So even though originally I thought we were staying with Nassau only... now I put the idea of a vineyard wedding in my wine guru fiance's mind and he thought it was cool. Vineyard Caterers was recommended, anyone been to weddings there that can speak to the service, food and such. I saw that they partner with the Hampton Inn and they shuttle people from Islip airport to the hotel and wedding destination... good for my domestic out of town guests... still leave a challenge for my Italy guests. I also heard about another place - Raphael (intersting b/c of the Italian flair). Vineyard caterers had their rates on the web, but Raphael did not seem too so I'll have to find out their rates. Any other good one's out there for about $100/person for 100 person affair? Food is a big deal in this family too, so it has to be outstanding
bxgell2
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Re: Vineyard wedding
I went to matron's wedding at vineyard caterers, and it was probably the nicest wedding I've ever been too... the food was absolutely amazing... the grounds were gorgeous (she has some amazing black and white pics taken of her and her hubbie walking through the vineyard), and from what she's told me, they were unbelievably accomodating (she's vegan and they made the entire cocktail hour vegetarian)
sophie78
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Check out Macari Vineyard's. They do small weddings. They have a site fee ($3500). You bring in your own caterer. The room is probably nicer than the other venues.
LuvMyMichael
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Hi! I went to the Martha Clara Vineyards last summer and took a horse & buggy ride and the man who drove spoke of tent weddings they have right on their grounds. It is such a beautiful ride out East and the land is gorgeus. Not to mention....lots of wine!
Good Luck!
september2004
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Raphael is beautiful. We wanted to have our reception there but the $$ and logistics proved to be too complicated for our needs...
Pickle
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we had our wedding at the Vineyard Caterers. Everyone there was wonderful. We kept hearing how good the food was (they come around to offer seconds) and the cake was good too - which at some places may look good but not taste so well. Everyone loved everything.
I can say you'll have a great time at the Vineyard. Relatives/friends can also stay nearby at the Best Western in Riverhead as well.
Good luck choosing your place! FM if you want more info.
BlondeJD
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I could be wrong, but I think Raphael requires up to a $5000 site fee and then it's around $125-150 or so per person (during the summer at least). You might also want to check out the Wolffer Estate, which is said to be very Tuscan villa-y.
marymoon
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Re: Vineyard wedding
How far is VC from riverhead?
I really want to look at it, but I'm afriad it might just be too far for me. I'm about 1 hour and 15 min from riverhead.
BlondeJD
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Posted by marymoon
How far is VC from riverhead?
I really want to look at it, but I'm afriad it might just be too far for me. I'm about 1 hour and 15 min from riverhead.
It depends on the traffic because once you get off the LIE and you're by the outlets, it's a single lane road. I would say it's probably 15-20 minutes with traffic. Check it out--you can hit the local wineries after
SandraLynn
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I am getting married at Raphael, and we did the 6-hour rolling cocktail party vs. the formal sit down dinner....and depending on the time of year, is how the site fee is determined. Their food is amazing! They are also very accomodating!
Bunnymonkey
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I am a Raphael Bride as well. There is a site fee involved, but if you can swing that, the price per head for 'buffet' (more like carving station cocktail hour) is 95 per head before tax and service. And this includes EVERYTHING, even a full bar.
FH and I fell in love with the idea of a vineyard wedding. It's earthy and romantic, but still upscale!
check out www.northforkweddings.com for some great vineyard resources out there.
Have fun!
Jill
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Rapheal vineyards is amazing. We went to a wedding there a couple of years ago and it was so intimate.
Mrs.Ptobe
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Thank you all so much for all the wonderful suggestions. Fiance and I are psyched to check out these vineyard places. And to think we were going to only look in Nassau county! Then I said the magic word 'wine' and he was totally into it. I think it's SO romantic! I always wanted an outdoor wedding and a vineyard seems like an amazing setting. I want to see if they'll add 'wine tasting' to the cocktail hour for the wine lovers. I'd like to add a coffee bar too (my mom's a huge coffee drinker, but not a drinker of alcohol at all) and I thought that'd be very cool.
Anyone know about the insects though for an outside wedding in a vineyard? I'd imagine the sweetness of the grapes may make some skeeters pretty happy to be there. What about ticks (having lived in suffolk county for many years - I was wondering if those pains in the butt may stalk outside wedding goers)?
ginny26
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I'm getting married at Wolffer next weekend! I absolutely love it there...but it is pricy. It was quite a splurge for us to have it there on a Saturday. Plus, all of their wines are wonderful!!!! You have to do a lot of work coordinating between the caterer, the events planner, and the rental company, but it was fun! BTW, I've never noticed any insect issues there. If there are bees, including mint in the bouquet/centerpieces would be a repellent.
Karacg
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Re: Vineyard wedding
Posted by Mrs.Ptobe
Thank you all so much for all the wonderful suggestions. Fiance and I are psyched to check out these vineyard places. And to think we were going to only look in Nassau county! Then I said the magic word 'wine' and he was totally into it. I think it's SO romantic! I always wanted an outdoor wedding and a vineyard seems like an amazing setting. I want to see if they'll add 'wine tasting' to the cocktail hour for the wine lovers. I'd like to add a coffee bar too (my mom's a huge coffee drinker, but not a drinker of alcohol at all) and I thought that'd be very cool.
Anyone know about the insects though for an outside wedding in a vineyard? I'd imagine the sweetness of the grapes may make some skeeters pretty happy to be there. What about ticks (having lived in suffolk county for many years - I was wondering if those pains in the butt may stalk outside wedding goers)?
ANOTHER Raphael bride here!!!! I have my final meeting tomorrow with Julie the coordinator. And I think the place is AMAZING. She was also flex. on the site fee with us since we were booking only 6 months in advance and the date was open. I don't think ticks are an issue as there are no deer or trees too close by. I am going to have insect repellant in the bathroom just in case...
The wine tasting is open throughout the WHOLE reception!!!! We are also doing the buffet -- adults can decide where they want to sit themselves, IMO.
Food is amazing, Julie is great and will do anything you ask. I highly suggest checking it out. We will only have about 65 guests -- the min. on our contract is 60 so there is no issue there. Also having the caterer on-site was key to me. She and her husband (who owns the catering side) are both Italian. The vineyard has that Italian/Spanish feel. I lived in Spain 13 years so I know just what you mean. Anyway, my review will be up in Sept. (AFTER the honeymoon) but you can FM me if you want more info. Sandra and I met at the tasting there and have become friends, BunnyMonkey is so cool too -- I think when you chose a vineyard you are kind of setting yourself apart from the traditional wedding hall...
leeleelee
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Hi there...just want to add that I'm another Raphael bride!! I agree with what everyone's saying - it's so unique & beautiful & the food is so great - Julie is so awesome & full of ideas. Good luck to you in whatever you choose!! Fm me if you have any questions...
Bunnymonkey
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leeleelee and Karacg!!! My fellow Raphael *unique* brides. Pardon me for bragging for a moment..but I cannot get over how extraordinary our venue is. I didn't even think of having a tasting open for the whole wedding:brilliant. I am so looking forward to your review Karacg's !!
Mrsptobe - Have no doubts about the food at Raphael: The chef trained with Daniel Bouloud (one of the best in the world: of 'Daniel' restaurant fame in Manhattan.)
Go Vineyard Brides!
usuk2004
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I got married at Raphael in February. If you have any questions, feel free to FM me.
leeleelee and Karacg!!! My fellow Raphael *unique* brides. Pardon me for bragging for a moment..but I cannot get over how extraordinary our venue is. I didn't even think of having a tasting open for the whole wedding:brilliant. I am so looking forward to your review Karacg's !!
Hey Bunnymonkey!! I'll have to agree with you on that one! I'm so excited! I think the wine bar is such a great bonus. I love that you can have that plus the regular bar. Can you believe how quickly everything is coming?! YAY!
