Riverside Receptions and Conference Center

Love Is In The Air

TinaD — Wed, 15 May 2013 00:15:45 +0000

Love is in the air!

Ah spring….the birds are singing, the flowers are blooming, and nature’s little critters are….well , you know…Which brings me to an interesting theory on why we have so many spring weddings.

An old pastor friend of mine once told me the reason spring was such a popular time to have a wedding, was because that’s when the farmers would catch their daughters in the hay with the boys that were smitten with the Spring Fever. After, what I could only imagine as an awkward conversion between the father and the young man…. a ceremony would be quickly planned. And so, the plethora of spring weddings…

Today, things are a bit more civilized, and the spring wedding is planned far ahead of time. Spring, being one of the lovelier times to tie the knot, is laced with eagerness from all ends. True, it is a romantic time, spurred by the intoxication of scents from the fragrant spring flowers, and the warmth of the sun that hasn’t been felt for what seemed to be months. This all becomes part of a natural awakening and heightening of our senses. It would seem, everyone is happier, sweeter, more energized and helpful, and things seem to run more smoothly that the just a few cold weeks ago. Your family and friends are ready for some happy celebrating and seeing loved ones that may have been hibernating out of site.

The style of gowns becomes more care free, and colors for the bridal attendant dresses are endless. Even the florists agree they love to make bouquets with the spring flowers. The choices are lighter and delicate, the variety is greater, and the scents are incredible. Have you smelled a Peony or a Hyacinth lately? They are just to die for..

I think everyone would agree that spring is the perfect time to join two lovers in matrimony and in harmony with natures call.

Dress available from The Crystal Bride, Geneva. Il

Flowers by Elizabeth Wray Design, Geneva, Il

The Top Ten Reasons to Have a Winter Wedding!

TinaD — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 21:04:18 +0000

I was thinking this morning, how did we get so lucky to have had so many winter weddings this year? Looking back at some of them, I recall thinking they were some of the prettiest and more unique receptions we have had all year. Really, there are tons of reasons to have a winter wedding…below is listed what we think are te top ten. What do you think?

10. Comfort Food
You can switch up to heartier fare. Try a sausage stuffed pork chop with cranberry chutney and wild rice, or a juicy charbroiled steak with a port wine reduction, and a classic baked potato, frosted with sour cream. Yum!
9. “Less is More”….in Décor
Most facilities will have more lavish décor in the holiday months. Less for you to do, means more money in your pocket.
8. Floral Arrangements
Your floral choices in the winter are exceptional. You can create a fresh style that has not been over-done all summer long.
7. Candlelight
Nothing is more romantic than a completely candlelit ceremony. You can’t do that in the middle of May!
6. Unique Wardrobe Options
Fun-fur wraps, velvet dresses, crystal ice-like jewelry, rich jewel tones, gold and silver accents, all seem perfectly placed in this frosty time of year…..
5. Gorgeous Outdoor Pictures
Some think you can’t do outdoor pictures in the winter. au contraire; everyone looks fabulous with rosy cheeks. And, an overcast sky, means no squinty eyes, and the cooler temps, means no runny make-up or heat related sweats.
4. Better Attendance
Your guests won’t miss your wedding due to summer vacations, graduations, first communions, or even worse, someone else’s reception…
3. More Excited Guests!
It gives your friends something to look forward to after the “holiday party let downs”.
2. The Best Vendors
Even the hard-to-get vendors have more availability during the slow periods. So, you have a better chance of getting the best vendors and facilities.
And the number one reason to get married in the winter!
Price, price, and did I say price? Almost all vendors will negotiate with you during the winter months. From the baker to the florist, and reception venue to the hotels, you can usually benefit from reserving them in the cooler months. And, that, you can take to the bank!

And now more on our fabulous 12-12-12 wedding!

TinaD — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 22:15:49 +0000

While we’ve all been enjoying the last beautiful days of summer, Sarah and John, our 12-12-12 winning couple, have been busy getting ready for their big day. Besides the dresses, flowers are the next toughest decision a bride can make for her wedding. Why so hard? Think about it, I have never met a flower I didn’t like. Every time I see a beautiful bouquet, I think, I love that! I would definitely do those flowers and they instantly become my favorite. But, then there is next week when I say it all over again. Sarah has a long line of decisions to make, let’s see how she does with the flowers, shall we?

From Sarah

After tearing out pages in magazines, combing through wedding bouquets online and pinning different décor ideas to Pinterest, it was finally time to bring my vision to life with Elizabeth Wray. For those of you who haven’t heard of this boutique, you are in for a surprise. Her creativity is endless, attention to detail flawless and overall presentation is insurmountable. Elizabeth’s design and arrangements are unlike any I’ve ever seen before and it is such an honor to have her executing my wedding vision.

Even though I had some ideas for décor, I brought my Mom along for assistance. She has always been able to refine my ideas into something greater, so between her and Elizabeth Wray, my wedding is sure to be magnificent!

As we walked in, there was a small round table complete with a couch and 4 different colored chivari chairs. I had never seen textured table linens before then and the centerpiece popped against the white fabric.

Elizabeth introduced herself and we immediately got to work. I pulled out different swatches from dresses, paper from the invitations and pictures for inspiration. We refined the romantic feel I wanted for the wedding and she introduced an element that I had not thought about for the ceremony: candles. Typically, I always think of candles for the mainly for the reception, however Elizabeth had been to the First Congregational Church before and knew how to execute this idea. She incorporated mercury glass into the vision and before I knew it I was hanging onto her every word. The softness of candles combined with the cold winter evening would be just right to create a warm, romantic feel for our ceremony.

Now, as if Elizabeth hadn’t been creative enough already, we started discussing bouquets and corsages. My Mom and Elizabeth talked about flowers that I had never heard of, showing me pictures along the way and building upon my theme. We added a little bling to the arrangements and matched ribbon for the stems. The ideas were unique and the vision was described in detail. I left the meeting with a sense of clarity that magazines and Pinterest couldn’t replicate. This was one of many moments I have had throughout the planning process where I have been blown away and I can’t wait until I get to see everything unveiled on 12.12.12.

12-12-12 The Perfect Wedding Date!

TinaD — Mon, 12 Nov 2012 21:58:19 +0000

Many of you select your wedding date for sentimental or romantic reasons. Say, the anniversary of your first date, or the same day your grandparents were married. Some of you like to pick a date that is catchy; a date that everyone will remember, and a date your spouse can never forget. And, one of you may have picked that date because you won it in a contest! That is why Sarah and John are having their wedding on 12-12-12. Yes, the date is catchy, but, they picked the date because they are the lucky winners of Geneva’s 12-12-12 wedding giveaway. We wanted to celebrate 12-12-12 with a big bang and this was the best way we could think to do it.
If you have not heard, the lucky winners will receive a complete wedding and reception in Geneva, Il., provided by some of its most generous wedding vendors. Everything from the dress to the jewelry and the cake to champagne is included. A dream wedding that is right out of the story books and this story even comes with a beautiful horse drawn carriage!
Needless to say, Riverside Receptions is taking part in this elegant affair, as well as our sister properties, The Herrington Inn and Spa, and Mill Creek Golf Club. Many other vendors are included in this gala event and are listed on the Geneva Wedding web site http://www.genevawedding.com.
We are so excited for Sarah and John, and we want to share their experience with you as they see it. I will be posting their blogs every few days from now up until their wedding date. Read it and weep, yes, I have been getting teary eyed as I read through their encounters.
And now from Sarah and John:
“And the winner is, drumroll please, John and Sarah!” This phrase has been echoing over and over in my head since Thursday, August 2. Sometimes, it still doesn’t seem real, perhaps I am dreaming. How am I lucky enough to not only be engaged to my perfect match, but also have won our Perfect Geneva Wedding on 12.12.12? But then, as my cheeks start aching from grinning ear to ear, I realize that this is not a fantasy, it is my reality. Together, John and I won!
Let’s rewind a little bit to the beginning of Thursday night. John and I arrived at Wildwood early hoping to calm nerves and visit with friends and family before the festivities began. It was evident that other people had the same idea because the room was already filling up with the 3 couples “cheering squads” and vendors. Clearly, excitement was building in the room for what was to be an unforgettable evening.
Promptly, at 6:15pm the Newlywed game began. Each couple sat back to back in chairs and had dry erase boards for their answers. The questions ranged from “What is your favorite food?” to “Where will you be spending Thanksgiving this year?” and each person had to write down what they thought their fiancé would say. This was an extremely close round. Amber/Patrick won and pulled out in the lead with an extra 15 points, while Trisha/Patrick and us were tied for second.
Next was the interview round. Amber and Patrick chose to interview first since they won the newlywed game and a coin toss determined that Trisha/Patrick would interview second and we would interview last. Time passed slowly as we watched the other couples enter and exit the interview with the judges. Finally, our names were called and behind us cheers erupted. Our family and friends clapped and whistled for encouragement and that is exactly what we needed. It reminded us that, no matter what the outcome, our family and friends always supported us and our love for one another.
Now, I know everyone is interested in what we were asked in the interview, but, honestly, I do not remember specific questions. There were 6 judges sitting on the other side of the table and I know we talked about how we met, our proposal story, and difficult times in our relationship, but the exact questions escape me. I just remember sitting there, holding John’s hand and being excited for this opportunity. Quickly, the 20-minute interview was over and last was the announcement of the winning couple.
Scores were tallied by the judges, gorgeous bouquets of flowers appeared, gift bags stuffed to the brim sat on the table and the room went dead silent. Now was moment that everyone had waited for, the announcement of the winning couple. The MC stood up front, recapped the exciting evening and detailed the wonderful prizes in the bags (Champagne, toasting flutes, flowers, and amazing coupons from all of the vendors) for the runners up. For the winning couple, they would receive a romantic dinner for 2 at Wildwood that night along with an amazing sketch portrait by Rosemary Fanti to capture the big night. Finally, the MC announced, “And the winner is, drumroll please, John and Sarah!” and tears quickly began to flow down my cheeks as I bounded into John’s arms for a hug. Our families’ cheers exploded as they rushed to our side to embrace us with hugs. I was shaking with excitement, eye makeup smeared and smiling from ear to ear realizing that in less than 5 months I would be marrying the love of my life in a picture perfect wedding in Geneva on 12.12.12!!!
And now, the wedding planning begins! Colors need to be chosen, dresses selected, invitations created, guests lists made, cakes tasted, rings fitted, flowers picked, etc. but, thankfully, our wedding coordinator, Leanne, at You Name It Events will be guiding us through the process.

It’s not a sign, it’s art!

TinaD — Sun, 08 Jul 2012 18:19:49 +0000

You can’t miss the newest addition to our art collection. It is not hanging on our wall or a sculpture in the garden. It is our bright, big and gorgeous new sign.

Early in February, when my boss said we could get a new sign, I was thrilled. Our old one was nice, but not very elegant or exciting (and I think we are both) and should have a sign that tells that to everyone who walks in our door. I was hoping for a simple sign that would be tasteful and elegant; what I got was WOW! And, from the responses I have received from everyone who has seen it, they love it too.

Simple it is not; it has an ornate frame that the artist, Joe Gagnepain, assembled and welded right on site. He painted the frame to match the other metals we have in the courtyard, and put the final touches on the sign that he hand carved for days to make just right. While Joe was trying to install his latest masterpiece, I would go outside to pester him; “Are you done yet?” “When are you going to be finished?”, I’d ask. He replied politely, “almost done”. The thing is, I just couldn’t wait, I had been waiting a long while for our new sign. I think about 5 or 6 years, and the last 10 days seemed just as long.

Well, I hope that you agree with me; it was worth the wait. And may I say, I did not know that when we contracted Joe, we were getting a local legend. Little did I know that his artwork is all over town. Curiously, I went on his website and saw some of his pieces and realized that he made the awesome bigger-than-life sculpture of a knight on a horse at the Geneva library, as well as an equally impressive moose at the local Moose Lodge on State Street. All of his sculptures appear to be inspired by scrap metal and regular household items that he recycles. He has created signs for local merchants like, Cocoa Bean and The Dam Bar, as well as the beautiful ‘City of Geneva’ signs that greet you when you enter town. You simply have to check out his work on his web site, artbyjoseph.com. We are very proud to have a new piece of art created by Joe. Thanks Joe!

Plan to not plan

admin — Sun, 03 Jun 2012 18:07:27 +0000

I was just thinking about what it must be like on that last week before you actually walk down the aisle. This is when all your planning and hard work boils down to the final “I do” and you are living the dream that you created over the past year or so.

I typically see brides a few days before the wedding; most are somewhat calm and accepting of their jitters and the inevitable last-minute chaos, but some are, shall we say…a bit stressed. Since I have been doing weddings and events for nearly 35 years (…shhhhh!) I have seen just about everything. However, something I have become to take note of is the bride who is completely in control of everything. She has her list and checks it twice; she made their own party favors, centerpieces and fudge for the sweet table. She has given her bridal party, parents and friends, all of their instructions; she has done her nails, gotten her tan and taken the dog to the kennel. Surely, nothing can go wrong, right?…. Usually, but sometimes…things happen….

It seems the brides who are the most under control have the hardest time when something out of their control happens; like rain on her outdoor ceremony, or a Limo driver who takes off with her veil, or when grandpa falls asleep during the service and lets out a nice loud snore! This bride begins to see her grand plan fall apart like a house of cards, and instead of enjoying every delicious moment of her day and the chuckle she got from the crowd as grandpa woke up to say, “what time is it?” in the middle of her vows, she loses sight of what is really happening and becomes a bit unglued. And, what is really happening… is you are getting married to your best friend, the guy you want to grow old with, the person you decided on your first date was going to be the father of your children. You are becoming a couple and starting a life with the guy that means more to you then than any other guy ever did ( except dad, of course).

So, my advice is…. when you think about the last week before your wedding, think about letting go of some of the control, and let the people you love help you by making the fudge for you, let them drop off the place cards and the dog to the kennel. Plan to not plan every detail and let some things go and just be you and have fun, relax and remember what it is you are really doing. Besides, stress doesn’t photograph well.

Personalize your Event

admin — Mon, 28 May 2012 17:54:04 +0000

What a glorious day it is outside! When I need to take a bit of a break, and frankly, even when I don’t need a break, I tend to go out and walk the gardens in our courtyard. While gazing at the beautiful blooms, I ran into Tara Vanderheyden, owner of Invitations by Design. We run into to each other often since we are neighbors; she opened her new store location last fall in the very same beautiful courtyard. It is so awesome to have her here, since many of our brides use her for invitations as well as a whole line of “day of” amenities. Just last week she supplied the cutest baskets that were coordinated with the entire theme of the wedding. I asked her where she sees this trend going, and this is what she told me:

“Brides really like to express their personalities through their weddings. They start with their invitations, which act as the introduction of their event. This gives their guests the “feel” of the event and what to expect on the big day. They want something unique to their wedding. They’re looking to express themselves through their invitations. This fun, unique style carries to their wedding day as well, with matching seating charts, table numbers, welcome baskets, favor boxes and more. All the little details really bring the event together.”

She said it well. The events that I have seen of Tara’s have been fun as well as adorable and functional! But better yet, they really do reflect the personalities of the bride and groom. It really does give your event a custom look. Next time you are here, check out ‘Invitations by Design’!

Our Beautiful New Site!

admin — Mon, 14 May 2012 17:50:39 +0000

Welcome to our beautiful new website and my first-ever official blog post! I am very excited for the change. Though, we had many fans of our old site, we felt we needed a sleeker look to mirror our trendy and chic brides. We have just the most awesome brides! They are intelligent, funny and very saavy; some are a bit sassy too! That is what we love about our brides and our jobs. Every day is as different as the brides we work with.

Time for some exciting news; after all, isn’t that what a blog is all about?

Geneva Bride, a group of dedicated Geneva bridal vendors, and several other Geneva merchants are GIVING AWAY a wedding reception on 12-12-12!! Now, how is that for exciting news? Yes, you heard me correctly, giving away a wedding to a very special couple who can tell us why they want their wedding in Geneva, via a creative video. This is not just a ceremony; this is not just a reception; this is the complete package! Unbelievable isn’t it? Not really, because once you get to know some of the vendors involved, you will understand how special and generous they are. We, of course, are participating and hosting the dinner reception along with several other chefs from local restaurants. We are doing this because we want everyone to know just how wonderful Geneva is and that we are the best place to have, only the most life-changing and most important day of your life!!! Follow the link for more information Geneva Wedding 12. Pass it along to all of your friends and even people who are not your friends! It is great, fun news… everyone loves that!

Signing out for now…Tina