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Quick. Need some venue opinions, please.

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Gypsy

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Ok. So, we''ve got mom coming around on the day wedding thing. And finances are improving...

SO we are calling around for venue qoutes and I''ve found two I really like.

They have pro''s and cons.

First site is a very nice vineyard close to my parent''s home the weather in september is hot but morning are cool and clear and dependable.

It''s about 8000 for 60 guest including tax, outdoor ceremony in a gorgeous area with a nice arch, our cake, 4 course sit down lunch inside with a dance floor beer wine champagne and soft beverages, in a mission style building that is very "California".

Pro''s: We know the area, vendors would be easier to find-- it''s easier . This place does AWESOME weddings. Rooms are ten miles away and there are a lot of options. The place is straight forward to get to and about 40 minutes from two airports. One our first anniversary the bottle of wine we shared was from this vineyard. Reservation fee is only 1000, but half the event total is due in March. I can have the exact date I want. We get two hours of time before the event for prep and photography.


Con''s: It''s a little more than I wanted to spend, but it includes a lot and needs minimal decorating.

http://www.wentevineyards.com/wedding/weddingPhotos.asp

Second place: A restaurant and event facility in the santa cruz area about 1.5 from our house. It''s by the water, and is a LUSH romantic property. Actually voted most romantic restaurant in Northern CA a few times.

It''s about 6500 including pretty much all of the things the vineyard does.

Pros. Food is supposed to be good and has a reputation for having lovely events. Price is REALLY reasonable.The facility would be ours exclusively, ceremony outside in a garden, reception in the restuarant. It''s really lovely and also very california, but in a completely different way. The place is really lovely and would also be minimally decorated. We have no ties to this place.

Cons: wedding would have to be on a three day weekend Monday, which isn''t my first choice. It''s over an hour from the nearest major airport. The choice of NICE accomodations are fewer. I don''t know the vendors in the area, but it is a less expensive area, so I would expect the vendors to cost somewhat less. Weather isn''t as dependable out there.

http://shadowbrook.thewavemedia.com/stills_gallery.html

What do you guys think?
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Which would be your preference.
 
I think for $1500 (if you can swing it of course) it would be waaaay worth it to have it at the easier, gorgeous place, with personal ties.
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No question for me...$1500 is cheap for your own sanity...
 
Hi Neatfreak!
I''m leaning that way too.
I was hoping you would reply. Can I get your photographer''s information again? I am looking for good and affordable, and I really enjoyed your pics!

Let see what everyone else says.
 
To me, it''s no contest. Pick the first place.

If things weren''t going well and you HAD to trim, then that''s one thing. But things are improving, you CAN swing it, and there are NO compromises on the first location. Add in that it has personal significance, and it''s a total no-brainer for me.

Gypsy, there are going to be veeeeeeeeeeery few times in your life where you''ll get something you want with no compromise. This seems as close as you''ll come to having one of those rare moments. I''d seize it.
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My first thought reading your post was vineyard, hands down. But then I saw pics of the second place...AMAZING! I am in love. But, the vinyard is beautiful too, and it sounds so much more convenient. Plus, I like that you have ties to it. On the other hand, I am just in love with the looks of the second place. So, I guess if you feel passionate about the date, the answer is easy. But, if you feel more passionate about the atmosphere (and prefer the restaurant's atmosphere like I do from the pics), then I might go that way. I am a big atmosphere, location, lush outdoors person, so I would probably go with the second place. If you are looking to keep your guest list down, the Monday date could actually be a good thing. But it really is just a question of what things are most important to you. If you made a list of things like the date, proximity to airport, atmosphere, price, ties to location, etc. in their order of importance to you, what would be at the top?
 
I actually like the second one better. It sounds like they both have good reputations, the both provide the same services and they are both lovely so you just have to decide if 1500 is worth it. Personsally, the idea of the first space which you wouldn''t have all to yourself would bug me.
 
1. The look of the place. I want BEAUTIFUL pictures to commemorate the day. But I really do like the look of both places for pics and ceremony. But I think the reception would be brighter and more seanic at the second though.
2. Cost, while 1,500 isn''t too bad. It would do a LONG way toward upgrading photography, and photography is really freaking expensive though.
2.5 I want to be proud of our venue choice. I think I''d be happy with either in this respect.
3. I want everything taken care of for me except the photographer, flowers and music. I want a very professionally run wedding. Both places are good in this respect but... The second place, I think has one other draw back which MAY be that there is no one room to accomodate everyone... so we might be set up in different rooms that connect to one another. And the first place just has my personal confidence a little more.
4. Convenience for us.
5. Airport as long as it''s not over an 1.5 hours.

Hmm. Number 2 is a definite contender.
 
I like the second better also. The vineyard is beautiful, but the pictures of the second venue completely blew me away - the place is just stunning! I don''t think any of the cons for the second venue really sound like complete dealbreakers to me.
 
I've been to both of those places and my vote is for Wente. Its so much more accessible. Getting to Shadowbrook can be a bummer (HWY 17 is not my friend). I think Wente would be more convenient for family and friends. I also think you would have less stress with Wente because you know the area better.

Both are beautiful but very different. I perfer the feel of Wente over Shadowbrook. The pics on their website don't do it justice.

The fact that you are not crazy about the date available at Shadowbrook also is a factor. It seems like too much of a compromise. Also, I don't know what month you were thinking of but the weather in the Santa Cruz area is often cold and foggy.
 
Date: 1/10/2008 9:19:52 PM
Author: goldenstar
I''ve been to both of those places and my vote is for Wente. Its so much more accessible. Getting to Shadowbrook can be a bummer (HWY 17 is not my friend). I think Wente would be more convenient for family and friends. I also think you would have less stress with Wente because you know the area better.

Both are beautiful but very different. I perfer the feel of Wente over Shadowbrook. The pics on their website don''t do it justice.

The fact that you are not crazy about the date available at Shadowbrook also is a factor. It seems like too much of a compromise. Also, I don''t know what month you were thinking of but the weather in the Santa Cruz area is often cold and foggy.

Oh wow, that was so helpful Goldenstar! Thank you, I haven''t been to either... going to both on Saturday. Hwy 17 is a nightmare, and I was worried about that as well, on such a popular day trip weekend as Labor day.
 
Hmmm...I see why you are torn. It seems like your first two factors weigh in favor of the restaurant, but everything else leans towards the vineyard. Would you be the only wedding at the vineyard at that time? Because I know sharing with another wedding would be a dealbreaker for me...
 
Oh man you didn't mention it was labor day weekend!!! I've been to Santa Cruz on holiday Mondays and the traffic is unbearable. HWY 17 is only 2 lanes so you can imagine how it can get.

You're going to love Wente. Its lovely and the Livermore wine country is gorgeous. FSIL had her "day after the wedding" brunch there and we really enjoyed it. She would have liked to have her wedding at Wente but she had a huge guest list and the cost was prohibative.

ETA: I don't think Wente would have two weddings concurrently because its not large enough. I could be wrong. The only other people on the property would be those going to the tasting room or to the restaurant.
 
We will be the only wedding at that area at that time. There is another closely affliated winery just down the road which will have another event at that time as well. And there will be a wedding after mine. But I''m feeling ok with all of that BECAUSE of the winery''s reputation for these functions.
 
Date: 1/10/2008 9:40:59 PM
Author: goldenstar
Oh man you didn't mention it was labor day weekend!!! I've been to Santa Cruz on holiday Mondays and the traffic is unbearable. HWY 17 is only 2 lanes so you can imagine how it can get.

You're going to love Wente. Its lovely and the Livermore wine country is gorgeous. FSIL had her 'day after the wedding' brunch there and we really enjoyed it. She would have liked to have her wedding at Wente but she had a huge guest list and the cost was prohibative.

ETA: I don't think Wente would have two weddings concurrently because its not large enough. I could be wrong. The only other people on the property would be those going to the tasting room or to the restaurant.

Yeah, I was afraid of that. Goldenstar, are there any other places you would recommend? I'm looking for affordability, beauty, and good food. Small order. LOL. Oh, and not a hotel. I want a 'california' venue with an outdoor area for a ceremony.
 
Date: 1/10/2008 8:16:52 PM
Author: aljdewey
To me, it''s no contest. Pick the first place.

If things weren''t going well and you HAD to trim, then that''s one thing. But things are improving, you CAN swing it, and there are NO compromises on the first location. Add in that it has personal significance, and it''s a total no-brainer for me.

Gypsy, there are going to be veeeeeeeeeeery few times in your life where you''ll get something you want with no compromise. This seems as close as you''ll come to having one of those rare moments. I''d seize it.
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My heart did start pounding when I realized I could afford Wente. It was my first choice when we booked the Mark Hopkins a few years ago, but we had a much larger guest list and an evening wedding planned so it was absolutely cost prohibative.
 
How do you feel about the North Bay, e.g. Sausalito? I've seen SO many stunning venues online but my guest list is too big for them. I made an inquiry at Casa Madrona Hotel and Spa but I don't think they can accommodate our number of guests. Casa Madrona <---- Its to DIE for!

I envy you and your small wedding!

ETA: I see you specifed no hotels. I'll have to think some more. But still look at the photo gallery for Casa Madrona. You might change your mind.
 
Date: 1/10/2008 7:54:33 PM
Author: Gypsy
Hi Neatfreak!

I''m leaning that way too.

I was hoping you would reply. Can I get your photographer''s information again? I am looking for good and affordable, and I really enjoyed your pics!


Let see what everyone else says.

No problem! She is just fantastic.

Her name is Elley Ho, her email is [email protected]. Just tell her I sent you.
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She really is lovely to work with.
 
Date: 1/10/2008 10:17:34 PM
Author: neatfreak

Date: 1/10/2008 7:54:33 PM
Author: Gypsy
Hi Neatfreak!

I''m leaning that way too.

I was hoping you would reply. Can I get your photographer''s information again? I am looking for good and affordable, and I really enjoyed your pics!


Let see what everyone else says.

No problem! She is just fantastic.

Her name is Elley Ho, her email is [email protected]. Just tell her I sent you.
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She really is lovely to work with.
Thank you!!! WIll do!
 
oh - i forgot to vote - i vote for wente. i actually like the look of that one. i don''t like that all of the guests can sit in the same room in the 2nd choice. plus it seems like it would be a trek for people during a busy holiday weekend.
 
goldenstar.. that is lovely. I think it may be out of our price range, but it never hurts to call. I don''t really consider that a ''hotel''... it''s more of an inn and spa, so it doesn''t seem to have the feel I want to avoid.

ringster that looks lovely. I''m going to have to go up there and see it for myself to see if there is a ceremony location nearby, cause I generally want everyone at one place. But that is lovely enough and perfect in terms of food type and style so that I would make the effort.
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Who are the other photographers you are considering, if you don''t mind my asking?
 
my list of photogs is literally a who''s who from PS
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(thanks PSers!) - i found a list of a bunch and spammed them all in one day :). some were free and some weren''t

orange photography - have meeting with them next week

b5studios - meeting this weekend

and this one is actually not a PS rec but i contacted gingergcookies'' photog to ask her if she had any bay area recs and she recommended someone very high end. after emailing them i found out that they were in the top 10 wedding photographers 2007 -- yikes! don''t want to say yet until i meet with with the photog but the photog is in the list.

http://www.popphoto.com/americanphotofeatures/3854/the-top-10-wedding-photographers.html
 
Date: 1/10/2008 10:46:21 PM
Author: Gypsy

ringster that looks lovely. I''m going to have to go up there and see it for myself to see if there is a ceremony location nearby, cause I generally want everyone at one place. But that is lovely enough and perfect in terms of food type and style so that I would make the effort.
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you might ask natale what others have done w/ re: to ceremony - i''m sure he would be happy to help. i think the fee for a day reception is only $500. we are paying $1000 for evening.
 
I vote for #1. Although I love option #2, I wouldn''t want to deal with hwy 17. Wente is a nice place and the only difficulty you have getting there would be turning down the correct driveway as there are lots of them.

Since you are still shopping for locations, have you tried:

Rockefeller Lodge in San Pablo

Or the Berkeley Botanical Rose Garden in Berkeley

I don''t know how much those venues cost and I haven''t been to them in years, but I remember how much I liked them both.
 
I''d choose the first one, although both are fantastic. I agree with Alj''s points. The other thing that made me pick that venue is that you had mentioned that the second place is over an hour from the airport. I''d keep comfort of guests in mind when thinking through this. For example, we had originally been considering getting married in the mountains but the closest airport is well over an hour away (roughly 90 minutes). We will have a lot of OOT guests and I felt really bad at the thought of them getting off the airplane, renting a car, and driving so far out of the way to a remote area. I know your situation isn''t exactly the same, but I''d think twice before asking guests to drive too far after a potentially long plane ride, if it can be helped.
 
Gypsy, honestly, I was leaning toward the vineyard, but the two last pictures on the shadowbrook place really knocked my socks off. Completely. And it has nothing to do with price. Those windows overlooking water. I would absolutely DIE if there was somethng like that in Quebec. I would definitely drive a little furthur for a view of that.

But the first place is lovely too. I think it''s pretty much of a no-lose situation.
 
Gypsy, your two choices just happen two be in two towns I've lived in and places I've been too. Honestly I'd choose Wente Winery. The weather there is more predidctable. It sounds like even though it's a bit more you get more choice with it. Shadowbrook is cute but in my opinion just not as nice as the Winery. Also, you don't want to get married on a 3 day weekend on a Monday if you don't have to! You realy should get the most ideal date that you prefer. Honestly I think Wente is the way to go, classy place! I went to High School in Livermore.
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I'm having a budget crunch on a few things too which include me inviting a few less guests and scrimping at home a lot more than I used to. A LOT MORE... in order to have that bit of extra niceness and piece of mind. The Winery is more but if you can swing it, it sounds like the one you want.
 
Date: 1/10/2008 10:42:42 PM
Author: ringster
oh - i forgot to vote - i vote for wente. i actually like the look of that one. i don''t like that all of the guests can sit in the same room in the 2nd choice. plus it seems like it would be a trek for people during a busy holiday weekend.
This would be a HUGE dealbreaker for me on the second place, too.

We''ve had corporate holiday parties at venues where everyone couldn''t fit in the same room, and it made folks feel really disconnected. With something MUCH more significant like a wedding, I''d worry that it would alienate some of my guests.

I think the telling comment you made, Gypsy: "My heart started pounding when I realized I could swing the Wendt." THAT is what you want from you venue.....heart pounding.
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(For what it''s worth: for a wedding, I like the look of vineyard much more than the Santa Cruz location as well).
 
OMG, Gypsy. Definitely the vineyard! Its gorgeous!

If I lived in Cali, that's totally the type of place where we would have had our wedding. Just beautiful.

The choice would be easy for me!!!
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Okay, so I''m not crazy. I love shadowbrook, and would love to do a dinner there with John. But I''m leaning pretty heavily toward Wente. We''re going to see it tomorrow. I''ll try to remember to bring our camera!
 
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