We picked our venue!!

Finally... after months of looking and researching and disagreeing, we both decided we love the Minnesota Boat Club on Raspberry Island in St. Paul!

The last two venues I shared with you, just weren't the ones. We wanted something fairly cheap, with an inside and outside area. We love being outside and we love patio's so the Boat Club was really perfect. The ceremony is outside next to the river and the reception has an inside area and the cocktail hour is on the patio of the Boat Club, so it's exactly what we were looking for.

I will admit it's a little stressful because it's a little more than we wanted to spend but ultimately we decided you only get married once and we knew we'd regret it if we didn't get the venue we wanted. I'd rather cut back in other areas than pick a place I don't love.

So... I put the deposit down today and our date is officially June 18th, 2016! Let the games begin :)


Here are some photos of the Minnesota Boat Club...

 photo credit

photo credit

Green Acres Barn

I have so many good friends who are engaged and planning their weddings that I've been trying to find new, fun, different venues in the area to share with them and I recently came across Green Acres Barn in Eden Prairie. I toured the barn this past weekend and it's literally the most unique venue around.

I really love seeing new venues and reviewing them. I usually have a few requirements when I look at venue and I'm probably more logical than most females when it comes to venues. I think something close, convenient and cheap is literally the best venue you can find, and when a location is all of those things and beautiful it's almost too good to be true.

Green Acres Barn
Location: Eden Prairie, MN
Price: $$-$$$ Depending on season and time

Size- up to 260 people
Ceremony Site- Indoor or outdoor options
Chairs and Linens Provided- Yes

Pros:
Lots of quirky little decor, including a gold water fountain, hanging horse and cow pictures, old antiques, and outdoor "cow chairs" which are great photo opps.
The barn is a beautiful renovated spot with lots of unique appeal. It includes a wine cellar, an outdoor fireplace with "outdoor potties" that are air conditioned with a sound system!  Large windows with great views and a complete Bose sound system which allows couples to connect iPod's,  rather than hiring a DJ. The whole barn is fully heated and fully air conditioned for perfect comfort levels.

Cons:
Although a lot is included in the price, it is rather expensive. The location has no on site parking so all cars must be valeted, the valet service is offered by the venue, this may be inconvenient for some guests. If you're not into an eye-catching, over the top look than this venue may be a little too much for you. It definitely takes a different person to appreciate all the unique decor.

The barn includes several "hidden" rooms which are great for pictures and a wine cellar for the bride to hide out in while her guests arrive.

The upstairs reception area has large windows with a garage door option to close the view in case the light is ruining your pictures. The renovated flooring is gorgeous.

The chairs and tables included in the price are stunning.

 Huge crystal chandeliers surround the super high ceilings throughout the venue.

Over all, I'd personally rank the venue with a B+

It's been a while...

I know, I know, it's been a while since I've blogged and that makes me sad. I've been working so much lately it's hard for me to blog on a weekly, let alone daily basis. I'm going to try harder, especially with this blog because I thoroughly enjoy blogging about weddings and inspiring brides.

An update..
I've recently had two close friends get engaged and I couldn't be more excited to help them plan their weddings (if they'll let me). I'm sure I'll be blogging a lot more about these two and you'll read all about it. They both have two completely different visions so I'm super excited to explore the different venue, colors and ideas for them :)

I found a wonderful website with some top, unique venues in Minnesota and I want to share 3 of my favorites with you! (These are venues I haven't blogged about before)

Solera Cocina Event Center and Restaurant
Capacity: Up to 1,000
Price: $$$
What makes it unique: 
Rare food options including Roasted Leg of Lamb, Spanish Pork Loin, and Veal Meatballs. With spectacular views of downtown Minneapolis, you can't go wrong.

Landmark Center
Capacity: Up to 400
Price: $$
What makes it unique: 
The big, romantical, white pillars give the site an old historic feel without feeling stuffy.

Earl Brown Event Center
Capacity: Up to 250
Price: $
What makes it unique: 
Hotel is conveniently located next door for guests and beautiful centerpieces are provided if requested.