We found the place, we found the place!

Just when I was beginning to feel like we were never going to find a place that would meet all of our criteria, it popped up!

I was feeling pretty bummed last weekend after seeing yet another venue that ended up being not quite what we were looking for and decided to turn to the ladies on The Knot. I went to the boards and posted my feelings of frustration that this 'perfect place' didn't exist. Of course, the ladies immediately responded with suggestions of places in the area that they thought might work for us based on the the things I said I wanted. Some of the places we had visited, but there were a few new ones. One in particular stuck out, Columbia Station in Pheonixville, which is owned by Robert Ryan Catering. It sounded different, which I like.

I contacted the coordinator at Columbia Station that night and had an appointment set up for the following weekend within 24 hours. Things were looking good once I had received the sample menus and saw that this place is completely all inclusive. I have found that to be the most difficult thing as far as finding a reasonable venue is concerned. Everywhere we looked was beautiful but the prices were ridiculous and didn't even include the tables, linens and chairs.

The Saturday came and my Mom, Pat's Mom and I all headed up to Pheonixville to check this place out. It is perfect!



As you might assume from the name, it's an old railroad station. This is something that I knew Pat would be into from the beginning because with him, there is just something about trains. The ticket booth and waiting areas have been transformed into cocktail/bar area and ballroom respectively. I will be able to have my outdoor ceremony in the garden right next to the driveway and then we will go into the station itself for the cocktail hour and reception.

I'm not going to try to explain the set up of the venue because I know that I won't do it justice. I'll tell you about one of my favorite details though, the caboose. There is an old caboose on the right hand side as soon as you pull into the driveway and from the outside it just looks like a nice touch for the station, but the inside is a whole different story. They set it up as a little sitting/dressing area for the Bride and Bridesmaids. It's neat because when you look out one of the side windows, you can see the garden area but unless they know that you are in there, they won't be seeing you! So neat!

Now I just need to get Pat over there to check it out and then hopefully we will be signing a contract within the next two weeks! <3