mspink's reviews
A bride chooses the Palace at Somerset Park for many reasons. I chose it for perfection. Perfection with the details, the atmosphere, the service, the food and creating the most memorable night of your life.
Not just a business: The Palace was only but a foundation on Davidson road when I first saw it. I worried that a non family run banquet facility would be strictly business and lack the personal attention you crave as a needy bride. To my surprise, I was treated like royalty from start to finish in the planning process. Working with Melanie Malave was like talking to a best friend. She guided me through the process and helped me on days when I tried to do her job, her bosses job and the chef's job (I was slightly obsessive compulsive). Having her reassure me that the small details wouldn't be overlooked made me breath a sigh of relief.
The cost of perfection: Sure its a tad more expensive than getting married in mom's backyard, but honestly, it was worth every penny. The look on the faces of your guests when they arrive to this mecca of a structure will be completely worth it. Upon entering they are greeted with friendly car attendants, welcoming waitstaff (serving up my specialty pink beverages) and a huge spread of cocktail hour just waiting to be devoured. Good food can come from anywhere, but good food, service and atmosphere are worth paying the price for in my book.
All the little things: While taking photos our hosts were right there with us making sure that we were fed, drinking and most of all enjoying the moment. Think of what a celebrity feels like when they're being handled for a concert. Its the same thing. My bridal attendant bustled, fixed my hair if necessary, found tums when I needed them, helped me to change into comfortable shoes when she saw my feet were hurting and find a way for me to stash some cookies in my purse on the way out.
Yum Yum: My husband and I work in New York and decided we wanted our cake to be black and yellow looking like a NYC taxi cab. all I had to do was explain my vision to Melanie and the pastry team and viola! a stunning conversation piece arrived infront of my sweet heart table on the day of the wedding. It was so professional you wouldn't believe that the cost was included in the price! All of the desserts were tailored to my husband and I. I asked for swedish fish, i got it. I wanted mint chocolate chip ice cream, it was there. Being led through the dessert hour before my guests were invited to join was so special. Seeing the hard work put into making this night so special while gazing up the huge staircase in the grand foyer was breathtaking. And that was just dessert!!!
The tasting is like being on a television show only no one gets voted off. You just keep tasting course after course and get to laugh and bond with your planner. I remember enjoying the tasting with my family so much that I thought about asking if i could come back and just pay to have private tastings after my wedding was over.
Think of banquet halls that you've been to before and how their food tastes. Decent I'm sure. But anyone can make a tray of baked ziti and some chicken parm. The food at the palace was like inviting 200 of your closest friends to a trendy new restaurant. Its whatever you want, its peronal, its fresh, its hot and its delicious.
I honestly have so many wonderful things to say about the Palace and would be happy to go on and answer specific questions if you'd like to email me. mspink108@aol.com
