FRESCO

from Neighborhood Tourist_Spring 2023

Inspiration for aExplore garden

Outdoor wedding venues are taking center stage this nuptial season

By Kevin Druley

Wedding venue coordinators tout the qualities of their spaces as naturally as your Uncle Bill hankers for a second helping of prime rib.

In the next breath, however, many acknowledge the challenging decision facing brides and grooms to-be: whether or not the future mister and missus should choose that coordinator’s venue, or a different one. Finding the right fit is half the battle.

“Every venue is different in what they offer, so keep that in mind while touring,” said Katie Covalle, executive director at The Monte Bello Estate in Lemont. “Also know what you want out of a venue. Know their minimums, location – things like that. What’s included in your packages? What are your fees [and] costs to have a wedding at the venue? What does it include?”

Here, Neighborhood Tourist offers a glance at ideas and themes couples might consider when searching for that special place for their big day. And also, what to cast aside as the journey unfolds.

“Let the professionals stay on the timeline, handle all vendor requests, and keep it a stress-free day,” said Deanne Mitchell, director of catering at The Herrington Inn and Spa in Geneva. “I love getting to know my couples, making the day magical and hearing guests say this was the best wedding. [I love] having couples come back for anniversary stays and staying connected through the years.”

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HISTORICAL & ORNATE

Iconic features within or outside venues make for stunning backdrops in photos and the celebration itself.

Among those set to wed at the Post House Ballroom in Dixon this year is an Arizona-based couple with scarce ties to Lee County. They merely booked the venue upon seeing photos online, especially drawn to the two spectacular chandeliers in the converted, early 20th Century post office.

The chandeliers are believed to have originated from New York’s Waldorf Astoria Hotel.

“With our historical Post House Ballroom, you can go back in time and have a vintage setting, or you could decorate the room and make it the present day,” said Susan Lawler, executive director of the Lee County Council on Aging, which operates the ballroom. “It fits any décor depending on what you really want.”

Taking It Outside

Illinois is nicknamed “The Prairie State” with good reason, and numerous barn or rural-based venues complement its meaning.

Couples often find a certain serenity in getting married in nature and may have particular landscapes or natural features in mind as a setting for their ceremonies or receptions.

Still, it isn’t all farmland in Neighborhood Tourist country.

Blumen Gardens in Sycamore offers a lush garden backdrop surrounding an outdoor courtyard where exposed brick walls, industrial beams and seasonal foliage heighten the ceremonial atmosphere.

Exposed brick walls and seasonal greenery are also a highlight of the indoor reception space. Tall ceilings and twinkle lights add to the ambiance.

Scads Of Pizzazz

The early stages of the waning COVID-19 pandemic spelled doom for many weddings, vastly downsizing guest lists or facilitating outright postponements.

With health and safety protocols continuing to loosen, venue personnel are beaming as many events trend toward the size and scope of the preCOVID era.

With that comes a boost in décor and entertainment, as if to make a statement.

Mitchell says she’s seeing a surge in bold and bright color schemes with patterns and textures. Years of smaller, socially distanced weddings are conceding to big-impact features such as live music, live painters and ornate balloons.

This year’s nuptial celebrations promise to be bigger and bolder with a breath of fresh air.