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SK Cobalt

Can't find a venue...I need some encouragement!

posted 2 years ago in Ceremony
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    1.
    380 posts
    Helper bee
    MadiLove918    May 2011   Palm Bay, FL

    OK, Bees...I need some help.

    I have Googled just about every location in Brevard County, Florida, and nothing suits my fancy.  I'm looking for a botanical garden setting, or an outdoor location with lots of trees and vines.  You know, something slightly enchanted looking?   I'd LOVE to pitch a huge white tent and hang paper lanterns and twinkly lights with lots of whimsical touches, but alas, it's not in the budget.  I'm having a total DIY (I'm quite the crafty person) affair with a budget of no more than $5k.  Meeting a budget closer to $3k would really make me a happy girl!

    I did what anyone else would do and I set out to find the perfect garden location.  Well, not in Brevard County.  Gardens?  No way!  When they say a girl can dream, Brevard County takes it literally.  It seemd a garden wedding is REALLY only in my dreams.  Instead of a nice, botanical setting, my area offers me beaches.  Lots and lots of beaches.  An entire Florida coast of beaches!  Cue in a very unhappy Kelly right about now...  Yell

    Just when I thought things couldn't possibly get any worse...I find this:  http://www.mckeegarden.org/weddings.php

    Really???  The garden of my dreams, 45 minutes away?  But it's SO EXPENSIVE!  Our guest list would need some total revamping and the rental fee is what we're looking to spend on both a ceremony site AND a reception site.  It's just not going to work.  And this is where I run into the catering issue.  We're not catering our reception.  We're buying all of our food and preparing it ourselves.  No, we're not nuts...we're just a large, hispanic family who prefers a buffet style, homecooked meal.  We have lots of gatherings throughout the year and this has always been the way to go.  Every event we have is self-catered.  So, again...scratch the gem that is McKee Botanical Gardens.  Unless of course, you have an idea that might save the day here.  Wink

    So, I've retreated back to the local joints and here is what I've come up with so far:

    Option 1: Ryckman Park - I adore the pavillions, the park is very well kept, there is an historic pier located on site, and the community center I'm eyeing for our reception is adjacent to the park.  Oh, and there is a replica of the oldest post office in our area right smack dab in the middle of the park (last link of this section, it's the old old looking structure to the right of the pavillions).  While this location is my top choice so far, I'm not feeling the fireworks yet and I'm not sure why.  The park is $45 an hour to rent and the community center would run us $270 for 6 hours of reception fun.  Problem is, we need to have the entire center cleared out and cleaned up by 11PM.  We will also need to purchase insurance if alcohol is to be served.  How the heck much does it cost to insure and event like this?!  And can we really close up shop by 11PM?  This will be a kid-friendly celebration but I was thinking midnight, at the earliest, no?  Correct me if I'm wrong here. 

    http://www.melbournebeachfl.org/Pages/MelbourneBeachFL_PublicWorks/Pavilionslides

    http://www.melbournebeachfl.org/Pages/MelbourneBeachFL_PublicWorks/CCslides

    http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CRwqFXkn0mU/ScAXqrfT6uI/AAAAAAAAEbg/XGHezlZBUeU/s400/DSC06044.JPG

    http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CRwqFXkn0mU/ScAXp_WhSLI/AAAAAAAAEbQ/Ko8aJy5fJaU/s1600-h/DSC06042.JPG

    http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CRwqFXkn0mU/ScAYq8wkjYI/AAAAAAAAEbo/AIdsDyF_Ehw/s1600-h/DSC06045.JPG

    Option 2: The Rossetter House (keep in mind, I haven't seen their garden, I will be visiting tomorrow morning).  I believe this location will run us around $300 for the rental and we also need insurance for this venue, as well.  Again, what does that usually run?  I've never dealt with such a thing.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:JamesWadsworthRossetterHouse.jpg

    Option 3:  Enough with trying to find a garden location, or something similar...let's take it to the beach!  I've really, really avoided this idea because I was born and raised in the Florida Keys.  I grew up on the beach and a beach wedding to me doesn't seem exciting.  However, when I start to see photos of weddings on the beach in colors I adore, and I start to envision having complete control of the decor, I start to reconsider my previous thoughts.  Here is an idea of what I'd be gearing towards, it's beautiful:

    http://www.weddingaces.com/wp-content/uploads/cheryl-board.jpg

    I'm out of ideas for now.  I have seriously Googled my heart out and you know you're spinning wheels when every Google page is filled with links you've already clicked.  I've tried to re-word my searches, I've stalked local photographer blogs for location ideas and visuals, and I've exhausted Google's image search.  I'm tired and tuckered out...and I'm frustrated. 

    A destination wedding to Orlando sounds peachy right about now.  But, my SIL reminded me that a destination wedding would mean slashing our guest list in half.  We're really looking to have a large celebration with everyone involved.  Our baby shower had over 80 guests and we'd like to invite everyone that supported us at our shower to the wedding, as well.  Plus, this is where I start to feel incredibly selfish and guilt myself.  Tiny, fancy wedding of my dreams in Orlando...or large, family-filled, action packed wedding of our dreams at a location that doesn't fulfill my vision?  This is where I start to think of the less fortunate people of the world (particularly those in Haiti fighting for survival) and begin to think, to heck with all of this enchanted, expensive garden stuff...go the economical route and just let loose and have fun and be thankful for the situation you're in. 

    Now that I'm putting this together, Ryckman Park seems to be our best bet.  It really, truly is a pretty park.  Everything is conveniently located in the same spot, there are lots of photo ops on site...and did I forget to mention the Bed and Breakfast I'm totally digging for our weekend stay is located on the same avenue?  Yes, yes, I did forget!  Check it out here: http://www.portdhiver.com/ 

    Can someone please try to pinpoint why I'm just not feeling the sparks yet, though?  Any other suggestions?  I'm feeling really out of sorts right now and can't decide on much else without setting a date and securing our location.  Help a sister out, please!

     
    2.
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    Honey bee
    Ember78    December 15, 2012  

    Check this link for ideas:

    http://www.projectwedding.com/vendor/find

    Based on your choices, I would go with #1. But if you aren't completely happy with them, keep looking.

     
    3.
    Member
    143 posts
    Blushing bee
    princessleia    June 25, 2011   Baltimore

    I can TOTALLY relate! I have a list of over 60 places that I have researched in our area that I compulsively put into categories of "too expensive", "too small", "realistic options", and "need more info". I sent an email to my FH asking him if any jumped out at him, and he nearly fell out of his seat at how many I had already looked at. Tongue out Nothing is getting me overly excited, and anything that does is wayyyyyy out of my price range. I, too, want that awesome garden wedding so I have been looking at local parks. But we are doing catering and by the time we factor that in and rentals since the parks don't have anything, it's almost cheaper to go to a hotel. Ugghhhh! This is becoming so stressful because I also want to start moving on to other things, but I want to love wherever we decide to get married and the spark's just not happening.  Maybe I need to see these places in person to get a better feeling of the places...idk Undecided

     

    I think that the Ryckman Park is gorgeous, especially for the price. It definitely has awesome potential, or you could leave it the way it is too! If 11pm is too early for you, you can always do an after party! We'll probably do an afternoon wedding to save on rental fees and then all go out to a bar afterwards or at least do something for everyone who isn't ready to call it a night. Also, I saw a suggestion that you check out your area's convention and visitor's bureau online. Most apparently have wedding consultants who can send out an email to local hotels (especially if you have out of town guests and want to have a block of discounted hotel rooms) and then the venues start calling you to book and start lowering the price since they know they are competing for your business. They probably have some nice garden courtyards too! I plan on doing that if round one of my visits aren't successful.

     

    Good luck!!!

     
    4.
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    Sugar bee
    ccranetobe    August 14, 2010  

    I wish I had a list of 60 places... Ive only got a list of 7 possible locations.. and not much more.

    Good luck!

     
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    zippylef    October 30, 2010   Norfolk, UK

    I feel your pain, sister. I beat my brains out researching venues online. I think I looked at every hotel, park, garden and loft in St. Louis. lol. It was a budget issue for me, too. Everything I liked was SUPER expensive and the things in my price range were definitely not what I liked.

    In the end, I went the "slash the guest list" route. We wanted a very small wedding to begin with and my mother inflated the guest list, so it was a convenient way to get her to come down on her expectations.

    I know that we wanted small and you don't, so it's not exactly the same. I just wanted to share.

    I'd totally go with the park. It looks like the closest to what you wanted and the community center could be jazzed up to look very tropical and "gardeny".

     
    6.
    380 posts
    Helper bee
    MadiLove918    May 2011   Palm Bay, FL

    @princessleia:

    Oh man, the frustration is really starting to set in!  Thanks for your comment/suggestions!  You've been a ray of hope that this can work out.  Wink  60 locations?  I'm jealous!

     
    7.
    380 posts
    Helper bee
    MadiLove918    May 2011   Palm Bay, FL

    @zippylef:

    If a miracle location doesn't make a debut soon...Ryckman it is!  Oh, how I still dream of McKee, though.  I'm not completely against cutting the guest list, but then our vision of a big reception gets tossed.  Such a dilemma!

     
    8.
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    72 posts
    Worker bee
    astromeg    January 2011  

    Not sure what these places are like/if they'd fit your vibe or price desires, but up in the Cocoa Beach / Cape Canaveral area:

     

    -Milliken's Reef

    -The Mango Tree

    -Silvestro's (awesome awesome food, but no ceremony space in line with what you're looking for)

    -Jack Baker's Lobster Shanty

     

    Spent a few months living in CCB thanks to a work assignment and found the above to be quite good when I or some co-workers paid a visit.

     

    As for parks, what about Jetty Park? From what I remember there are some pavillions there too.

     

    Good luck--finding a venue is def no picnic!

     
    9.
    380 posts
    Helper bee
    MadiLove918    May 2011   Palm Bay, FL

    UPDATE!

    I'm crossing my FINGERS that I've found a location!  I've always known about Florida Institute of Technology's Botanical Gardens because I had my daughter's 12-month photos taken there.  However, I didn't know that we only took photos of Madi at the entrance of the gardens...I always figured that the location was way too small to rent out.  Heck, when I went there, I saw a small winding sidewalk, a tiny gazebo, an old schoolhouse, and a few benches.  I didn't know it's ACRES of garden! 

    I went to their website off of FIT's main page and there's a phone number to call for those interested in planning an event on their grounds.  I'm PRAYING that A) this is THE location and B) it isn't outrageously priced. 

    What does everyone think?  The first link is their photo album.

    http://facilities.fit.edu/botanical_garden_album.php

    http://facilities.fit.edu/botanical_garden.php

    Here is their map, how pretty is this?! 

    http://facilities.fit.edu/documents/BotGardenMap%20-%20updated%202-08.pdf

    I'm going to see if my photos are sized small enough to post some of Madison's 12-month session.  These particular photos show off how green the grounds really are.  I know they don't showcase much of the botanical aspect of the garden but they do show how healthy the greenery is. 

    I can't wait to call them tomorrow morning.  I don't plan on getting my heart set but I do feel hopeful! 

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    10.
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    Helper bee
    MadiLove918    May 2011   Palm Bay, FL

    Some more...Madi in the gazebo, in front of the school house, and walking down the sidewalk.

    Attachments

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    11.
    380 posts
    Helper bee
    MadiLove918    May 2011   Palm Bay, FL

    @astromeg:

    Wow!  Thanks for your suggestion!  I had NO idea that Milliken's Reef existed...I scoured the Cocoa area for ideas but didn't even think to look to the port area and the Cape.  And I totally forgot about The Mango Tree.  I will definitely be visiting these sites and/or phoning for information.  The Mango Tree is precious.  Thanks a TON!

     
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    zippylef    October 30, 2010   Norfolk, UK

    That garden looks beautiful! Good luck!

     
    13.
    380 posts
    Helper bee
    MadiLove918    May 2011   Palm Bay, FL

    @zippylef:

    Thanks!  I will update everyone tomorrow...hope it's good news!

     
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    KMSull    August 7, 2010   Lexington, KY (via Atlanta, GA)

    Oh. My. Gosh! Your daughter is such a little munckin! I want to kiss her cheeks!

     
    15.
    380 posts
    Helper bee
    MadiLove918    May 2011   Palm Bay, FL

    @KMSkull:

    Awww, thanks!  I'm more than positive she'd let you kiss her cheeks, too.  She such a little, big love!  Laughing

     
    16.
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    artbee    February 28, 2010  

    you sound like me 11 months ago! i wanted a garden wedding in fl... my grandma kept recommending beach venues, it got sooo annoying! and of course, i found that perfect garden that was way too expensive and had a million rules to go along with it. there's also a lot of cheasy gardens around here, made just for weddings (some even have fake plants!) but i just couldn't bring myself to do that. it took us months and months of looking, and we got to the point where i was in tears crying, "we're never going to find our venue, it doesn't exist!" luckily my fi kept looking for us because i didn't have it in me to keep looking. we ended up looking further away than i would like, and we actually ended up not getting our garden, but after all of that searching, we're both in love with our venue so I DONT CARE! it's a courtyard of a historic b&b and it's surrounded by greenery, i figured i can bring in my own flowers. hope you find your venue soon too!

     
    17.
    380 posts
    Helper bee
    MadiLove918    May 2011   Palm Bay, FL

    @artbee:

    Aw, thank you for the encouragement!  I've got a FEW ideas that I've managed to "come to terms with" and I'm actually digging.  I know it WILL work out...I just need to get creative and keep an open mind.  Laughing 

    Mind sharing where you are having your ceremony? 

     
    18.
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    Honey bee
    caszos    June 2010   Florida

    PM me if you want some ideas! 

     

    Have you looked at the Porcher House and Cocoa Civic Center?

    There is a boat in Melbourne that you can get married on.

    We were going to use the Eau Gallie Civic center but its not really garden feeling

    What about Front Street Park?  I have heard good things about it, its just not big enough for us. 

    I don't know what your budget is, but the Chart House restaurant in has a tent on the river they can set up. 

     

    Mango Tree has a BEUATIFUL garden area! 

    How many people are you planning to have?

     
    19.
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    Honey bee
    caszos    June 2010   Florida

    I am not sure that Brevard is going to have many places that let you party till midnight.  We were lucky to be allowed to go till 11 and then an hour for cleanup.

     
    20.
    380 posts
    Helper bee
    MadiLove918    May 2011   Palm Bay, FL

    I'll PM you. 

    We've found a few places that allow you to rent until 1AM, so we would be able to party until at least 11 with 2-hours for break down and cleanup. 

    (Eau Gallie, Gleason Park, Pelican Beach Clubhouse)

    Thanks for your help!

     

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