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| Grace Winery is the perfect first-time place to use your new name... MRS. :) |
Silken
tents with fairy lights draping like falling stars...vintage decor from
simpler days...tea-stained lace...country barns, garden courtyards and
vineyards at sunset...these are the places that call out to romantics of
all ages.
From
a Log Cabin to a Delaware River Yacht Club -- refill
your glass and let's start this tour in the
heart of the Brandywine Valley...
Next to 'rustic chic' in the dictionary should be a picture of this amazing vineyard and inn, nestled in Brandywine Country...
The
property's Georgian Manor House was built in the 1730's...a barn was
raised about 20 years later. And in 2008 a winery was born, and already
vintages are in huge demand.
Wedding ceremonies typically take place in their Sweetwater
Woods Outdoor Amphitheater, but some couples have chosen to marry in
the homestead's front circle - in the back meadow - and under the trees
overlooking the vineyard.
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| COOL FACT: Grace Winery was named after the owner's Aunt: Princess Grace of Monaco (formerly our own Grace Kelly!) |
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| The blend of wood and stone is both simple and elegant. |
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| With the Brandywine woods as your ceremonial backdrop...it's like Mother Nature herself, is attending! |
Grace Winery's Dinner Chef, Scott Megill uses local ingredients to create sensational meals.
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| Chef Megill in the herb garden... |
The Inn at Grace uses select caterers for weddings, but for rehearsal dinners, showers and bridal luncheons the Inn's Chef Mcgill, prepares the meals.
As you can see, Chef Megill takes a very personal, hands on interest in finding and growing the freshest, most flavorful local ingredients possible.
He's currently crafting wine pairing menus to create tasty meals that bring out not only the special 'Brandywine' notes in the wine...but enhances the flavor and enjoyment of the food he serves.
Grace Winery Specifics
LOCATED: IN THE BRANDYWINE
Reception Seating Capacity: Maximum 140
Largest Ballroom: Barn Maximum 140
Other rooms: Winery Hall Center Aisle from 11-30
Special options:
Included in the fee are valet service, benches for the ceremony,
grounds for photography exclusive to Grace Winery weddings, and a venue
coordinator
Wedding Caterers: They have a list of exclusive caterers from which the bride and groom can choose.
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| Steal a few quiet moments to cozy-up on a shaded stone wall with bridal party friends. |
Vendor: EventQuip for tent rental
Caterers: Garces Events, Brandywine Prime, Brulee Catering, Feastivities amd 12th Street Caterers
Rehearsal Dinner Chef: Chef Scott Megill
Chef Megill's personal favorite menu item – A seasonally inspired 5 course tasting menu paired with Grace Winery estate wine.
For Wedding Photos: They offer 50 fabulous acres in the heart of the Brandywine Valley...pick your favorite place!Wedding contact: You will love working with Farrell Leo, Innkeeper and Event Coordinator, pictured left. Warm, friendly and committed to making your wedding run as smooth as the wines they make here!
In fact...why not use bottles of Grace wines as your guest gift?
Website: www.gracewinery.com
Mailing Address: 50 Sweetwater Road Glen Mills, PA 19342
Phone: 610-459-4711
Toll free: 800-SWEETWATER
History
buffs come to explore the famous Brandywine Battlefield...Art lovers
flock to the renowned Brandywine River Museum of Art...and people in
love celebrate their I Do's at the The Gables.
Surrounded
by historic grounds and architecture with a rustic bank barn dating
back to 1897, The Gables offers understated country elegance for both
ceremonies and receptions. In 2012, owners Ann and Dan Kolenick proudly
added a breathtaking party terrace (pictured below) that is the ideal
spot for your wedding.
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| This open-air terrace features landscaped gardens, a tiered fountain and a waterfall nestled in the stone wall, a the ceremony site. |
And—if
the weather fails to cooperate, it can be tented on short notice to
host your ceremony and is 
easily converted to accommodate your receptions.
The entire party can also be relocated to the bank barn, a dramatic space with a genuine country vibe with high ceilings, exposed beams, huge windows and a dedicated bar area for creating just-the-right atmosphere.
The versatile second floor banquet room has a separate entrance, a raised gabled ceiling, an entire wall of French windows and a private bar area.
easily converted to accommodate your receptions.
The entire party can also be relocated to the bank barn, a dramatic space with a genuine country vibe with high ceilings, exposed beams, huge windows and a dedicated bar area for creating just-the-right atmosphere.
The versatile second floor banquet room has a separate entrance, a raised gabled ceiling, an entire wall of French windows and a private bar area.
Focusing on the Perfect Bite
The Gables is not only one of the most sought after party spots - it's one of the most popular restaurants in the area. Why? I'm not a very good cook, but even I can tell it boils down to talent, skill, and 100% commitment to the 'perfect bite.'
This
uncompromising attitude starts with Chef Dave Wenerd and his great
kitchen-corps, who put as much effort into their burgers and fried green
tomatoes...as they do whipping up a Wood Fire Filet Mignon, Blackened
Wild Salmon or the slow roasted Duck Breast.
The same commitment goes into preparing your wedding menu and every plate that is served to your guests.
The same commitment goes into preparing your wedding menu and every plate that is served to your guests.
About Chef Wenerd...
A chef is more than his training -- so here's a peek at the man behind the food:
A chef is more than his training -- so here's a peek at the man behind the food:
Funniest kitchen incident? Dave: Any time I dance. (Apparently he dances in the kitchen, but it sounds like you shouldn't encourage him to dance at your wedding :)
What do you do for fun? Dave: Softball leagues and play around with my 3-legged dog Scrappy Doo. (Gotta love a guy who loves his dog!)
Where do you get inspiration for the dishes you create? Dave:
I think about what's in season, then how to elevate it with the
simplest ingredients...using color, shape, texture…it has to taste
good!
The Gables: Best of the Main Line Restaurant!
Perfect for Weddings, showers, bridal luncheons and rehearsal dinners - it is also an award-winning restaurant! They
serve fresh seasonal cuisine, both indoors and al fresco on the
enchanting patio. Guests also enjoy cocktails in the lounge while
listening to great musicians or live piano every Friday and Saturday
evening.
The Gables Specifics
LOCATED: IN THE BRANDYWINE
The Gables Specifics
LOCATED: IN THE BRANDYWINE
Outdoor Capacity: 140 guests
Indoor Capacity: 140 guests - Reserve your date as soon as possible.
Special amenities: Tenting,
WiFi, projector, microphone and screen -- and there's a Bridal Suite
dressing room with complimentary light refreshments for the bridal party
for ceremonies held on the grounds.
Rental fees: Reasonable
rates vary with the season, day of the week and time of day. FYI: Their
weekday rates, in particular, can’t be beat.
Rental includes: Standard
white table linens, napkins, china, glassware, flatware, tea light
candles, use of the outdoor terrace, room set-up and clean-up.
Ceremony Fee: Very
reasonable and includes white folding chairs, ceremony tent insurance,
set-up, break-down and use of the terrace and wedding suite.
Date Availability: The Gables Wedding Page The Gables - Suggested Vendors List
Wedding Contact: Kelly Donahue, Banquet Manager Website: The Gables at Chadds Ford Address: 423 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford, PA 19317 Phone: 610-388-7700
The popular MTV Unplugged series has always been a favorite of mine...creating a place where the biggest names in music can strip it down, letting the lyrics and the voice take center stage.
Each performance is like being in church. The loud is gone. The artist is at his most vulnerable...and the songs seem more personal.
If that's how you envision your wedding, the Log Cabin at Newlin Grist Mill is just what you're looking for...
This is a true rustic beauty, with history in every bone.
Newly renovated, it features period decor, a stone fireplace, bathroom and kitchen area. Rental includes the use of 5 6-ft tables and 50 chairs inside the cabin.
You can also use several picnic tables located just outside of the cabin, under a canopy of tall trees next to a picturesque stream.
State Street in Media features an amazing restaurant row of globally inspired eateries, including French, Italian, Middle Eastern, Spanish, Mexican, Asian, Eastern European, Irish and American. Almost all of these places would be happy to prepare your basket fare.
Pick a single country's cuisine...or order from several places - then visit a flea market or thrift store for the baskets. Tie ribbons to them (in your wedding colors) and make handwritten tags with different funny anecdotes about you and your groom. (The funnier the better!)
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| Kick up your heels and be yourself! Especially if the heels are red...pink...yellow...or any color that shouts 'you!' |
Task a friend or relative to pick up the food, fill the baskets and get them to park.
Place 2 or 3 on each picnic table - and you'll give your rustic wedding a delicious country-style twist that is tasty, personal, and reasonably priced!
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| Newlin Grist Mill at sunset... |
Log Cabin Specifics
LOCATED: IN THE BRANDYWINE
Availability: The cabin can be rented April-October for an 8-hour block of time between 9 am and midnight.Cost: $300, plus $100 refundable security deposit
Maximum capacity: The cabin holds 50 people but larger wedding parties can be accommodated with the use of tents nearby.
Location: Over the bridge behind the Visitor Center parking area
Website: Newlin Grist Mill
Address: 219 South Cheyney Road l Glen Mills, PA 19342
Phone: 610.459.2359
NOTE: Alcohol is not permitted anywhere on the property.
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| The Spillway at Newlin Grist Mill. |
The Grist Mill and the surrounding 160-acre park draw visitors from all over the mid-Atlantic. It had a huge impact not only on the local economy, but on American history! Built in the 17th century, it produced grains that fed our Colonial army during the Revolutionary War...and Civil War troops as well. Until 1941 it's grain production helped strengthened the economy by exporting products to international markets around the world.
The Old Mill is a rustic gem located in Rose Valley, just minutes from the County-seat town of Media...with lavish outdoor gardens, stone walls and a Secret Garden-like Courtyard.
Nestled
in the serene woods of Rose Valley, near Media, The Old Mill is ideally
situated on the banks of the Ridley Creek adjoining a 12-acre wildlife
and bird sanctuary.A tented terrace, wild roses and gurgling streams provide boundless ambiance without the structure of an indoor setting. There are several places to consider for your ceremony site.
The natural flow from the grounds to the distinctive interior allows you and your guests to roam easily, from the courtyard, to the terrace, to the ballroom.
The site features an exclusive caterer -- Conner Catering. They're known for hosting romantic and memorable celebrations.Your Hosts...
Husband and Wife team Donald and Jeanne Conner are behind today’s Conner Catering, Inc. Still family-owned and operated, Donald and Jeanne take a hands-on approach and personally oversee each and every event.
Click on the video below to hear Donald and Jean tell you their own personal love story ... and how it has shaped their dedication to making sure your day happens just how you envision it!
Conner Catering Video
Perfect Planning
Donald personally meets with every client allowing little room for mistakes. No special request or difficult location is ever a problem – he welcomes the challenge with enthusiasm!
Passionate Execution
Jeanne oversees all kitchen operations, producing incredible food with some original twists to time-honored traditions which allows clients the choice to be daring, or to stay within their comfort zone and remain tastefully traditional.
Whether an intimate garden wedding with family and a few of your closest friends - or a lavish event with several hundred guests, The Old Mill is a graceful setting.
The stage is raised and holds dozens of musicians...and the dance floor is spacious and ready for guests to cut loose!
You can even personalize the event site by bringing in with your own decorating team.
The Specifics
LOCATED: ON OUR MAIN STREETS
Seating Capacity: 250
End time for all events: 11:30pm
Wedding Contact: Donald Conner
Telephone: (610) 892-0141
Fax: (610) 520-0218
Email: caterdon@aol.com
Website: The Old Mill
Address: Rose Valley Rd, Media, PA 19063
Phone: (610) 892-0141
Nearby hotels and inns:
Hamanassett Bed and Breakfast
Courtyard by Marriott Springfield
Days Inn Springfield
The Inn at Swarthmore
Marriott Springhill Suites at PHL
If
being by the water is a spiritual thing for you, choose a place with
breathtaking floor-to-ceiling views of the Delaware River!
Joining
your celebration by day, is the sun-dappled Delaware River - a great
backdrop for gorgeous photos. Watch ships glide by from the spacious
dining room porch or from under the shady awning of a waterside lawn
tent.
And by night, the moonlit Commodore Barry Bridge sets the stage for fun, romance, music and dancing.
Love to sail?
It
gets even better! The Corinthian is also a maritime museum containing
one of the region's largest private collections of maritime art.
Half-hull models, paintings and prints are displayed throughout the
newly renovated clubhouse.
Elegant
dining areas can be configured for parties large or small. Plus there's
a lounge for intimate gatherings, a bar with flat screen TV, and WiFi
access throughout the facility.
And the food is
almost as famous as it's gorgeous river-view setting -- and there's a
wide range of menus to choose from, all tastefully prepared and
beautifully presented.
Remember the opening picture for this blog? The bridal party standing on a yacht deck? Talk about taking fun pictures! This is the place...
Remember the opening picture for this blog? The bridal party standing on a yacht deck? Talk about taking fun pictures! This is the place...
The Specifics:
Reception Seating Capacity:
Contact Person: Greg Raschdorf, CCM, General Manager
LOCATED: ON THE RIVERSIDE
The Corinthian Yacht Club
Address: 300 W. 2nd Street, Essington, PA 19029
Phone: (610) 521-4705
Web site: Corinthian Yacht Club
Nearby hotels and inns:
Holiday Inn Express in Essington
Holiday Inn Express in Essington
Clarion Hotel in Essington
Marriott Springhill Suites, Ridley (At PHL)
Best Western at PHL
Days Inn Springfield
Red Roof Inn in Esstington
Marriott Springhill Suites, Ridley (At PHL)
Best Western at PHL
Days Inn Springfield
Red Roof Inn in Esstington
Just
16 miles from center city Philly, on 2,600 acres of rolling meadows and
woodlands stands the deliciously romantic Hunting Hill Mansion-house...
This
sprawling English-Tudor style mansion not only hosts weddings, but is
used by brides all over the county as a great place to take wedding
photos.
About the Property
Hunting
Hill Mansion is a 1789 Pennsylvania stone farm house that was updated
in 1914 to include a Ballroom, the Grand Staircase Room, the Park Office
Reception area, the Bride’s Room, kitchen facilities, and the second
floor offices.
The architectural style of the entire park itself, is based on the Hunting Hill Mansion-house. The gray stone facade is repeated on all of the structures - and the original property owners also maintained about 2,000 acres of lawn and forest including several formal gardens, horse stables and trails, which can still be seen today.
The
park is home to hundreds of large trees, some dating back to colonial
times. Oak, beech, walnut, maple, sycamore, hickory and tulip poplar
dominate the tree canopy. Dogwood, spicebush and witch hazel trees make a
colorful understory to the forest.
Ben Franklin is Your Oldest Wedding guest... Near the Mansion you will find the most rare and unique tree in the entire park: the Franklin Tree (Franklinia alatamaha). Short in stature, it has large, shiny leaves that turn orange and red in the fall. Large, white flowers bloom in early autumn.
COOL FACT: In
1765, noted botanists John and William Bartram discovered the
Franklinia species growing in one spot in Georgia. A decade later,
William collected seeds and planted them in Philadelphia. By 1803 the
last Franklinia was extinct in the wild. All Franklin trees today are
descendents of the first trees propagated by the Bartrams, and named for
their friend Ben Franklin.
Hunting Hill Mansion Specifics
LOCATED: IN THE BRANDYWINE
LOCATED: IN THE BRANDYWINE
Wedding Space: Tennis Yard (400 guests), Steps to Formal Gardens (150 guests), or Overlook (60 guests).
Ballroom capacity: 150 guessts seated, without dance space.
Amenities Provided: Tables -- 15 Rounds (that seat 10), 6 rectangular tables, 3 36" rounds
150
Chairs, Bride's Room, Kitchen facility for approved caterers only,
Exclusive use of the South Patio, On-site coordinator, indoor and
outdoor restrooms
Wedding Contact: Call 610-892-3908 to speak with the event coordinator.
Special notes: Only
one wedding can take place each day -- Rehearsal space/time is not
guaranteed, so check with your on-site coordinator for availability.
Kitchen facilities are for approved caterers only.
Address: 1023 Sycamore Mills Rd, Media, PA 19063
Phone: 610-892-3908
Nearby hotels and inns: Brandywine River Hotel