Weddingbee Blog

I just can’t get enough of our venue! The Tribute holds 2 bridal open houses a year where brides and their families can see the venue set up for a wedding, taste some food and meet with preferred vendors. With our 25 month engagement it’s safe to say I’ve been to more than one.

As we drove up to the venue, we decided to head to the back where the gazebo is to test out the length of our DIY tissue paper pomanders. I think they look great and will add some color to the ceremony area.

Please note that this open house was in February—the grass will be a lot greener in April

We headed inside to check in and begin scouting some areas for the escort cards, gifts, guest book, and musicians for the cocktail hour.

Imagine this table with our wonderful travel themed escort cards

A great place for the musicians for the cocktail hour

We headed into the ballroom, which is plan B for the ceremony if the weather isn’t on our side. If there’s rain, we’ll get married in front of this romantic fireplace.

They set up all of the tables with different linens and centerpieces showcasing some of the items that are included in our package and others that would be upgrades. Our planner is a preferred vendor at the Tribute, so we got a chance to talk with her about ideas for centerpieces (since she will be doing all our of florals).

Probably change the green hydrangeas for blue and possibly white, and the branches to bamboo sticks.

Love this submerged low centerpiece! We would probably change some of the white flowers for green versions.

Love the color

After looking at some of the tablescapes, we headed for the food. Everything tasted great, and Mom & Dad Elephant and I picked our top three favorites to put in the race for our butler passed apps. We’re leaning towards the golden coconut shrimp with plum sauce, chicken teriyaki skewers, and spinach spanakopita. I also made a stop at the carving station and mashed potato bar.

Carving station goodness

Dad & me enjoying some of the food

After some eats we headed upstairs to snap some pictures of the bridal suite and the room that the guys will get ready in.

Can’t wait to get some great pictures on those stairs!

The room that the girls will get ready in, and where Mr. E and I will spend the night after the wedding.

Mama Elephant in the guys’ getting ready room

And a couple shots outside

Practicing the walk

Love my parents! (And look, green grass!)

Did your venue hold any events prior to your wedding that allowed you to envision your big day?