Weddings In Rockford

Another Option For an Outdoor Wedding

Here is an option for an outdoor wedding that not too many people think about.  Williams Tree Farm.  Located at 4661 Yale Bridge Road in Rockton,  624-7579.  Family owned for over 60 years, they jumped into the wedding business 3 years ago when they built a waterfall garden.  Their lodge holds 300 people and has a beautiful fireplace that is just perfect for your pictures.  It has a rustic log cabin feel that is perfect for a ranch or northwoods themed wedding.  Make sure you tell them that you found them on my blog.

Waterpark Weddings

Fall and Winter in the Midwest leaves much to be desired when it comes to weddings.  Why not have your wedding at a waterpark?  Your friends and family will be all together and you can make a weekend of it.  Everyone will have plenty to do, even the guests who love to snowmobile and ski.  Let's take a look at some of the waterparks:

Great Wolf Lodge:  Has 80,000 square feet of waterpark, with 19 waterslides, a lazy river and more.

Kalahari Resorts:  Has 125,000 square feet of waterpark, an indoor theme park with a carousel and more.

Wilderness Resort:  Boasts that it has 250,000 square feet of waterpark, a lazy river, a water raft ride and a 15,000 square foot arcade.

CoCo Key Water Resort (Clock Tower):  The website was not very helpful with information.  Check and see for yourself.

Tell them you found them on my blog.  And let me know if the customer service was helpful.

Get Back to the Garden

Here is another beautiful garden that would be perfect to be married at.  Located on a hillside overlooking Galena, Illinois, Linmar Gardens would be absolutely perfect for an intimate outdoor wedding.  With 3 1/2 acres you wouldn't run out of places to take the perfect picture.  For more information:  Linmar Gardens or call (815)777-1177.  Tell them you found them on my blog.

Special Wedding Package From Quality Suites

Quality Suites, located at 7401 Walton Street in Rockford, IL.  Have two special wedding packages that they would like brides and grooms to know about.  Here's the information that i have:  All inclusive package prices available, 10 - 15 guests $1000, 15 - 25 guests $1500.  Includes honeymoon suite, music, decorations, minister, food, first Champagne toast for all guests and special room rate for guests.  For more information call (815)227-1300.  Tell them you found them on my blog.

Verdi Club another hidden gem in the stateline area

For over 85 years the Verdi Club has taken pride over the numerous wedding receptions they have hosted.  Located at 728 North Madison in Rockford, right on the riverfront, they have a beautiful waterfront view to show your guests.  Call 968-8119 for pricing and availability.

Hidden gem for your reception

The community building complex of Boone County was built in 1939 next to the old Belvidere High School as an auditorium and gymnasium.  The building has been preserved, renovated and improved with the installation of new heating and air conditioning systems, modern rest rooms including fully-accessible rest rooms for the handicapped, and elevator and a complete catering kitchen conveniently located adjacent to the downstairs banquet room.  The venue is located at 111 West First Street in Belvidere and the phone number is 547-3928.

Franchesco's Is Finally Open!

Having been in the restaurant business since 1986 they know a thing or two about serving great food in a wonderful atmosphere.  They also have the room to do wonderful wedding receptions.  Franchesco's is finally open to the public and i cannot wait to try out the new chef.  I do know that they will do a fantastic job of taking care of you if you do decide to have your reception there.  They are located at 7128 Perry Creek Parkway in Rockford and the phone number is 229-0800.

A Beautiful Historic Wedding Chapel For Your Ceremony

Unfortunately there is no website to go to and see how beautiful it really is.  The pictures i have seen are absolutely beautiful.  Here is the information that i have:  It is a beautifully restored 1857 antebellum church located at; 211 North Division Street in Polo, Illinois.  Contact Christina Lee-Grogan or Jim O' Connor at (815)440-6877.  Jim and Christina acquired the church in October of 2006 and have exquisitely restored it.  The church amenities include:  Large chapel seating of 200+, ministers on staff, landscaped grounds, air-conditioning and period furnishings.  Let them know that you found them on blog.

Thinking Outside The Box

Hello ladies, Mrs. C here.  I hope all of your planning is going well.  Here are three venues that you do not normally think of when you think of weddings.  Check them out, i think you will be pleasantly surprised.

Our first spotlight is on Burpee Museum.  It is large enough for 100 people or you can rent out the entire space for larger weddings.  They also have a seperate room for cocktail hour.  For more information visit their website or call:  965-3433.

Our second spotlight is on Tinker Swiss Cottage.  The private room will hold up to 50 people and the beautiful grounds are available for small or large outdoor weddings.  There also is a dressing area available for the bridal party.  For more information go to their website or call 964-2424.

Our third spotlight is on Coronado Performing Arts Center.  They have room for up to 2000 people.  With the beautiful decor and the rich history, you cant go wrong here.  Call 968-2722 x-17 or go to their website for more information.

I Don't Need A Wedding Planner, They Have One Onsite

I have heard this alot lately and to be quite honest with you i am tired of hearing it.  Yes, your reception venue has an onsite wedding planner but it is not the kind of wedding planner you are thinking of.  The onsite wedding planner is working for the venue not for you.  They are there to sell you the venue.  Once you have picked out your reception package and you have paid your down payment that's it.  You can ask for recommendations on florists and other vendors but they are not going to spend an hour on the phone answering the many questions you may have about colors, etiquette and invitation wording.  And they really don't have to, that is not their job.  That's my job.  They will not be at the ceremony location to make sure your flower arrangements for the altar have arrived.  They will not be there with an emergency kit with black socks for the groomsman who lost his.  They will not be there to coax a flowergirl and ringbearer down the aisle.  And they will not be there until the last dance has been danced, because that is not their job.  It's my job, it's what i do.  And i absolutely love my job.  I love the craziness, the excitement, the love that is in the air at a wedding, the mom(s) crying, the dad(s) crying, the flowers, the food, the dancing, the music and the exhaustion at the end of the job.  I love everything about weddings.