Second Go-See

FH came down a couple of Saturdays ago for his first and my second go-see of the venue. I was a little nervous because I knew this visit would determine whether or not we took the next step in putting the deposit down. I was almost certain that he would love it––it was all of the things that he wanted––it was intimate, beautiful, and affordable.

The only hang-up I had was that we had a bad experience within the park (not at the actual venue). To make a long story short, we ended up having a huge blow-up argument and I left him where he was in the park without a cell phone or money (which I wasn't aware of at the time. It turns out he left everything in my car). About five hours later, after I frantically searched for him and it grew dark, he arrived at my aunt's apartment (a couple of miles away), dehydrated (majorly bad since he is a diabetic) and drenched in sweat. Still to this day I have never been able to live it down (and my family even teases me!). And while we have been to the park a couple of other times and have good memories, of course the bad and the ugly trumps them all. So needless to say, I was a bit nervous.

He checked out the inside and outside and seemed pleased. I secretly breathed a sigh of relief. He wanted to sit on a bench overlooking the river, ducks, and geese. Although it was a bit chilly, and the trees were bare, it was still a beautiful park even in the winter. For the first time, as we sat in silence, I noticed the sound of the river and thought about how pleasant that would be on our wedding day.

Then a woman walked by with a nice camera. I stopped her and asked if she took wedding photos, but it turns out that she was just a student, barely learning the ropes. She did, however, give us an impromptu engagement shoot as we sat on the bench. She had to take portraits for her class assignment, and we became her perfect muse. She gave us her e-mail so that we could get the pics later (we are still waiting for them), so hopefully we we get to see them, even if they don't turn out so well.

So all turned out well, plus the added bonus of a photo shoot. I am glad that we can check the biggest item off our list and finally set a date. I am also glad for the opportunity to "redeem" myself in the form of exchanging vows and promising to never leave. In that aspect I am glad we will be able to trump an awful experience with a wonderful one.

Cool Philly Reception Venues

Briefly looking through the content of major wedding websites and magazines and , and a collage of other wedding sites, all show mostly out-of-range venues that cater to the average wedding budget of $30,000. Seriously? These prices are especially in this economy that is (still) staggering in man yeconomic crisis.

On my initial search for a venue, I became extremely discouraged with trying to book a place around $30 a head/plate––it seemed like Mission Impossible until I used my brain to search for unlikely venues and even expensive ones that made me cringe when the normal bill came, let alone the wedding bill. Surprisingly enough, I found a couple of affordable waterfront and expensive places that became very affordable. And what I also decided upon my initial research is that I would be able to afford an all inclusive package (that included wedding cake, decorations, center pieces, a dj etc) up to $50 a head/plate if I kept my head count less than 100 people. Here are some cool places I came up with:

Cavanaugh's River Deck - American
This restaurant is right on the Delaware River, has great food, and a wonderful, lively atmosphere. It may be a little rustic for a super formal wedding, but could probably fit almost any occasion––best of all it is SUPER affordable. The great part is that it is covered so you will be sheltered from the rain. The only downside is that they are only open during the summer months, if you are planning a wedding off-season. Also, it tends to be a club/bar/dance club at night, so you will want to book it earlier before the happy-hour crowd.
Website: http://www.theriverdeck.com/sit-down.asp

La Veranda Ristorante - Italian
Although I have never tried the food, I have passed by this restaurant plenty of times on my adventures to the water front. This is a great alternative to the ritzy places like the Moshulu.
Website: http://www.laverandapier3.com/banquet.htm

Temptations Jazz Club, Restaurant, & Banquet Hall - Soul Food
The website does not do justice to the beautiful restaurant's interior which includes a stage and bar. This is a perfect setting for a medium-sized group. The best thing about this location is that for larger groups, there is an adjacent banquet hall. Their wedding package seems pricey but includes EVERYTHING. The owner is friendly. The ambiance is wonderful and you don't have to worry about parking.
Website: https://www.temptationsgourmet.net/Event_Menus.html

Maggiano's - Italian
Ever since I attended my former employer's department dinner banquet, I have been enamored with Maggiano's. The food is rich and decadent and the atmosphere is relaxed. The best part is that there are two locations: one is the suburbs, that is recommended for larger groups, and the one in center city for groups as small as 20. You may opt for family-style or buffet. They have excellent brunch and lunch prices. Dinner prices aren't too bad if you forgo the alcohol. Plus the banquet planners are prompt with their follow up and sending you information.
Website: http://www.maggianos.com/default.asp

Germantown Church of the Brethren Fellowship Hall
This is a great small quaint hall, recently renovated and on Germantown Church of the Brethren church grounds. It is located in Mount Airy at 6601 Germantown Avenue and rates a few hundred dollars. The Pastor there is African-American from Ghana and is friendly and warm. The is a kitchen available to cook in or you will have to bring in a caterer as well as your own decorations. There is no alcohol allowed, as it is faith based. If you are interested contact RuNett Ebo Gray at 215-495-8679 or 215-438-1809.

Spamps Restaurant
Don't let the name puzzle you before you recognize the wonderful and eclectic decor and the lovely atmosphere. The food rocks and the whole Conshohocken neighborhood gives it a quaint feeling. What I love about this place is that it is out of the way and has a private upstairs room.
Website: http://www.spampsrestaurant.com/private.html