THE Venue!!!

After a few months of intense internet searching, I was pretty sure I had found my wedding venue. I know, though, that internet photos can be pretty deceiving (think apartment/house searching!), so I figured i should probably check the place out in person. Unfortunately, being a medical student in upstate NY, I didn't seem to have any opportunity in the near future to go take a peak. Enter my parents! They so kindly offered take a drive over to the venue and check it out. And they LOVED it! My mom offered to book it right then and there, and I almost agreed! But we cooled our jets and me and Mr Elk made plans to go down to Long Island over the holidays and check it out. And it was PERFECT!!!!!!

So without further ado, our venue, the Old Field Club.

This is what you see when you drive up to the venue, very understated but beautiful.

Old Field Club: via OFC website

This is the ceremony area, with cocktail hour to take place on the adjoining deck and in a screened off porch not visible in this photo. I love the natural beauty and simplicity!

via:disc jockey nyc

via Ruby Star Blog/photo by: ruby star photography

The ballroom, with high wood ceilings, brass chandeliers, a working fireplace, and windows overlooking the yard. Again, I love the simple elegance!

via: disc jockey nyc

via OFC website

AHHH I LOVE IT SO MUCH!!! And did you notice, no carpets and chiavari chairs! And you can't tell this by the photos, but the deck and ceremony location overlook an inlet of the bay! Here you can see the water from the deck:

Personal Photo

Moreover, the Old Field Club is a beach club and therefore has its own private beach across the street with private cabanas of varying fabulous colors available for pictures, like these beauties:

via The Hamptons Weddings/Photo by: Christina Bohn Photography

Unfortunately, the Old Field Club was not immune to the recent hurricane. When Irene hit, the OFC was flooded with over a foot of water, ruining carpeting in the cocktail hour area and bowing some of the wood floors, and the deck was apparently torn apart. I happened upon this photo, and you can see the water all around the main entrance!

photo by: DGH Photo

I have been surprisingly calm about the newly acquired damages, and I can only hope they will restore my beautiful venue to her former glory, without changing what makes it so special.

Was your wedding affected by mother nature? And did you only visit one venue before booking?