Liza Colpa
Google
I want to share my wedding day experience to help future couples make an informed decision. This is my opinion and from my perspective of what happened, so I write this from a place of honesty and hope that my words provide clarity for those planning one of the most important days of their lives.
First, the venue itself is stunning. The natural beauty, location, and on-site staff were professional, kind, and accommodating. Many guests commented on the breathtaking setting, and I’m deeply grateful for that. However, there were significant challenges with the venue coordinator that caused unnecessary stress leading up to the wedding.
At the start, communication with the coordinator, Caroline, was warm and welcoming. When we asked about room minimums or other requirements for a beach wedding, she repeatedly reassured us that all was well. However, despite asking multiple times if room minimums were required, we were only informed four months before our wedding that "we may not have a beach wedding," when room requirements weren't met. When I pressed for answers, Caroline coldly responded, “It’s in the contract.” This miscommunication added unexpected costs and emotional stress. Even after the wedding, we were emailed by staff apologies “Caroline got the numbers wrong yet again,” which was deeply disheartening.
When we opted for vendors not on her preferred list, her tone became aggressive. For example, she pressured me for months to use her photographer, despite us already contracting someone else. On the wedding day, she asked me to tell my photographer that she (Caroline) had recommended her—presumably for commission. When I declined, it was frustrating to realize her priorities seemed more about financial gain than supporting us.
The tension extended beyond us to our vendors. Caroline’s communication style made many vendors seem uncomfortable. Some potential vendors stopped responding after I mentioned her name or the venue. This was a major red flag that I, unfortunately, did not recognize earlier.
The discomfort was also felt by my bridesmaids and makeup artists. Caroline entered our getting-ready space and told my makeup artist that one of my close friends looked “too pale” and that it wouldn’t look good in photos. This comment came off as very inappropriate.
As someone navigating PTSD, I emphasized the importance of clear communication and trauma sensitivity to Caroline during the planning process. Despite this, her behavior at times felt unkind and dismissive. For example, just before walking down the aisle, she yelled at me for not standing in the exact spot she directed—even though I was only a few feet away. My cousin witnessed this and asked if I was okay. Moments like this, on such an emotional day, was absolutely unnecessary. No one should be yelled at on their wedding day.
Despite these challenges, I focused on the love and joy of the day itself. The wedding was magical and unforgettable. I want to acknowledge that my family’s behavior was not always appropriate, and I sincerely apologize for any added stress caused by them. I also acknowledge that Caroline had moments of empathy. She helped us find medical care for my sister and even spent hours speaking with us. I appreciate those efforts, but I believe her aggressive tone and behavior needs to be addressed.
To future couples considering this venue: the location’s beauty is undeniable, and the event staff work incredibly hard. However, I urge you to consider how important clear, compassionate communication is when choosing someone to coordinate such a special milestone. You deserve autonomy in selecting vendors who align with your vision and values without added pressure. If you choose this venue, I recommend being prepared for potential challenges in communication with the coordinator. That said, everything else about the venue, its ocean beauty, and the staff was wonderful.
Weddings are meant to be a celebration of love and connection. My hope is that sharing this story helps others plan a wedding where they feel fully supported.
