I am a Woodlands groom (Sorry for invading the Brides page - but most guys would not reply). FW just received a phone call from Dawn at the Woodlands, informing us that Maureen has left.
When FW and I were looking at potential reception locations, we ate dinner at the Mansion at the Woodlands (which we later found out was a completely separate restaurant), and had an awful experience. Maureen, and some reviews from LI Weddings, were instrumental in assuring us that they would do a fantastic job. Now we are concerned, and we have a March wedding quickly approaching.
Could this change in leadership jeopardize the most important day of our lives? Any thoughts?
I hope Maureen is OK. I wish her well...
kris01
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Re: Maureen Left the Woodlands
why don't go to the Woodlands and sit and express your concerns/worries with them? that is what i would do.
HTH!!!
MrsBrags7706
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Re: Maureen Left the Woodlands
i know a friend of my dh's had their reception there (we couldnt go because we were on our HM), and they didnt like it. they sat down with maureen, too, and expressed their concerns about what went wrong and the food. . . i would sit down with ur BM and discuss it w/ him or her. at this point, with march, literally around the corner, theres not much that could be done...
Im going to a wedding there in July of 2007...but you'll already be married then!
PreshusSmurf
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Re: Maureen Left the Woodlands
We had a similar problem, the BM we booked with is no longer working there .... and we found this out a full year in advance! I was totally freaking out, so your FW may be going through the same feelings.
Take some time to reassure your FW, she may need it.
What we did was have a sit down (face to face) meeting with the General Manager of the hall and go over all the details.
There were some things we had been told that weren't entirely true ... but our BM had only been working there a short time.
We got everything in writing, so there would be no 'he said, she said' stuff going on.
After the meeting I felt 100% better and confident that everything would be handled smoothly.
JKamore
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Re: Maureen Left the Woodlands
I've heard through the grapevine that Maureen left because the owner of the restaurant wasn't running the place properly and she wanted nothing to do with it. We almost booked the Woodlands...that was until we ate at the restaurant. We were not impressed at all. I would definately go to Woodlands and speak to whomever is in charge now over there. Best of luck!
Bergy
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Re: Maureen Left the Woodlands
Hi All,
Thank you for your help. We are meeting Dawn a week from Tuesday at the Woodlands to discuss the change... I know that the restaurant and the catering are to separate entities, but I believe they have the same owner.
We were initially concerned that they would allow for such shoddy service in the restaurant, but Maureen appeared to be of an entirely different level of professionalism. Now that Maureen has left due to possible concerns about the restaurant, we are worried.
We have read many reviews of people who had wonderful weddings at the Woodlands. We only hope our fears are unfounded.
Honestly, I would be more comfortable if they tried to raise the standard of their restaurant, instead of loosing an asset like Maureen.
I will let you know if I hear anything else...
Thanks again!!!
bliss0218
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Re: Maureen Left the Woodlands
I too almost booked the Woodlands. Maureen was great, I wish you the best of luck.
bridy06
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Re: Maureen Left the Woodlands
I had my wedding there, with Maureen , and it was wonderful. Truly amazing.
The food and service was top notch - I love Maureen, but she wasn't the chef nor the maitre D so I think you are still in good hands.
Meet with Max too, the head Maitre D, and he will ease your concerns.
I hope it turns out ok for you - I would be surprised if it wasn't excellent.
FM me if you need to!
bridy06
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Re: Maureen Left the Woodlands
PS...
I ate at the restaurant but ate wedding food at my tasting - you should ask to do that. (and it was free)
JKamore
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Re: Maureen Left the Woodlands
I ate at the restaurant for the tasting...and they said we were not allowed to try any wedding menu items (which is odd if you ask me) I also thought it was rude that they expect you to pay for the tasting! I absolutely loved everything at the Woodlands, the way they handled their tasting made us change our mind. Best of luck to everyone getting married there! I am sure your weddings will be wonderful.
tracy2246
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Re: Maureen Left the Woodlands
I just got married there (early Nov) and that ***** so bad that Maureen has left. We booked early in 2005 with Maureen- In early summer I called her and was told that she had left. In her place was a woman named Dana who was horrible. She was rude and just seemed to be taking the place in a whole new direction..she mentioned the 'wow effect' one too many times. Maureen did come back shortly after and Dana left-my wedding was awesome -
I can say that Max who is the matri d(sp?) and Nicole the bridal attendent are awesome and they are the people who will be with you all night the night of your wedding, The BM is the persopn that you deal with through out the planning. I would meet with her anyway and see how you feel about her-maybe Maureen will come back....
fm if you have any questions about the place iteself
tracy2246
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Re: Maureen Left the Woodlands
PS they will most certainly set you up with a FREE tatsing prior to picking your menu-in addition it will be on a Friday night at the same time as a wedding is going on so that you can taste items from a wedding menu-
KSJO5-11
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Re: Maureen Left the Woodlands
My FH and I are going to meet with Dawn (Maureen's replacement, so we've been told) next Sunday. I'll keep you all posted as to how it goes. I'm very nervous about Maureen's leaving!! The Woodlands is absolutely beautiful, but she definitely brought it to a whole different level!! I really hope that everything will be as we originally discussed...she will be sorely missed!!!
I'm trying not to get too stressed out by this...we'll just have to wait and see!!
LornaandPeter
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Re: Maureen Left the Woodlands
HI all
Im getting married at the woodlands in october this year and I have had a great experience so far .. I am working with a guy named STepfan who is wonderful .. maybe he can help with some of your concerns
we ate in the restarant in dec and it was fabulos
pleas fm with any ques
Bergy
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Re: Maureen Left the Woodlands
Hi All,
Sorry for not replying sooner. My fiance & I met with Dawn two weeks ago. She has seven years BM experience at the Glen Cove Mansion. She seemed very knowledgeable, and put all of our fears to rest. I feel reassured that Dawn, and her assistant Laura, are up to the job.
ALSO - There is a bridal showcase at the Woodlands towards the end of February (I think it is February 27). It is a good opportunity to sample some of the hor dourves' for our prospective weddings...
Our wedding is March 31 (which is approaching quicker then I ever thought!!!) I will let you all know how everything goes.
- Eric B.
Collweenie21
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Re: Maureen Left the Woodlands
OH MY!!!! I totally did not know this, and am totally freaking now!!!!
LIBLUEHEN
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My FH and I met with Steffan tonight and he totally reassured us that we have nothing to worry about and we made a great choice with the woodlands. I was nervous too when I heard Maureen left but theres so much more involved in the process than just one person. I am confident everything will work out
Collweenie21
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Thanks for responding and your reassurance!! But for my own peace of mind I have to call them! I'm really distraught! I felt like she knew the menu so well and had such fabulous ideas!
Shannondon
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Re: Maureen Left the Woodlands
Just to let you guys know, Maureen is now at Caffe on the Green. I'm looking forward to her doing my Wedding!!!! She never told me she was from the Woodlands. FH and I met her last week.
