Tour Guide

Tours are scheduled for 20 minutes with 10 minutes in between each tour. Guests sometimes come 5-10 minutes early, but other times are a bit late. People often come in multiple cars since a mom might meet the bride and groom, all coming from different places.

Normally there is no follow-up needed after the tour. Sometimes we provide our recommendation list/accommodations in the area if they request to see that.

Below is helpful information and conversation points. It is good to familiarize yourself with our website information. It outlines the guest count, package prices, and other details. You are welcome to provide the tour in the most natural flow for you.

Welcome/small talk (I usually ask where they are coming from or when they got engaged) And I usually make some joke about how they have all their decision makers along if they show up with a few people.

Property Tour

Start at entrance driveway

·      For the event day, it is a clearly marked entrance with parking assistance who direct traffic to park in the space here (if asked, let them know that we simply direct traffic and not valet park). We also have an assistant supporting the day so that as vendors come, we make sure they are all set-up correctly and supported throughout the event. Our assistant also keeps the space tidy and functioning well and helps with set-up needs.

·      The little barn out there is what we call the “photography barn” since it is great for photos and we simply don’t trust it for anything else (they ALWAYS laugh at that…) We have vines that grow up it and the bushes out front look nice framing a set of steps which is almost always shaded so it makes for a great first look backdrop or portraits. A lot of people start the days activities out there but it is obviously up to the photographers discretion.

·      You will see apple trees around the entire space and then out here we have our cherry trees which are just a lot more mature so that is often the backdrop for the ceremony. If you can image walking down the aisle toward those trees there and often people but a cross or an arbor to ground the center of it. We handle all the set-up of chairs and determining how many to set-up along with all the tables and other furniture you see over there. The space is paved throughout except out to the ceremony so we do allow for guests to drive out and drop off handicap members. The handicap parking is here along with an accessible entrance to bathrooms inside. We also have chairs with arm rests to support.

·      The pavilion here is helpful for a back-up option in the case of poor weather (if they seem concerned I let them know we do have panels for the sides but we avoid them at all costs since they are ugly and flap in the wind haha) This back-up gives peace of mind in planning and isn’t discussed as a plan B until the week of if necessary. The pavilion is great for happy hour, usually with the cocktail tables throughout, and appetizer table in the center and then yard games in the space here if that is the vibe you are going for. And then half of our weddings actually use this space at the end of the night as the dance floor so its real fun lit up at night. We help you in a planning session to determine the flow of your day and what is right for your wedding since the open space is better for if you want hangout vibes or if you know people are coming to really dance. Some who do dancing outside still have their first dance and cake cutting in the barn which makes for great photos and allows guests to watch while finishing dinner.

·      You can see the patio space back there which is where we have a fireplace lit if you would like. It is optional but nice for guests who don’t want to dance but would still like to hang out. Some people even incorporate a smores bar

·      And then two bathrooms for the event are right inside the door there along with an additional bathroom on the main floor for bridal party access.

·      On the outside of the barn patio, that is often where we place things like the bar, guest book table, seating chart, or welcome signs. We often have the bar in the pavilion if happy hour and dancing is out there. Otherwise we place it outside the barn if dancing is in the barn to make is accessible during happy hour but close to the dance floor. We find that anyone will make the difference for a drink.

·      And then inside here is the reception space. (give them a second to take it in) We work with you to determine the right floor plan, but it is commonly set-up to have the bridal party at the front here and then guest tables are mirrored on both sides. We aim for 120 guests plus bridal party, but we are well aware that it can be difficult to predict how many guests will come and are able to support a bit more than 120 if needed. Down the center is often where the buffet tables are placed which are then broken down for a first dance, cake cutting, and then full dancing if you are having that inside rather than the pavilion. All lighting and fabric is permanent installation and we do allow you to decorate the space how you would like. Behind the head table it is common to hang like your last name or lights or frames, people get creative with it.

·      In terms of vendors, we are open to any vendors and also have a recommendation list to help you find some great options in the area. The only requirement is that the caterer is licensed with the state of Michigan and has their own insurance along with the bartender meeting those requirements as well. We have a list of vendors that are great to work with and helpful in your planning, but there are also so many great creatives in the area. We also provide communication packets to simplify the logistics on your end with vendors so for the DJ we make sure they understand the space, provided set-up, wifi password, where outlets are located, and things like that so that you don’t have to worry about those details.

·      The only “hidden fee” or add on is the requirement for you to also secure event insurance. Its like $150 online and common with any venue you go with. We do help in that process of securing insurance as well.

·      You may take a few photos if you like. If there aren’t any questions we can take a look at the inside of the inn.

(On the way to the house) So the main floor is included in every package. It has general living spaces, a kitchen, and a bridal getting ready room. The upstairs are where the bedrooms are for the overnight full weekend package. The biggest difference between packages I would say is obviously the space to sleep but beyond that the additional day for set-up really changes the feeling of the weekend and just taking off some of the logistics to hangout with close friends and family, have a rehearsal dinner onsite and things like that.

House Tour

·      So inside here is just general space which is great for putting out breakfast, lunch, putting together bouquets, or whatever. And then the kitchen here is available as well which is great for breakfast and lunch prep and then also available to the caterer as a space for prep and bussing. It just means more caterers will work with you, although some caterers still work out of their truck right out here which is totally fine too. Its just available if they want it.

·      And then if you follow me this way, there are more common areas and often the hangout for bridesmaids. You would be surprised how much of the wedding day can be spent inside and so these spaces end up being a big portion of the morning along with the getting ready room. Whether you have stylists come in or not, it is a great spot to get ready, this is used to hang the dresses and there is music throughout so its just a fun vibe.

·      For even the single day packages, we do allow for groomsmen to use a bedroom upstairs to get ready. There is a back stairwell so that they can avoid the bridesmaids entirely so that they do not need to be shut away in a room the whole day.

·      And then if you are interested in the full weekend option, we can take a peak upstairs.

(If interested in full weekend): It was a bed and breakfast previously so most bedrooms have a bathroom connected to it. It is commonly the bridesmaids sleeping over but could be guests if you wanted. You can just take a peak around here. You will see four bedrooms and four bathrooms. There are beds for 10 but we allow for up to 12 and even have an air mattress available. We just aren’t trying to have the whole wedding sleep over (if they look concerned for more you can say we can be flexible by a little if you have more in your bridal party) (I usually don’t follow them around as they peak around upstairs).

We head downstairs and I address any questions they have). If they cant think of any, I usually offer the information from the FAQs still. I then let them know they can reach out with any additional questions or to move forward.

FAQs

·      Rentals - We do offer rentals such as flower girl baskets, cake cutting set, games, and things that most people do not want to run around town to collect. It is purely a way to support the event and none of it is required. People have their own style or caterers provide plates already, or you may already own games. Our inventory is just available as desired.

·      How to book - all of it can be done virtually. It just take confirmation of both the bride and grooms names and email address along with chosen date/package. From there, a contract can be sent for virtual signing and booking deposit of $1500.

·      Payment plan - we do $1,500 down with half the remaining due 6 months before and the rest 30 days before. It means we do not hold their money and you can assess the times as the date approaches.

·      Pets - we do allow for pets for the ceremony and pictures. We do require a caretaker is assigned and pets are taken offsite after the ceremony, not left in a car. We have had a dog run away due to the commotion of a wedding so we do make sure they are properly taken care of.

·      Timeline of the day - It depends on the package, but the single day packages provide access in the morning between 8-10 a.m. depending on the day (Sundays are the later time for access). Last call is at 10 p.m. to prevent drunk driving and entertainment done by 11 p.m. with hopes to have others offsite by midnight to ensure our own staff can go home. The full weekend allows for access on Friday at 1:00, often is set-up before the rehearsal, and then the event the following day and exit on Sunday morning.

·      Services we provide - we do have an assistant present for the entire event. He/she is mostly there to ensure that the space is functioning well, we are able to guide vendors and support them throughout the event, and make sure trash and bathrooms are taken care of. We also provide furniture set-up/tear down but does not include placing decor/rental items unless specifically called out as “set-up included” in our rentals. Our assistant is not keeping the bridal party on schedule or cutting the cake or things like that, but the venue does run smoothly without a hired professional to guide the day. (We are happy to work with coordinators and can even provide recommendations if you are looking for that).

·      We not not have an issue with bugs since the orchards are regulated and sprayed periodically

·      We not not have sound restrictions

Helpful info:

If they ask about date availability, you can let them know it is the same as the dates provided by email. If they seem to want indication of timing to book, let them know that we do not pressure anyone to move forward in the booking process, but that our fall is already full and other seasons have limited availability in 2024. That is just the reality of the time of year.

There is a golf course nearby that sometimes groomsmen spend the morning at while the ladies get ready. There is also a nearby lake with airbnbs. There is also a new hotel going in about 10 minutes away in Ada - finished in 2023

A night cannot be reserved without the full weekend. We are able to offer additional nights stays to the full weekend package for $350 a night but are not able to offer that to single day packages. (would be nice to know if a guest does ask that since I may be able to work with them, especially if they are trying to stay on a Thursday night or a Sunday night…)