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Recent Posts by Glenn Switzer

April142020NOCOMMENTS

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Wedding Decor

Stunning Outdoor Garden Wedding Reception Tent

More than just a tent, The Garden’s wedding reception tent creates the perfect space for your uniquely designed wedding celebration.

A classic century mate style with an elegant paver floor, The Garden’s wedding reception tent can easily accommodate 300 guests in its airy gathering space.  With four center poles creating dramatic high peaks, the 40’ x 100’ tent is the perfect canvas for your wedding day decor vision.  Whether you envision romantic draping with twinkle lights and chandeliers or trendy and bright café lights, the tent space conforms to your individual style.

The reception tent’s open floor plan is a dream for arranging guest seating and head table layouts.  With 20 Gardens cedar tables and 30 round tables, the possibilities are endless!  You can even choose between white fan back chairs or black straight back chairs for guests and upgrade with Rustic Refined™ or Vintage Affair™ chairs for the head table.

Handcrafted by the Workshop at The Gardens, classic pine planking walls with large windows stand on the east corners of the tent while a gorgeous 40-foot rich pine planking wall sits on the west side of the tent.  On the outside the pine planking is covered in vintage steel siding that creates a one-of-a-kind rustic appeal perfect for a gardens wedding.

With the sides open, the beauty of the natural environment can intermingle with the shaded comfort within the tent.  Easily adaptable to the seasons, The Garden’s wedding reception tent can be completely enclosed and heated or cooled to maximize the comfort of wedding guests.

For couples dreaming of a breathtaking outdoor garden wedding, The Gardens reception tent offers a setting to celebrate love surrounded by nature. Nestled within lush landscaping and blooming gardens, the tent provides a seamless blend of elegance and charm. From intimate gatherings to large-scale celebrations, the tent’s spacious design, completely customizable decor, and flexible seasonal accommodations make it a great space for an outdoor wedding reception.

The Garden’s Wedding Reception Tent is the perfect outdoor gathering space for your wedding day celebration.

 

The gathering spot for the wedding day celebration, The Garden’s wedding reception tent is customizable to reflect your wedding day vision.  Photo Credit: Anthologie

 

The gorgeous 40-foot pine planking wall on the east side of the tent creates the perfect back drop for dancing the night away.

The open tent sides means the beauty of the natural environment can intermingle with the shaded comfort within the tent.

The wedding reception tent’s vintage steel siding creates a one-of-a-kind rustic appeal perfect for a gardens wedding.

 

Simple green tree branches and table greenery bring the outside gardens inside the tent….a garden wedding through and through!

 

With 20 Gardens cedar tables and 30 round tables the tent comfortably seats 300 guests.

Colored draping, twinkle lights, white linens and chandeliers give the tent 5 stars for wedding day elegance.

Wanting a live band to dance the night away on your wedding night?  We can do that in The Garden’s wedding reception tent!

Greenery and candles are all that is needed to set the romantic wedding day vibe in the reception tent.

The tent’s open floor plan allows for you to design your head table any way you want!  After all, it’s your day….you should shine!

The King’s Harvest Table with Rustic Refined™ chairs sits in the middle of the reception tent allowing for guests to surround the head table on all sides.

If the weather is not ideal, the reception tent can be completely enclosed to maximize your guests’ comfort.

The Garden’s wedding reception tent can be completely enclosed and heated or cooled to maximize the comfort of wedding guests.

In the fall when the temps dip down, the tent can be completely enclosed and heated…..keeping your guests warm and happy.

With either white fan back chairs or black straight back chairs available, you can choose the chairs that look best with your decor.

Draped in classic white, the reception tent is ready for the wedding day celebration.

 

Unless otherwise noted, all photo credit by The Gardens of Castle Rock.  To see more images of The Gardens, visit our website gallery.

 

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February112020NOCOMMENTS

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Real Wedding

Theresa & Will’s Gorgeous Spring Wedding at The Gardens

Real Wedding Spotlight: A bright May day set the ideal scene for Theresa and Will’s gorgeous spring outdoor wedding.

There is something special about spring.  The gentle breeze.…the budding of trees….the start of new beginnings.  Nowhere is this truer than at a wedding, especially an outdoor gardens wedding.   Theresa and Will’s May wedding at The Gardens wove elements of spring, wildflowers popping with color, with touches of elegance, cascading champagne draping, to create a day that not only reflected their personal style, but who they are as a couple.

The Lath House at The Gardens created a romantic outdoor ceremony, to the beautifully styled reception space, every photo captured pure joy and love between Theresa and Will. Their wedding gallery is filled with stunning inspiration for couples planning a spring outdoor wedding. Take a look!

It was a beautiful spring day for Theresa & Will to say “I Do!” – Gorgeous spring wedding at The Gardens

With its sturdy aged wood pillars and rustic lath cover, the Lath House is the perfect spot for a spring wedding. – Gorgeous spring wedding at The Gardens

The natural wood fiber pergola and handcrafted ceremony table are versatile for any decor – Gorgeous spring wedding at The Gardens

The Gardens Mid-Height Table under the natural wood fiber pergola is the perfect spot for a guest book, card box and gift drop off. – Gorgeous spring wedding at The Gardens

The Gardens 40′ x 100′ Reception Tent with elegant paver floor sets the stage for a true garden party. – Gorgeous spring wedding at The Gardens

Single stem wildflowers in varying bottles on The Gardens Cedar Tables create a simple and elegant look. – Gorgeous spring wedding at The Gardens

The moment has arrived and the beautiful bride is ready to take her most important walk down the aisle. – Gorgeous spring wedding at The Gardens

With bouquets of wildflowers and shades of plum, lavender and gray the bridal party is ready to to walk down the aisle! – Gorgeous spring wedding at The Gardens

All rise, the bride in a stunning keyhole back wedding dress and trailing veil is escorted down The Lath House aisle. – Gorgeous spring wedding at The Gardens

Forever and always…..Theresa and Will promise their lives to one another in front of family and friends. – Gorgeous spring wedding at The Gardens

Nothing else in the world matters at this moment….Congratulations Theresa & Will! – Gorgeous spring wedding at The Gardens

Cocktail hour has began on the patio of The Garden Pavilion. – Gorgeous spring wedding at The Gardens

With open catering at The Gardens you can marry your true love AND have the food you love.  For Theresa & Will that meant TACOS! – Gorgeous spring wedding at The Gardens

Everyone together with smiling faces….what could be better!?! – Gorgeous spring wedding at The Gardens

 

VENDORS:

To see more photos of Theresa & Will’s wedding day, visit, Jonny & Jules blog

Hair/Makeup Artist: RefeyeANCE

Florist: Lilacs & Lace

Tent & Event Décor: We’ve Got It Covered

Videographer: Jonny & Jules

Dress:  The Wedding Shoppe Inc.

Groom & Groomsmen’s Attire: The Men’s Warehouse

Bridesmaids Dresses/Accessories:  The Wedding Shoppe Inc.

Venue: The Gardens of Castle Rock

Catering: Hy-Vee – Lakeville

Dessert:   Hy-Vee – Lakeville

Bar Service: Liquid Motion

DJ: Midwest Sound DJ Entertainment

Blog Photos: The Gardens of Castle Rock

 

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January312020NOCOMMENTS

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Wedding Planning

Best Outdoor Garden Wedding Dress Ideas for Tall Brides

Long & flowy, mermaid, princess cut or keyhole back….these dresses compliment your height.

For some brides, their wedding is a time of mixed emotions. The excitement of marrying the love of their life is overshadowed by feelings of self-consciousness and anxiety in knowing that all eyes will be on them.

This feeling of anxiety is especially true for tall brides who have struggled with self-consciousness about their height. Here are some of the best wedding dress ideas for tall brides.

Embrace the ruffles for a gorgeous look.  Photo credit: Melissa Enid Photography

Long and Flowy

If you want to use your height to your advantage and celebrate your body, wearing a long and flowy dress is the way to go! And why not? It is your day girl! Look for dresses that have light fabric and a lot of movement.

If you’re tall with a curvier or more athletic frame, dropped waistline style dresses like trumpets or mermaids are a beautiful twist on this look.

For an outdoor ceremony in the summer heat, lightweight fabrics like a soft chiffon can keep you cool. Flowing A-line’s, and layered tulle skirts move effortlessly in an outdoor breeze and create a romantic garden wedding look.

Draw attention to your back with a backless dress.  Photo credit: Jonny & Jules

Ruffles and Volume

If you don’t want the attention to be on your height, add width to your gown. Opt for a princess style dress with a dropped waist that draws the eye horizontally rather than vertically. The more volume on the skirt, the more it will offset your height.

Alternatively, add volume to your dress using accents. Ruffles and tiered skirts have become a hot trend in bridal fashion over the last year. Try on a few Fashion Week inspired pieces to take advantage of this tall-friendly look.

Draw Attention Elsewhere

Another way to draw attention away from your height is to give your guests another focal point. You can do this by accessorizing or choosing different dress styles that draw the eye elsewhere.

Tall brides can elevate their style with dramatic train details, off-the-shoulder necklines, or detachable sleeves that can add dimension and draw attention elsewhere.

For example, wearing a backless dress will naturally draw the eye to your back rather than your height as you walk down the aisle. Adding a pop of color to your dress or an elaborate veil will also give your guests something else to focus on if you feel self-conscious about your height.

The rustic wedding theme is always a good idea – since it is “old fashioned” – you can even find a wedding dress full of lace from your mom’s or auntie’s closet, modify it to celebrate your body type and go proudly to the new chapter of life. All the themes can be full of natural decors, such as wooden barrels, lace as a table cover, chandeliers, wildflowers, countryside atmosphere, romantic lights, and so on…

Don’t forget the shoes!  Heels or flats….go with what makes you feel the most beautiful. Photo credit: Render Photography

Avoid Empire Waists

Empire waists work really well for short brides and those who don’t feel comfortable in form-fitting gowns. On a tall bride, however, the illusion of length created by this cut can look disproportionate and make your legs look longer than they are.

When shopping, stick to the natural, or dropped waist look. If you like the look of the empire waist dresses, opt for a princess waist or dress it up with a basque or inverted-basque.

Love every single moment in your dream wedding dress!  Photo credit: Geneoh Photography

Buy Your Shoes First

Don’t feel that your height excludes you from wearing heels. If you love wearing heels and can’t imagine spending your day in flats, just be sure to buy the shoes before you go dress shopping.

Wedding dresses are made to be altered, and it’s easier to remove fabric than it is to add. Thus, most dresses have a lot of extra material tucked into the hem that can be let down.

Bring your shoes with you when trying on dresses and talk to a seamstress before making a purchase. If you plan on buying online, have a seamstress take your measurements with and without your shoes first. Even if there isn’t enough fabric, some dress styles are easier to alter than others. An experienced seamstress is a tall bride’s best friend.

Stand Tall and Proud

Don’t let your height put a damper on your day. You’re going to look amazing, no matter what. Embrace your body and walk down the aisle standing tall and proud.

 

*Feature image by Anthologie

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January102020NOCOMMENTS

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The Gardens, Wedding Decor

A Classic Garden’s Original™ The Gardens Cedar Tables

Gorgeous Handcrafted Cedar Tables Add Beauty and Elegance to Your Special Day

A Classic Garden’s Original™

The Gardens Cedar Tables were designed and created in the Workshop at The Gardens by master craftsman and venue owner, Glenn Switzer. These handcrafted beautiful western red cedars banquet tables are clear coated with a commercial grade polyurethane and measure 8 feet long, 33” wide and 30” tall. Each Gardens Cedar Table seats eight guests comfortably – 4 on each side.

These handcrafted cedar tables offer couples a warm and inviting seating option that perfectly compliments that natural beauty of an outdoor wedding. Their wood tones and timeless style create a stunning reception atmosphere while giving guests a comfortable place to gather, dine, and celebrate. Pair them with elegant floral centerpieces, romantic candlelight, or simple greenery accents, The Gardens Cedar Tables add charm, character, and a unique touch to your wedding reception.

We just ‘LOVE’ this romantic head table set-up in The Garden’s Reception Tent. Photo Credit: Eric Lundgren Photography

These handcrafted beauties are completely unique to The Gardens of Castle Rock wedding venue.

Each wedding banquet table is sturdy and lovely with plenty of room for guests to enjoy your wedding meal.

Whether you’re looking for a rustic wedding, minimalist inspired wedding, modern vintage, or just unique, the banquet tables are a perfect addition to your day.

Each table tells it’s own story as unique as your own. Look at that gorgeous grain!

The Gardens Cedar Wedding Banquet Table Décor Inspiration

When you book The Gardens of Castle Rock for your wedding day, you get the use of 20 Gardens Cedar Tables, as well as square or rectangle cedar sweetheart tables at no additional cost. Mix and match these unique wedding banquet tables with The Gardens Round Reception Tables for an outdoor wedding reception experience your guests won’t forget! For even more inspiration, read our blog about Unforgettable Wedding Reception Table Decor!

The Cedar Banquet Tables fit 8 guests for a family dining style feeling. Photo Credit: Glasser Images

Our handcrafted cedar wedding banquet tables can host rustic to modern décor. You bring your style, we’ll supply the surface!

Intimate wedding days call for snuggling in with your sweetheart. The Cedar Sweetheart Tables are perfect for a quiet moment alone to decompress.

A simple runner and some florals are perfect for your minimalist inspired garden wedding theme in the reception tent.

Who says that a head table has to be in a straight line? A+K chose to have their bridal party sit in rows on either side of their Rustic Refined™ sweetheart table. Photo by: Type and Timber

The Garden’s black reception chairs paired with the cedar banquet tables give your reception space a cool edge.

Mixing and matching the cedar banquet tables with classic round reception tables gives you an opportunity to create different types of centerpieces.

The cedar wedding banquet tables are perfect for your head table. Need a boost? No problem! We have risers to remedy that!

The King’s Harvest Head Table stood proudly in the center of The Garden’s cedar wedding banquet tables for this eco-friendly outdoor wedding.

The cedar wedding banquet tables do not require a linen so if you are hoping for a modern rustic themed wedding day, they are the perfect decor!

These modern vintage wedding decorations with blush and copper tones set on the cedar banquet tables perfectly suited this couples romantic vibes!

Each cedar wedding banquet table was handcrafted here at The Gardens of Castle Rock! Photo by: Andrea Dobbs Photography

The cedar wedding banquet tables were created with a love of, well, wood! Knots and all!

A simple garland of greenery, white candles, elegant draping, and dramatic hanging garland was simply lovely for this outdoor garden wedding. (I spy The Garden’s 22 foot Kings Harvest Table!)

Pair the cedar wedding banquet tables with the Rustic Refined chairs for the perfect head table for your closest friends.

Fine china and rustic cedar wedding banquet tables – the perfect pair! (Besides you and your sweetie…) Photo Credit: Studio KH

The cedar banquet tables are not just for sitting at. They also make the perfect display table for memories or desserts! Photo Credit: Erin Rae Photography 

Make sure to check out The Garden’s Mid-Height Tables for more wedding detail needs!

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November202019NOCOMMENTS

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Wedding Planning

What’s the Most Important Reason for having a Professional Day-of Coordinator?

There are a lot of details and decisions to manage on your wedding day.  Why not leave it to a professional Day-of Coordinator so you can have Your Best Day Ever!

When you think of your upcoming wedding day do you envision a stress-free event with no hiccups and every detail executed to perfection?

The moment has arrived for your walk down the aisle…..your Day-of Coordinator has ensured everything is set.

For many couples, this isn’t the case as they rely on a family member or friend to step into a coordinator position.

Day-of Coordinators know how to get things rolling….making sure the bridal party is lined up and ready to go.

The problem is your family member or friend will run themselves ragged making sure every detail is taken care of causing them to miss out on your celebration.

Take the stress out of the day and leave all the details to a professional day-of coordinator and the only thing left for you to do is enjoy your BEST DAY EVER! Having a professional day-of coordinator keeps timelines running smoothly from start to finish. From coordinating vendors and managing setup details to handing unexpected last-minute changes, an experienced coordinator works behind the scenes, so you can stay present with your family and friends.

We asked some of the premier day-of coordinators in the Twin Cities what the most important aspect of having a professional day-of coordinator was.  Here is what they said……

 

Amber from Amber Terese Weddings & Events

Amber Terese Events: “Having a professional day-of coordinator gives you the ability to be completely in the moment with your family, friends, and your guests. A coordinator gives you the precious gift of TIME. It gives you someone to direct guests and vendors to with questions, it allows you to release the control to someone who you trust but also makes it so that your Mom isn’t stuck answering all the questions, or your Dad isn’t dealing with the vendors. Most professionals will handle light set up, and deal with all of your vendors as well. A reputable coordinator has experience on his or her side. A professional will know how to fix numerous situations on a single wedding day, because something WILL go wrong. The main goal of most professional coordinators is to make sure that the couple and the guests never know when/if that happens. We fix things. We love making sure people are well taken care of.”

Visit Amber Terese Weddings & Events

Brittany from Bella Mystique

Bella Mystique: “The most important aspect of having a day of coordinator is being able to have a trusted professional that knows you and your event assist with finalizing, organizing, setting up and executing your event exactly as you planned, while you enjoy this memorable time with one another, family and friends.

The last two months prior to your wedding can get chaotic and stressful. While you are trying to track down last RSVPs, communicate details to vendors, make final decisions and keep everyone and everything organized, it can really put a damper on what the celebration is truly about. Hiring a day of coordinator allows you to full enjoy your day. Vendor correspondence, timelines and direction, event set up and tying up any last-minute details are covered by someone you can trust, has the experience on how a successful event should go and can be available if any unforeseen hiccups should occur.”

Visit Bella Mystique

Melody from Events By Melody

Events By Melody: “It’s your wedding day. This only happens once in a lifetime, right?! By hiring a professional day of coordinator for your big day, that allows you to focus on just one thing… being the bride and groom, of course! The last thing you need the weeks leading up to your wedding is to be creating a detailed wedding day timeline, distributing it to vendors, being the point-person for your vendors, wedding party and guests on your wedding day, setting up and tearing down décor on your wedding day and more. Let the pros handle it so you, your family and friends can enjoy your wedding day!”

Visit Events By Melody

Dana from Keyed Up Events

Keyed Up Events: “A professional Day-of Coordinator can be a huge asset for your wedding day. They are incredibly skilled in managing the day and making on-the-spot decisions based on their experience and what will work best for the situation. They do not get caught up in family conversations or photos because they are there to work. A Day-of Coordinator knows how to get the most out of your other vendors to ensure they are all working together. And most importantly, their goal is to make sure their clients (the couple) are happy and enjoying the day, with no other motives or prejudices. A professional Day-of Coordinator can be the best gift a couple can give themselves, their wedding party and their families.”

Visit Keyed Up Events

Lindsay from Opulent Events

Opulent Events: “Weddings can be stressful but having a day-of-coordinator takes so much stress away from the couple and even the guests! Think of it as your personal assistant that will do just about anything to make your wedding perfect. From shielding the bride from the rain, preventing the caterer from being late, letting a guest borrow your extra pair of shoes because her heels broke, ensuring that you eat and drink something and don’t pass out, wrangling rowdy groomsmen, keeping your champagne glass full, directing guests to the bathroom, even cleaning up glass from those wildly dancing arms that can’t keep their pint glass in their hand. Sure, we put all the beautiful details together on the wedding day, but we make your wedding day truly stress free. Don’t worry, coordinators are magicians, but you are the bride and groom today, not tomorrow. Let us handle the stress for you.”

Visit Opulent Events

Erica from Piece of Cake Wedding Planning

Piece of Cake Wedding Planning: “Working with a professional day-of coordinator ensures you’ll have an expert by your side throughout your entire planning journey; who knows what questions to ask, when certain tasks should be completed, keeps you on task and ahead of schedule to minimize planning stress, and can provide personalized suggestions and tips based on you, your fiancé and your wedding vision. Most importantly, working with a wedding coordinator gives you the gift of time because they will handle every wedding day detail, ensuring that you’ll be fully present and enjoying every minute of your wedding day! It goes fast enough as it is – trust me – you don’t want to miss it!”

Visit Piece of Cake Wedding Planning

Kellie from Rustic Elegance

Rustic Elegance: “We at Rustic Elegance think the most important aspect of hiring a professional Day-of-Coordinator to help with your wedding is to ease the amount of stress on you, your friends and family. By hiring an experienced professional, you will have a main contact for the day that can tie/link all the vendors together, someone who will keep track of all the moving parts and also will ensure plans stay on schedule. You are including someone who can anticipate areas where problems could arise and who asks the important questions ahead of time to ensure things go smoothly. Your Day-of-Coordinator will be there to help execute every last small detail and make sure your vision for the day comes to life. If problems do come up, like a change in weather, they are there to make any adjustments as needed. You plan for months and months and maybe even years for your wedding day and the day goes by way to fast to be worried about all the details on the actual day. Let a professional [like Rustic Elegance] do this for you so you can enjoy being with your friends and family and most of all concentrate on MARRYING the love of your life!!”

Visit Rustic Elegance

Contact The Gardens of Castle Rock to find out how we can help make your wedding day THE BEST DAY EVER.

Call 651-264-9510 or Email info@TheGardensofCastleRock.com

Whose got your back?  Your Day-of Coordinator that’s who!

Decorator, florist, caterer, bar service, DJ, photograher….your Day-of Coordinator is the point person and trouble shooter for all your wedding day vendors.

Relax, smile and don’t worry about a thing…..your Day-of Coordinator is here to make sure everything goes smoothly.

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November82019NOCOMMENTS

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Real Wedding, The Gardens

Maddie & Evan’s Elegant Outdoor Wedding at The Gardens

Real Wedding Spotlight: A beautiful June day was the perfect backdrop for Maddie & Evan’s elegant outdoor wedding.

Can ultimate frisbee change your life?  For Maddie and Evan it did!  A sunny afternoon with a carefree game of ultimate frisbee turned out to be the start of a beautiful love story.  Fast forward four years to their elegant outdoor wedding and it’s clear to see that Maddie and Evan were made for each other.   Décor and accents gave off a light and airy feel as spectrums of crimson hues and classic wedding white created an airy romantic vibe.

Maddie envisioned ceremony doors swinging wide open creating a once in a lifetime moment for Evan to first see his bride.  The Gardens team wants every couple’s vision for their wedding day to come true.  Luckily, we have a master craftsman on staff –  venue owner Glenn Switzer.  Glenn got to work designing and crafting  the ceremony gate and doors bringing Maddie’s vision to life.

Since Maddie and Evan’s wedding, the handcrafted ceremony gate and doors have become one of our most loved ceremony features. We have now rented the ceremony gate and doors to many couples, helping create unforgettable wedding day entrances and beautiful photo moments for countless ceremonies at here at The Gardens. The timeless design continues to add a romantic and elegant touch to weddings year after year.

Enjoy these photos from Maddie & Evan’s wedding and be sure to watch the whole video of their amazing day.

The knot is tied and the adventure begins for Maddie & Evan – Elegant outdoor wedding at The Gardens

 

Bright blue skies and lush green foliage….a perfect day for a wedding – Elegant outdoor wedding at The Gardens

 

There’s just something about an elegant bride with a gorgeous bouquet – Elegant outdoor wedding at The Gardens

 

The moment is finally here….take a deep breath….its going to be amazing! – Elegant outdoor wedding at The Gardens

 

It’s showtime for your posse – Elegant outdoor wedding at The Gardens

 

It’s time to see your one true love! – Elegant outdoor wedding at The Gardens

 

The Grand Promenade..…an elegant space to say “I Do”. – Elegant outdoor wedding at The Gardens

 

All this green looks good on us at The Gardens – Elegant outdoor wedding at The Gardens

 

Catching up with the ones you haven’t seen in forever by The Garden’s fireplace. – Elegant outdoor wedding at The Gardens

 

Take off your shoes….grab a badminton racket…let’s play! – Elegant outdoor wedding at The Gardens

 

Light it up…..driving off into the sunset as the new Mr. & Mrs. – Elegant outdoor wedding at The Gardens

Vendors:

To see Maddie & Evan’s wedding day photography, visit, Jennifer Sanders Photography 

Blog Photos: The Gardens of Castle Rock

Hair/Makeup Artist: Heidi Haugen, Nevaeh Salon

Florist: Judy’s Floral Design

Photography: Jennifer Sanders Photography

Videographer: Amy Bouma Photography

Dress:  David’s Bridal

Groom & Groomen’s Attire: Men’s Wearhouse

Bridesmaids Dresses/Accessories:  David’s Bridal

Venue: The Gardens of Castle Rock

Bride’s Shoes: Tieks by Gavrieli 

Catering: Famous Dave’s

Dessert: Cake Walk

Coffee Service: Coffee Cart Minneapolis

All photos in blog are by The Gardens of Castle Rock staff.

Handcrafted by Glenn Switzer in his Workshop at The Gardens

Wedding Ceremony Gate & Doors for The Grand Promenade

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October82019NOCOMMENTS

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Wedding Planning

Wedding Dessert Table Ideas

Themed dessert tables are yet one more way to weave your vibe throughout your big day.

Does your wedding have a vintage-glam theme? Serve white buttercream frosting cupcakes in ornate wrappers on blingy, tiered serving trays. Is your theme modern and chic? Present your traditional white tiered cakes on large geometrical displays coupled with large floral displays.

Donuts aren’t just for breakfast….these tasty treats are perfect in place of traditional wedding cake.

Other dessert table themes include:

~ Glitzy: Incorporate crystal serving platters, sequence and mirrors. This works great for an upscale wedding! Serve a traditional wedding cake or mini pastries for that classy vibe.

Give the people what they want! Guests are sure to find their favorite cookies with a cookie dessert table.

~ Retro-glam: Think vintage candy such as suckers and homemade chocolate chip cookies. Serve these old-fashioned goodies in glass jars of varying sizes just like the 1950’s corner candy stores.

~ Garden-whimsical: Create tall towers of cupcakes, macaroons or pastries and adorn the towers and table with flowers and greenery.

~ Formal and elegant: Choose a monochromatic color scheme based off of your wedding colors and run with it! Monochromatic macaroons or cupcakes are adorable! Add a little contrast with chocolate-dipped truffles.

 

 

 

 

A candy bar is a fun way to incorporate all your favorite sweet treats.

Light and airy romantic: Light, bright decor is the name of the game. Picture fluffy buttercream, heaps of raised donuts and cream pies. Serve them on a table draped with a white tablecloth and interwoven with white or pastel tulle.

Romantic reds, whites and a three tiered cake make this dessert table a show stopper.

Rustic-casual: Create a pie bar on a long wooden table. For a more down-home vibe, use a picnic table!

A few more ideas to consider…

A mobile dessert cart is a fun way to serve your guests!

If you can’t narrow down your dessert selections, serve it all with a sign that reads, “…a few of our favorite things…”

It’s your day. Think outside the box. It’s ok to serve both cake and candy!

Cut down on the mess and fanfare with finger food desserts. Serving is easy. Cleanup? Even easier.

 

 

 

Tiered sponge cake, mini cheesecakes, macarons, butter mints & more create a sweet feast for the eyes and palate.

Many of your guests will appreciate a fresh fruit assortment on your dessert table. It’s perfect for guests who want something just a little bit sweet or who have sugar or gluten sensitivities. Grapes, berries and citrus fruit slices are great options.

Wedding couples are also embracing interactive dessert stations. Consider a build-your-own sundae bar, s’mores display, or gourmet popcorn station with different flavored salts. These creative wedding reception desserts can give your guests more variety, while also creating fun experience for your guests. Couple this with personalized signage, coordinating serving pieces and trays to help tie the entire dessert table together.

No matter your vibe, The Gardens of Castle Rock is a beautiful setting for your big day. Connect with us at 651.264.9510 or info@thegardensofcastlerock.com to learn more!

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July122019NOCOMMENTS

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Real Wedding, Wedding Planning

15 Games and Entertainment Ideas for Your Outdoor Wedding

If you’re having an outdoor wedding this season, here are some great reception game ideas with a little something for everyone!

 

Young or old….everyone loves to play yard games at an outdoor wedding reception.

Your wedding day is surreal in so many ways. With close family, distant relatives, new friends and old college buddies, it can feel like a real-life episode of This is Your Life. While this is part of what makes your big day so much fun, it can also be a bit challenging to come up with activities for friends and family of all ages and interests. If you’re having an outdoor wedding this season, here are some great reception game ideas with a little something for everyone!

1 – Giant Jenga: If you’re looking for a game that guests of all ages will enjoy, create a giant Jenga from cut 2×4’s. You can put it on the ground or up on a picnic table so it’s easier to reach. Just watch out when it comes crashing down – it’s a bit more dramatic when it’s lifesize!

Playing games with family & friends on the lush green lawn at The Gardens…..what could be better?

2 – Giant Jenga guestbook: If you like the idea of Giant Jenga, take it a step further and make it into a keepsake. Encourage guests to sign the blocks as they would a guestbook and reminisce about your special day for years to come every time you bust out this classic lawn game!

3 – Painted-Rock Tic-Tac-Toe: A cute twist on a classic game that even your littlest guests will enjoy, paint large rocks two different colors, make a board from 2×4’s and watch guests challenge even perfect strangers to this fun and honest game.

4 – Cornhole: Also known as Bean Bag Toss, Bean Bags or just Bags, this fun game is great for a mix of ages and agility.

Keep the fun going even at the reception tables with an assortment of table top games.

5 – Giant Checkers: Who doesn’t love Checkers? Plus, your giant Checker board can double as a picnic blanket!

6 – Badminton: If you have ample space, this is a great addition to your outdoor lawn game selection and it’s an easy game for team play.

7 – Wedding I-Spy for kids: Weddings and receptions can get long for young kids. Engage them in the day by creating a list of 20, 30 or 40 things they can look for at your ceremony and reception. Include a pencil to check off each box and tell them they can exchange their sheet at the end of the evening for a prize.

8 – Shoe game: Sit back-to-back with your new spouse and in front of your wedding guests. Each of you take off one of your shoes and hold it in your lap. Have your emcee read a list of questions they came up with in advance (or off the cuff!) with answers that could pertain to either one of you. If you think the best answer to the question is you, hold your shoe up in the air. If your spouse thinks it’s them, they hold their shoe up in the air. A few fun examples: Who is the best kisser? Who made the first move? Who is most likely to plan an exotic vacation? Who’s the penny-pincher? This game will really get the crowd roaring, especially when you both think you’re the best answer to the question and each raises your shoe!

Giant Jenga is a fun spin on the classic table top game, but watch your feet when the tower crashes to the ground.

9 – Dart art: Buy a huge canvas or paint a large piece of plywood white and carefully attach balloons filled with acrylic paint. Set the canvas back a good distance and let each adult guest take a stab at popping a balloon with a dart or two. Your “dart art” will make a fun keepsake and guests will love exploding the color-filled balloons.

10 – Photo booth: Everyone loves a photo booth and will enjoy the souvenir pictures at the end of the evening. Make it even more fun with themed props!

11 – Bride and groom trivia: Create a trivia game with a gamut of questions about you and your soon-to-be-spouse! Place a trivia card with the placeholder at each guest’s seat. Let guests know at the start of the reception that the trivia winner at each table takes home the centerpiece.

Have kids on the guest list?  A variety of yard games & activities are the perfect solution to keep them entertained.

12 – Lego centerpieces at kids tables: Speaking of centerpieces, this is a great one for the kids tables! Put a big lego creation (or a few smaller ones) at the center of each table and let kids deconstruct and reconstruct them into their own creations throughout the evening. Send the legos at each table home with the kid whose creation is voted #1 by the bride or groom.

13 – Hula hoops and jump ropes: Keep busy kids occupied with active play! You may even spy a few adults reliving their youth with these fun childhood games.

14 – Marriage advice cards: Place a stack of blank cards, a pen and a jar either on one central table or on individual reception tables, with a sign asking each guest to contribute one piece of marriage advice for the happy couple. A ‘date jar’ is another fun spin on this and an easy way to solicit some great date ideas!

Create a little friendly competition among guests by providing Cornhole games.

15 – Find-a-guest-who scavenger hunt: Examples: Find a guest who has lived overseas. Find a guest who shares your birth month. Challenge your guests to fill their sheet with signatures before the end of the evening! Guests with a completed sheet win a prize.

One of the biggest advantages of hosting an outdoor wedding reception is the freedom to create a relaxed and interactive experience for your guests. From classic lawn games to personalized scavenger hunts, outdoor wedding entertainment encourages guests to mingle, laugh, and make memories together.

There is no lack of fun ways to keep guests of all ages engaged and mingling throughout your big day! Are you or someone you know recently engaged and looking for a great outdoor wedding venue? Give us a call at 651.264.9510 or reach out to us on our website to learn more about The Gardens of Castle Rock: info@thegardensofcastlerock.com

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June112019NOCOMMENTS

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Wedding Decor, Wedding Planning

Love Your Budget and Your Wedding!

They say you can’t have your cake and eat it too. But what if that isn’t entirely true.

Flexible on the day of the week to tie the knot? Save big by considering days other than Saturday.

What if you can have the wedding of your dreams while operating within your budget? Here are 11 hot tips for a budget-friendly wedding that won’t break the bank!

1 – Start with a budget and prioritize

Set your total budget right out of the chute. Then with your partner, determine your top three splurges. Break it down and set a cap for each item on your list. Then communicate your budget to each of the vendors involved in your big day. Refuse to look at dresses, cakes, venues…that are outside of it.

2 – Be flexible with dates

Not including “plus guest” invites or hosting an adult-only event can help you stay within your wedding budget.

If you’re open to an off-peak and/or off-season wedding date, you’re much more likely to incur a cost savings. For example, a venue rental for a Friday or Sunday wedding tends to be more affordable than a traditional Saturday wedding. Moreover, a January wedding venue rental will be more cost-effective than a June wedding venue rental. Take advantage of the basic laws of supply and demand to secure the venue you want at a price you can afford.

3 – Choose seasonal flowers

It probably goes without saying that in-season blooms are much more affordable than their off-season counterparts. Have a friend or relative with an eye for floral arrangement? Consider picking some wildflowers or picking some blooms from your grandma’s flower garden. With permission, of course!

Mother Nature is the head decorator at The Gardens.  Just add a few additional floral pieces & you’ll have a beautiful yet affordable wedding day.

4 – Opt for more greenery and less blooms

In the same vein, choosing to go heavier on the greens and adding a few blooms here and there for a splash of color is much more economical than a bouquet of blooms with a splash of greens. Greens offer a wide-variety of shades and textures and can be used to create lush, full bouquets and centerpieces.

5 – Narrow down your guest list

One of the best ways to reduce cost is to whittle down the guest list. While some couples are hesitant to do so, it is not considered poor etiquette to not include a “plus guest” invite for single friends or to throw an adult-only event. With the average cost per guest between $120-$150, this is a great way to throw the celebration you want while staying within your budget.

6 – Simplify your food and beverage options

One of the quickest ways to lower wedding expenses is to simplify your menu. Instead of a formal plated dinner, consider a buffet, brunch wedding, taco bar or heavy appetizers. Simplifying the bar menu to a couple signature cocktails, beer, and wine only can also significantly reduce bar costs compared to a full open bar. Choosing a venue that allows for flexibility when it comes to catering options can also help you stay within budget.

7 – Capitalize on free seasonal décor

This is particularly easy to do if you’re planning your wedding at a public venue leading up to the holidays when Christmas trees, lights and other seasonal decor abound!

8 – Explore location options

Consider using seasonal flowers for your wedding party’s flowers.  They are plentiful and often times less expensive.

Instead of opting for a traditional setting, think outside the box and consider a park with a pavilion, a historical landmark in your town or even your own backyard. While some of these options seem more affordable at first, however, keep in mind that when you “create your own venue” you may incur additional costs such as lighting and sound, generator rental, portable bathrooms, etc.

9 – Print your own Save-the-Date cards and invitations

This is a fun and easy way to add a personal touch to your big day. Either design and order them at online discount stores or buy some high-quality cardstock and print them at home.  Check here for more invitation ideas.

Use seasonal decor & save.  Having a fall wedding? Pumpkins, gourds and leaves are everywhere & easy to work in as table centerpieces.

10 – Rent or borrow a dress

Wedding dresses can be incredibly spendy. Consider renting a dress for a fraction of the cost or borrowing your mom or grandma’s dress. This is a great way to cut costs while crossing “something old” or “something borrowed” off your list!

11 – Negotiate with the photographer

There are an array of options when it comes to wedding photos – don’t hesitate to investigate them! Would you prefer to have all your photos put onto a CD or USB so you can print them yourself? Or how about spending the money upfront to purchase the rights to your photos so you, your family and your friends can order as many as you want at a later time? Also, ask yourself what span of time you want your photographer available on your wedding day. Maybe it’s important to you to have your photographer available before and during the ceremony and you ask a friend to snap candids at the reception. The more time a photographer is onsite, the greater the cost. The more you can offset that, the greater the savings.

At The Gardens, you choose your vendors so have more control over costs! Interested in booking The Gardens for the backdrop to your big day? If you would like to learn more about us, we can be reached at 651.264.9510 or you can email us at info@thegardensofcastlerock.com

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April242019NOCOMMENTS

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Wedding Decor, Wedding Planning

2019 Wedding Color Trends

Wedding color trends are largely influenced by wider color trends across various industries

 

A color pop of magenta and soft pink draping in The Lath House brings it all together.

The 2019 wedding season is officially upon us! As brides plan for their big day, one of the first things they decide on is their color scheme. While most brides don’t realize it, wedding color trends are largely influenced by wider color trends across various industries including home furnishings and industrial design. Every year, the Pantone Color Institute sifts through color influences worldwide, presents a Color of the Year and highlights other trending colors. Here are some Pantone-inspired color palettes that you can expect to see reflected in 2019 wedding color trends.

 

Spring color trends

Taking cues from springtime blooms, expect to see tones of blushes, wisteria, peony and desert rose. Metallics continue to maintain their popularity this year and a metallic gold will pair nicely with these softer hues. Following the 60-30-10 rule (60% primary color, 30% secondary color, 10% accent color), finish off this springy palette with a pop of emerald green, reflective of flower stems and emerging greenery.

Elegant white draping creates a romantic look while the emerald green of the table greenery makes this an authentic garden wedding.

 

Summer color trends

Ahhh…summertime. Everything is in full bloom and bright bold colors are everywhere in sight. Many brides will follow suit and celebrate this colorful season in a bold way! This year will usher in rich berries and violets while deep emeralds and deep sea will be popular primary and secondary choices. For accents and contrast, greys and buttercup will help soften bold colors and weave them together.

 

The accent of the dusty rose napkins stands out against the classic white palette with lush flowers and greenery.

Fall color trends

Fall in all its glory is quite a show-off and this fall will be no exception! Reflecting the golden and earthy tones of fall, this cozy color scheme showcases burnt yellow and orange while a natural green, slate blue and steely brown round out the palette. This scheme will be perfect for outdoor weddings with it’s woodsy, autumnal feel.

Burlap table runners and cotton twine macrame in earthy tones give a relaxed outdoor vibe.

 

Winter color trends

Winter weddings are a great opportunity to showcase the red hues! In the same way that dogwood and holly berries stand out amidst the snowy, sparkling winter landscape, this winter you can expect to see deep pomegranate reds accented with metallic silver. These colors will be woven together with a cool grey or blue for an elegant and seasonal look.

 

 

 

In addition to to choosing seasonal colors, many couples are also using their wedding color palette to create a cohesive guest experience. Everything from floral arrangements and bridal party attire to invitation suites, lounge furniture, candles, and signature cocktails can reflect the chosen color story. Coordinating wedding colors help tie everything together beautifully while giving the celebration a polished and memorable look.

Are you planning to tie the knot in 2019? We still have some openings! Give us a call at 651.264.9510 or email us at info@thegardensofcastlerock.com to learn more about The Gardens or to book a tour!

Burnt yellow and orange greenery along with an aisle of fresh fallen leaves creates a magical woodsy feel in the Lath House.

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