07/01/2024
What a magical wedding day it was yesterday! With a forecast that threatened rain, we still were able to experience our outdoor woodland ceremony which was truly unforgettable this past Saturday. Thanks to our incredible leader and owner, Kate, who doubles as our venue coordinator and catering manager, we were able to make our client's dream wedding a reality.
Throughout the week leading up to the big day, Kate monitored the weather closely, and when rain seemed imminent, she and our dedicated team sprang into action. We had extra precautions in place, like applying multiple coats of polyurethane to our natural wood benches earlier in the week, getting our generator out just in case, and ensuring reception tent sides were up, and having our rain day ceremony plan ready to go.
Kate has implemented plans to safeguard against such rare occurrences over the last several years. Many venue owners overlook and do not plan for extreme weather, but not Kate. She's continually transformed the venue over these last few years—adding concrete patios and a 44 X 88 tent concrete pad, walkways, golf cart transportation, tent generators, and more—all to prepare for the unexpected!
On the morning of the wedding, it poured. But Kate's vigilance paid off: just hours before the ceremony, she noticed a 50% chance of a break in the weather at 1:30 pm—mere hours before the ceremony began. Other venues make you decide 1-2 days prior to your outdoor ceremony where it's going to happen - but at Hillcrest we are as flexible as possible! With swift coordination, our team moved the ceremony setup back to our woodland spot, wiped down benches, and made final preparations. Staff stayed out at that ceremony and continually wiped benches every time a sprinkle of rain touched them. Guests gathered under the tent until the rain cleared just minutes before the ceremony, then proceeded to the woodland ceremony spot as planned. The result? A beautiful, heartfelt ceremony surrounded by nature, exactly as our clients had hoped.
Afterwards, as guests enjoyed cocktail hour in our ballroom, Kate and her team transformed the reception tent area into a picture-perfect space, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor elements and dismantling tent sidewalls without guests noticing.
What sets our venue apart? It's Kate's unwavering dedication and personal touch. This isn't just a business for her; it's her passion and her home (for her entire life - 35 years folks)! She goes above and beyond to ensure every wedding is as special as if it were her own, handling everything from venue planning and preparation to ex*****on. Unlike at other venues, where owners aren't your coordinator, manager, or involved in planning timelines to floorplans, at The Hillcrest Estate, you get that personalized attention from someone with a background in client services, project management, and years of event expertise. But more importantly, you get someone who doesn't treat YOUR event like it's just a business transaction, you get someone who will treat your event like it's their own - because YOU are how we get to share and experience this beautiful property with our family and friends, and yours. Kate understands that living, sharing and experiencing this beautiful place is only possible by ensuring every event is as seamless as possible!
If you're looking for a venue where your dreams are not just met but exceeded, look no further than The Hillcrest Estate. Our team will ensure your special day is everything you've imagined and more.
We will share more photos from our five weddings this June once we get those galleries from our clients!