We were married April 29, 2017 at Casa Lantana. It is TRULY a hidden gem in Brandon... as soon as you pull into the driveway, you feel a million miles away from the busy area of town it's in. It is by far the most affordable venue we researched..., and the quality is OUTSTANDING. The proprietor, Giselle, is like having your own personal wedding planner, consultant-for-everything, and hostess all in one.
Giselle is phenomenal - from the second we met her, she made us feel at home, listened to, and cared about. We trusted her immediately and knew that Casa Lantana was the perfect venue for us on our first visit.
Giselle made EVERYTHING easy - I was never the little girl who planned her wedding growing up, so I had no clue what I was doing, but she explained every step and gave advice without ever making us feel like we were being "sold" to. She is sincere and completely available for her brides. She responded to emails so quickly and never once made us feel like we were bothering her or inconveniencing her.
As amazing as Giselle is, it's no wonder Casa Lantana is as charming and welcoming as it is. The grounds are gorgeous. We were married under the huge oak tree, but I just as easily could have been married in front of the barn or in the woods and I know it would have been just as stunning. It was hard to choose, but there is something about that oak tree in pictures that is just eye catching. We took pictures just about everywhere, but forgot to get any on the long driveway while it was all lit up, which I'm still sad about, but we were so spoiled for choice - there are so many great opportunities for gorgeous pictures, both outside and in.
The bridal suite is roomy and comfortable - there were up to 10 of us at one point in there, and we were all comfy and relaxed. Giselle makes it so simple - as early as you need to come in, you're welcome... my MOH and I showed up at 8AM the day of and Giselle was already out getting things started - I personally did not see her sit down once. She is the ultimate hostess and so organized. My bridesmaids and I (all 30 years old+) have decided we want to be just like her when we "grow up."
The grooms suite is basically a huge movie theater/pool hall for the guys to hang out in - my husband and his groomsmen probably had too much fun.
The day of my wedding is a blur now, like everyone said it would be. But Giselle made every little moment special, from making sure we got a moment to eat, to smoothing my train right before I walked down the aisle, to making a perfectly timed joke to make sure we were all smiling and relaxed. We don't have anything but amazing things to say about Giselle and Casa Lantana. From our initial meeting, to planning, the week-of check-ins, the rehearsal dinner (where Giselle corralled our loud, busy wedding party expertly) and the day-of, Giselle made everything easy.
Also, if you're a fan of cats, Isaac, the resident Casa Lantana cat, is quite a character - he met us at the car every time we arrived, slept on the bed while we got ready, and even walked down the aisle first at our rehearsal and made a much appreciated appearance at our reception. :)
We would gladly pick Casa Lantana if we got to do it again, and we sincerely hope we're invited to a wedding there in the future to relive the memories of such an amazing day.
Thank you for everything, Giselle! It absolutely could not have been a better experience, and it wouldn't have been half as amazing without you.