Ann and Greg were married here at Winterthur this past Saturday right on our Visitors Center Patio, under a tent. Ann made the decision on Tuesday about getting a tent just in case the weather was bad. A bunch of people have made the tent decision and are overall happy they did. It lets them relax and not have to worry about the weather that for the big day!

Ann and Greg had about 120 people attend the wedding so we decided on the smaller tent. It is a 40×40 tent and was able to accommodate the ceremony nicely and the cocktail hour. Tented Ceremony Since we did not get any rain as we were supposed to, we were able to put cocktail tables outside the tent as well to give more space. I really like the tent option, and I know a lot of people think about it but cannot imagine it, so hopefully some of these pictures will help you out! Tent 1, Tent 2, Tent 3 We also have a larger tent that accommodate about 200 people or more for a ceremony and cocktail hour, and that tent takes up more of the Patio.

Ann and Greg had a really cute idea and she told me she found it right online. She had her ceremony programs on fans for her guests. I liked them a lot! Fan Programs, Fans .

And since we like to show as many pictures of the Visitors Center as we can, take a look at their room set up with a rented dance floor. Visitors Center

 I think Ann and Greg had a wonderful evening and it seemed to be a great night.

Good morning all!

Sorry - I don’t have any pics -we were so busy!

 So we got lucky to a point about the weather. Meredith and Derek were able to get married at the pool and keep cocktail hour there as well with no rain. The first few shuttles of guests did complain about being cold - in hindsight I would encourage anybody else in that same situation (under 70 degrees) to look into renting the tall semi-portable heaters (I can get those from my supplier).

Partying crowd! Guests were cutting loose on the dance floor all night. Maybe they were having a little too much fun as there were a few broken glasses on the dance floor and some gals thought dancing barefoot was a good idea - ouch! So I love the idea of providing your guests with flip-flops even more then I already did.

Lastly - flowers. Please keep in mind that if you are using a florist that is not a recommended vendor that you do let them know they can have access to the VC after 5:00pm and they must come back for anything that is theirs at the end of the party. We were setting up for 600 plus for Mother’s Day on Saturday night after the wedding and the florist had been unaware she needed to come back. Unfortunately we just don’t have the space to hold anything, even for a few days.

2 weddings this weekend - let’s hope this weather clears some!

Hi all!

I know that I am really in tune with the calendars and dates but has anybody else realized how many holidays fall on Saturday evenings in the year of 2009. Listed below are some of the ideas we have been brainstorming about in the office and we would love to help you make one of these scenarios into an amazing reality!

It starts with St. Valentines Day. How romantic to get married on that date! I imagine the Visitor Center decked out in shades of red and ivory for a classic look or for the unexpected black, silver, and a really deep burgundy. The red tones would warm the space as opposed to the cool backdrop of the gardens in the Winter. A candy buffet would include the red hot hearts and the candy hearts with the words on them to add some whimsy.

4th of July is on a Saturday. Shades of navy and crisp white pop into my head. Place-cards on popsicle sticks placed in sand and buckets. Hydrangeas in the centerpieces. Fireworks Concepts providing fireworks outside that guests could see from the patio of the Visitor Center. Please note - our staff does make over time on this date so additional labor charges would be assessed in addition to the package pricing.

 Finally Halloween is also on a Saturday. I think this has the coolest potential yet. I am envisioning the room with black linens and a formal black tie affair with a masquerade ball twist. Guys and gals could be dressed in period costumes - ballgowns and tuxes with tails and hats of course. As favors, the bride and groom could provide various masks that the guests would don. How unforgettable a wedding that could make!

To hear more of our ideas or to check on available dates please give us a call!