KK and Tyler’s Reception Venue

Posted on May 28, 2015May 28, 2015 by Mary P Karnes

I have yet to unveil my daughter, KK and Tyler’s wedding reception venue on THIS blog. So…drum roll, please…They will be holding their wedding reception at the Pavilion on Crystal Lake in Middletown, CT. It is absolutely perfect for them. They wanted a outdoorsy, rustic feeling and this delivers. . And…it’s on a lake with a tiny beach. If you check out KK’s wedding website, you can see how a lake ties into Tyler’s proposal… I’m very excited. All photos on this blog were taken on site. Let’s only hope we can have a spectacular sunset like the one above!

In the next two photos, you see the dance floor and table settings. As with any wedding venue, the bride is able to choose linens to go with her color scheme. Flowers, from your choice of florist, will complete the vision to customize your look. Will we choose to use the fairy lighting in the pictures? I can’t tell…I do think it adds a nice romantic feel.

Notice the fabulous wood-sided walls. It give the barn feel both KK and Tyler coveted, without the barn. The main building has all the amenities so as to not inconvenience the guests for everyday necessities. I thought at one time of choosing particularly gorgeous venue, but it was quite out of the way and would require port-a-potties. While sometimes this sacrifice is worth it, I just couldn’t see it, especially for a bride…

The local scenery at the ‘Pavilion on Crystal Lake’ is not limited to a nice gazebo and tiny lake. I love these gorgeous mature trees. But once again, pictures as gorgeous as these will be dependent on the weather. Even IF it doesn’t rain on KK and Tyler’s wedding day, if it has recently, it would be far too muddy to take advantage of this beauty. Ah…the trials of living in New England… 🙂

photo creds: Connecticutweddinggroup.com

Family Style Wedding Dinner

Posted on March 17, 2015 by Mary P Karnes

What’s old becomes new again…and this is the case with a family style wedding dinner. In days of old, weddings were not the grand affair they have become today. Two people decided to marry, join their families, create their own. Yes, a celebration took place, and it was a party. But really…no one

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cared if bubbles were blown, sparklers flashed, or butterflies released when the bride and groom made their get-a-way. Nor was the emphasis on guest favors, chocolate fountains, or photo booths…photos booths?

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But weddings, maybe because brides are always looking for a new angle, are constantly morphing. Weddings are circular. I’ve noticed some new trends, that are really not new at all, but from my generation or my mother’s. One example is the “all the rage” rainbow color scheme for the bridesmaid’s dresses. Maybe what’s “IN” for weddings NOW will be in fashion when my grandkids are getting married.

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I LOVE the family style ‘wedding dinner table’. Of course if you have a large guest list, you can’t seat EVERYONE at the same table, but you could try… Instead of 24 tables of 8, just think 5 of 40. If you go this route, consider an outside reception. More room for those LONG tables…

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You CAN accommodate long family style tables indoors, but an outdoor affair will make the arrangement feel less cramped. And what about the food? How is IT served? Well…just like it sounds…family style. Dishes are placed in any free space in front of guests at the table, and they in turn take their own serving and pass the dish along. Brides who have used this arrangement claim it lends an immediate air of intimacy and camaraderie. I think it just sounds like a party. 🙂

weddinghigh.com

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Wedding Signature Cocktails

Posted on February 20, 2015 by Mary P Karnes

What will your signature wedding cocktail be? It’s all the rage to have a signature drink at your wedding reception. So what is the purpose of the “Signature Wedding Cocktail”? From what I can discern, two things – to add a bit of flair in either your theme or wedding color scheme, or – to save cost on your bar tab. Maybe both…

It can be more economical to have a beer, wine and “signature cocktail” bar vs. a full bar. If you have only beer, wine, and signature cocktails, the host only has to buy alcohol for three drinks, vs. having to stock a full bar. This is provided the host is buying his own alcohol – a cost effective choice. You may also get away with fewer bartenders/stations. If wedding signature cocktails can be pre-made, the bar line moves much more rapidly – making for happier guests!

Another options is to pre-make the signature cocktails and have a server offer them to your guests so they don’t even have to approach a bar line. Plentiful food and drink make for a good start to your wedding reception. Remember, the usual timeline is for the bride, groom, wedding party and close family members to take photos immediately following the wedding ceremony. Your guests must be entertained and fed during the time you are “working”. Having readily available food and drink for your guests as soon as they arrive at the reception sets a relaxed and festive tone.

A signature cocktail is also a way to make your reception stand out, and give it something unique. My daughter, Maggie, didn’t choose to have a special cocktail, but I am going to encourage my second daughter to do so. In fact…she has already chosen it. Kathleen put a lot of thought into her special drink. It not only follows her color scheme…but it has a sentimental touch as well. I’ll attach a picture after the wedding…