Lovelylulu!!!

[dani13]

Hey LL-

Sorry, I would have PM''d you...I just wanted to ask you a few questions about your wedding reception site...I love it! Both FI and I decided we want a small-ish type wedding, not too far away, not too close either. What can you tell me about it? We are in NJ... so its not that far...if you have any details/tips that would be great! Talk to you soon!

Danielle

 

[lovelylulu]

Danielle:

I love our reception site too!! it''s called the castle hill resort and it''s located in ludlow, VT which according to their website is 4 hours outside of NYC, but i think that it''s actually more like 4.5-5hours. Here''s the link to their website (http://castlehillresort.com/weddings%5Fevents/) and there is a bunch of info on that page -- specifically pricing per person based on their different options. there are three menu options and they includes many delicious choices and variations on an open bar which was important for us being from NY -- the package also includes a cake, but i think that might be changing for next year...it is a bit more expensive than other VT venues, but compared to NY prices it''s not so bad! also, they also have an on-site coordinator, lisa who has been great to work with -- I would recommend calling her and she can probably answer all your questions!!

I got lucky getting a date because when we got engaged in Nov we originally thoughtthat we''d get married in ''07, but then changed our minds -- so by the time we got around to calling venues most summer ''06 dates were spoken for...for us, we wanted a tented wedding and we didn''t really want to be responsible for renting all the tables, chairs, tent, plates, etc. that was a bit overwhelming. so castle hill was a great find. the tent is gorgeous and has this amazing fabric tent liner that makes the space look really pulled together! also, the tent is on top of a hard surface that is raised approximately 2/3 inches off the ground. this is key because if it happens to rain on your day, no water gets into the space and also, since it''s not grass ladies in their high heels won''t keep sinking into the ground! we''re keeping our flower budget small because the surroundings are so lovely. there are pictures in my knot bio that were sent to me by another bride. http://talk.theknot.com/BOARDS/User/Profile.aspx?UserID=65611 the grounds, gardens, flowers are so pretty!

You stated you and your fiancee are thinking about a small wedding, i''m not sure what the minimum number of people they need to have the reception under the tent...i''m sure a telephone call would answer that though. i''m sorry this is so stream of consciousness! but if you have any other specific questions i''d be more than happy to answer them -- particularly about photographers or bands or florists! good luck making a decision and keep us all posted

 

[dani13]

LL-

Thanks so much for your response....the venue is just so gorgeous!! How many people are you guys having at your reception?? I showed my FI the pics- he really likes the place too...since we will not be getting married till summer ''07, we have a lot of time..but we will definitely go see it! I will definitely keep you posted...

thanks!
Danielle

ps I just realized while looking at your knot bio that we got engaged on the same date!!! And we both have EC''s!!! How funny is that??? Did u decide on your setting yet???

 

[decodelighted]

Hey Dani,
Just wanted to mention that my FI & I spent Valentines Day weekend at Castle Hill in one of their suites and LOVED IT! (Travelzoo has weekend packages there every once in a while that include champagne/chocolates/four course dinner)-- that might be a great way to go check it out. I also had a spa treatment while I was there and tried out the outdoor heated pool & hot tub.
--Deco

 

[dani13]

Thanks Deco, that sounds great!

We will definitely be checking it out, probably sometime in the spring/summer (when grad school is done-arghhh!). It sounds like an amazing place!

 

[lovelylulu]

dani: that is quite a coincidence!!! my fiancee is actually from NJ -- so a even a little more in common.

i did forget to mention and thanks deco for pointing it out -- there is an aveda spa on the grounds which will be really nice. nothing better than a little morning massage to ease the wedding butterflies! what also works nicely is there are 10 rooms in the castle hill, so for us that will be my mom, dad, grandma and other immediate family members, but there is also a clarion just at the foot of the hill where all the other wedding guests are able to stay -- as well as a condo option. since it''s a ski vacation destination there is no accomodation shortage.

we are expecting to have about 150 -- though we haven''t sent invitations yet!

again, feel free to email me with any questions.

setting update: i emailed quest jewelers with some pictures of my current setting, explained the problem and also included some pictures of settings that i like. still waiting to hear back...i''ll keep that updated over in rocky talk!

 

[dani13]

Ohhh...thank you so much LL- sounds great!! I am really not sure how many people we would end up having- if it were in VT- probably around 75-100??? Just guessing really. But the point is to KEEP IT SMALL- ya know what I mean???
Can you give me your email so I dont have to stalk you on PS??? I would really appreciate it...thanks!

 

[dani13]

I meant to sat VT, not CT....DONT WANT TO ADD TO CONFUSION...

 

[lovelylulu]

dani: i''m not hugely fond of putting my personal email up on a public message board. what ever happened to the PMing? can you think of any way around it?

 

[dani13]

Oh, I know I agree with you, I was going to give u my email too but thought twice about it, and was just going to post again telling you not to...

I dont know....I just wish we could still PM...