What is a wedding if not a big party? Jim and I, veterans of weddings planned for us not by us, are determined to make our wedding a party to remember. Since I'm a writer, everyone comes along for the decision-making process.
Why Albuquerque? Besides the obvious one - we live here - Albuquerque offers great weather for a May wedding, inspiring views of the Sandia mountains, reasonably priced hotels for all the out-of-town guests, and a whole lot of things to see and do.
One of the major contenders for the wedding is Downtown Historic B&Bs of Albuquerque.
A pair of beautiful Victorian style Bed & Breakfasts - the Heritage House and the Spy House make up the Downtown Historic B&Bs of Albuquerque, plus there's a separate casita on the property.
Steve and Kara Grant live in a third house on the street and have created a small charming enclave with a garden area perfect for intimate outdoor weddings. And, with less than 35 people, ours was certainly going to be intimate.
There’s a grassy area for the ceremony, two patio areas for guests to mingle before the ceremony, and a step-down reception space with a small dance floor. Water features and flowers add to the garden atmosphere. Kara is the on-site coordinator, and she is so practiced that there is little that can go amiss.
At our meeting, she had already created a complete budget with everything from flowers to cake, as well as a list of additional items that the couple may want to consider (e.g. photographer). The food is provided by an Albuquerque favorite - the Artichoke Café.
Another plus was the nine beautifully furnished rooms that could be secured for out-of-town guests. And these really are gorgeously elegant rooms. Plus, the breakfasts offered by this B&B are true gourmet meals.
Their alcohol policy is wine and beer, but if you wanted a specific cocktail served they are accommodating.
Getting curious yet? Want to know who got the nod and where come the end of May, Jim and Neala tie the marital knot? Next column is the totally overused Great Reveal!
