Venue Update and Some Random Inspiration

I am going to sprinkle this post with random photos that I love for those who aren't too interested in hearing my sob story. And I personally don't blame you, it's no fun. So enjoy some random loves of mine and a story about my life....well a very small part of my life. After a *tiny* breakdown yesterday, I realized I just can't take this anymore. I even atea croissant this morning to bask in my troubles, of course now I am just basking in my troubles with a croissant in my tummy, but it didn't help as much I thought it would!

Bottom line, this whole venue thing is horrible. Everything about it is just plain horrible. I didn't think my style wedding venue didn't exist anywhere! And that is what I have finally come to decide, it literally doesn't exist! Sure, there are tons of amazing and pretty venues, but they are just not what I am looking for.

{One of the favorite photo montages. SO fun. Source: 100 Layer Cake}'

The "good" news is that I totally don't feel like the only one having troubles. Reading your responses to the survey I am noticing that many are having troubles hearing back from vendors, have family issues, money issues, organization issues etc. Let's face it, planning a wedding in this day and age isn't a simple task. One top of having to take the time to call or e-mail and wait for responses from every vendor, you still have to create a vision with the endless amount of inspiration out there. Oh and there is this thing called a J-O-B that you also have to focus on. Oh and then you get the family members who want things their way, and you would just swear that you were planning their wedding! It's a balancing act for sure.

{Too many things to love about this shot! Source: Kiss the Groom}

So where do I stand? I have some AMAZING ideas for my wedding. Things that I can't even show off because I have never seen pictures of these things. Things I am dying to tell you about. But until I find this damn venue, nothing is finalized and nothing is set.

{My fave colors! Source: Wedding Chicks}

Another contender for the location is Holman Ranch which has been a major obsession of mine for SO long. This is the point where I wish I had money coming out of my ears, or that it grew on trees, or that I had three wishes or something, because the site fee is an un-gawwwdly amount! But in this world you get what you pay for, and at least I won't be treated like I was at Radonich. After talking to the girl, I found OPTIONS (something I am not used to getting) and I can definitely cut the price by a bit to make it a little easier on the clutch. Off season....possibly a Friday?? I just love that I have options! Oh and she is SO nice. I also talked to a few caterers who are SO nice! This is how you should be treated people. I'm still trying to work it all out to see where I can cut some other things, discount a few things, etc. but we will see overall what happens in the end.

{Holman Ranch}

There are two other contenders as well. One is Healdsburg County Weddings and the other is called Barbara's Barn (thanks to the recommendation of Trisha Dean. Someone who has helped me an unimaginable amount so far during this process.) I am still going to look at Taber Ranch, but firepits are a no go there.

{Barbara's Barn}

{Healdsburg CountryWeddings}

Oh, and I am taking the leap and making a trip to check out Taber Ranch! So, I'll keep you updated the moment this thing is booked and a date is picked!

Is anyone having trouble with venues or vendors?? Just not being able to find the right ones, getting calls or e-mails back, etc. etc.?? Do tell.

{Venue Search} Which is your Favorite??

Let's ALL cross our fingers that this is the last time I EVER mention trying to find a venue. Gawwwd, I am so done with this part. I am beyond ready to get onto the FUN stuff!!!! First off thanks SO much for sticking by me this whole time in my search for the venue, and hopefully at some point, my whole process of designing and planning my wedding. I can't tell you how much I appreciate it all.

OK, take your pick. Obvi they are all great places, but each has some definite pro's and con's, so I have to figure out which I may not be ok with.

Taber Ranch: gorgeous barn and ranch! This one is the cheapest option by far, but there are a few major cons. 1. May not allow fire pits, 2. It is in the middle of no where! There is only one Inn to stay at, and it may not fit everyone?? 3. It is 2 hours away! I don't know how much guests feel about such a FAR drive!

Costanoa: I actually don't have too many pro's or con's with this as Ian just found it last night. It's close and it's cute, but I have no info on pricing and all that.

Calistoga Ranch: LOVE this place so much. This is the extremely over-budget option that I love. But, I must say that this option is not my obsession as much as it sounds. It doesn't have a ranch or barn like I have decided that I wanted. BUT, I still love it. It's gorgeous, but it will cut the guest list and up the budget just a lot!

Thoughts??? Which is your favorite??? Any other Northern California options that you guys have??

PS: Just for kicks, let me show the option I would DIE for....if I wanted to pay the $10,000-$20,000 site fee....plus $250++ per person for food.

Taber Ranch – The New Venue???

I have been a self-proclaimed basket-case for the last few days. But holy moly, I am so done with that. I have decided to just give it up and start looking for a new venue, one that was better. I know many of you are probably curious about what happened with the perfect and dreamy venue. Turns out that the perfect and dreamy venue comes with a not-so-perfect and not-so-amazing coordinator. Ya....In due time I will explain all the things that happened on that Sunday afternoon which left me in tears and thoroughly depressed and apathetic about this whole venue search. But that will be for another time once I can cool my jets a bit and not turn the whole story into a big fat he-said/she-said gossipfest. But rest-assured, the story will be told. OK, now onto bigger and better things! People kept telling me that it was a sign, it wasn't the right now, and all that. Well, as much as I beyond greatly appreciate all the encouragement and happy thoughts, I thought you all were crazy! Now I think you are right though. I found a ranch-style space that goes until 11. (Let's just say that though I actually PREFER the 9:30pm ending time, that early time was the reason and start of the whole downfall at the other venue.) The space is amazing and everything really seems to jive so far. It is a few hundred dollars more expensive and I still have to check on the firepits, but it's bigger, it's better, and we get to have a little bit more than just wine and beer.

It's called Taber Ranch and is about 2 hours north of where I live. That's the only blah-zeh point, the long drive. But they have an adorable Inn there, and it seems to be exactly what I want minus one crazy lady and a bunch of dumb rules that I didn't care to have restricting me.

Ready to see this beauty??? I think you all will love it. And though it is not Radonich, I think it'll do.

Source: Andrea's Images.