An Incredible Wedding Experience

From the beginning we have always felt this magical place would be perfect for weddings and gatherings. The river, the lake, the cabins, the point that rises high above the property, and the natural rock and landscaping just come together so beautifully here. About a year ago I began buying the nice white chairs and round tables. Every time I would go to the thrift store, I would find some wedding decor or serving dishes for special occasions. I had not had many couples tour the property as a venue choice, but one very special couple decided to go with the Ridge Resort! I was thrilled and nervous at the same time! The bride to be had a history with the property as her family lived close by. As a girl she spent a lot of time enjoying the lake with her family, so it held a special place in her heart and I loved that. The wedding was scheduled for April, and it was around February. The couple was easy going and laid back. Being from the area, they knew they would need to accommodate at least 100 people. The couple had a plan and only needed The Ridge for the venue itself. We have all this wide-open space and a covered pavilion, but for 100 people and in the month of April I felt we needed something to house the guests during reception in case we get rain. I bought a massive wedding tent with the money they put down for the venue. We wanted their day to be perfect. We offered the tent to the couple but asked that they help set it up and take it down. They agreed and I believe the couple were relieved there was a plan B. Two days before the wedding the bride and a posse of friends and family arrived to help set up the tent. The weather looked like it was not going to cooperate for their special day. The assembly and raising of the tent happened pretty quickly with so much help, and the wisdom of a family friend who rents wedding venue items including tents. The tent was gorgeous! The bride was calm, cool, and collect. With our venue, you get all 3 cabins for 2 nights and of course access to all the property. On Friday, the bride's wedding coordinator and mom arrived to set up what they could. It had rained that evening, and one area of the tent collected some water on the roof. I pushed the water out with my squeegee, and they decided not to decorate that area until the last. The wedding party arrived later in the evening with the ladies in one cabin and the men in another. Saturday came and there were hustle and bustle going on everywhere. I was so impressed how the bride navigated direction to everyone in a calming but direct way. My husband and I helped with anything they needed and made sure the pool was perfect, the yard was good, and any questions were answered. Everything looked so beautiful and fitting for this couple. The tables were lined with white linens and had a sage green sash overlapping it. Cedar wood planks with real vintage oil lamps and eucalyptus were the centerpieces. some Pampas grass and glassware were gorgeous accents. The buffet and social hour took place at the pavilion and was set up with beautiful serving decor styled in farmhouse chic. The ladies were wearing matching silk blue short sets and were so darling coming in and out for pics or for something the bride needed. Everyone was working like busy bees except for the groomsmen. They showed up. My husband and I laughed watching them at the lake fishing with their tackle boxes next to the intricately decorated arch. The groom was caught between his bros and helping out where he was being called to. These are country boys and all the ladies knew what they were getting out of them for a wedding, in fact I bet they were impressed they made everything on time! Soon guests were beginning to arrive, and I helped with getting guests a ride on the golf carts to the wedding that needed assistance. The couple had all seats full and there were smiles and laughter at the reception. The rain held off that day for the couple, and they had a beautiful wedding!