Not Engaged Yet

PIP: My possible venue

There's nothing I don't love about this place.   It's up on the cliffs over Lake Travis in Austin, TX.  It's right across the lake from my aunt's house, and it has a boat slip, so some people could stay with my aunt and then boat across the lake for the ceremony.  It's also right across from Carlos N Charlie's, so we figured we could bring our boat and have the rehearsal dinner there.  It's also only 10 minutes away from a big resort hotel, so all of our families can come early (or stay late) and enjoy the lake, pool, golf course, spa, etc., to their hearts' content.

When I first found the venue online, FI wasn't crazy about the idea of having the wedding in Austin.  After seeing it and the nearby hotel, he's ready to put down a deposit.  I would be, too, if I could over my weird financial hangup.

Anyway, I thought I would share some pictures in case there are any other lake-bums out there:

Bridal ready room.  We plan to bring a TV, playstation, and some board games then, once the reception starts, this can be a playroom for any kids who want to escape the grown ups:


Bridal room view 2:



Groom's quarters, complete with poker table and beer fridge:



Arbor ceremony site.  Some of the decorations from Saturday's wedding there are still up:



Pavilion with outdoor bar for guests to enjoy (there's also an indoor bar/ballroom area, but I don't have pictures of that):


Here's where I fall in love -- outdoor dance floor overlooking the lake:



Upper deck.  Set up as if for a ceremony but we would probably use it for dinner:




Thoughts?


Re: PIP: My possible venue

  • PolkaDotBellaPolkaDotBella member
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Elle, it's gorgeous! I love the dance floor overlooking the lake! I love lakes and oceans as backdrops! Love it!
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  • edited December 2011
    I love it! Absolutely gorgeous!
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  • edited December 2011
    I think it's beautiful.
  • edited December 2011
    It's gorgeous! I wish there were places like this in Tucson!
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  • CASK85CASK85 member
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    edited December 2011
  • luvdncn90luvdncn90 member
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    edited December 2011
    Now I want to get married in Austin.

    It's gorgeous Elle! It seems perfect for you guys!
  • peekaboo2011peekaboo2011 member
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    edited December 2011
    FI hates Texas (he's an Eagles fan, and he can't get over the cowboys), but if I were to show him those pictures, I'm sure he'd want to pick a date tomorrow!  It's beautiful!  I love it.
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  • bethsmilesbethsmiles member
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    edited December 2011
    That is a gorgeous venue!


  • calindicalindi member
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    edited December 2011
    It's stunning!  I'd pick it if I lived near there.  It has a water view, outdoor ceremony site, and I love the idea of dancing under the stars!  Gorgeous!

    I totally understand the sticker shock, and the mental calculations.  Just sleep on it a few days and see how you feel - write out a pro/con list if that's your style, or start thinking outside the box to see if there's another idea you like as much that won't cost quite that much.  At the end of the day, it's just a party and shouldn't bankrupt anyone. 

    Check out 2000dollarwedding.com to see someone who took that idea to the extreme - they did not want to spend money on a wedding that could go somewhere else, so they limited the expenses to the extreme, and still had a gorgeous wedding.  At the least, it might give you some inspiration or perspective!

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  • Elle1036Elle1036 member
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    edited December 2011
    Thanks, everyone!

    Question.  When I told my dad I was engaged, he offered to pay for the honeymoon.  However, FI's parents have already generously offered to pay that, and when I told my dad, he said he would be happy to contribute to the wedding instead.  The fee for renting the venue is similar to what I expect our honeymoon to cost.  Would it be reasonable for me to ask my dad to pay for the venue?  That sounds, to me, like a good way for him to contribute something significant without breaking the bank, but I don't want to put him on the spot or anything.
  • calindicalindi member
    5000 Comments Second Anniversary Combo Breaker
    edited December 2011
    You could ask your Dad if he wanted to contribute a certain amount or if he'd want to cover a specific expense, like the venue, the photographer, etc.  By phrasing it that way, it gives him the option to choose how he'd like to give you the money.  Hopefully he'll either give you the full lump sum he has in mind, or be interested in covering something specific like the venue.

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  • deburnindeburnin member
    1000 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Love it!! The view is stunning!

    Oh and I agree with Cate. Give him some options then he can choose how he feels his money would be most helpful.
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  • PaigeMcCPaigeMcC member
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    edited December 2011
    *Swoon*

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  • edited December 2011
    Pretty! I love it!
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  • Hazel_BHazel_B member
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    edited December 2011
  • edited December 2011
    Outdoor dance floor with awesome lake view=VENUE WIN!!!

    It's gorgeous!!!!!!
  • Elle1036Elle1036 member
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    edited December 2011
    Thanks guys!
  • edited December 2011
    LOVE LOVE LOVE the dance floor looking out over the lake! It's absolutely gorgeous!
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  • Elle1036Elle1036 member
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    edited December 2011
    Thanks Jester!  I had a feeling you would approve.  :)
  • edited December 2011
    Of course :) Seriously you're really making me want to get married in Austin! But honestly, I just love Austin in general, it's just so pretty and green...unlike Houston.
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  • MLekathLEENMLekathLEEN member
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    edited December 2011
    The dance floor had me sold. I'm loving it
  • Elle1036Elle1036 member
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    edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_pip-possible-venue?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:8bc0aa46-5a27-4fdb-88a6-45741db238bfPost:1cdf5016-7a98-4c4c-ad52-9fbac7d584b0">Re: PIP: My possible venue</a>:
    [QUOTE]Of course :) Seriously you're really making me want to get married in Austin! But honestly, I just love Austin in general, it's just so pretty and green...unlike Houston.
    Posted by AJesteram[/QUOTE]

    Houston is pretty... if you like the look of concrete.
  • edited December 2011
    I guess I'll give Houston some credit...they're slowly working on that factor with places like Discovery Green. They just need to keep working :)

    Oh and only if they could move the natural springs from Austin to Houston. I would really appreciate that! ;)
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  • Elle1036Elle1036 member
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    edited December 2011
    Terry Hershey Park is my favorite place in the city.  Do you ever go there?  It's not as crazy busy as Memorial.
  • edited December 2011
    I actually haven't been but now that you've mentioned it I'll have to make a trip over there. I'm sure my furbaby would love an outing to the park!
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  • Elle1036Elle1036 member
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    edited December 2011
    Ahhh what kind of dog do you have?  I take my little dog out there all the time.  Playdate?
  • edited December 2011
    I have a boxer named Maia but 'little' definitely doesn't describe her! lol

    A playdate would be wonderful though...as soon as this weird rainy/humid weather goes away!
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  • edited December 2011
    I love it! It's so pretty!
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