Meet Our Wedding Coordinator! (Part 2)

This is a second part of the interview with Jessica Trettin, Wedding Coordinator | Sales & Event Manager.

If want to read the first part, catch up here

Fall Wedding on the Gazebo Lawn

INTERVIEW (Part 2):

4. Is rain on the wedding day really a good luck? What’s the backup plan?

We consider a rainy wedding day to REALLY be a good luck for a marriage! Now, I don’t know if that was just a very clever wedding coordinator, who came up with that or not, haha, but I love it!

Supposedly the saying means that rain on your wedding day symbolizes a lasting unity and therefore is good luck! I have read all different superstitions on it though. It seems, for the most, that they all agree that rain is good luck for the marriage. The benefit of hosting your wedding at the Pines Resort is that, we have a great indoor ‘backup’ plan option. We can always re-allocate your event to our Lakeview room. Many of our wedding couples decide on the Lakeview room for their woodsy reception with us anyways, so that tells you that it is a great wedding option anyways rain or shine!

 5. What are the NOT so obvious questions that each bride should ask prior to committing to the venue?

My recommendation would be to definitely find out what the deposit requirements are and if it is refundable or not. Deposit is an important part of the wedding planning process, as it guarantees your date and location. Once paid, you can continue your other arrangements, like ordering invitation, booking other vendors, etc.

Our deposits are nonrefundable, but our wedding clients do have the flexibility to move their date if anything unexpected were to happen, and have the same deposit fee apply to the new date as well. I recommend looking over your contract with your venue closely as well and understand what their service charge(s) are as well as what fees the service charge(s) are applied to as every venue is different. 

6. What is the average cost of the wedding at the Pines?

I would say our average out-the-door cost is anywhere from $7,500 – $10,000, that amount will cover 100-125 people, also includes the venue with all rentals, all catering, and even hosting a little bit at the bar. Oh yes, and it also includes an awesome Wedding Coordinator, haha.

7. What do we have on the menu?

Ducey’s on the Lake provides catering for all of our events and Executive Chef, Johnathan Frabotta designed all the menus.

I love our themed buffets and think they are fun & different from your typical wedding food. We have some unique options, like a Western BBQ buffet that is very popular, as well as a South of the Border taco bar and Italian feast buffet that is to die for yummy!! I am so spoiled though with a more than excellent Executive Chef and I truly never have to worry about the food. Chef Jonathan is outstanding!

Lakefront wedding buffet

8. How would you describe the wedding booking process in a few words?

Our booking process is as painless as it gets! Easy & straightforward – I believe that is how it should be anywhere. You have enough to worries on this special day, so I believe, that your venue should not be one of them.

9. What was the most fun thing you saw at the wedding?

I am truly blessed in the fact, due to being able to see some VERY neat & different things at weddings before! Personally, I love when the newlywed couple shows through in almost every aspect of their special day though. One particular wedding I remember, was when one couple who had traveled the world together, decided to name all of their guest tables’ after the places they had visited.

The newlyweds also printed out beautiful table cards that they scattered around the tables talking about their adventures in each of the locations and their favors on that table tied into that specific location as well! It was incredible and it was great to watch their guests light up as they read aloud those stories together. It was beautiful watching their friends & family learn hidden stories & facts about the Couple they came to celebrate. As you know, most guests only get a few moments with the newlyweds at the reception, therefore I find those personal touches unique and appreciated by guests.

To be continued …

Jessica Trettin:

I have been with the Pines for over 5 years and my 6-year anniversary is approaching in July. My career at the Pines Resort started as the Banquet Captain and a Restaurant Supervisor in 2011.  I was able to advance quickly and took over the Wedding & Event department in April of 2013. ‘It has truly been an honor to lead this ever-growing department ever since!’, she said in our interview.

Please contact Jessica jmuzychenko@basslake.com or (559) 692-8837 to receive the wedding package pamphlet.

Interview by: Dorota Petty | Marketing & Social Media Manager