We are so excited to have Michelle James, event coordinator of the Davis Islands Garden Club take over the ADP blog this week for our “Friendor Friday!” We have had the honor of working with Michelle at the DICG several times and are also proud to call her our friend! Her bubbly personality and gorgeous grounds keep brides and grooms happy during their planning process all the way through the big day!
Tell us about holding a ceremony and/or reception at the DIGC:
Well we are one of the most flexible spaces around which is why we are a huge draw to so many clients!
When did the DIGC first open?
Technically 1933 it became a Garden Circle, 1956 the building was erected.
How many guests can you accommodate?
Max 175 Comfortably 125-150 is my personal opinion.
The best feature of the DIGC?
Bar none the view of the waterfront gardens on the canal.
Any required vendors that a couple must use if they book your venue?
Not at all! I do have my preferred vendors which I highly recommend in order to have a successful evening.
What is included when a couple books your venue for a wedding?
The facility for the entire day, 10am- the following 1am.
How far in advance should a couple books the DIGC for their venue?
As crazy as I sounds in 2015 I had a contract all the way out into 2017!
Do you offer wedding planning services? What makes your services different from the rest?
Nope ,I sure do not,otherwise with all the wedding we book I truly would have any life. However, I do have 3 favorites listed on our site, all of whom I LOVE equally!
How do you help couples customize their big day?
I do have a very small list of draping & décor items that I personally rent out, but the rest I leave to the pros!
Do you target any particular niche?
We advertise on Wedding Wire but honestly in almost 10 years of working there I have built up quite massive referral system. Not to mention the hundreds of amazing blogs from professionals like yourselves; it really makes my job like wedding cake!!
Fun fact about the DIGC?
I met my husband there 2004 after missing the entire wedding of his sister, as a guest (I was a wedding photographer myself and was shooting at the Tradewinds that night. I showed up at the end. He was the only one left ? We got married there, less than a year later. Shortly thereafter we had a lil baby red head. When she was 6mos old I started working there!
Have you had any strange requests for a wedding?
OH YEAH!!!! We have had a Dr Who wedding, and a Gypsy wedding
Most unique event that has taken place at your venue? Or most memorable?
We were featured on the The Knot in their Mag & also on Bridezillas!
How is the DIGC different from other wedding venues?
Much more flexible!
How/When did you start working for the DIGC ?
My husbands mom was on the board, so once my husband and I got married I started working there in Feb 2007.
What interests do you have outside of work? Tell us about yourself!
REAL ESTATE, Gardening, Spinning Classes, Biking Bayshore, Roller Blading.
I think I have been through close 1000 weddings!!!!!!
