Convenient Coordination

One of the very first steps in planning a wedding is determining the venue for the ceremony and reception, and choosing a venue with an on-site wedding planner and coordinator offers many benefits for soon-to-be-wed couples. West Virginia is home to a few wedding venues that offer wedding planning and event coordinating services—just one perk among many others of tying the knot in Almost Heaven.

The Gaines Estate. Photo by Emily Ferguson Photography.

The wedding coordinator at The Gaines Estate is there every step of the way, with a package that includes vendor directory resources, a three-month planning meeting, a 30-day confirmation meeting and rehearsal and day-of coordination. The day-of coordinator’s job includes oversight of venue setup, managing the event timeline, coordinating with outside vendors and executing each part of the event.

Leading up to the event, the coordinator at The Gaines Estate works directly with each couple in order to finalize details, according to the location’s wedding and event coordinator, Mariah Harrison.

The same can be said for the Grande Pointe Conference and Reception Center in Vienna, WV. According to Kylie Golden, sales and event coordinator, Grand Pointe is a full-service facility with an executive chef, culinary team and full-service staff. Just like at The Gaines Estate, Grand Pointe also offers a day-of coordinator.

“As the sales and event coordinator, I coordinate all aspects for the venue,” Golden says. “From the room setup, linen and napkin colors and timeline to the menu selections and answering any and all questions regarding Grand Pointe and what we offer.”

Along with the included amenities, Grande Pointe will work with the wedding couple to create a customized wedding package to fit their needs and budget.

Photo by Hillbrook Inn & Spa.

At Hillbrook Inn & Spa in Charles Town, WV, the wedding coordinator will ensure your day runs smoothly and efficiently.

At Hillbrook Inn, the event coordinator is part of the planning process from the very beginning. They offer open communication through the planning process; liaison services for staff, vendors and attendees; coordinate the ceremony and reception from start to finish; and fulfill several other duties.

Owner of Hillbrook Inn & Spa, Carissa Zanella, gives further insight into the widespread benefits of having a wedding coordinator.

“Our goal at Hillbrook Inn & Spa is to create an environment that has low stress and helps you make the difficult decisions,” she says. “We want our guests to know we are prepared in every aspect of the event from the planning and implementation to the closing of the event, making each milestone of the day special and unique.”

According to Zanella and Event Coordinator Michelle Benner, Hillbrook Inn has been providing luxurious accommodations, fine dining, spa services and special events in Charles Town for more than two decades. The property is known as the Bullskin Plantation, the first piece of property George Washington ever purchased.

Photo by Morgantown Marriott.

Couples know how important it is to choose an event coordinator that cares about the happenings of the big day as if it were their own, and Morgantown Marriott at Waterfront Place promises just that.

“Weddings are a very personal experience,” says Regina Mendoza, director of catering. “Having the ability to get to know someone from the beginning, have them understand your vision and trust them to make your day happen is a huge benefit through the planning process.”

At Morgantown Marriott, the wedding planner is present from start to finish. They help with the initial planning all the way to helping the bride as she walks down the aisle. Mendoza says their goal is to provide support and comfort during a special time in someone’s life.

“We know our venue, and once getting to know you, we can make suggestions on how best to make it happen for your wedding day,” says Mendoza. “Our long-established network of partners for décor leads to many options at different price points to make sure we are getting you the best value for your vision.”

Not only does the Morgantown Marriott offer a wedding planner, but it also offers different packages with various amenities based on a couple’s personal and budgetary preferences.

At the Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack in Wheeling, WV, the event coordinator is complimentary. Julie Baker, catering and event sales manager, says having an on-site coordinator allows communication between others to run more smoothly.

“Being with the couple when they first come in, during the event and after is helpful for creating a good relationship that puts a couple at ease,” says Baker. “Our on-staff chef works with the couple and does a taste testing. We advise the couple of timelines and how we can do different things to entertain guests, followed by a reception. We coordinate with the photographer and DJ. We know when it is time for everything. We help the couples through the entire day. I really work with the couples to make it go smoothly. We help with tear down, let them come back the next day and more.”

At Wheeling Island, the bride and groom can have their ceremony on-site while guests can stay at the hotel. To ensure the best angles are captured for this special occasion, the venue offers top-notch places for taking photos.

Photo by J.Q. Dickinson Salt-Works.

J.Q. Dickinson Salt-Works in Charleston, WV, boasts unique event coordination and a coordinator who is involved in every step of the process.

“We don’t want any detail to get missed,” says Nancy Bruns, CEO and co-founder of J.Q. Dickinson. “From the time the couple books the space until the wedding is over, our event planner is involved with the caterer, musicians or DJs, florists, rental companies, ordering alcohol, planning special cocktails, set up of the dining space and more.”

Though J.Q. Dickinson is located near downtown Charleston, it is very intimate in nature. It has several areas of farmland that can be utilized depending on the size of the wedding and what the bride and groom want for their special day. The company believes having an event coordinator is more efficient and cost-effective than planning everything on your own.

“West Virginia is the best place to get married,” says Bruns. “It is so beautiful here and the West Virginia locals are the kindest, most helpful people in the country.”