How Did This All Get Started?
As a second time bride I decided to do things a little differently - small, rustic, and meaningful. Both my fiance and I live in Florida and we loved the idea of a rustic wedding in the mountains but weren't thrilled with the typical, popular “tourist” areas such as Gatlinburg. We wanted beautiful scenery, seclusion, and economical options for food, lodging, etc. Having worked in Huntsville a few years back, I had hiked in Northeast Alabama's Cheaha and Desoto State Parks in the foothills of the Appalachians. I fell in love with the scenery, the people and the simplicity of life that so few people have yet to discover.
2014 we married at a beautiful, historic country church with 10 relatives looking on. We had hor d'ouvres following the ceremony at the picnic pavilion and later a reception, catered by 2 wonderful local individuals, at the porch of the VRBO house that the family stayed at. Food, family and wine on the brow of Lookout Mountain, Alabama. We stayed at a separate historic cabin on the mountain brow and relished all the natural beauty around us. The following days we took the relatives to Desoto Falls, Little River Canyon, Little River Falls, and various trails throughout the area.
I decided to incorporate my sales background, which included event coordination for larger retail chain accounts, with my desire to offer couples a more affordable, beautiful and natural destination for weddings. I was so taken in by the beauty of the area that I felt I had to share it...
The historic church we married in
The Rest of The Story...
There are no hotels in the secluded town of Mentone. Only Bed and breakfast, cabins and vacation rentals. While planning my own wedding and taking several trips to solidify my plans I learned where to stay and what to avoid. Planning a destination wedding, even a small one, without first scouting the area, is taking a huge risk. Fortunately, I was able to make some important connections that helped to make our wedding exactly as we envisioned and truly memorable.
We can plan your wedding on a weekend (Friday Saturday and Sunday) for just the two of you or up to 20 people. Give us your vision and we’ll tell you what is available, what options you may have, the approximate cost and whether this venue is right for you. Mentone isn't for everyone. It doesn't offer the fast pace and variety of amenities that you find in the typical tourist destinations. You may not even be able to access internet service in certain areas! (yeah!)
The Cost
Special offer!!
For a couple only: $50.00
Consultation and recommendation for location of the Wedding service, reception/dinner, cabin or vacation home. We will help set up all the reservations and put you in touch with the appropriate wedding officiant. Recommendation for flowers, music, etc. Ideas for DIY decorating, flowers. Recommended itinerary for places to eat, sights to visit.
For couple and up to 20 guests: $100.00
Consultation, and recommendation for the wedding service, reception/dinner venue, caterers, cabin, vacation home rental for guests. Arrange reservations for Cabins/VRBO - Contact caterers and help set up menus as desired. Recommendations for flowers, music and photos depending on your budgetary requirements.* Recommended itinerary for places to eat, sights to visit, things to do.
* If you would like a "real-life" cost analysis of two weddings - an elopement for two people or a bride and groom with 10 guests, please contact me through the contact page, email me at mentonewedding@mail.com or call at (904) 612-7542 9 - 6 pm EST. A copy of the analysis can be emailed in pdf format..
Contact
Important Information
Mentone Destination Weddings is not affiliated with any business in Mentone, Alabama. We can coordinate and arrange accommodations and wedding venues based on your budget and your specific wishes. We base our recommendations to you on what your needs/desires are and our past experience with cabin rentals, vacation rentals, caterers, restaurants, etc.. We encourage business with owners/vendors that we, personally, have had good experiences with or that have been highly recommended by the local residents or past clients. In other words, unlike regular wedding “consultants”, WE DO NOT ACCEPT KICKBACKS.
To the Vendors: We welcome any information regarding your business. We will be more than happy to review any material you send us and make recommendations once we visit your cabin/B&B or wedding venue, restaurant, etc… We see this as a mutual partnership between the local business community of Mentone and ourselves. Our goal is to reach those living outside of Alabama by providing information about Mentone and Northeast Alabama as options for wedding venues.
Please send information and correspondence to the following email: Mentonewedding@mail.com
