The Gaines’ Estate

isions and choices were completely disregarded every step of the way. hardly any communication or care, dull and unclear responses, lots of changes from information we received in the tour. The facility generator was broken on our wedding day. The owner acknowledged it was inoperable BEFORE our wedding day, but refuses to compensate or apologize for. We were unaware this was an issue and were never told the generator was broken. They didn’t communicate with us before the day so we could rent/buy one to solve the issue ourselves- which we would have being this is our wedding day. The effects of this were no lights, no ac, our entire menu was changed (we still don’t know why), cupcakes and cake completely melted, DJ hired was unable to provide full services, brides hair unable to be done, bathrooms lit by a candle. We reached out to discuss the issues and gave them the opportunity to resolve our discontent and they said they don’t believe compensation is “justified” because the generator being broken is out of their control. We haven’t so much as received an apology. We also rented benches for the ceremony which they refused to move to the back up ceremony spot, so our guests had to stand. They still charged us for those benches and wouldn’t even bring chairs to the back up ceremony. They were unbothered and didn’t seem to want to help us regardless of everything we already paid for. They only care about the money- table cloths, napkins, chairs, benches, any square tables, even an hour for rehearsal is all an extra cost and not included in booking. We were even charged an 18% gratuity for both the bar and food even though they changed our menu completely without communication, didn’t fill up our waters at dinner, and were charging guests incorrectly at the bar. Many of our guests complained that they were charging them for beer (we provided an open beer bar so this shouldn’t have happened), throwing out full drinks, and yelling at them many different times. We had guests leave early because they felt like the venue was shutting the night down by cleaning up plates, taking full drinks off tables, and complaining about a noice ordinance that doesn’t go into effect until 10. They were shutting the windows and doors we opened due to it being hot from the AC being down - but the staff door and windows were opened. They told us before booking we can pick our draft beer choices. I emailed 3 weeks prior to the wedding to mention that nobody reached out to me about this and they told me “guests don’t choose beer”. The owner told us we could before signing, but I guess it was more false information. They said they handle event set up, but they were nowhere to be found and the mothers of the couple spent all morning setting up. I am embarrassed and feel robbed of our day. Our families and friends traveled so far and took time out of their lives to celebrate us and for the staff to act that way towards them and us is unacceptable. It was not relaxing and happy. It didn’t even feel like our wedding because everything we said was being disregarded. Everything went wrong at every opportunity and they didn’t seem to have a care in the world and they still don’t after reaching out to them to resolve it.

suits that we love (mountain biking, climbing, etc) in a place we hold dear (Fayetteville/New River Gorge) on Friday and Saturday, and then provide our guests with a beautiful event on Sunday in the form of our wedding. Having Mariah as our point person was key - she was assertive, calming, and ensured that our wedding timeline and event atmosphere in general went as we hoped. My husband and I both loved the many different areas of the Estate that we were able to use - the Walnut Grove for our ceremony, house and lawn for our cocktail/appetizer hour, and the pavilion for our dinner/reception. I also enjoyed getting ready in the fantastic Bridal Suite, and my bridesmaids (sisters) did as well! The owners were so kind and available to help at any point in the evening. I couldn’t have asked for a more fantastic wedding, or more supportive staff/help. Thank you for giving us (and our guests, who keep raving about the wedding) such a special day!

ewly renovated 1920's mansion, and everyone had a fabulous time eating and dancing in the brand new, spacious pavilion. We also can't wait to receive our wedding photos of the two of us on their antique couch in the back field. We used The Gaines Estate's caterer - Dobra Zupas - and could not have been happier. The food was delicious and our guests were impressed. Mariah, the venue coordinator was wonderful and made sure every detail was taken care of. We highly recommend booking this venue for your fairytale wedding!