I chose to have my Mom's 90th Birthday celebration in
Baton Rouge, at The Gatehouse, August 11,2018. My priorities were a beautiful, luxurious Southern venue, great food/wines, indoors (August is hot!), creative & meticulous planner, music/dancing, guest capacity 80-100. All of my expectations were exceeded by Christi and her team at The Gatehouse. From the first phone call to her walking my family out to the car at the end of the party, Christi's many years of experience were fully realized.
After meeting with her at the venue, all details of the party were planned via email/phone calls. All details were carried out with excellence & joy. Courteous and prompt attention to every minute detail took all stress from me for this most important life event for my Mom. Christi treats her clients as her own family. She provides all vendors, services for a seamless event custom made for full enjoyment by all. The Gatehouse is truly an all inclusive venue, no surprise add ons, no surprises, period.
Communication for a large event is primary. Christi leaves nothing assumed, nor unconfirmed. In my experience, she confirmed confirmations ! She answers her phone on the first ring or replies to messages/emails within an hour or 2.
The Gatehouse ballroom and grounds provide the perfect setting for any occasion. Parking is more than ample for your event, easily accesses the ballroom. We had many elderly guests who were able to get around easily. The covered drop off area made impending rains no threat at all for arriving guests.
A lavishly appointed "brides room" provides quiet for anyone needing it, including nursing moms who were at the party. Any special needs are attended to for your guests(including strained relationships within the guest party) The ballroom & well designed grounds are the ultimate in Southern charm and beauty. Christi and her team reflect the same throughout the event.
The grounds are lavishly designed for year round use. Our numbers exceeded what we expected. Christi assured me it would be ok. She threw open the French doors and invited guests to enjoy the tables, gardens, gazebo, fountains outside. Not much is needed for this spacious beautiful venue, as a perfect picture moment is at every turn. However, Christi shines in suggesting from her varied array of fine linens, candelabra, florals, votives, anything for tablescapes, music, etc. If you desire a "WOW !" detail, she has it for you. She will creatively design for your look.
Flowers: Christi quickly referred me to Billy Heromans about 5 minutes away for the most excellent flower creations. On the day of the party, Christi received the order and perfectly placed all flowers as we'd discussed.
Christi quickly gets to know her clients, then works to create the custom celebration that perfectly reflects the guest(s) of honor.
Food/wines/beverages: I watched as our 100+ guests returned to the delicious huge food buffet, not once, but twice in many cases.. The bar was very busy pouring some of the most lovely wines. It all reminded me of Thanksgiving with my big family! Eat, drink, and be very merry. The packages offered are most helpful in planning this part.
Traffic flow is well thought out in this venue. There is no feeling of crowding at all. All the while Christi & her team are moving about, making sure guests have what they need/want.
I've hosted many large parties, 2 large weddings for our daughters. I'm a control freak! But at The Gatehouse, I totally let go, gave it all to Christi, relaxed and enjoyed everything.
The Gatehouse truly has it all. Christi made Mom's party so special. Because of Mom's limited mobility, Chisti set her up in an antique setee where she could see all her guest, and they could see her. She could sit as guests came throughout the party to sit & visit with her. Mom's party fun continues today as family &friends continue to call her to talk once again about all the details and beautiful things that The Gatehouse did for her celebration. It was a most memorable 90th birthday. Mom was honored well.
I'd return here for any type of gathering in the future, because of the excellence in client service, professional planning, lavish setting, outstanding food/beverages, stress free, perfect fun !
Check the website, stop stressing, call Christi immediately, and let her turn your stress into anticipation of a most excellent event at The Gatehouse !