Venues Archives

May 14, 2024

Ballroom on the Lake

By: Deanna / Venues, Weddings / Comments closed

New wedding and event venue in Seminole County, Florida. Just east of Orlando, near the University of Central Florida.

Unveiling Ballroom on the Lake in Geneva: Where Dreams Meet Elegance

Welcome to Ballroom on the Lake in Geneva, a brand-new wedding and event venue, nestled in the serene beauty of Seminole County. It boasts stunning views, elegant decor, and two passionate owners, Phyllis and Rick. This venue is a perfect choice for weddings and events in the Orlando area and Seminole County. I had the pleasure of spending some time with Phyllis and Rick at Ballroom on the Lake and I uncovered their charming story for opening an event space in Geneva. If you have never heard of Geneva, it is a beautiful little town just outside the city of Oviedo, Florida. Never heard of Oviedo??? Well, Oviedo is just past the border of the University of Central Florida (Go KNIGHTS!) in Orlando.

The Venue’s Story and Vision:

Step into the world of Ballroom on the Lake, where a dream took root during weekend strolls through wooded bliss. Phyllis and Rick transformed eight acres into a haven of elegance and convenience, blending nature’s charm with impeccable design. Every weekend Phyllis and Rick would walk through the woods to look at the water. One day Phyllis said “This is nuts! Let’s just take down a tree every weekend.” Rick was not convinced, so he did some research to find out how much it would cost to clear the land. Let’s just say it was a pretty penny and they both decided to clear the land themselves.

Phyllis and Rick rented a tractor and met Ron Hawk, who owned a skid steer, and the three of them cleared the entire area over three years! After the area was cleared, Phyllis and Rick noticed the hill on the property. Instead of building a house on the water where it would block the view, they decided to build on the hill so everyone could enjoy the beautiful lake scenery. Being ballroom dancers, they thought “We could put a house on the bottom and put a space on top and we can rent it as a venue and make some money in our retirement.” And the Ballroom on the Lake was born!

Unique Features and Services:

This beautiful wedding and event venue has a beautiful, peaceful charm. The wide-open spaces, state-of-the-art amenities, and inclusive packages make it a great choice for your next event. Everything is elegant and gorgeous, a perfect backdrop for a wedding, private party or corporate event. You can choose from the beautiful ballroom, the large porch, and plenty of beautiful outdoor spaces.

The ballroom space is completely open, so no polls in the middle of the room. It also contains a DJ area and two 100-inch TVs that can display your slide show or business presentation. The sound system is absolutely amazing! I had the pleasure of singing in the ballroom twice and the sound system is phenomenal. Another unique feature that I loved was the video/Photography loft. On the second floor, there is a loft where your photographer or videographer can set up to capture your guests as they enter. Or you can capture a beautiful overhead view of the entire ballroom, it really is magical.

Special Feature: Kitchen

Just off the ballroom is a gorgeous kitchen. The caterers can access the kitchen, but you can also host a wonderful breakfast or brunch as well. There is plenty of space and the table can also serve as a server table. The elegant design and layout of the kitchen will be a perfect place for the family to gather before the big event or for your host team to meet and get ready for the festivities.

Community Engagement and Future Vision:

Phyllis and Rick have been supporting the local community since the opening of Ballroom on the Lake. Local churches and schools have used the venue for church events, dances, and awards ceremonies. They were also gracious hosts for the Wedding Venue Map’s networking event last fall. Wedding Venue Map is a local Central Florida wedding vendor organization that vets wedding and event vendors for couples.

The Ballroom is also open to anyone who would love to ballroom dance. Their partnership with Nanette’s Ballroom offers open ballroom dances on the first Sunday of each month. Whether you have experience or you would like to learn, you can join them each month for a fun dance experience.

How to Connect:

If you are interested in booking this beautiful venue, Phyllis and Rick have partnered with Traditions Event Services. You can find out more information on their website HERE. You can also contact Phyllis and Rick directly at BallroomOnTheLake@gmail.com or call (407) 720-6189

At Ballroom on the Lake, dreams come to life against a backdrop of natural splendor and thoughtful design. Whether it’s a wedding, corporate event, or a cherished celebration, this hidden treasure promises an experience that’s as enchanting as the surrounding landscape. Give Phyllis and Rick a call to schedule your tour!

Warmly,

Deanna 🙂

P.S.

If you are planning a wedding don’t miss this blog post on the Hottest Wedding Trends for 2024!

December 13, 2023

Event Locations in Orlando: The Luxmore Grande Estate

By: Deanna / Venues / Comments closed

The Luxmore Grande Estate: Where Dreams Begin!

Hello lovely readers! Today, let’s dive into the intriguing story behind The Luxmore Grande Estate, a beautiful event location in the Orlando area, that epitomizes grandeur and southern charm. In a recent interview, we uncovered the fascinating journey of The Luxmore Grande Estate from a planner’s dream to a versatile and enchanting event venue right here in Winter Springs, Florida. Click HERE to watch my tour on YouTube.

How It All Began

The Luxmore Grande Estate’s tale starts with Tamuel, the visionary owner, who began her career as an event planner. The journey led her to the management of Cypress Grove State House in Orlando, another beautiful event location in the heart of Orlando. However, the desire for a venue they could truly call their own sparked a search for the right venue, and in 2013 they discovered the beautiful Luxmore Grande Estate. Through meticulous renovation, this once private residence transformed into a hidden wedding and event wonderland. It is tucked away in the beautiful town of Winter Springs, just north of Orlando. This beautiful wedding and event venue is nestled near Lake Jessup offering stunning views and peaceful scenery.

What Sets Luxmore Estate Apart: Versatility and Personalization

The Unique Essence:

Couples have plenty of choices when looking for an event location in the Orlando area. The Luxmore Grande Estate, though, stands out for its exceptional versatility. It exudes Southern charm and sophistication while providing couples with a blank canvas to create their dream wedding – whether it’s a Boho affair, a minimalist celebration, or a maximalist extravaganza a couple can truly create anything their heart desires here. When you are looking for an event venue, it is important to assess how you feel while you taking a tour. The Luxmore Grande Estate has a ton of charm, and it is easy to see the many possibilities you can create in the space. As a musician, I loved the beautiful areas outside that set a stunning stage for entertainment and the wonderful acoustics inside that will resonate my music through the beautiful rooms.

Services and Offerings:

The Luxmore Grande Estate goes beyond being just a venue. Partnering with Big City Catering, it offers a seamless blend of venue, food, and beverage services. From intimate gatherings to weddings and birthday parties, The Luxmore Grande Estate caters to diverse events. The collaboration with RW Rentals, a sister company under the RW Brands umbrella, adds an extra layer of convenience with a range of rental furniture options. Whatever your needs are for your special event, The Luxmore Grande Estate staff will help you bring your vision to life.

Behind the Scenes: With Event Manager Hollie Borak

Understanding the Role:

In our chat, we had the pleasure of speaking with an integral part of The Luxmore Grande Estate – the event manager Hollie Borak. Their role involves ensuring that from the moment a couple books their special wedding day, their vision comes to life seamlessly. This includes coordination with catering, fine-tuning layouts, and overseeing the intricate details that make each event unique.

Personal Touch:

Hollie shared insights into their responsibilities, from managing events at The Luxmore Grande Estate to networking at various locations. The role involves being the point of contact for clients, ensuring a smooth transition from the sales manager to the event manager once the booking process is complete. Hollie will be there to guide you through everything, so no need to stress about your big day. Hollie and their team have experience and passion on their side to be a thoughtful guide to you through the entire process.

Adding the Finishing Touches: Lighting and Catering Options

Creating Atmosphere:

The Luxmore Grande Estate offers flexibility in lighting choices, collaborating with in-house partners, and accommodating external preferences. Whether it’s elegant uplighting, full draping, or fairy lights, the venue adapts to couples’ visions. This photo captures the beauty of this beautiful event location at dusk, what a beauty! Just imagine what your evening event would be like on the beautiful grounds overlooking the fountain, this is just stunning!

Culinary Delights:

While Big City catering is a preferred choice, The Luxmore Grande Estate allows couples to bring in specific catering preferences. This flexibility ensures that every aspect, including the menu, aligns with the couple’s tastes and preferences. So if you have another preferred catering choice, the staff will work closely with your vendors to ensure everything turns out perfectly.

Capacity and Memorable Moments: A Glimpse into The Luxmore Grande Estate’s Essence

Event Capacity:

The Luxmore Grande Estate can host up to 200 guests indoors, with the grand ballroom accommodating 160. The venue’s adaptability ensures a seamless experience for events of various sizes and styles. There are multiple spaces on the grounds to host various party sizes. From indoor to outdoor space or the grand ballroom to intimate rooms, you are sure to find a charming place on the grounds to meet the needs of your event. Both large and intimate events would work well in the event spaces available to clients.

Memorable Moments:

In a heartwarming revelation, the event manager shared their most cherished event – Rochelle and Michael’s wedding. “I got to work alongside Joy to V events, Carlene, she was amazing as well. And honestly just seeing everything come together and I got to see their whole room reveal and they were crying because it was exactly what they wanted. I got to see the family react to everything and say that it was exactly what they envisioned.” Hollie also mentioned how the couple displayed photos of their love story in the beautiful library and how the couple’s meticulous planning, including floral arrangements and personal details, showcased the venue’s ability to bring dreams to life.

The Heart of The Luxmore Grande Estate: A Reflection on Music and Uniqueness

Music in Weddings:

As a musician, I emphasize the power of personalized music choices. The music you choose for your special event not only sets the mood but leaves a lasting memory. I told Hollie the story of my husband’s Star Wars Imperial March for his groom’s entrance. Back then playing this type of music was not common at all at weddings, it really was outside the box! Hollie mentioned a beautiful story about a pianist arranging Mac Miller’s songs on the piano for a couple. Many times in planning for a special event, the music is last on the list, but I encourage you to think about your music sooner than you think. If you would like a personal music consultation, click HERE.

Connecting Families:

The event manager highlighted the role of music in uniting families. By incorporating special songs and moments, couples create a medley of memories that resonates with both the couple and their loved ones. When you take the time to think about the music for your event, you can create so many meaningful moments that you and your family will never forget. My husband and I danced to our first song together and during that song, we spun out from each other, he then danced with his mom while I spun out and danced with my father. It was not a traditional mother/son dance or daddy/daughter dance, but it symbolized to us the union of both families. Taking the time to think about how you can make your music choices create special moments makes all the difference.

Your Dream Event Awaits: Tips for Prospective Clients

Booking Essentials:

For those considering The Luxmore Grande Estate, prospective clients should know that the RW brand prioritizes their vision. Whether it’s the sales process, planning, or the event day, the focus is on making the experience all about the client. It’s not just about hosting an event but being part of a family’s significant life moments. The staff will take great care of you and your guests so your beautiful event will become a lasting, cherished memory.

Timeline for Booking:

Booking can be done anywhere from 24 months to three months prior. However, to ensure the best experience and collaboration among vendors, a year to two years in advance is recommended. As of August, their calendar was almost full for Spring 2024 and they were booking for Winter 2024. So if you are considering this beautiful Orlando event location, be sure to book your tour as soon as possible.

Final Thoughts: A Heartfelt Thank You

As we finish this delightful journey into The Luxmore Grande Estate, a warm thank you to our gracious host Hollie. It’s been a pleasure uncovering the enchanting charm behind this amazing event venue location, hidden right here in Winter Springs. If you are looking for an event venue in the Orlando area, take a look right here in Seminole County.

To see the behind-the-scenes photos and videos I took, check out my video on YouTube showcasing this beautiful event venue.

For more information or to schedule a tour of the Luxmore Grande Estate click HERE

Phone + Text: 407.749.0783
Email: info@luxmoregrande.com

1120 Orange Avenue
Winter Springs, FL 32708

Check out the Hottest Wedding Trends for 2024

September 26, 2023

Seminole County Gem: 520 on the Water – A Unique Venue with a Remarkable Story

By: Deanna / Venues, Weddings / Comments closed

Hello there, lovely readers! Today, I’m thrilled to introduce you to a true hidden gem nestled in Seminole County, Florida. Picture this: the glistening water, breathtaking sunsets, and a private space that’s perfect for your special events. I had the pleasure of chatting with Judy, the passionate owner of 520 on the Water, and learning about the journey that led her to this remarkable event venue.

A Dream Unfolds: From Run-Down to Radiant

Judy’s journey into the event industry is a tale of unexpected twists and turns. It all began when her husband, with sheer determination, decided to venture into the world of event hosting. Little did Judy know, their newly acquired venue was in dire need of renovation. Using their 41K savings, they poured their hearts into transforming the space. And so, in December of 2018, 520 on the Water was born, rising from the ashes to become a beacon of beauty and hospitality.

Navigating Challenges and Seizing Opportunities

Bringing 520 on the Water to life wasn’t without its challenges. Regulations, repairs, and transformations were necessary as they changed the purpose of the venue. Judy recalled how the city played a role, grandfathering in wheelchair-accessible bathrooms—a nod to accessibility while preserving the charm of the venue.

What Makes 520 on the Water Shine

So, what makes 520 on the Water a sought-after and unique venue? Imagine a space close to the water’s edge, offering breathtaking views and private seclusion. With ample parking and the ability to accommodate various event types, including weddings, celebrations of life, and engagement parties, it’s a versatile canvas ready to bring your dreams to life.

Capacity and Flexibility: Tailoring to Your Needs

The venue’s capacity varies based on the event’s nature. For weddings, Judy prefers to keep things intimate, usually not exceeding 120 guests to ensure a comfortable dance floor. However, without the need for dancing space, the capacity can extend to around 140 guests. This flexibility ensures that each event can be tailored to the client’s desires.

A Hub of Diversity and Options

One of the venue’s shining qualities is its flexibility. Judy embraces diverse cuisines and themes, allowing clients to bring in their own catering and even fascinating elements like llamas or dogs! A hallmark of 520 on the Water is its collaborative spirit, working with clients to craft unforgettable experiences that mirror their unique personalities.

Planning and Booking: A Stress-Free Experience

As for prospective clients, Judy’s approach is both practical and accommodating. To secure a date, a mere $500 deposit is required. With options ranging from eight to twelve hours, clients can customize their event durations according to their needs. Judy’s transparent pricing and willingness to offer better deals as the event date approaches showcase her commitment to making the process stress-free. She will also assist you in planning an ideal layout for your event. Each client will have the opportunity to plan their event using this map so your vision can come to life.

Embracing the Unexpected: Memorable Moments

Judy’s journey has been adorned with unique and unforgettable events. From weddings where the bride and groom donned pirate attire to weddings with unexpected characters like skeletons, each event is a testament to the venue’s readiness to embrace the unexpected. Judy’s philosophy? Always be prepared for anything.

A Hidden Treasure on the Water

As our conversation drew to a close, Judy shared a little-known fact about 520 on the Water: Many visitors are surprised to discover that the venue is indeed right on the water’s edge. The stunning views and abundant natural light that fill the space often leave guests in awe. Every area from the ceremony site outside to the indoor cocktail patio offer a beautiful backdrop to any event you plan on hosting.

Connecting with 520 on the Water

If you’re eager to experience the magic of 520 on the Water for yourself, Judy welcomes inquiries via email or phone call. Their Facebook and Instagram pages offer a glimpse into the beauty that awaits you. So whether it’s a wedding, celebration of life, or a unique event of your own making, 520 on the Water stands ready to bring your vision to life in an unforgettable way.

Judy Myers

407-325-1376

520onthewater@gmail.com

Category: Venues