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Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 11/30/2008 8:05:57 PM
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I can't remember specific prices but our budget is 30K and I'm pretty sure Archeo would've fit into that. You should have no worries about having your reception in a restaurant just because of the decor and the way its set up. The coordinator sent us pictures of what it looks like done up for a reception and it was really nice. Didn't feel like a restaurant at all.
And most of my family/friends are also in York Region with some in Guelph/Hamilton and we decided to have our wedding in NOTL for several reasons...we LOVE good food and wine, the location is beautiful, we like the idea of the wedding being a weekend affair (ie. we're hosting a brunch the next day, just cause with all the planning that goes into it, having it all over in one day is just too fast, we like the idea of being eased out of wedding-ness), but most of all, we're paying for it all ourselves so ultimately we get what we want. It also helps that both our sides are pretty laid back about wedding planning and don't interfere.
As for the other venues you mentionned I've only heard of McMichael art gallery and MLH. I've been to McMichael on class trips when I was in grade school so I can't remember too much but it seems like it would be a nice place to have a wedding and its also near to Kortright conservation area, which would be good for pictures. I also looked into MLH but I think it was just way too much since you need to rent the tent, find your own caterer and rent the tables, linens, cutlery, etc. I can just see how all those costs can increase. Not to mention too much planning for me. But if you like doing that stuff or have a planner that would make it much easier! It does look like a very nice venue though!
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Group: Forum Members
Last Login: Yesterday @ 8:48:14 PM
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I went to see the Bellagio. It's part of a strip plaza right near Bellvue Manor. Honestly, I was not impressed at all and it was a waste of time. The pictures make it look a lot better than it is. My parents and I thought it was a dump. I was expecting more since it was part of the Peter and Paul's group, so I was very disappointed.
Engaged: January 3, 2008 The Big Day: May 23, 2010
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Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 12/2/2008 6:56:38 PM
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I'm so glad you told me that LMT - the strip plaza part. I have a BIG issue with halls in strip plazas - it just cheapens the entire feel of the event for me. No matter how nice they are inside, I may be shallow, or material but honestly - I want to feel GREAT when I pull up in my limo or other mode of transportation and see my venue. I don't want to pull in and see oil spills and pot holes, etc. - or big box stores or drive-thru windows (like where Spirale is), ya know?
I heard that Bellagio has GREAT food and service though so that's a plus for anyone interested to know!
Amanda- thx for your last post. I dunno - it's not just the decor of a restaurant - it is knowing I'm marrying in a restaurant that just doesn't quite match my vision, but maybe because I've never been to a restaurant for a wedding before. I dunno. Again, I don't knock others for doing it in the way that feels right to THEM, but I think I just have my heart set on marrying in an outdoor ceremony and/or in some type of elegant but historic place with an ambience that just feels like something special to me.
I would LOVE to do GHM, MUZIK (the old horticulture building at the EX now an AWESOME nightclub and venue), the Windsor Arms Hotel, Casa Loma, or Liberty - something really big and grand (that's just me). Unfortunately the prices are just too high for our budget so time to scale the vision back a bit. There has to be something other than a banquet hall or a restaurant that fits into our budget. 
I really look forward to checking out Shmooze. I like the idea of a classy nightclub/lounge setting w/ a patio but not sure how the more traditional family members would like it - or if I should care.
I also want to check out Sunnyside Pavilion and Palais Royale though Palais Royale is really expensive too if I recall and Sunnyside may be too - I'm not sure.
I love C Lounge as well but it's just not big enough unless we only do a cocktail reception with heavy food stations/passed hors d'oeuvres (still an idea maybe) and I also love The Courthouse which is a GREAT venue, but has no outdoor area.
If I do a nightclub/lounge type venue, which I do like the idea of, I want it to have a patio or terrace at least where we could do the ceremony and/or cocktails. My DH smokes, both my parents smoke, my SIL25 smokes, her boyfriend smokes, my FFIL smokes, my aunt and grandmother smoke....... lots of smokers in our families (Not me!) so having a NICE outdoor area will be a plus - not to mention FH and I both LOVE summer evenings - it is the absolute best time of day (next to early morning) and we're big on patios for that weather. It would just really be nice.
2 B Wed July 10, 2009!
Me (29) + FH (32) + his son (12) = 9.5 years together
Done so far:
Asked wedding party, decided on venue (Miller Lash), got catering quotes, decided theme, brainstorming details, started dress search, hired kicka$$ planner, made vendor lists, fought with FMIL, made up with FMIL, lost e-ring, found e-ring... only 10 mos to go!
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Beginner Planner
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 11/27/2008 2:16:28 PM
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Have you looked at Atlantis!? It has that loungey nightclub feel, and although the outdoor ceremony area isn' the best (it's actually kind of grungy) the rooms they have set aside for ceremonies overlook the water with huge windows on all sides (almost has an outdoor feel). Definitely worth looking at if you haven't already.
Crystal 
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Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 12/2/2008 6:56:38 PM
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Thanks Crystal. Yea, I did consider Atlantis but it's VERY expensive from what I gather. Ditto w/ Solarium which has the same on the water feel and great window views but SO expensive. Prime Waterfront Location = BIG budget.
Yahoo! Companies held a corporate event there not long ago. That should give you some indication as to what the budget required is to hold an event there. If a HUGE monster of a company like Yahoo can afford to hold an event there, you know it's pricey.
2 B Wed July 10, 2009!
Me (29) + FH (32) + his son (12) = 9.5 years together
Done so far:
Asked wedding party, decided on venue (Miller Lash), got catering quotes, decided theme, brainstorming details, started dress search, hired kicka$$ planner, made vendor lists, fought with FMIL, made up with FMIL, lost e-ring, found e-ring... only 10 mos to go!
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Beginner Planner
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 11/27/2008 2:16:28 PM
Posts: 198,
Visits: 255
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honestly, we went to Atlantis for a consult... it's really not that expensive depending on what you want. MUCH less expensive than GHM!!! You should look into it further.
Crystal
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