Get your own Day of Coordinator!!!!
Chesterton Square (Tammy) the affiliates w/in network recommended, Cateringan & D.J. failed us on our special day. We recognize that things would not go perfectly, timelines can be off a bit, train running during ceremony; the items that took away from our daughter’s day was just mismanagement. With written communications and multiple meetings, Tammy indicated she would take the role of “day of events coordinator” and we would not have to be concerned about anything, including coordinating with the vendors, etc. A timeline was worked on for months, copies were given to Tammy & acknowledged in communications. In short, we requested an open buffet immediately following the ceremony for guest (while pictures were being taken, etc.), printed 200 ceremony brochures for guest with this explained, & communicated to caterer directly. We expressed how important it was not have a long line at the bar (offered to pay for an extra bartender and was told not needed), with an open buffet, a champagne wall in place, apps out, it would spread out guest taking pressure off of the bar & allow time for bride and groom to eat privately, most would have eaten by time the bridal party arrived which would take us to the toast and open dancing following traditional dances. However, buffet was not opened to guest until after bridal party arrived, guest reported waiting 20-30 minutes for a cocktail, champagne wall was not put up at all, toast/dancing delayed b/c had to formerly open buffet for guest. Also instructions were not followed for bride and grooms grand entrance song, the D.J. reported as rude among other issues, instructions for scheduling end of night beignet truck were not followed, brides parents food package was sent home with “hotel guest” on a limo bus not w/parents, and several other items but not have enough word space to mention. Sadly, it was a series of mishaps through the night that was avoidable. Plans were purposely put in place to avoid these issues. So much was lost that night, and it was so discouraging after painstakingly working on this event for over a year. Honestly, it is like our instructions, although in writing, acknowledged as appreciated and organized, were completely ignored. Something we will never get back. As a person that reads reviews and uses them in decision making, we do not take them lightly when doing the reviewing as we know the impact they can have. We purposely waited before writing this review because we did not want it to come immediately behind such an emotional event. Recognizing that sometimes things just go wrong due to the human element, we first wanted to give the persons in charge a chance to take responsibility, so we first contacted them directly with copies of agreed upon communications in writing in which they failed. Their unwillingness to take any responsibility speaks to their integrity, they got paid and that is it as far as they are concerned. The remaining vendors hired, were great; photographer, videographer, hair and make-up, photo booth, transportation, etc. Honestly, the past reviews were overall satisfactory, one of the reasons we chose them, but for whatever reason, the ball was dropped on this occasion and not taking responsibility speaks volumes. Take precautions if you are considering this venue and hire your own D.J.! The venue itself is a nice set up and we loved the small town vibe. We donated a beautiful cross to the venue for future couples should they decide to use it!