Giving our readers some insight to a few of our past & current bride’s “Bird’s Eye Review”. What they have to say about Chestnut Ridge, CR’s In House Planning, and what it was/is like to be a bride during a pandemic.

So, what is a “Bird’s Eye Review”? Well, when you think about it, it’s simply a review from an overview perspective. A perspective that gets the whole picture is one worth sharing! In this blog post we want to touch on some of the different combinations of packages + vendors our past and current brides have secured. This can allow our future brides to make the best decision for themselves on which package they should choose. Their choice can be dependant upon the vendors they hope to use, and how much they wish to be apart of the planning process. This can also help our current brides navigate through what it means to be a bride during a pancake. I mean panoramic. Er, pandemic.

Knowing you’re not alone in this time is something that makes many couples feel determined. Motivated to get married to the love of their life, and to have a grand ole time doing it!

Choosing the Venue That Stands Out to You!

Listen, we get it! Choosing your dream wedding venue is the second most important question to answer in your love life. Your first is saying “Yes!” to your McSteamy. When you step foot into your venue it should feel like home. The staff should be warm and welcoming and the ambiance should be bright. If you don’t feel like you can literally mentally plan your whole wedding right then and there, then maybe it isn’t the venue for you. Even if you don’t know what vibe you want at first, being immersed in your venue’s space should make you feel some type of way.

The moment Katie & Frank stepped on property, they knew what they were looking for. Yet, somehow they couldn’t quite see it. Once they toured the majority of the property it was clear that something was missing. Oh, wait! It was morning time, and the sky was a tad foggy. “Once the morning fog cleared, definitely the mountain views! We also were blown away by the inside of the venue – we love how open and classic it is so we’re really able to transform it into our vision! Immediately, we felt so welcomed by Kayla and could tell that if we got married there we would be treated like family.”

We asked a past bride, Holly Myers, what was her first impression of Chestnut Ridge her response said it all.

“I was in awe. I couldn’t believe how perfect CR was – from the beautiful buildings to the thoughtful, detailed touches. The man cave was something that stood out to me, as most places only seem to offer a bridal suite.”

Holly’s (& Mitch’s) love of the Groom’s Den brought a comfort to their minds. The guys can get ready on-site too! We even have a full shower for them to use. Having the guys already at CR puts the bride’s mind at ease to confirm that the boys won’t be late!

The initial “meeting” with your venue brings out a lot of emotions! Excitement, nerves, and even a little nausea. It’s normal, don’t worry. Past bride, Jennifer Self had some pretty captivating feelings when first coming on property to CR. “I would have to say my first thoughts of Chestnut Ridge was just an answered prayer. Us as woman always dream of the day we get married and for me I always prayed for a place that just fit my dreams and I must say Chestnut Ridge met those dreams and beyond. From pulling up the hill to the property I knew that was going to be the place I got married. I have never been greeted by a more personably, Godly group of woman than I did that day. I got an amazing tour by non other than Kayla LeDuc who later on became my wedding planner.”

So, How Do You Choose Your Package?

Choosing your package is totally dependant upon what you need as a bride, and what your families need during the planning process. At Chestnut Ridge we offer two wedding packages – All Inclusive & Venue + Planner. Deciding between these two can be a hard decision in itself, but we hope to provide some info for you to make the best choice for yourself!

The All Inclusive Package

The All Inclusive Package is the most popular package we have as it allows couple’s to be fully immersed in the design portion of planning, but leave the sticky logistics to their planner. Most brides who are from out of state love this package as they aren’t aware of vendors local to the venue. Also, couples who have very intense work schedules find this package helps them stay on track. You get to choose from a menu of well backed vendors that CR’s staff have worked with many times, and know the full quality of their work. Amidst the other benefits of the All Inclusive Package, you’ll receive full access to your in-house planner! She steps in the second you book, and she is there through every single step of the way.

We asked one of our current brides, Caroline Shelton, what made her fall in love with the All Inclusive Package. Her response is like so many others, “I personally fell in love with the all-inclusive package because of my schedule. I’m currently in a very intense graduate program and the all-inclusive package literally leaves no stone unturned! It has allowed me to plan a wedding during the busiest time of my life and I will be forever grateful for that!”

The Venue + Planner Package

On the other step, the Venue + Planner Package is perfect for those couples who wish to be totally hands on in wedding planning! The V+P package allows you to book any vendor that you wish, all while maintaining the budgets you wish within the categories you’ve set for yourself. You do have a planner through Chestnut Ridge, however she steps in 60 days prior to wedding day. At that point she will collect all logistics and confirm all information with your vendors.

A current bride, Katie Mangano, decided to book the Venue + Planner package. This allowed her to have the freedom of booking the vendors she wanted. Also, she can do much of her own planning. She has great taste so that is easy as pie for her! Katie & her fiancé, Frank, decided to upgrade their planning so they can have full access to help along the way. The couple provided wonderful feedback when asked what made her and Frank choose the Venue + Planner Package. “Since my fiancé and I live in NYC, we really wanted to have the opinions and help along the way of someone local in Asheville. Also, Kayla had been so responsive leading up to us signing the contract, we knew she would be on it and great to work with (we were right!).”

On a similar note, past bride Holly Myers had the V+P experience as well! Why did she choose this package? “I loved that this package gave me the freedom to do a lot of my own planning but I had Maloree to help pull everything together within the last 60 days before the wedding.” & pull it together she did. The wedding was so stunning – YGG!

What’s So Special About a Planner Anyways?

So, what is the deal with planning at Chestnut Ridge? Well, what a wonderful question! We offer planning with all of the packages we have at Chestnut Ridge. Depending upon how much you would like to be involved in the logistics of planning is a key factor in which package you should choose.

As mentioned previously our Venue + Planner Package offers assistance starting 60 days prior to wedding day. This means you, as the bride, will be handling all logistics up until this point. From the 60 day mark is when your planner steps in fully to take over all communication with vendors. As well as implementing the logistics needed around CR for wedding day.

However, with the All Inclusive Package your planner is with you from the day that you book until your grand getaway on wedding day. She can review contracts with you, text you if you need some expert advice, or if you just need a virtual hug. The wonderful thing about Chestnut Ridge is you can have both! If you would like to have a more hands-on planning process, but you might need a little extra help along the way you can always upgrade your planning to the full planner! Hence the Venue + Planner Package with a higher level of planning.

After hearing some feedback from a Bird’s Eye Review, it is wonderful to see the diversity of what each couple may need. 

We Love to Give All the TLC

Caroline Shelton on planner, Maloree, “Our planner, Maloree, is an absolute God-sent. She has made every step of the process so easy for both of us. I was terrified to plan a wedding just because I knew it was an aspect of life that I know absolutely nothing about, but with her help it has been so seamless. I also tend to get very indecisive when it comes to pretty much anything, but she is the the sweetest, most patient human on the planet!”

Jennifer Self on planner, Kayla, “She and I instantly hit it off, which I’m sure anyone would if they met her. Kayla was the sweetest most caring person I feel I have ever met, she made the wedding process a dream. Getting married during a pandemic might not seem like the funniest option but Kayla made every step of the planning process so enjoyable. She always knew when to call to check in on me and see how I was doing and was always there day or night if I needed her. Kayla made me look more into myself as a person, as I aspire to me more like her! Kayla was just the best from letting me borrow lipstick right before getting introduced to just being a great friend overall. I can honestly say I gained an amazing life long friend the day that I met Kayla.”

I know we see this a lot but we LOVE OUR BRIDES!!

A Bird’s Eye Review on Being a COVID Bride

We know better than anyone out there how difficult this time is to plan a wedding in! Your wedding venues, photographers, florists, you name it are all about planning for the future. Covid does not allow for much planning as everything changes so rapidly these days. So, how do you plan for the unexpected? Having an open line of communication with your planner, your venue, and your vendors is going to be your life-saving tool! All of us wedding fiens have the same goal: to get you married to the love of your life. Oh, and have the BEST DAY doing it!

We want you to know you are not alone. Many other couples are struggling in adapting to this current “normal”. We asked a few of our couples, past and present what it’s like planning during a pandemic. With questions like “how has working through the kinks been beneficial in the long run?” Here is their feedback!

Holly Myers

Thankfully, I was very proactive with planning and most everything was done before COVID hit. 60 days out was when it got a little difficult (unkowns of COVID, the guest list, which vendors could still operate, etc.) but CR stepped in and eased my mind. They offered different back up plans and helped me find new vendors. It seemed like they were prepared and ready to take on whatever was thrown their way with the pandemic. Overall, I couldn’t have been happier with our decision to get married at Chestnut Ridge. The whole weekend went smooth and if anything went wrong, I honestly couldn’t tell you. Our family and friends are still complimenting us on the whole day and experience!

Jennifer Self

Chestnut Ridge went above and beyond to make wedding planning during a pandemic a breeze. When we first met COVID 19 didn’t exist and the way that Chestnut Ridge handled themselves as a wedding vendor during COVID 19 was just incredible. Kayla and the whole team were so encouraging throughout the whole process of figuring out planning a wedding during a pandemic that I will forever be grateful for. Chestnut Ridge really reminded me of the ”why” we get married.

My family and I spent many days on the phone with Chestnut Ridge leading up to my wedding and the most special moment was just days before the big day. We had a phone call talking about everything going on in the world and we just resorted to prayer. That day the whole team at Chestnut Ridge prayed over me and my wedding and that is a moment I will never forget. I have always heard brides say after planning a wedding “Im glad that was over with” but after planning a wedding at Chestnut Ridge I wish I could get married every weekend! I will always have the best memories at this venue and will cherish the relationships I gained along the way.

Caroline Shelton

More than anything Covid has caused an uncertainty when it comes to the wedding. Like what if there is another lockdown or what if I have to cut my guest count.. Our planner, Maloree, has been so supportive and has reassured us throughout the entire process. Even though there is so much uncertainty, I know CR has our back! Honestly, knowing that we have such an amazing venue and team behind us, it really just puts us at ease!

Katie Mangano

Since we’ve never planned a wedding during non-COVID times, we’re not sure how it’s different! Also, since we live out of state, we would have been having multiple calls with vendors and CR regardless (Zoom has been our best friend!). 

Find You a Good Girl Gang

Look sis, we totally understand if we are not the venue for you! We want you to be 100% in love with your venue (& team). If you end up going an alternate route, just know you should find a wedding group to support you like this girl gang does (see above ;)). Wedding planning is not only about scheduling & designing a “party,” it’s almost a coming of age moment in a woman’s life. So many aspects of the process help her grow, mature, and blossom! Surrounding yourself with women who are ready to see you glow is the perfect environment for rich b**** vibes!

XO.