I don’t have any personal contacts in those areas, but I suggest that for any overseas sites or vendors, that you work through a local wedding coordinator who *does* have ties to a vast network of overseas places and experts. Search at http://www.bridalassn.com (The Association of Bridal Consultants) and at http://www.ises.com (The International Special Events Society), both of which have members who DO WEDDINGS OVERSEAS THEMSELVES! Some are specialists in those regions, and these associations attract international experts as well. It’s a great investment in finding true professionals who can help you navigate the various legalities, help you avoid common pitfalls and help you time everything and work your plans well. Good luck!!

For more information on my books, including my outdoor wedding planner and checklists books, please visit http://www.sharonnaylor.net

I found it on http://www.gatheringguide.com/ec/event_venues_wedding_sites.html and went to look at it, and that day we fell in love. Five stars!

Oh wow, fantastic! Congrats!

We’ve got everything settled but thanks! We’ve got cake, menu, venue, photographer, favors, rehearsal dinner, activities all set.

We looked at Congress Hall but our wedding isn’t until March 09 so we have some time. I can recommend doing your research thoroughly, though (looks like you have a good start on this site!) Try browsing through the venues at http://www.gatheringguide.com/ec/event_venues_wedding_sites.html – that’s what we’re doing now and there are a lot of good local choices. How close to home are you thinking?

Hello Karen My name is Catherine Geer I am an event planner and have done events. You are going about it the right way by getting people opinions that have used various vendors before. If Ican be of service to you please do hesitate to contact me at http://www.catherinegeerevents.com planning a Wedding can be overwhelming. sue walden is good. Alcott I agree better than Congress hall. All the best let me know if I can help in anyway.

We’re considering Sue Walden. I like her shots, nothing blurry, good lighting and she does the ‘unplanned’ shots well. Karen

I am using a company called enchanted celebrations and they are DJ, videography, photography and officiant. All for 3,500. It seems like a good deal check them out, and they seem very knowledgable and quick to accomadate. Ask for Alex 609 618-7302.

We used Sue Walden. She is good, tho not very artsy if that is what you are looking for. She had an album at the alcott that we loved.

DONE!!! Thanks for the tip. Who did you use as a photographer?

One more piece of advice on the Alcott:
Since you havent’ signed the contract yet, ask him if you can get 2 nites in a suite for free. We worked in free lodging for the 2 of us into the contract.

Thank you. We’ll be meeting with Nick on Saturday to review food and sign contract. Thanks so much for responding!

We had our wedding at the Alcott and it was wonderful. You will be very happy there.

Again, thanks for your help. I agree, Congress Hall is quite stuffy and old. Really tried to sell something high end without the clout for back up. We’ll most likely go with the Hotel Alcott…LOVED it!! Thanks again. Val

Thanks SO much…I really appreciate your opinion. I have to see if they have our date open.

I would have my wedding at The Grand Hotel, they just remolded the whole penthouse ballroom and itlooks amazing. You get more for your money and the prices are alot cheaper. Cogress Hall is a little bit more older looking and it gives me a stuffer feeling. If you like then go with it, I am not trying to persuade you I am just tell you from experience.

http://community.theknot.com/cs/ks/user/page.aspx?username=courtina

The above link is to a bio review of a bride on theknot that had her wedding at CH about 3 years ago. She had wonderful pictures and was a big help to me when I was planning my wedding at the Alcott. Her wedding was about as perfect as could be and she had no issues with the site.

My only advice is to mention other hotels to your guests since A:) CH is very expensive for rooms and B:) there are so many different hotel options and types that can fit every budget. For my wedding, we had guests at the Alcott, the Cape may Grand, the Montreal and a few other B&Bs.

Good luck, congratuations and enjoy!

If you’ve had your wedding at Congress Hall would love to hear your review…the good, the bad and the ugly. We’re most likely going to try this so please give us your thoughts.