Mary Beth P.
Yelp
If you read previous "Yelps" I have done you will see I generally give a positive review. I am sad to report my sincere disappointment with the Morning Glory Inn as a wedding venue. The issue in a word - Dave, who is the owner. It seems impossible that anyone or thing could put a damper on such a joyous celebration in such a lovely setting. This he managed. But this curmudgeon would not ruin our high spirits.
The venue consists of a lovely cobblestone courtyard where most of the festivities occur, and most of the first floor mainly a living room and parlor. Dave does a great job selling the place with a well-rehearsed presentation- as an all-inclusive package - which it really is not.
All- inclusive includes the use of the venue, use of the five absolutely beautiful bedrooms, each with a private bath. They were included in the package and were used by the wedding party the night of the wedding, and a bride&groom separate room. It was to include fresh flowers and 2 hours live music. The marriage ceremony was held in the courtyard under a pretty lit arch. It also included a brunch for 24 the next morning. There were no fresh flowers, but the courtyard is surrounded by plant life, only evergreens being vibrant this time of year. All-inclusive does not include the food, alcohol, wine, beer or drink, plastic cups, photographer or music past the 2 hours. Being November, there were plenty of leaves all over the cobblestones, which we assumed would have been blown off. Two people slipped on wet leaves. And while the cobblestone is charming it is treacherous in heels, even a low kitten heel I wore slipped into the many spaces between the stones. Of course the stones do heave and settle as the weather changes but... Ladies, bring flats no matter the time of year. It would be a good investment for the MGI to redo the bricked courtyard by re-laying and mortaring the bricks in.
Being a November wedding the concern was about a good part of the wedding being outdoors. From our initial meeting and throughout the planning stages we/she was assured it would be comfortable - what with the chimineas, gas stand heaters and retractable awnings. If you recall, Nov 11, 2017, the morning of the wedding, had the season's first very cold temperatures. The high temp for the day was 41. We were repeatedly told the awnings would be closed once it got dark. Continued requests from the bride, groom, myself, and some guests were met with silence. The groom managed to speak to Dave alone, stating his concerns that it was freezing outside and that guests would leave. He was told that it would only make about a one degree difference, and that the awnings were a pain to close. (Wait! Was this the same seller of the site who repeatedly told us it would be comfortable !?) It was like he had decided those awnings were not going to be closed and he dug his heels in like a petulant child.
As a result of the cold, many guests chose to eat indoors, where seating was definitely not there for 40, let alone 100+. Throughout, Dave circulated amongst the crowd, acting as a sort of MGI security/monitor. He never smiled or was nice. He was very condescending, acting as the landed gentry doing the peasants a favor by opening up his home. As an example, in the parlor is a beautiful piano. With limited seating, several guests chose to stand at the piano and eat. The guests were rudely scolded by Dave that the piano was a $35,000 antique and they could not eat there. He didn't even try to be discreet so as to not embarrass; anyone in earshot could here. (This is after being told they could eat anywhere on the first floor.) The ironic thing is that beside the piano, there are a pair of doors with metal signs attached to them stating to not close them, yet this $35,000 piano had no sign at all. Suggest a nice sign giving interesting facts about it and to please not ,,,
Nonetheless, once the cookie table was out and guests filled their bags, many left. It is to be expected that some will leave at this point but this was a mass exodus.
This is a little picky, and could be a matter of terminology. & I don't know what your idea of a brunch is, but to me brunch is a different animal than breakfast, which is what was served (but advertised as brunch). There were about 14 of us. We all thought we would be able to eat inside, fitting comfortably. WRONG. Thirty degrees is freezing but it was served and eaten outside. There were a couple heaters that were on but they did little to dispel the cold.
No need to feel bad if Dave was rude to you. He was rude to everyone equally. Maybe he got out on the wrong side of the bed.
The staff was fabulous - most notably Chelsea who was our go-to person. She was pleasant, accommodating, and a dear with which to work. In all fairness, let me say that other type events are held here such as showers, Just give it extensive thought if you want a fall or winter wedding. I would definitely not recommend it.