I had the pleasure of attending the open house of 413 on Wacouta in St. Paul, Minnesota on Monday, February 9th. Although I had been there when Lynn the owner was first looking at venturing into the reception venue industry for weddings, I have to say it was wonderful to be there again. For those who don't know Lynn who owns the space, she actually built out the space for her own wedding. When she called I thought - oh a bride who loved planning her wedding now wants to be a wedding planner. I get a few calls about that sort of thing from brides each month. Well I have to admit Lynn one-upped me when she said she didn't want to be a planner she wanted to own a venue where she had her wedding and offer it to brides as an option. I have to say and for those who know me I usually always have something to say. I was speechless. My first thought was - Does she know what's all involved? Lynn I have to say you have done an amazing job and listen up all you brides who have the opportunity to look at the venue - you better hurry up because the your wedding date won't be open long! Accommodates 200 ppl for a dinner reception and 250 ppl for a standing cocktail reception.What a fantastic place. The entrance off the street is so welcoming and the "Brides Suite" is beautifully decorated and detailed. A perfect place for a bride and groom to have a bit of champagne and nourishment before the guests arrive! Jules who is the event manager was graciously welcoming people and making sure everything was perfect! Of course it all was! The cocktail area just off the entrance is perfect! So bright and intimate all at the same time. Now before I tell you about going into the elevator to the reception area I have to tell you once you enter the building you feel like you have stepped into an amazing environment. If you are looking for a space where you don't have to go over the top with decor this is the place!
As you exit the elevator you arrive into the reception space. The golden colors are warm, inviting and beautiful. The stonework is original and you feel as though you are taken back in time as if you are standing next to history in a contemporary way! Hint - if you up light the stonework on the walls it will amaze you while giving you some high impact areas.
I had the fortune of meeting many of the amazing and talented vendors who support the venue which couples can select from to create their own wedding. So let me run through who was there and what I saw:
Class A Valet: Westy was on hand with his valet service - they were spot on as soon as I drove up and I know this is such an easy thing but when the valet opened my door he said good evening and welcome to 413! Flipping rock star! What a great way to make your guests feel!
Relia Drive: Have you heard about this. He has been around for a couple years. A very cool concept and perfect for your guests like to celebrate just a little too much. They actually will drive your overly joyful guest home and then have one of their staff follow in the guests car so when they awake the next morning they are not taking a taxi to get their car. Think of it this way - a lot less than a DUI expense for your guest and a guilty feeling for you should something bad happen!
Violet's Flower: Jean Cowles - your flowers were fresh amazing and stately all at the same time! Can that possibly be! Oh you know it! The colors, textures and different styles - you rocked it girlfriend!
Studio 6: Jean Peine, always a fresh look and your signature style of greens and pinks. PS: I know Don didn't change your linen! LOL
Linen Effects: Don it was fantastic to see you and the tables and centerpieces you displayed were so you - nique! Great fabrics and textures and loving the black candelabra!
Macys' Design Cuisine displayed fun and fresh ideas for hors d' oeuvres! They were creative and to say unique would be an understatement! The taste and flavors were stunning!
Aarcee: Showing all their rental items and specialty linens. Allison was great to talk with and creative in coming up with rental combinations to surprise your guests with. Get that Chocolate Shot Machine!
The Saint Paul Hotel: OK I have to say it was such a simple thing but what a great idea and concept. It was a buffet where you can build your own soup! I know can you believe that - it was flipping amazing and fun. What a great intro for the dinner or even as an action station during the cold months in Minnesota for when you guests arrive before the cocktails start flowing!
D'Amico: There famous Torte Milanese was a hit! Their signature bistro style wait staff and servers were gracious and extremely professional engaging the guests answering many questions about the menu selection.
Fabulous Catering: Their presentation was beautiful as seen in the picture on this blog. The taste by so many guests were raving reviews!
Lowry Street Chocolat: (No it's not a typo) They have great chocolates made from a grandmothers recipe box. Their "Signature Truffle" is a 75 year old recipe! It's heaven!
Dippin Chocolate: The famous chocolate fountain was fun as always! So many creative things to dip. I am always amazed that people will say oh no I am on a diet or watching my waistline and then before you know it - Dip - in it goes and right to the lips! I know I do it myself!
Something Blue Stationery: Creative papers and ideas. Invitations are so personal and I liked the creative ideas behind the invitations and save the dates that I saw on display.
OK, now what would a wedding event be with out...............CAKE!
Of course you have to have cake and there were two cake designers on hand!
Buttercream: Greg was on hand to share their latest cake designs. Their cake design was very contemporary and the smaller cake a more traditional tone on tone pictured in this blog. Their famous chocolate and raspberry cake was on hand and you know I was right there to try a piece.
Queen of Cakes: Terri, is always a joy to see and we talked about all the fun cakes and flavors available to brides today. Very artistic and fun. Of course Terri new of my love for everything CAKE so I tried a small selection of each - Vanilla Bavarian Cream, Marble Strawberry and Chocolate and Raspberry Mouse.
Now of course I want to thank Laurie Schneider of Laurie Schneider Photography for her amazing artistic eye in capturing couple things I asked for to display on the blog! Laurie continues to amaze people with her talented photography and editorial style. Always fresh and captivating! Thanks Laurie!
I give 413 on Wacouta a HUGE thumbs up!
