Pops picks the place

So tonight at the restaurant, I was talking to my favorite Lamplighter employee, Dinah.  I've known her ever since I can remember, and she's always been really generous with my brothers and I.  More than that, she's the only employee I can say is "close" with my Dad....and will let me know when he's not feeling well or even what he wants for Christmas.  :)

Anyway, today she told me a story that happened earlier this afternoon.  The health inspector came for a regularly scheduled visit.  She checked everything, and toured the building with my Dad.  Once she was done, they had this conversation in the dining room, which Dinah overheard:

Health Inspector Lady (HIL):  Well Dan, everything looks great!  I'll be back to see you in a few months.

Papa Ferri (PF):  Okay.....But don't come see me in May.

HIL: Ummm...okay?  Why?

PF: My daughter's getting married in May.

HIL:  Oh, how exciting!  Does she know where she'll have the wedding?

PF: This place called Springwood.  It's in Verona.

HIL:  Wow, Daniel.  That's really exciting for you!

....conversation probably carried on, but that was the important part.

So, let's review:

1. It's not exactly protocol to tell the health inspector when a visit would be convenient for you.  Visits are scheduled depending on the month, and how well you passed the last time.  Not to mention, it is standard for them to do surprise visits, unscheduled.

2.  No, I did not set a date yet.

3.  While I did really like Springwood, I had not officially said that's where I'll have the wedding.

The good news is: my Dad is involved!  And apparently likes Springwood enough to announce that's where it will be held.

All in all, great news for me....since I loved Springwood :)

Part Two, Re: Venue Visit #1

At 7:14pm this evening, I received the following email from the wedding coordinator, who did not show to the appointment we scheduled:


Hi. I regret that I was not able to meet with you today.  I hope you took the opportunity to look around while you were here in the daylight.  After seeing our venue, if you are still interested, please send any questions you have to me or call us. Again, I apologize that I was unavailable to meet with you today.

Proprietor


.........Proprietor?  So, this was not the fault of a lady who just works there, but the owner herself.  If a first visit, confirmed by an email the day before, slips her mind....I don't want to find out what other detail she may forget. 

I'm not a harsh person.  And I definitely understand that everyone makes mistakes.  But we've been doing weddings since before I was born.  And not once has this ever happened.  Not to mention, had she sent an email with even a hint of apology, I'd have rescheduled. 

I think I'll schedule with Venue #2.

REALLY?!?! Re: Venue Visit #1

Well.

Mum & Dad, Fred and I piled in the car on a Sunday afternoon and made the hour drive to the site.  Upon arrival, the hostess sat us, and let us know someone would be with us.  We sat, reviewed the photo albums, and waited patiently. 

After about fifteen minutes, the hostess returned and let us know that the lady we made the appointment with was running an errand, but should return shortly.

Next, the hostess returned to let us know she tried to get in touch with her, but so far was unsuccessful in reaching her.  Again, she reassured us that she should be returning soon.

Finally, after over 45 minutes, the hostess returned to let us know that she did finally reach the lady we were supposed to meet.  However, apparently, the lady was not coming to meet with us.

Not only did we not meet with anyone, but the hostess was unable to provide us with any print information on prices, packages, or any information on weddings at their site.

As a business owner, my Dad was obviously not happy.  Not to mention this venue is in a remote location...where basically everyone must travel for a visit.  We left, and my Dad wondered aloud if the owner of the venue knows how the wedding consultant handles things.  Good question, Pops.

Driving home, I was mortified I had wasted my parents time.  My Dad was supposed to be at a charity event that he missed because of this meeting.  I couldn't believe we made the trip for nothing.

I am anxious to hear from them.  I guess we'll see.

Venue Visit #1

Today I am taking my family to visit a venue.  My Mum and I went a few years back to see a country club in Edgewood (I think?) but I was unimpressed.  I'm looking for something a bit more unique.  And probably outdoors.  So I set up and appointment for the four of us to go give it a look.  My MOH Allie actually was married here a few years ago.  It was a gorgeous wedding.  One of the prettiest, if not the best, wedding I've ever attended. 

Wish us luck, because this could be it!