Space is stunning, service less than stunning
I want to preface this review by expressing how truly magical our wedding day was. It was a dream come true for both my husband and me, and the venue itself provided a stunning backdrop for our special day. First and foremost, the venue itself is breathtakingly beautiful. From the moment we set foot inside, we knew it was the perfect place for our celebration. Additionally, the day-of staff, particularly Jed and Jeremiah, were incredibly kind and accommodating. They went above and beyond to address any issues that arose during the event, and their professionalism was greatly appreciated.
Unfortunately, our journey with the venue was not without its challenges. From the moment we signed our contract in January 2023, issues began to accumulate, casting a shadow over what should have been a seamless planning process. Initially, we were under the impression that our contract would consist of 2 separate contracts: 1 for the venue itself and another for the all-inclusive package provided by Continental. However, shortly after paying our initial security deposit, we were blindsided by the revelation that a 2nd security deposit was required, leaving us scrambling to cover unexpected expenses days before leaving for Paris. This lack of transparency and failure to fully disclose the terms of the agreement set a troubling precedent for the rest of our dealings with the venue.
Midway through the payment process, we received an invoice that significantly increased our final payment by over $10,000, despite no recent additions to our package that would justify such a steep rise in cost. Upon inquiry, we were informed that our contracts had been merged, and the portion for the venue (Chroma) would now be billed through them. This unilateral decision was made without our consent or prior notification, leaving us feeling blindsided and financially strained. Additionally, discrepancies in the breakdown of costs, such as the inflated charge for a cake credit, further eroded our trust in the venue's billing practices. Despite providing clear instructions regarding our decor preferences, the limitations imposed by the all-inclusive package forced us to handle much of the setup ourselves. We were initially informed that they would not touch our decor, only to be told later by venue staff that they could have accommodated our requests, contradicting earlier directives. This miscommunication not only added unnecessary stress but also resulted in a loss of valuable time on the day of the wedding, as we had to personally oversee setup arrangements instead of enjoying precious moments with our loved ones.
Despite assurances that our belongings would be secure on the 3rd floor, we witnessed strangers access the designated area before the ceremony had even begun. This breach of security not only left our valuables vulnerable but also highlighted the venue's failure to uphold its promises regarding guest safety and oversight. The tasting experience, intended to guide our menu selections, fell short of expectations, with only a limited selection of upgraded items only for sampling. This discrepancy between the samples provided and the final menu offerings left us feeling uncertain and apprehensive about the quality of the food on our wedding day, adding unnecessary anxiety to an already stressful planning process.
Despite facing unexpected job changes for both myself and my husband, we were met with little understanding or support from venue management. We were met with dismissive responses, further exacerbating our financial strain and diminishing our confidence in the venue's commitment to customer satisfaction.
While our wedding day itself was filled with joy and love, the challenges we faced with the venue left a bitter aftertaste. The allure of the all-inclusive package ultimately proved to be more of a burden than a benefit, and the lack of transparency and accountability from the venue's management was disappointing.
Despite these shortcomings, I must acknowledge that the quality of the food provided by Continental was exceptional, adding a silver lining to an otherwise challenging experience. However, I would caution future couples considering this venue to thoroughly review their contracts and ensure clear communication with the venue's staff to avoid similar issues.