Which venue do you like better? (Lots of pictures!)

[luvthemstrawberries]

Italia, newsgirl, and morgie, thank you for responding!

Italia, do you think it''s too overly cool and modern to be inviting to people? It definitely is a very big open space.

Newsgirl, no problem, haha it seems like it took me forever to post all those - I''ve never done so many at once like this! We do like the darkness with candlelight in the aquarium, plus it makes the tanks show up so much better. It''s a hard choice b/c the venues are SO different, and they both touch on very personal parts of us.

Morgie, you''re right, I think it woud be a big impact upon entry. I hadn''t even thought about theme or no theme. Haha, flying - wouldn''t that be fun? When you walk in, it''s a very open-airy, cool feel - the artwork above really ties it all together - it''s blue glass and steel wiring. The aquarium would be a totally different feel - very dark, but fun. And I also haven''t thought about people spending TOO much time around the place - I was just thinking about keeping them entertained. Good thoughts!

 

[bee*]

I just adore the aquarium idea so that would be my vote. The airport is fab too but the aquarium would entertain people and it''s such a fab idea.

 

[luvthemstrawberries]

Date: 11/20/2008 1:15:56 PM
Author: EBree
I vote for the aviation terminal, for a few reasons. First, it''s where your FI proposed, which is incredibly romantic. Second, it looks AWESOME- definitely modern and spacious and, well, wow. You also say it''s closer (right?), which is much more convenient.

My husband and I considered having our wedding at our city''s aquarium, but we had a big concern: the smell. I don''t know if this would be an issue at your aquarium, but if so, it''s something to think about.

Wow, you guys are AWESOME!!

EBree - yes, it is SO much closer - 5 minutes from home. Aquarium is 3 hours, plus much further for some of my family, and a little closer for some of his (still 2+ hours for anyone, and 3 for us planning it).

FI actually mentioned the smell before I took him down there. I hadn''t been to an aquarium in so long that I didn''t even remember smells. But I asked him after we left, and he said that he never smelled anything in there. It really was a nice surprise, I guess they keep the smells down somehow, b/c there are lots of open tanks.

 

[luvthemstrawberries]

Date: 11/20/2008 1:12:53 PM
Author: SarahLovesJS
Great pics! Okay I also

turtles and love aquariums, but I am also voting for the airport. Yes, it''s very modern..but it has sentimental value and is breathtaking. I also could see Morgie expressed happening in reference to the museum. I think people would possibly pay more attention to the aquarium than your event and the point is they''re there for a wedding celebration. Just my opinion, but

the airport!

I do agree about what Morgie said - I''d never even thought about that. The main reason I wanted something to entertain people is b/c I''m not very good at it, and I often don''t like too much attention on me. I''m struggling with feelings in the middle of that and "it''s my one day to actually have the attention", haha. But I do agree - I think I''d regret it if people spent so much time touring the place like it was a day at the aquarium instead of a wedding reception. Something to think about!

 

[luvthemstrawberries]

I got it to work!!! Best picture I have right now of a reception setup in the terminal.

 

[luvthemstrawberries]

Instead of starting a new thread and explaining my situation over again, have any of you had any experience or have any advice about a "distance" wedding with the traveling to meetings, etc. vs a local wedding? Anything you''d do the same or differently if you could change things, as far as having it closer or going with something you really wanted but didn''t?

 

[Clairitek]

The terminal is really cool. What a unique and interesting place to have a wedding reception! Personally I could sit and watch planes take off and land all day. If your guests wanted to they could probably even go over to the observation deck between the ceremony and reception if they wanted to see the bigger planes (I take it the runway from the GA terminal is for the small private planes only?).

 

[Amandine]

While I sort of lean towards the aquarium...I really think the space at the terminal is stunning, so it gets my vote.

As for distance, my wedding was 3 hours away from home, and honestly, it was kinda a pain in the a**. You had to be careful and efficient in organizing meetings, and trying to figure out vendors was more difficult. I had to use the internet a lot, and depend on recommendations and thing from places like the Knot. I was definitely tired in the end of driving up there. Don''t get me wrong, I loved my venue, but sometimes it was a royal pain. And gas was more expensive, so that factored in, too.

You have two beautiful choices, so you can''t really go wrong!

 

[dreaming of the day]

I love the airport idea! You have an extremely sentimental attachement to airports and it just sounds like it would fit so well Plus it is so much closer for you and your family! I would however check on thier decorating policy, it is gorgeous on its own but you would need to warm it up a bit with some colour and texture.

The aquarium is also a very neat idea, but it is far, and everyone will have to rent hotel rooms which adds to costs for those attending.

Both venues are gorgeous, and inspiring!

 

[luvthemstrawberries]

Date: 11/20/2008 1:36:59 PM
Author: Clairitek
The terminal is really cool. What a unique and interesting place to have a wedding reception! Personally I could sit and watch planes take off and land all day. If your guests wanted to they could probably even go over to the observation deck between the ceremony and reception if they wanted to see the bigger planes (I take it the runway from the GA terminal is for the small private planes only?).

Clairitek - Good idea! We''re still thinking about getting married in a church then having a reception somewhere. But that would be a great opportunity for people while they wait for us to get there, or if they want a break during dinner/dancing.

The GA Terminal is actually at the end of the runway that''s used by Terminal 1 also (which houses the public airlines). The GA Terminal and its surrounding buildings house the charter flight services and all the private planes that are stored on the airport property. It''s a really cool area though because you can see all the small planes sitting on the apron, plus it''s a good view of when all planes, big or small, take off on this runway. This is also the storage area for visitors to the airport - when President Bush flew here this past summer, the huge cargo planes that fly the presidential fleet cars and equipment down here were parked RIGHT outside this building on the apron. We went out there and stood on the deck, probably 100 ft from that massive plane.

There''s also a runway that intersects this one at a T and runs away from this building. It''s shorter and used for smaller planes and for military aircraft - there''s a National Guard Armory adjacent to it with direct access to it, which is really cool to see when the rare opportunity arises.

ANYWAY sorry for rambling. I used to work at the airport, and it''s all just so amazing to me. But to answer the question, public airlines do use both runways. It''s a little easier to see them sometimes from the observation deck, but this terminal has great views too, plus more cool stuff around to see.

 

[luvthemstrawberries]

Date: 11/20/2008 1:43:18 PM
Author: Amandine
While I sort of lean towards the aquarium...I really think the space at the terminal is stunning, so it gets my vote.

As for distance, my wedding was 3 hours away from home, and honestly, it was kinda a pain in the a**. You had to be careful and efficient in organizing meetings, and trying to figure out vendors was more difficult. I had to use the internet a lot, and depend on recommendations and thing from places like the Knot. I was definitely tired in the end of driving up there. Don''t get me wrong, I loved my venue, but sometimes it was a royal pain. And gas was more expensive, so that factored in, too.

You have two beautiful choices, so you can''t really go wrong!

Amandine thanks for the info - that''s kind of what I''m thinking would happen to me. We got tired just from driving down there and back in day - I''m still recovering. Traveling takes a lot out of you. And I''ve often wondered about the vendors, b/c I don''t know anyone around there. I''d even have to travel to get a test run on my hair!

 

[luvthemstrawberries]

Date: 11/20/2008 1:49:16 PM
Author: dreaming of the day
I love the airport idea! You have an extremely sentimental attachement to airports and it just sounds like it would fit so well Plus it is so much closer for you and your family! I would however check on thier decorating policy, it is gorgeous on its own but you would need to warm it up a bit with some colour and texture.

The aquarium is also a very neat idea, but it is far, and everyone will have to rent hotel rooms which adds to costs for those attending.

Both venues are gorgeous, and inspiring!

DOTD - thanks for the suggestion about decorating. Definitely something I''ll need to remember. And you''re right, being closer would definitely be a lot easier on everyone involved, not just me. Guess I just need to decide what''s most important!

 

[tabu]

Wow, what a difficult decision!!! I like the airport idea because it is very different and you have a story to go along with it. It is beautiful and stunning, very elegant. Plus, its so close! But then theres the aquarium! So cute, love the turtles, also a very unique place to have a reception. I also think it would be more fun, for kids and adults. If people don''t really like to dance, they can walk around and see the pretty fishies! I think I''m leaning more towards the airport tho.... ahh so hard!

I think either way it will be wonderful!!!!!

 

[gwendolyn]

If it was me, I''d go for the aquarium. Although the airport looks nice, I always equate airports with stress and unpleasantness.

 

[that_someone_special]

I loveeee the aquarium! It reminds me of Atlantis (Bahamas)... It''s unique-- and no one will have one like it!

 

[Dreamgirl]

I like the aquarium. It looks very nice!!

 

[luvthemstrawberries]

Thank you so much for everything so far!!

You all are giving us lots to think about!

 

[kama_s]

They''re both great venues! It would depend on the type of feel you''re going for. The terminal is very modern, whereas the aquarium is more cozy. Have you selected anything else so far, like your cake, dress etc? Your style on them will give you an idea of what type of feel you''re aiming for.

 

[PrincessMiaPuff]

Date: 11/20/2008 2:44:33 PM
Author: kama_s
They''re both great venues! It would depend on the type of feel you''re going for. The terminal is very modern, whereas the aquarium is more cozy. Have you selected anything else so far, like your cake, dress etc? Your style on them will give you an idea of what type of feel you''re aiming for.

I love both but would have to go with Kama. I need to see the dress, cake ideas before making up my mind.

 

[luvthemstrawberries]

Date: 11/20/2008 2:58:44 PM
Author: PrincessMiaPuff

Date: 11/20/2008 2:44:33 PM
Author: kama_s
They're both great venues! It would depend on the type of feel you're going for. The terminal is very modern, whereas the aquarium is more cozy. Have you selected anything else so far, like your cake, dress etc? Your style on them will give you an idea of what type of feel you're aiming for.

I love both but would have to go with Kama. I need to see the dress, cake ideas before making up my mind.

Haha I've actually been waiting to go dress shopping until I have a venue / theme idea. I definitely didn't want to choose a cake or any kind of theme yet b/c I have so many different theme ideas all over the place with different colors and feels... and both of these venues would require a theme that goes with the feel. So I don't have either a dress or cake yet!

I CAN tell you, however, that nothing will be formal. Dress will be V-neck most likely, not much beading or elaborate details - very streamlined and simple. (Haha but that kind of goes with either venue!)

Same will go for the cake - nothing elaborate. I had actually entertained the idea of a strawberry theme a while back, before we saw either of these venues... and I really want a cake with strawberry inside at least. Haha but this doesn't help you AT ALL...

Hmm, wonder if blue tones and then mix in strawberries in the theme would brighten up the place??

Or would that be totally weird??

ETA: Can you tell I like strawberries??

 

[sparkly_stars]

I vote for the airport- a few reasons I guess.
First, when I started reading your post..I thought airport? BOOO!! (but I LOVED The idea of the aquarium)...
anyways moving forward- I saw the pictures, and that alone made me change my vote to the airport. I love the pictures of the bride/groom in the aquarium...but.. something seems to be missing. The clean lines at the airport would make such a BEAUTIFUL wedding- it already looks SO expensive and you haven''t even put any money into decorating yet...so imagine after the setup is done?

then, I re-read your post...and the compassion you have when you speak of the airport and what it means to you...well that alone should be your indicator of "winner", and lastly..it''s sooo much closer- and will allow you to better prepare yourself for the day. (who needs unnecessary travel added to the list of stress?

SO, my vote is the airport, hands down!

 

[marchswallowbird]

I love both venues! I would probably choose the airport, though, because:

1) It has a lot of emotional attachment (as the proposal site)
2) It is just stunning visually
3) It is closer, which will both make your planning easier and be easier for guests who don''t have to travel, rent hotel rooms, etc.
4) Someone posted that they had their wedding in a museum and the museum kind of "upstaged" the wedding. I wouldn''t have thought of that, but it could definitely happen in the aquarium.

The only thing I would question about the airport is: does it echo? The space is huge, with all hard surfaces and nothing to absorb sound. How would a band sound in there? What kind of PA/sound set-up will you have to have so that all the toasts/announcements can be heard by everyone? Will it be hugely expensive?

Is the cost of catering and setting up a wedding less at one place or the other? Are they both used to doing weddings?

 

[Gypsy]

I like the aquarium, personally. I just love the pics you'll get from having a wedding there and it's so wonderfuly unique. The airport is nice too... and the sentimentality is a big factor, but... the fish win for me. I wouldn't serve any seafood if you had an aquarium wedding though. Strange and random thought... but there it is.

I think the airport is closer and would be very convenient, and you could probably get some cool shots there too. Lighting looks great.

 

[somehowcollide]

I want to start of by saying that I love you for considering unique venues. I am all about that. Your post really spoke to me. I am getting married at a Natural Science Museum, and my venue''s clean lines and high ceilings really reminded me of your GA Airport. (a thread I started about my facility for reference https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/were-getting-married-with-dinosaurs.97797/)

Anyway, if you and your guests are driving 2-3hrs + and staying at a hotel, this is ultimately a destination wedding. And when you think destination wedding, you think beaches, or casinos - essentially a vacation and wedding combined. It seems like one of things you like most about the aquarium is that it will be entertaining for your guests, but aside from your reception, what else will be planned for your guests while they are in town? Are their things to do around town? Is there something new, exciting or novel about your location? I''m always pumped for destination weddings because I get to go places I''ve never been before, or a place I would have loved to visit again anyway (like Vegas, the GA coast or the Rocky Mountains.) Do you feel like an aquarium wedding locale will excite your guests? A previous poster mentioned that if you were going to make the trip up there anyway, you might as well get married at a local beach. Is that an option for you? A beach reception and an aquarium reception afterward? That might a better experience (I apologize if you already answered that question and I missed it.)

On the other hand, you have this other beautiful, modern venue. Sure its close by, but more than that it is so special to the two of you! Can you imagine a wedding slide show with pictures of your proposal in the observation deck. Or even narrating the story to your guests, and sharing that moment again with everyone that is near and dear to you oh gosh, I''m choking up). The space is lovely and well-lit and really creates a sense of who you are. Someone else mentioned that the aquarium is kind of theme-y. And, in my opinion, it is. I think it could potentially distract from the fact that its your wedding and may just be overkill. Whereas I think the GA Airport will really lend to your occasion and heighten it.

If you don''t mind me asking, which venue is the most affordable? And which has the best catering options? Those things can really be a deal breaker too.

 

[luvthemstrawberries]

SparklyStars - Haha I knew people would read about the airport and go ewww!! Haha that''s funny. I''m glad you read on though. And I do have a lot of passion for the airport - we both do. That''s what pulls us that way so much too. You definitely mentioned many good points and put it in a good perspective, so thank you!! What do you think seems to be missing from the aquarium?

Marchswallow - Yes, I''d never thought of the aquarium upstaging an event. I guess it could. I''d just figured that it was a good way to keep people entertained who didn''t want to sit around and dance/watch others dance all night... which I think a lot of my family will end up being like. Good thoughts though about what to look into at the airport - thank you!! I have no idea about the echo or acoustics in there. I''m actually waiting to hear back from someone about some of the specifics, so I''ll let yall know that when I do.

Gypsy - hahaha, you make me laugh. And I love random thoughts.

Yes, I definitely would make sure not to serve any seafood. (Haha but they do offer on their caterer list plenty of places that do that!

) Poor fishies having to watch that. And I haven''t even though about photography and which place would be easier for better pictures!! Thank you for that thought.

 

[luvthemstrawberries]

Date: 11/20/2008 8:37:07 PM
Author: somehowcollide
I want to start of by saying that I love you for considering unique venues. I am all about that. Your post really spoke to me. I am getting married at a Natural Science Museum, and my venue''s clean lines and high ceilings really reminded me of your GA Airport. (a thread I started about my facility for reference https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/were-getting-married-with-dinosaurs.97797/)

Anyway, if you and your guests are driving 2-3hrs + and staying at a hotel, this is ultimately a destination wedding. And when you think destination wedding, you think beaches, or casinos - essentially a vacation and wedding combined. It seems like one of things you like most about the aquarium is that it will be entertaining for your guests, but aside from your reception, what else will be planned for your guests while they are in town? Are their things to do around town? Is there something new, exciting or novel about your location? I''m always pumped for destination weddings because I get to go places I''ve never been before, or a place I would have loved to visit again anyway (like Vegas, the GA coast or the Rocky Mountains.) Do you feel like an aquarium wedding locale will excite your guests? A previous poster mentioned that if you were going to make the trip up there anyway, you might as well get married at a local beach. Is that an option for you? A beach reception and an aquarium reception afterward? That might a better experience (I apologize if you already answered that question and I missed it.)

On the other hand, you have this other beautiful, modern venue. Sure its close by, but more than that it is so special to the two of you! Can you imagine a wedding slide show with pictures of your proposal in the observation deck. Or even narrating the story to your guests, and sharing that moment again with everyone that is near and dear to you oh gosh, I''m choking up). The space is lovely and well-lit and really creates a sense of who you are. Someone else mentioned that the aquarium is kind of theme-y. And, in my opinion, it is. I think it could potentially distract from the fact that its your wedding and may just be overkill. Whereas I think the GA Airport will really lend to your occasion and heighten it.

If you don''t mind me asking, which venue is the most affordable? And which has the best catering options? Those things can really be a deal breaker too.

Somehowcollide - Thank you so much for saying that, it really means a lot.

We are very much about having something unique and that reflects us and our interests and personalities. We didn''t want just a lawn with a tent (not that that''s bad, it''s just not us).

I remember your post!! I LOVED the venue - the dinosaurs were so cool, and I love the super-high ceilings that bring in natural light. And I love how you have a star room, plus a huge room for the main area, plus an ourdoor area! It''s all so unique, and people will remember it vividly, as will you!

I haven''t really thought about how the aquarium would be a destination wedding, mainly because everyone we''d invite is in-state. Granted, it''s a good 5 hour drive for a few of them. But it''s hard to say what those people would do though, as far as if they''d come and stay a night (at most) or not come at all. A lot of my family doesn''t like to travel much (bummers). I''d love for it to be a vacation, b/c most of them never take one, but I think that''d be a hard thing to get most of them to do. Anyway, it''s also not in a grand place like a large tourist-oriented beach or a big city. It''s on a small island on the EDGE of North Carolina. Once back on the mainland, it''s a tiny town with nothing to do. The most I could put on an "itinerary" (which some of my family wouldn''t pay attention to anyway) is going to the beach, or meeting for a meal probably. Believe me, I''d like to do all that. I just don''t think it''s worth the effort. Maybe that means it''s not worth the effort to have it there anyway... hmmm... haha you got me rambling and thinking!!

I do feel like the aquarium would excite people though. I haven''t talked about a beach wedding yet, reason being b/c we decided a while back that we didn''t want to get married on the beach. We''re beach bums and are all too familiar with the sand blowing and relentless wind and sun bearing down on you here in NC... and we have elderly family who couldn''t make it out there anyway. We looked into hotels that look out over the beach, but it''s too monotonous. Basically now the aquarium just happens to be at the beach.

The theme thoughts are good too. I guess all along I''ve been wondering what my theme would be and waiting till I picked a venue to nail that down, but I guess you don''t really have to have a "theme" - I can just decorate with ideas that reflect us (did you happen to read about my love for strawberries above? Do you think that''d be out of place??) or maybe slight touches of aviation things.

I don''t mind you asking at all, but I haven''t gotten a price quote from the airport - still waiting to get that specific back as well. I just started looking at that, vs we''ve already toured the aquarium and gotten the packets and pricing and everything from them. They are suprisingly affordable - much less money than most venues such as country clubs, inns, etc. And they offer a lot of advice on good caterers and all other main vendors in their area. The aquarium even provides tables, chairs, white linens, beach-themed vases with etchings, and some candles. They are very helpful there. I''m waiting to hear back from the airport, so when I do, I will let you know.

Your ideas are awesome somehowcollide!

 

[jstarfireb]

While the airport terminal is visually stunning, I vote for the aquarium. My friend had her wedding at the Camden Adventure Aquarium, and it was the coolest wedding I''ve ever been to. It was really nice to go around and explore the exhibits when we got tired of dancing. I think the aquarium is a little more warm and inviting than the airport as well.

 

[Gwyn]

I prefer the look and feel of the terminal. The added touch that its where he proposed and a favorite hang out spot clinches it for me.

DH and I looked at an Aqurium for our even too. For us the space they had for a party our size just wasnt as nice (you needed a large wedding party of 200 or so to take up the "great" room with the wall to wall aquariums. THough we love aquariums in general (our first date was to one), even if we had a party large enough, it just didnt have the right wedding-y feel for us. Plus, with kids, though it might be fun for them, I would be too worried about them running around or doing something they shouldnt with the touch tank and such that I probably wouldnt have as good a time.

 

[redfaerythinker]

AQUARIUM!!!!!!!!! TURTLE LOVERS UNITE!

 

[honey22]

Considering the sentiment behind it, I love the airport and it looks like a great venue. I also think the aquiarium would be just as great, however I don''t think you would need to worry about guests wandering around the place, I am pretty sure in our one, the guests are confined to their reception room and can''t just wander into other exhibits/areas.

I am probably biased though, I love going to the airport. FI and I used to go to our airport (5 mins away) and watch planes land all the time, and when I was a little kid, my parents took me and my sis all the time to watch them land. I just love being there, it always makes me feel excited.

Also, having the venue close is an advantage, take it from one who is planning a wedding 3 states away. It''s easier when it comes to picking a photog, florist yada yada yada. If your heart isn''t set on the aq. I would say it''s a lot easier to have it close. That said, I love the idea of FI and I running away to get married, so I guess I am no help at all really