Venue Review- Serendipity Wedding Garden, Oak Glen, CA

My Sister-in-law's recent wedding was at the beautiful Serendipity Wedding Garden in Oak Glen, California.  It was a breathtakingly beautiful venue.  There were so many fabulous points to this place, that I just don't know where to begin! Lets start at the Rehearsal...

Rehearsal

The Rehearsal was held the Thursday before the wedding.  We all arrived at the grounds (which is located a little North of Redlands, CA) at 5:00pm.  The weather was perfect, it was warm. We ran through all the normal hub-bub for rehearsals. It took about an hour.  The staff was exceptional and great to work with.  

Wedding

The Wedding was beautiful.  Although the weather could have cooperated a little more (it was FREEZING!!!), the day still turned out as planned.  The venue sits on about 5 acres , up in the hills, and can hold a nice size group.  We had about 100 guests and it was very comfortable.   The brides room was decent and the bathrooms were clean.

The Ceremony area is separate from the reception area.  The pathway between the two is gorgeous and lined with roses.  This is where the Bride, and Father of the Bride make their entrance.  They arrive with a 2 team, horse drawn carriage.  It is quite the extravagant entrance!

The catering was on-site and delicious (although cold, due to the wind).  The chairs and linens were perfect, and the bar was right next to an awesome (and warm) fireplace.  Heaters present, but I think there could have been a few more. Also present was a fire pit, baby grand piano, and kicken dance floor.

All and all, I really enjoyed this place.  It was beautiful, local and elegant.

*hugs*
Denice

Photo Credits:
Various family members and me!
Serendipity Logo: http://www.serendipitygardenweddings.com/

Venue Review- The Holiday Inn, Ontario, CA

I was invited to attend a venue preview the other day at the Holiday Inn, in Ontario California.  The Holiday Inn you say? YES!  The Holiday Inn has had a HUGE make over and are now competing with upscale hotels. I was invited to attend by my friend Denise Parsons, who is a Sales Manager there.  I had worked with her previously at another hotel on a 50th Anniversary Party.

Let me just say, the hotel and grounds are beautiful. Nothing what you would expect a Holiday Inn to look like.  They had set up one of the smaller meeting rooms (holds about 80) in a reception like manner, complete with DJ!  The were tables decked out in beautiful linens (provided by Raquels Linens) and gorgeous flower arrangements that were provided by one of the ladies on staff at the hotel.

We were served the most delicious lunch. I must say, it was to DIE FOR!!!  I had never tasted hotel food this good.  It was a chicken breast stuffed with cheese and mushrooms, covered in a flavorful cream sauce.  It was served with roasted potato's and fresh veggies.  It was SOOOO GOOD!!! We were even  introduced to the Chef, and were able to thank he for the delicious meal. 

Not only is the Holiday Inn set up for events such as weddings, receptions and parties, they can also accommodate Corporate Meetings too.  Here are two of the rooms:

So, if you are looking for a local hotel that is reasonable and will fit into your budget, and looks FABULOUS, I highly recommend checking out the Holiday Inn.  Say "hi" to Denise when you go, shes a kick, you'll love her!

*hugs*
Denice

Photo Credits: Me and my iPhone, and the Holiday Inn web site