March 27th, 2010, Dinner & Dancing at Glen Echo Park
In continuing with Miss Glen Echo's Five Basic Things, I will introduce you all to the final two tidbits: the "when" and the "where."
The "when" was somewhat a contentious issue. Mr. Glen Echo and I got engaged September 08 and I really wanted to the wedding October 2009. Mr. Glen Echo's brother, however, had plans to go to China and you cannot have a wedding without a best man...so that got nixed.
Anytime before October 09 would have not been enough time for us to save money, and I just did not want a winter wedding. So, we then thought about dates in 2010...but there was one issue...I REALLY wanted to get married before I turned 30. Now, I do not say this to imply that there are any problems with getting married after 30, or 40, or 50 or 100! Do you! I, however, just had some mental block in my mind about it. That meant the wedding needed to happen before April 1, 2010 (yes, I am an April Fools Day baby, ya'll).
So, that pretty much left the month of March. March in the DMV is quite an unpredictable month. I felt to be on the safe side, we should be as close to the spring as possible...hence March 27th, 2010. The good thing about this date is that, for our venue, it is the last weekend to get the lower "off season" rate before the true wedding season of April through October starts. The drawback is that I would not have the outdoor wedding that I always wanted...
The "where" however, was not as hard for us. I will now make a confession, that I hope I am not alone on...I started researching this wedding BEFORE we got engaged. I know, I was quite presumptious. But, I knew he was the one, I knew it was coming...so I figured I would just be prepared. In my research, I came across this lovely place
(source)
This is Newt0n White Mansion in Mitchellville, MD. I visited this place before we were engaged and thought it would be perfect for us. I liked the location and loved the price (plus the discount for living in Prince George's County). I made note...and just waited for the ring.
In the meantime, I read about some classes at Glen Echo Park in Glen Echo, MD. I also read that it was sort of a hidden spot for weddings in the area. I saw pictures of the park online and convinced Mr. Glen Echo that we should head over there for a day date to check it out. I walked through the wooded entrance way and saw this
(personal photos)
And here are some of the park at night
(personal photos)
Don't you just LOVE IT! When we saw it, we both realized that it was the perfect place for us. It represents who we are on so many levels. It is fun, quirky, different, nontraditional, classic, off beat and fantastic...totally us in a nutshell! The off season all day rental price was less than what we would pay for half a day at Newton White. What really made us sign on the dotted line was the fact that Glen Echo is totally unique. We did not want a cookie cutter, assembly line generated, run of the mill wedding. Glen Echo was it!
For more information on the history, rental info and the wonderful events at Glen Echo, click here.
There will be much more to come on Glen Echo and our FANTASTIC ceremony venue...that actually makes me feel like I am having the outdoor wedding I always wanted. For a sneak peek on our ceremony location, check out this blog entry from Mary Kate McKenna...I actually saw this slide show and called the church the very next day. Enjoy!
The "when" was somewhat a contentious issue. Mr. Glen Echo and I got engaged September 08 and I really wanted to the wedding October 2009. Mr. Glen Echo's brother, however, had plans to go to China and you cannot have a wedding without a best man...so that got nixed.
Anytime before October 09 would have not been enough time for us to save money, and I just did not want a winter wedding. So, we then thought about dates in 2010...but there was one issue...I REALLY wanted to get married before I turned 30. Now, I do not say this to imply that there are any problems with getting married after 30, or 40, or 50 or 100! Do you! I, however, just had some mental block in my mind about it. That meant the wedding needed to happen before April 1, 2010 (yes, I am an April Fools Day baby, ya'll).
So, that pretty much left the month of March. March in the DMV is quite an unpredictable month. I felt to be on the safe side, we should be as close to the spring as possible...hence March 27th, 2010. The good thing about this date is that, for our venue, it is the last weekend to get the lower "off season" rate before the true wedding season of April through October starts. The drawback is that I would not have the outdoor wedding that I always wanted...
The "where" however, was not as hard for us. I will now make a confession, that I hope I am not alone on...I started researching this wedding BEFORE we got engaged. I know, I was quite presumptious. But, I knew he was the one, I knew it was coming...so I figured I would just be prepared. In my research, I came across this lovely place
(source)
This is Newt0n White Mansion in Mitchellville, MD. I visited this place before we were engaged and thought it would be perfect for us. I liked the location and loved the price (plus the discount for living in Prince George's County). I made note...and just waited for the ring.
In the meantime, I read about some classes at Glen Echo Park in Glen Echo, MD. I also read that it was sort of a hidden spot for weddings in the area. I saw pictures of the park online and convinced Mr. Glen Echo that we should head over there for a day date to check it out. I walked through the wooded entrance way and saw this
(personal photos)
And here are some of the park at night
(personal photos)Don't you just LOVE IT! When we saw it, we both realized that it was the perfect place for us. It represents who we are on so many levels. It is fun, quirky, different, nontraditional, classic, off beat and fantastic...totally us in a nutshell! The off season all day rental price was less than what we would pay for half a day at Newton White. What really made us sign on the dotted line was the fact that Glen Echo is totally unique. We did not want a cookie cutter, assembly line generated, run of the mill wedding. Glen Echo was it!
For more information on the history, rental info and the wonderful events at Glen Echo, click here.
There will be much more to come on Glen Echo and our FANTASTIC ceremony venue...that actually makes me feel like I am having the outdoor wedding I always wanted. For a sneak peek on our ceremony location, check out this blog entry from Mary Kate McKenna...I actually saw this slide show and called the church the very next day. Enjoy!
Labels: Miss Glen Echo, venues
posted by Unknown at 4:13 PM
11 Comments:
LOVE that venue, especially how romantic and fun it looks at night!
lucky you! when i saw glen echo park i really really really wanted to get married there but with a relatively short engagement, there was no availability this year until november, which i thought would be too cold. i guess i could have waited for the venue, and maybe i should have b/c it would have been perfect!
Oh I am so sorry to hear that...we wanted a lengthy engagement so when we booked it there was no one on their calender for 2010. I think the park has gained some popularity because I am hearing about a lot more wedding there than I have before (or maybe I just have a heightened radar when the hear the park's name).
We're getting married there too, Miss Glen Echo! And I'm unbelievably excited--it's such a magical place. And something that leads me to believe in karma: my mom was riding that carousel the day before she gave birth to me!
Mary Kate McKenna is my photographer! Love her stuff! I'll have a post all about her coming up ...
Urban Leo, that is truly awesome!
Hi Miss Glen Echo!
So funny to come across this post. This August I am getting married at the same church and having my reception at the bumper car pavilion, too! You must have great taste. ;-)
Hi!
I reserved this venue for my wedding a year and a half from now. I've been contacting some caterers, and one of them strongly suggested against signing a contract with glen echo. Would it be possible to message you personally to talk about your experience with glen echo and the catering company you've chosen?
Cristina, I made my profile available so you can email me with any questions.
Hi Cristina
Just as Theresa said, my profile is also available...so feel free to email me with any questions you have.
Hi Nearlyweds:
I just got engaged ten days ago and I too have fallen in love with Glen Echo's Bumper Car Pavilion.
I'm wondering though about the catering issue as well---several get rave reviews but at $100/head before alcohol, they are a bit steep for me.
Miss Glen Echo and Theresa: do you have any insight/guidance?
Cristina did you go with Glen Echo?
This is a fantastic blog---so glad to discover it.
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