But, the best thing about Willows Lodge is the service. We've worked with Jenn Wenman, Associate Director of Catering. From questions about the menu, to last-minute rain plans, she is so organized and truly cares about her clients.
I can say all kinds of great things about Willows Lodge, but let's go right to the source. I talked to Jenn recently about her favorite things about the venue.
What makes Willows Lodge a great place to have an event?
It is hard to summarize why Willows Lodge is an ideal wedding and event venue because the list is endless! Located in the heart of the Woodinville Wine Country, our rustic elegance, breathtaking gardens/grounds, and quintessential Northwest vibe attract guests locally and from beyond, based on these physical attributes alone. Once our guests arrive at Willows Lodge, however, they are even further won-over by the friendly yet professional staff, delicious food from the Barking Frog restaurant, and most of all, the genuine, personalized service provided from start to finish of every event.
What kind of events, outside of weddings, do you usually host at the lodge?
Willows Lodge hosts all types of events, large and small, including corporate retreats, team-building off-sites, holiday parties, auctions, social events, bar/bat mitzvahs, pharmaceutical dinners, winemaker dinners, and of course, plenty of weddings!
What do you love about your job?
After working in the hospitality industry for 16 years and spending the past nine at Willows Lodge, it is obvious that I love where I work! I am lucky to spend my days at such a beautiful property and with so many passionate, caring team members that make me look forward to coming to work every day. I also love my job for the other people that put a smile on my face: the amazing vendors we work with and even more so, the clients! We are such a hands-on team that throughout the planning process for events we truly get to know our clients on a professional level and often times on a personal level as well. This connection strengthens my desire to guarantee the success of an event and leaves me feeling more fulfilled after we have provided our guests with an unforgettable experience.
What tips do you have for couples planning their weddings?
The best advice I can give to couples is: know what is best for YOU and trust the advice of your vendors! There will always be sacrifices you must make as a couple when you plan your wedding (think of it as practice for the sacrifices you will need to make once married!) and you must determine what is most important to you. Whether it be date, venue, food & beverage offerings, flowers/decor, entertainment, photography -- or any other wedding service -- spend your money on what you care about the most. This could mean selecting an off-peak date, making your own invitations, eliminating favors...you get the idea! Cut corners on the elements that are not as important to you so that you can spend more money on the elements that matter to you the most. In regards to vendors, I always tell my clients two things: trust the professionals and trust your gut! As a wedding venue, Willows Lodge hosts approximately 70 weddings each year and after celebrating our 10th birthday last September you can do the math as to how many weddings -- and thus wedding vendors! -- we have accommodated. We can give you the "inside scoop" on all of the vendors we have worked with...the good, the bad...and the unmentionable! Likewise, all of your wedding vendors can direct you to those professionals that do an amazing job but reverting to point number two: trust your gut!! Your wedding is a very personal day and you must have people around you that you are 100% comfortable with and confident in, and that understand your vision.
