Topping multiple “Best of” lists for weddings, the Olde Mill Inn is tucked away in the natural New Jersey woodlands of Basking Ridge. The venue offers an array of luxurious backdrops on its 10-acre historical estate, ranging from dreamy English gardens to sun-drenched atriums; cozy confines to an elaborate ballroom. With four uniquely different rooms to choose from – plus the abundance of romantic enclaves throughout the property, it’s easy to see why the Olde Mill Inn is considered a Northeast gem.

Hunt Room & Pub

The Hunt Room is centered with a large stonewall fireplace and rich wood pub, which give off an air of Old World charm and timeless tradition. A wall of glass, draped in gold, opens up to the tented terrace where guests can mingle in the gardens and a gazebo during cocktail hour or the reception. Seats 120.

Fox & Hounds

A favorite for its airy, sun-drenched atrium, the Fox & Hounds room features an adjacent deck that overlooks the landscaped lawn and meandering stream. Seats 80.

Grain Room

The Grain Room is quaint and cozy with a distinguished brick wall fireplace etched by a handsomely beamed ceiling and adjoining deck. Seats 40.

The Grand Washington Ballroom

Perfect for larger parties, this room is intricately adorned with crystal chandeliers, wall sconces, antiqued glass mirrors, and finished with a beautiful hardwood dance floor and French doors that open out onto an enchanting English garden setting. Seats 240.

Photo: Brad Ross Photography; Anne + Rich Photography

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Looking for a way to make a big impression on your wedding guests? Try sending them home with a living souvenir from your big day, instead of a fistful of Jordan Almonds.

You can purchase plant favors or you can make your own! In fact, DIY plant favors are super simple, and they can be surprisingly budget friendly!

When Megan and Jeffrey started planning their wedding, they knew exactly what they wanted: an intimate wedding with their nearest and dearest.

Fortunately, after a bit of hunting they found just the place for their small shindig; a local Italian Restaurant that fit their 60 person guest list perfectly.

According to Megan: “Andrew Michael is a restaurant in an older Memphis home with a really warm atmosphere and cozy feel! The moment you step in, you feel like you’ve walked into the home of a friend”.

Heather Hester Photography caught all of the breathtaking details on film.

Megan, 24 & Jeffrey, 27

Memphis, Tennessee

Wedding Date: October 12, 2012

Number of Guests: 60

Wedding Cost: $12,000

Wedding Ceremony Location: Andrew Michael Italian Kitchen

Wedding Reception Location: Andrew Michael Italian Kitchen

One of the less than stellar side effects of wedding planning is the looming worry that something will go wrong. Nightmares consisting of ripped gowns, embarrassing guests, and misplaced rings often wake brides in cold sweat at night, but one very real horror story that happens too often to ignore involves wedding venues that unexpectedly close.

Less than a month ago, a venue in Bayville, N.Y. altered the plans of 25 couples who had booked their weddings at the waterside resort before the venue was unexpectedly shut down. Lawsuits are inevitable, but the worry at the moment is finding an alternative to host their guests and doing so without the chunk of change they put down as a deposit.

That same week in Phoenix, Arizona, 60 couples had to begin scrambling to find a new locale after another venue was abruptly foreclosed, with no refund in sight.

Luckily, there are ways to prevent this plan-altering scenario. Just as you wouldn’t drive a car without insurance, it’s dangerous to put down a large sum without protection. Wedding insurance gives policy holders reimbursements when things go awry as well as a peace of mind, which, let’s face it, is priceless.

WedSafe is the top wedding insurance company in the U.S., and was founded by a couple who were unsuccessful in finding insurance protection for their own wedding against unpredictable illness, weather, no show vendors, damage to gifts, and to the bride’s dress.

The company, which has been around since 1999, offers two wedding insurance products that can be purchased individually or together as a package: Wedding Event Cancellation and Postponement and Wedding Liability Insurance.

Heaven forbid something happens, but if it does, make sure you’re protected.

 Photo: Shea Christine Photography

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I’ve been writing about weddings for 10 years.  During that time, I have interviewed countless couples about their weddings. I’ve interviewed couples with big budgets. Couples with little budgets. Couples from big cities, and others from tiny towns. Brides who have dreamed of their weddings their entire lives, and others who didn’t even have marriage on the radar screen. I finally decided it was time to put down in writing what I have learned during this decade of dedication to all things wedding.

I hope these words resonate with you. I hope they will serve as a reminder for you to stay grounded and keep your eyes on the prize; marrying the love of your life.

You can get the 8.5″ x 11″ printable version of The Bride’s Manifesto here. Place it on your desk or beside your bed; it will help ward off the wedding crazies.

 

 

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