust your opinion though...it''s so nice to hear your recommendations.

I also checked out your wedding event designer and I''m in love again.

If you don''t mind me asking, what exactly are they doing (flowers, tents, decor, etc) and what are their fees like?


Peaches- This is crazy that we all pretty much have the same taste in wedding dates and in rings!!

I''m also planning on around 80 people, but FH would probably prefer 35....actually, he''s flat out said he wants it as small as possible (but he''s just cheap).

I''m curious, did you invite a lot more than 35 anyway, knowing that only some could travel? Or will those guests just come to the second reception? I''m still figuring out the etiquette on stuff like that and some of the venues I''m looking at are 3 hours away for most of my guests, so kind of a long haul. I know a good portion won''t be able to make it, but will that be weird to invite them anyway? Will it seem like I''m "fishing" for gifts?

Also, I looked up your venue in Vegas and holy crap, that''s gorgeous! You must, must post pics afterwards!

 

[emeraldlover1]

First let me say something about Steve and Melissa Bruce...the are amazing people as well as amazing event designers. They also do the in store floral design for Vera Wang here in the city. They are in the process of updating their web site and I''ll let you know when its done cause I don''t think it does them justice at all. They were refered to me by a local event planner that I almost considered hiring until she actually convinced me that I didn''t need her. I''ve been lucky in that respect because I would have considered hiring her. Anway... more about Steve and Melissa.

They totally customize everything for you. I gave them a budget and asked them what they could do for me and I am asking for a lot. We are expecting between 150 - 175 ppl so that means between 15 - 18 tables, then coctail hour, then the bridal party and my bouquet. There is a lot. We are doing a mix of three different centerpieces and they are actually doing some event design with the space but we haven''t nailed that down yet. But the point is they can do anything it just all comes down to cost. I originally wanted them to hang fabric and extra lights for me but if you remember from my pictures the place doesn''t really need it and everyone keeps convincing me to spend the money on the tables which is probably what we will wind up doing. Let me know if you have more questions. I am half asleep right now.

 

[emeraldlover1]

oh and if you are on facebook they have a fan page and a group. I think it is called Steven Bruce Design.

 

[peaches]

Thanks so much for the venue compliments, Gummi!! I think Vegas has to be my second favorite city (behind NYC, of course). I would have loved a NY wedding but trying to set that up from CA would have been a nightmare!

You''re right, it''s so funny how similar are tastes are turning out to be. Great minds!

And congrats to both of you on your upcoming weddings!

You know, I''m trying to figure out the etiquette thing myself! I have a huge family and if they all decided to come to the wedding it would have been GIGANTIC. So I emailed them back in January to get a general idea of who could attend. The relatives that verbally accepted are the ones who will be receiving wedding invites (the remaining relatives will only receive an invite to the second reception). And the remaining seats will be rounded out by close friends, etc.

People tell me that I''m bound to get at least a few no-shows so it''s safest to pad the number. But then what if they all show up?? I''m thinking I maybe add a few more invitees to the list but not TOO many.

 

[gummibear]

Hi Peaches-- I''m trying to figure out my guest list and I had the same thought, to "pad" the list a bit because I know some of the out-of-towners won''t be able to travel, especially the older ones. But, FH keeps saying, "but what if they all come??" and now I don''t know what we should do! Pretty much every friend of mine that has gotten married has had fights with their FH or family about the guest list and I really don''t want to be one of them.

EM1-- Ok, I know I wrote it off earlier because of having to rent to entire inn, but now I''m starting to like the idea of Buttermilk.

I like that it''s unique enough that none of my friends would choose the place, it has gorgeous views and the rooms in the inn look lovely! It''s also not too far from where many of my guests will be coming from. I want the whole wedding to have a relaxed feel (not really a casual style, but just nothing too stuffy) and I think that this place could work.

My only two reservations are:

1- The weather! It would be a very "outdoor" wedding and tented reception, so what if it pours? Gosh, what do outdoor brides do? Do I really want to be panicking up until the last minute about the weather?

2- My style is more romantic/feminine/deco and his is rustic/modern/natural....can this blend of styles really be pulled off at a venue like that? I''m just freaking out that people will think I''m weird if I have this farm/countryside type wedding and I''m dressed in a lace gown with pearls.

 

[emeraldlover1]

I have like 5 minutes to respond right now but I promise you I will get back to you on Sunday. What you are describing is totally 100% possible with Buttermilk. I''ll help you. I''ll even send you some pics that can help blend the two styles.

Second...don''t worry about the rain. Tented wedding when it rains are still beautifull and romantic. You are thinking about next fall, right? September and October are the months with the least amount of rain up there. Oh and, I wouldn''t worry about renting the whole place. I have a feeling you would fill that no problem. Oh and...can I come? Just kidding, however, I am more than willing to help you pull together the details.

 

[gummibear]

Date: 4/24/2009 5:29:09 PM
Author: emeraldlover1
I have like 5 minutes to respond right now but I promise you I will get back to you on Sunday. What you are describing is totally 100% possible with Buttermilk. I'll help you. I'll even send you some pics that can help blend the two styles.

Second...don't worry about the rain. Tented wedding when it rains are still beautifull and romantic. You are thinking about next fall, right? September and October are the months with the least amount of rain up there. Oh and, I wouldn't worry about renting the whole place. I have a feeling you would fill that no problem. Oh and...can I come? Just kidding, however, I am more than willing to help you pull together the details.

Thanks! I appreciate you responding even though you only had a moment.

I've been thinking of different color schemes and played around on colourlovers.com to give you an idea of the palette I'm shooting for. Have you been to that website? It's awesome for playing with color combinations. You're doing greens and purples, right?

Here's a sample of one idea I had for a color palette...I'm going to toy with it a bit to bring in cooler undertones because I tend to like blue-based reds and cooler colors. I know cool colors are not really "Fall" but it will be a fun challenge

 

[gummibear]

Oops, forgot to mention that the dramatic reds and oranges are my colors (imagine roses in those shades) and the accents of green and chocolate brown will be the "earthy/modern" elements that represent FH''s style.

 

[emeraldlover1]

Great website! I''ll play around with your color choices a bit tomorrow as well.

I think my colors are definatley on the cooler side and I''m doing a fall wedding. I love orange and briefly considered it for some things but in the end I think the majority of the colors will wind up being like this.

 

[gummibear]

Ooooh, I love your colors! Isn''t that website the coolest? I could play there for hours...actually I have.

And I forgot to mention that if I have my wedding at Buttermilk, you are definitely invited.

I saw it online, but totally wrote it off as a choice until you posted it. I''m falling more and more in love with it everyday. Now I just have to see if it''s within budget.

 

[gummibear]

Sorry I''ve been MIA for a few days. I''ve been building my list of venues and we''ve started calling around for pricing info. Unfortunately, my top pick (Buttermilk) may be out due to ridiculous site fees.

I think you posted your site fees for your venue somewhere, and for a wedding of about 75 people, the fees for Buttermilk are actually MORE. Like double and that''s without food! I can''t justify that amount for a small wedding. If I had a couple hundred guests it would be different. So now back to the drawing board....

The good news is that one place we called (Garrison) has a sister site that they recommended and it''s gorgeous! It is not part of a hotel (I really liked the idea of having the reception at a hotel) but it''s close enough that most guests could drive home.

What made you decide to do a semi-destination wedding? It''s still something I think I''d like because I think it would feel more relaxed and less formal.

 

[emeraldlover1]

No worries, I''ve been MIA too. Work is really really busy right now. Ok, so I''m not sure where you draw the limit at site fee''s, but I have to ask was it for all the rooms too or just the event? Reason is that our site with the rooms included was something like 15 k. Still rediculous but the guy dropped the prices with the economy by 5k. So really anyone that booked after January was paying a 7k site fee without the rooms and 12k with with the rooms. We always talk about if we would have done it again is not pay a rediculous site fee. Unfortunatley all of the places that we liked had a site fee and I''m embarrased to say that with food and without the rooms that it is going to come in around $220 a person. So...this is not going to be an inexpensive wedding that is for sure.

Back to your place...What is the other place the Garrison suggested?

To answer you question we really wanted to get married in Lake Placid, I think I mentioned that back in the beginning, anyway, it was just too far away. We didn''t do it in the city cause we have so many out of town guests and asking people to pay the rediculous fee''s the hotels charge here, I just couldn''t do it. Oh, and I spent every summer up on Saranac lake which is very close to Lake Placid so that area is so dear to me.

Be back soon. I hope. Back to work.

 

[gummibear]

Hi EM1! Thanks for responding and sorry you''re so swamped at work. The site fee does include all rooms for the weekend, which I was prepared for, but there is also another additional site fee for the grounds (that the tent would be on). When you add both fees and then the tent, tables and catering it totals well over $30k and that''s without flowers, decor, photographer, etc, etc. For a small wedding I think that''s a bit steep.

In a way though, I think this is a good thing because I got a bit wrapped up in the cute farm animals at that place and FH reminded me that no honey, we don''t need to have llamas at our wedding!

It also got me reconsidering the tented wedding because I''ve always been concerned that it would rain or be windy and I don''t want the guests to be uncomfortable.

Also, last night I talked to my mom and even though I would have sweared it would have never happened to me, she started adding names to the guest list! Now the list is up over 100, but we figure 20% probably won''t be able to make it. The good news is that more places open up as possibilities when the list is over 75.

So...now I''m put in the "compromise something" position where one or more elements of the elusive "dream wedding" have to change. The place the Garrison recommended is Highlands Country Club, which has a beautiful ballroom surrounded by covered outdoor terraces, set on a golf course. From the pictures I love it, but there are no overnight facilities there, and that was one of the things I really wanted. I also am not sure if a ceremony can occur there, or if it''s just the reception. I wanted the one-stop shopping of ceremony, reception and overnight all at the same place.

Grrr, why is it so hard to find something that works?? I swear I''m a very, very decisive person in 99% of my life. I already pretty much know what my dress and flowers will be like, but this first step of finding a venue is throwing me for a loop. I really appreciate your help. I hope I can find a place like yours that fits my overall vision and is something I can be excited about.

We''ll be calling more places Thursday...I''ll keep you posted.

 

[nyc7782]

hey there! I also considered a few of those upsate/hudson valley places (and EM1 was uber-helpful!) but decided on VT. So, if you''re still considering Vermont, let me know...we looked at a bunch of places and I''d be happy to share my thoughts. and good luck!

 

[gummibear]

Date: 4/29/2009 11:44:34 AM
Author: nyc7782
hey there! I also considered a few of those upsate/hudson valley places (and EM1 was uber-helpful!) but decided on VT. So, if you''re still considering Vermont, let me know...we looked at a bunch of places and I''d be happy to share my thoughts. and good luck!

Hi nyc! Yes, thanks so much for your help! We called the Equinox and Castle Hill Inn and left messages, but have not heard back from them yet. We are going to call again tomorrow when we have more time.

Which place did you decide to go with in VT? Are you from NY and have you encountered any resistance from guests about travelling that far? I absolutely love VT and go to Manchester a few times a year, but for people who aren''t used to driving there it could seem really far.

Thanks again

 

[nyc7782]

Hi! We actually left messages for Castle Hill, too, and never heard back either. Weird. Equinox didn''t have a date that worked for us but it''s gorgeous...I think I dealt with them via email, you may want to try that. We decided to go with Riverside Farm, near Killington. It''s absolutely beautiful and has a barn, which was one of my main criteria. We looked at a few places and talked to a ton, so let me know if you want any reviews. Oh, and yeah, we are in NYC and we actually haven''t gotten any resistance from guests (that we know of--i guess people wouldn''t really say haha). Honestly, I think our friends view it as a fun road trip and weekend away, though I guess older guests may be annoyed. Though we are having it in October and most people here know how beautiful vermont is then so I think they are excited. But honestly, I decided I didn''t really care if people were annoyed--I wanted a small wedding (which we''re not having) so I figured if people don''t come then I get a smaller wedding anyway! I think you just have to embrace it if you do a wedding like this, some people won''t come of course, but those that do will hopefully be psyched and have a great time.

 

[gummibear]

Hi nyc! Thanks again for the suggestions....your venue looks absolutely amazing! It almost made me want a barn wedding, but then I had to slap myself for getting so off track.

I still haven''t heard from Castle Hill, but we''ve spoken to Equinox and they are still a possibility, though we''re actually leaning toward something more local now. Over the past week our guest list had blossomed (exploded) from 60-75 to over 110! I''m sure a good percentage of those won''t make it, but it seems like things are changing every day.

EM1-- How are you? I hope everything is going okay at work. We are meeting with the people from The Garrison/Highlands on Friday and I''ll fill you in. We are also planing on going to Round Hill in the next week or two to check them out. My only reservations with them are that they lack the hotel/overnight accommodations, but I guess something''s gotta give.

While searching online I saw a few slideshows on photographer''s sites for Onteora weddings and they all looked so beautiful. I can''t wait to see your pics.

Peaches-- How''s it going? It just occured to me that it''s May already! When do you get your ring???

 

[emeraldlover1]

I''m good, thanks for asking! I know I keep saying this but I''m super busy with work. I love my job but when its great, its really busy. I sell medical devices so the schedule is totally random. I worked 14 hours today at the hospitals and I''m still going on the computer. It never ends. That is what sales will do for you. So, right now my fiance is taking care of a lot of the planning. I think he''s actually getting into it. He just picked our favors this week and they are awesome but totally a secret at the moment.

I can''t wait to hear your feedback on the venue''s you visit. So much fun!! We are trying to figure out transportation at the moment.

 

[nyc7782]

glad to help! I''ve been to the Garrison, though not for a wedding, and the setting is absolutely gorgeous. Another place you might want to consider up there is boscobel. www.boscobel.org. The grounds and views are amazing, though I don''t think there''s lodging. If you want something even closer, Tappan Hill is beautiful and has great hudson river views, making you feel like you''re in the country. Good luck!!

 

[peaches]

Hi Gummi!

Checking in on your guest list situation that you posted on the SMTR thread. Wow, 65 to 110 guests is DEFINITELY a jump! Are these new guests all your mom''s suggestion? I can see why you''ve been stressed...your head must be exploding right now!!

By the way, the venues you all are describing sound absolutely beautiful. I know your weddings are going to be just gorgeous once all is said and done!

 

[gummibear]

Hi Peaches! You''re so sweet to check in on me. I''m definitely stressed out and when I get like this I tend to withdraw instead of reaching out, but you all are so wonderful and helpful....so, here goes, this is gonna be long....let me know what you think:

FI and I went to see a couple places on Friday and it turns out that I hated the one I thought I was going to love. It''s not that it wasn''t beautiful, but thinking about all the practical issues, it would just stress me out to get married there. First of all, you have to have the ceremony outside and on a nice day it would be lovely. However, if it rained, you would be screwed. They have a covered outdoor area where the ceremony could be, but that is also where the cocktail hour is supposed to take place and what would we do with people in between while they break down chairs, etc? It just seems annoying. One of the options is that you can get married out on the beautiful golf course, but it''s a good three minute walk from the building to the ceremony site...do I really want my "aisle" to be that freakin long? I envisioned violins for the ceremony and at that distance I couldn''t even hear them.

The other "let''s see it just in case" location was the one that just "felt right" for me. It has pretty much everything that I wanted, except that they have a very strict minimum amount of guests and if you don''t have that number you have to pay for them anyway. I can deal with that, though it is annnoying and really expensive.

Okay, so here''s the problem....FI really likes the first place. Mostly because it''s a lot cheaper and also because there is no "guest minimum" that needs to be met. When we first got engaged we agreed that we wanted a more casual, smaller wedding, but none of the venues I liked would accept 65-75 guests. We''ve had to re-think that to get something we want, but he''s hesitant to do the more traditional size wedding, he thinks we''d be doing what everyone else does by having a larger wedding. I told him that it can still be "us" but just with a few more tables of guests. We are still going to do a very quick, casual ceremony and eliminate a lot of the traditional stuff like bouquet tossing, garter belt, cake cutting, etc.

I also will add that FI really does like the venue I want and I asked him if both places were free, which would he choose, and he said the one I like because it would make me happy. He''s also said that he''d be fine if we end up picking it, though it''s not his first choice. But now I''m starting to doubt my initial feelings about the place and I''m wondering if I''m just caught up in some sort of wedding fever.

To add insult to injury, the place I like is booking up fast and I don''t think I''ll have much longer before my date is gone.

So ladies....what do you think? Should I just book the place so I don''t lose it? Or am I compromising what we originally wanted? Ugh, this is so hard. I''m the type of person who can usually make quick, good decisions and this is just throwing me for a loop!

 

[mayachel]

Spill it! Which two places are you choosing between

 

[emeraldlover1]

I want to know too! I''m sorry I haven''t been around much to check up on you. So, I''m thinking the garrison highlands is one place, right? What is the other??

 

[gummibear]

Date: 5/14/2009 7:21:45 PM
Author: emeraldlover1
I want to know too! I''m sorry I haven''t been around much to check up on you. So, I''m thinking the garrison highlands is one place, right? What is the other??

Mayachel, you''re so funny....and actually, EM1 you''re totally right...the one FI prefers is Highlands Country Club and I preferred The Garrison...thoughts???

 

[emeraldlover1]

I think I told you that my friend got married at the Garrison. It was beautifull. There are hotels in the next town over, I believe. Anyway, I don''t know too much about the Highlands but I didn''t consider it.

 

[gummibear]

Date: 5/14/2009 8:21:57 PM
Author: emeraldlover1
I think I told you that my friend got married at the Garrison. It was beautifull. There are hotels in the next town over, I believe. Anyway, I don''t know too much about the Highlands but I didn''t consider it.

Thanks, EM1--good to hear that the wedding you went to there was beautiful. I love the views and well, just about everything about the place. Just curious, did your friend have a lot of food available during the cocktail hour? The package they sent says one station and seven passed items...I''m not sure if that will be enough food.

Mayachel-- did you look at either The Garrison or Highlands? I saw a post about your visit to Round Hill. We might go there this Saturday to take a look, but we weren''t crazy about the separate room for dancing. Are you getting married in the Hudson Valley, too?

 

[emeraldlover1]

Date: 5/14/2009 10:27:53 PM
Author: gummibear

Date: 5/14/2009 8:21:57 PM
Author: emeraldlover1
I think I told you that my friend got married at the Garrison. It was beautifull. There are hotels in the next town over, I believe. Anyway, I don''t know too much about the Highlands but I didn''t consider it.

Thanks, EM1--good to hear that the wedding you went to there was beautiful. I love the views and well, just about everything about the place. Just curious, did your friend have a lot of food available during the cocktail hour? The package they sent says one station and seven passed items...I''m not sure if that will be enough food.

Mayachel-- did you look at either The Garrison or Highlands? I saw a post about your visit to Round Hill. We might go there this Saturday to take a look, but we weren''t crazy about the separate room for dancing. Are you getting married in the Hudson Valley, too?

Yes! That is totally enough food. We are only having 5 and we have a two hour coctail hour. So...I''m nervous but after we tried the food at our tasting and talked to the caterer''s there was no problem. I don''t care how many options there are as long as there is enough and there will be. I''m probably not the best person to ask cause I usually don''t eat a lot a weddings. The food is usually really heavy and I like the dinner portion much better. My fiance is a big food eater at weddings and after we had our tastings he was even ok with the fact that we are only having 5.

 

[gummibear]

Hi Guys,

Well.....we booked a date at The Garrison today! The contract won''t be sent until next week and we have two weeks to review it, but at least we''ve reserved the date, so now I can breathe a little easier.

Thank you all (especially you, EM1) for your help!

 

[emeraldlover1]

What is the date??????? I''m so excited for you. I love cold spring/garrison area. My makeup artist is from about 10 minutes from there. Not to stress you out more but you should check her out. Dorothy Carlton at Pretty bird bridal. She also does hair too.