Ok so I could say a lot about this venue. Overall, I loved them, but there were a few things that could have been better. The picture here look pretty accurate and a good representation of the venue. There are some small changes to the ceremony background but all good things. One note, however, the arch is off center to the pavement/trees/standing area, so we had to spend a lot on asymmetrical arch florals to make it less noticeable. Our photographers were pros at making it look great but it was something I thought about a lot until the big day. They had a lot included in the venue package price, the food, the cake, the tables and all the dinnerware, and half the florals and they had a great recommendation list for the rest of the vendors. I would say that the venue is closer to the road than I expected so there is some traffic noise. They (and many of my vendors) kept referencing their sister property up the road, to the point that I almost wondered if I picked the wrong one by not seeing that one first. So that wasn't great. And we didn't get to take any leftovers. We got a few of our cake pieces (but not even from the original cake, but the extra guest pieces) so we literally got 2 bites of a cake that we spent a lot of time getting excited about and that was it. We didn't get any food to take at all, even though we paid for it, even though there was extra, even though they took our plates and put them aside for us for later. So I don't know what happened there and we were pretty bummed. We barely tasted the food we spent months picking and planning and then didn't get a chance to enjoy it later. I will say, ALL of my guests RAVED about the scallop potatoes. So I know the food was good, I just wish I got more of it. Otherwise, the backyard reception space is like a garden fairytale. It is all green and beautiful with twinkle lights and trees all around. The trees were probably my favorite part. And the inn house was such a fun element to the property. We got to get ready inside and take really gorgeous photos all over the property.
Not the bride just a wedding attendant and we have been to a dozen family and friends weddings in the last few years all at different venues and this was a beautiful and charming little venue, probably one of my favorites locally. The area is beautiful if you're not familiar with Forest hill it's got the rustic charm to it( it's in the gold mining hills of the 49 ER gold rush days) lots for your guests to do and see while visiting the area! With the weather this year the mosquitos were bad for a short while then it was too cold for them, a little confusing on entrances for parking, I would suggest signs if your hosting your day there. They had adequate parking and bathrooms, dinner was alright, appetizers were good, staff was polite and on que. Looked like they supplied many items to save on added rentals Their grounds are beautifully kept, foliage, trees, and florals growing there are beautiful displays as well. It's overall a romantic little venue not meant for a huge crowd in the wedding area but I could see how hard the staff worked to make the couples day very special indeed. Definitely worth checking into if you're planning your special day!
