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By admin, January 5, 2012 10:10 pm

I love my business for many reasons. I have the wonderfully exciting mission of representing unique and often historic locations for New England wedding receptions and I work with happy couples who are embarking on an exciting stage of their relationship. My first career was in social work-a world I thought a million miles away from wedding planning. Every once in a while I joke with my brides that I still am a social worker and recently I began thinking of how true this is.

So many of the qualities that I am proud to say I possess are tapped in my work with couples and their families. First and foremost, my genuine love of people. I love speaking to and meeting with couples and hearing their engagement stories. My first question often is “Was it a surprise?” and I watch as the couple share where they were engaged-sometimes in Paris or some other romantic location which does make me pretty envious! It brings me easily back to my engagement and it is easy to get teary-eyed as I recall my special night.

I don’t think of my job as being in sales as much as I do as listener and helper. I enjoy hearing of my couples’ plans as I offer input on ways to incorporate their unique personalities into their wedding ceremony and reception. I am often asked about any “Bridezillas” that I encounter and much to my interviewer’s disappointment I exclaim that I don’t meet “Bridezillas” for I believe that you get back what you put into a relationship. I am very fortunate to work with fun people who I enjoy interacting with.

Meeting with and working with couples’ families is a major part of what I do.  Parents continue to be an integral part of their children’s planning process and often I am the recipient of some pretty tough Moms and Dads as they work to ensure that their son or daughter’s reception will be perfect. Family dynamics are apparent as everything from what to serve for their signature cocktail to how many guests are on the invitation lists can trigger upsets that only each family member can identify with. At those times I sit calmly and realize that I am invited into their living room at that moment. All the love is evident and at the same time family annoyances come through. I am not embarrassed and realize at that time that it is a privilege to be privy to each couples’ family dynamics-their little bit of dirty laundry. For better and for worse it is as much a part of my job as it is to ensure that their wedding venue will be romantic and fun and memorable. And I am grateful that my social work skills are still valuable as I help my clients plan their special day.

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By admin, October 1, 2011 10:18 pm

Recently I have been receiving a lot of emails from couples sounding frustrated in their search for a wedding venue that is unique and beautiful yet doesn’t match the budget of a Hollywood star.  Don’t fret. There are many, many wonderful locations all over New England. Ranging from historic estates with beautiful grounds, to country inns, Elegant Venues is sure to match  you with a property that fits your budget.

Wedding planning can be stressful. Help take the worry out and let us help match you with the perfect wedding location!

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By admin, September 21, 2011 12:30 am

First, I would like to ask that if you are stretched for time and are looking for a venue for your wedding, please skip this and visit the venues page of this blog or contact me directly as I love to hear about your wedding plans; it is my passion. This here is a story about kismet and vision and faith and friendship. But it is mostly about my friend Patti and her beans. And her passion of making beans and her dream of selling them.

Patti and I have been friends since we were fifteen. A long time. We have done many things and have had some wonderful adventures. But a few weeks back, at the Hopkinton Fair, one of the most profound adventures unfolded for me. And for Patti too,  although in the thick of things I don’t think she was aware of it.

See, we were at the fair selling her beans from Breakwind Farm. She makes four different varieties: “Outstanding Original”, “Texas Tornado,”  “Jumping Jalapeno” and “Summer Breeze”.  Patti has only been in business for three months. Her idea came to her this past winter when she was out of work recovering from shoulder surgery.

Winter nights over glasses of wine with her husband Rick and any friends who were willing to participate resulted in the creation of many slogans. The name Breakwind Farm speaks for itself. The slogan “Fartootempting” quickly followed. “Field of Beans” was mine.

Patti began selling her beans at a local farmer’s market this summer and quickly had followers. An offer to sell at the Hopkinton Fair was too good to refuse. Patti took the last of her vacation time from her day job and made close to thirty quarts of beans every day for a week. Rick made a trailer to serve the beans in the same time frame.

“Make them and they will come” and they did. For four days over Labor Day weekend, Patti and whomever she could recruit to work for a free t-shirt and all the beans you could eat, sold her beans. I arrived at the fair and could see their sign for miles. As I came up on to the stand, Patti was busy explaining her different varieties to a good sized crowd. For the rest of the day we worked together selling her beans. When passersby had the time to listen I couldn’t help but exclaim: “ She and I have been friends since we were freshmen in high school!”. Flashes of our teenage shenanigans went through my mind. Patti’s sister Kathy showed up and the three of us worked together to greet the customers and pack the beans. I had a blast. So funny to think that we were doing this together-who would have thunk.

In the past two weeks Breakwind Farm has had invitations to sell their product at the Deerfield Fair, the New Hampshire Hunting and Fishing Expo and the Cowcello Organic Groovefest.

You never know. If Patti hadn’t met Rick and fell in love and married and moved to his farm her business would never have happened.

So that is the story. Of friendship and love and passion and commitment. Maybe this is a wedding story after all.

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By admin, August 18, 2011 7:12 pm

Whenever I meet with a couple to show them one of our venues, I always ask them how long they have been engaged, a typical question from a sales person. But then I ask, “was it a surprise?” and suddenly the bride’s face lights up and she and her partner begin to tell me about that moment when they were asked for their hand and accepted. More often then not, my eyes tear up and I feel like a sap but I don’t care.  In the spirit of reminding us what a wedding is really about, I am sharing this link to Susan Schneider’s piece “Misguided Brides-Today’s overwrought weddings have us focused on all the wrong things” recently printed in Boston Globe Magazine. Worth reading.

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By admin, June 24, 2011 5:17 pm

Selecting the Perfect Wedding Venue-Things to consider when looking for that perfect location

•  There’s no place like home… Will your wedding be near your family and friends, where you live or met?  If not in your current home town, enlist the help of family or friends to do a site visit to take photos and report back to you-reducing repeated trips back home 
• Life’s a beach… Or a City, or Country side-Where do you feel most comfortable and at home? Weddings in the city are typically more formal and more expensive. Parking is at a premium and may not be included. If you are interested in a country side wedding, you may need a tent for your reception. If you are planning a summer wedding in New England, ask about mosquitoes and black flies. Weddings at the seaside look wonderful in magazines but rarely are you allowed to do more than have photos taken directly on the beach. 
• Contemporary, historic, indoors or out. History lovers may rent a museum or historic home.  If you are planning an outdoor reception, find out if the tent is included (not usually) and if you can rent heaters for cool evenings.  
• Ceremony If you are planning a church wedding, keep travel to the reception site at a minimum 
• I love my job I love my job…..Does the sales person or coordinator give off good vibes? Do they love their job or are you just another couple in love to them? Select a venue with staff that is happy and excited to work with you in planning your special day.  
• Celebrity Chef- For in-house, ask how long the chef has been with the venue and for other places they have worked. Most venues have a list of preferred or required caterers. This is good. They know the ins and outs of catering on-site and have an established reputation. A good restaurant does not necessarily make a good caterer. 
• Wedding Planner or On-site coordinator-Many venues have an on-site coordinator available throughout the planning process. Many wedding planners will price their services to include the entire planning process or day-of –coordinating-only.  
• Let’s get this party started! -If the venue is in a neighborhood with nearby residences there may be a restriction on how late the music can play.  
• All-inclusive packages- three-course meal, one-hour open bar, cake, etc. Make a spreadsheet so that you are comparing similar offerings for each venue.  
• Their vendors or yours? Most venues will have a required caterer but will allow you to select your own florist, photographer etc.  
• Complimentary tastings –For those couples who have reserved or are close to reserving venues will often provide you and your fiancé with a sampling of their food. Definitely require this before booking. 
• Service Counts-When planning your budget plan on spending an average $100+ per person outside of Boston and $200+ per person in the Boston Metro Area for food, beverage, staffing and facility fees. Do realize that a three course meal, champagne toast and excellent service come with a price. If you must reduce expenses, it is better to reduce the number of guests that you invite rather than scrimp on costs that could result in a disaster. 
• References-Ask for the names, email addresses and phone numbers of couples who have recently had their reception there. Also do a Web search. 

With these tips you and your fiancé are off to a wonderful adventure in planning your wedding!

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By admin, May 12, 2011 12:37 am

In preparation for Earth Day, Susan Sambrano, our  President, was interviewed by NECN for their feature on green weddings. “Saying I do to the environment. ” We were thrilled to be a part of this story, allowing us to share our vision of green wedding venues and the ways that properties can support the local,  green, and sustainable agriculture movement.

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By admin, February 27, 2011 6:04 pm

I am relishing the winter splendor from my recent trip to New Hampshire’s Lakes Region.   Scouting unique wedding  locations is always a joy. We live in such a diverse region with lakes, mountains and the ocean and the four seasons to enjoy it all. Hosting your New England wedding is wonderful in any season and with the snow outside and the coziness of a fire inside, a winter wedding in this New England Inn is sure to be remembered for years to  come.

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By admin, November 26, 2010 7:44 pm

Whether you and your partner are from New Hampshire, vacationed here as a child or are interested in planning a destination wedding, New Hampshire’s lakes region is the perfect location for your wedding ceremony and reception. Plan your ceremony with the lake as your backdrop and celebrate with your family and friends under a lakefront tent. Your guests will thrilled to take in the many recreational activities such a destination wedding offers whether it be sailing, waterskiing or just relaxing in an adirondack chair while watching the sunset.  Your wedding will remain a wonderful memory to all those who shared your joy, for years to come.

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By admin, October 10, 2010 9:40 pm

 Dining with one’s friends and beloved family is certainly one of life’s primal and most innocent delights, one that is both soul-satisfying and eternal.” Julia Child

My journey to this historic New England Inn was scheduled to coincide with the Innkeeper’s last public dinner before the end of the season. I wanted to make sure that I tasted the food in order to recommend this lovely property to clients looking for a unique venue for a small intimate wedding.

Autumn evenings in New England should be like this: great company, a warm fire and a dining experience that includes lots of  murmurs of “ahhhhhs” Relaxation..bliss.. Starting with the wine and on to the first course - A harvest bisque golden and delicious.  Our Roasted Beet and Celeriac Salad proved that when it comes to fresh ingredients, less is better. The flavors of both were just perfect and my anticipation of the third course was increasing! We both had the Rib-eye with a Merlot-Morel Reduction-succulent! The beef was very tender and moist and I decided that I was in heaven.  The Chef and owner of this property knows her stuff-classically trained in restaurants and hotels in the DC area, she offers her guests a unique dining experience. A feeling of European sensibility-food is meant to enjoy and savor …slow. And during our fourth course of a lovely selection of cheeses, that is what we did. We both ordered a port-definately a necessary accompaniment in my mind. No bread, crackers…just little bites of cheese and sips of port. “Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh”.  I ordered the Gingered Almond, Fig and Cranberry Semifreddo for dessert. A combination of  ice cream and whipped cream in my mind, with the spicy tastes of the dried fruit. With just enough room for coffee, we left wishing we had reserved one of the inn’s six guest rooms. We know we will return though. The Innkeeper provides that special experience that you want to re-visit again and again.  For those couples looking for a venue for an intimate wedding in a New England Inn, this is it.

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By admin, September 12, 2010 11:31 pm

I was attending a tour where a couple are planning their winter wedding in the barn of a historic New England inn. I was fortunate to have such a great time taking pictures prior to last evening’s wedding reception -Sunflowers and color yellow was everywhere and the evening light cast a wonderful sunset glow on the placesettings. The bride arrived in a yellow VW beetle and was stunning as was the groom.  Whether it be spring, summer, winter or fall, this venue is perfect for small intimate weddings or larger affairs. With working fireplaces throughout, their winter wedding is sure to be a beautiful elegant affair.