Live in austin, getting married near Harrisburg..help!

Megz824

Hi there!  I have a few questions.  My fiance and I are getting married on Oct 15, 2010 in or around Harrisburg, PA.  However, we live in Austin, TX and will not be up in Harrisburg until a few days before Christmas this year to spend the holidays with family and see venues! We have decided to have the ceremony wherever we choose to have the reception, but being so far away, I don't know that we will have the information we need to make a fully informed reception decision! As of now, we will be looking at Civic Club of Harrisburg, Kanaga House, and Cameron Estate Inn.  I don't know if we will be able to manage tastings and I can't find any posts regarding these venues and food.  Also, we won't be able to really hear any dj's or meet photographers before booking.  We will of course be up a few times before October of next year, but not in time to meet before booking. I need advice! Can I please have suggestions?? thank you!

shellbell026

I haven't had any food from those venues but I heard that the Civic Club is pretty good.  As far as DJ's we went with The Pro's.  I actually went to one of their Wine and Cheese showcases.  They have photographers there too.  Maybe check them out and see if they have a showcase when you are in town.  If you good with them I would good to a showcase because they give you a discount for booking at one.  HTH. 

colleenau

I can say that the food at Karen's Catering (which does Civic Club and Harmony Hall) is fantastic! We got married at Harmony and the food could not have been better!! As for DJs we went with Bob Foltz Entertainment and our DJ was Eric B. He was also very good! He did exactly what I asked of him (and I'm a bit picky at times). He kept the places moving and the dance floor was PACKED! We also used Kathy Martin for our photographer. She does beautiful photojournalist style pictures. I think your DJ and Photographer meetings could probably be done over the phone or even email. Kathy and I corresponded through email a lot and did our final meeting over the phone. I hope some of this helps. Good luck!!

yellow_grace

I am getting married at Cameron Estate (12/26/09), and I have to say, the food is delish! I would caution you, thought, that the pricing structure can be confusing, so if you have a strict budget, you may want to consider someone else. If you have any specific questions, you can email me... I am in love with my DJ- he came as a recommendation from my friend who used to be the events coordinator at the Hotel Hershey. He has all sorts of services, too, but is awesome as a DJ: http://mr-b-entertainment.com/Mt photog is great, too (see pics below.) http://www.allebachphotography.com/index.htmlHTH!yellow_grace at yahoo dot com  

mollynagem

I've been to other weddings at Cameron Estate and it was spectacular but I can't really say how they were to work with...etc. There are a ton of DJs and Photographers but it really depends on your budget and your tastes.... ie. some DJs are more quiet and reserved and some are the "dance with the guests" type. Same is true for photogs.... ie. traditional versus photojournalistic, one versus two...etc.For what its worth, I typically recommend Bill Runkle/Mark Hoover: 717.737.7520 for DJs and Minnig Photography: www.michaelminnig.com for photographers.

Megz824

Thank you all for responding and for the advice! =]