The First Wedding Decision We Made

When Mr. Manatee and I first started talking about we wanted for our wedding, I had a few reasonably clear ideas, but a lot of fuzzy desires too. Manatee was adamant about only two things.

1. That we get married in a church.
2. That there be an open bar! 

I thought these were awesome terms, so we began planning! Our first priority when it came to decisions, like most other couples, was for our venue. The venue pretty much sets the tone for the whole wedding, and I feel its the detail all other details are planned around.

Living in Arlington and Mansfield most of my conscious life, I'd occasionally drive past a huge house with a beautiful courtyard garden and twinkling lights. I always thought it looked like something out of a movie.  One day I drove past and realized it was a restaurant and hotel, with a banner across the front advertising brunch. I filed it away in my brain and commented wistfully to whoever was in the car with me at the time that I was going to stay there one day. Soon after we got engaged, I drove past it again and a bell rang in my head. I circled it several times, checking it out. They probably thought I was casing the place. Not too long after, during a venue search on theknot.com, I spotted it! I had no idea it hosted weddings! I was on this idea like white on rice, and soon enough I was exchanging emails with the wedding coordinator. I was immediately smitten. The Sanford House was reasonably priced, had rooms for our guests (although only 12) and was unbelievably beautiful.

Images via The Blooming Bride, Photo by Bella Pop Photography

For some reason, a few days before putting a deposit down, I started getting cold feet. Had I looked at enough places? Was I making the right decision? Manatee didn't have any clear ideas about what he wanted for reception space, but when we went to visit it, he loved it too. The Sanford House was slightly above our price range, but at that point we didnt have much of an idea about budget. They did, however, have amazing per-person prices on Manatee's open-bar demand. The courtyard held up to 250 people, was less than a mile away from our University, and it was gorgeous! Our reception would be outside, and because of our June 1st wedding date, we were concerned. However, the courtyard was almost completely shaded due to all the huge trees surrounding it. The cons were as follows:

1. An expensive rain plan ($1000 dollars for a tent!) We also weren't in love with the tent when we saw it set up for another wedding.
2. We had to use their caterer (that we hadnt tried yet)
3. Slightly above price range
4. Outdoors in potentially sweltering weather

 I floundered for a little while, and checked out a few other options.

Was it love at first sight for your venue? Did you end up checking a few others before taking the plunge?