I was supposed to be married at the willow grande in September of 2011.
I bought the $10,000.00 "all inclusive" package.
The owner Jessica was very poor at communicating- Numerous meetings, and hours before a text message to reschedule- twice, we were actually driving across the bridge when she'd text to reschedule- of the few (3) times we were able to go there and meet- we went there to meet with her after sending emails and emails and emails of pictures and ideas- we could not get anything that was even remotely close to what we were asking for. She never had any materials or presentations to show us. I had provided to her a picture of the colors (and even a centerpiece for our theme)- I wanted to work with, and I felt like she just went wherever she wanted with them, and incorporated other items, that seemed low quality, and tacky- and had no relation or color scheme near the ones I wanted to work with.
She promised us that she would be there with us and available 24/7 every step of the way, yet reaching her was very difficult.
She told us we were getting a great deal, because the grounds had not yet been landscaped or renovated- we agreed to let her advertise using our wedding to show other couples how beautiful the property is.
It truly is a breathtaking property, right on the water- even has a family graveyard on the grounds.
She wouldn't give me any information from the officiant, caterer, photographer or DJ after asking on numerous occasions. If I wanted to communicate, I had to go through her- which was nearly impossible.
- We had special requests, as my Husband is Jewish- we didn't want a traditional Jewish wedding, but there were certain things we wanted to incorporate- and needed to speak to the officiant about.
Just 4 days away from my wedding- and still 0 details were ironed out, I had no tables, no linens, no music list- NOTHING. I was a nervous wreck.
The next day-3 days before the wedding, she emailed me and cancelled saying the grounds were damaged- and I hadn't been communicating- without refunding, and after I sent numerous emails and mailed 3 letters, no response. I still have every text message, email, and letter- as well as our contract, ever exchanged. I feel like I should have pursued legal action- but when you're getting married- that's not what's on your mind, as youre planning a rush wedding with 3 days notice in a completely different location.
I spent an extra $25,000.00 planning a wedding with 3 days notice for over 160 guests, including a Maryland Senator. I had to ask every family member I had in contacting each person to alert them to a new venue-She never returned our $4500 security deposit and after trying to dispute it, I just didn't have the energy to keep going. I gave up, but I will never forget the devastation and tears I had to deal with throughout my entire planning process. It was such a nightmare. I'm not sure how she sleeps at night, knowing she ruins dreams of women on their wedding day.
She paints a gorgeous picture- but is not very good at delivering. I would stray away from this place, as she's going to taint the name and town of St. Michaels, which is a destination for many people- such as myself. read more