The Gardens Reviews
Reviews
4.7 out of 5 rating
4.7 out of 5 rating
25 Reviews
94% recommend it
Awards
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Shannan M. Sent on 08/23/2023
The Best Day of Our Lives at The Garden Wedding Center
Words can’t express how thankful I am for The Garden’s Wedding Center. My husband and I got married in June of 2023 and we are still overflowing with joy and gratitude as we think back on our wedding day - the absolute best day of our lives. The hard work, compassion, and pure dedication Amanda, Johan, and The Gardens team put towards making our day seamless, personal, and God-honoring was truly a gift.
The Garden’s made our wedding day the best day of our lives, but it was the year-long wedding planning process that gave me such peace of mind leading up to our special day. I have no hesitation when I say that Amanda was the hands and feet behind our day. She was approachable, quick-to respond, gentle, kind, and thoughtful every single time that I communicated with her. Amanda, please know that you made me the happiest, most serene bride on my wedding day and I hope that you know how cherished your work is for The Gardens and every bride-to-be that you work with.
If Amanda was the hands and feets, Johan was the muscle. If we had an idea, Johan found a way, made it happen, and made it happen with purpose. Johan welcomed my family with open arms and shared his absolutely BEAUTIFUL venue with us on multiple visits. Thank you Johan for creating such a special gem of a space that truly felt like home to us.
The venue was timeless, beautiful, welcoming - every one of our cottagecore chic dreams came true at The Garden’s Wedding Center.
I left not only as a wife welcomed into my husband’s family, but feeling as if I was a part of The Garden’s Wedding Center family - even if for just a day.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you!
With abounding love,
The Murrays
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Ronée B. Sent on 05/08/2023
The staff are all so polite and accommodating. They love what they do!
Amanda and Johan! A more exquisite day could not have been produced by the all the best Hollywood has to offer! We felt as thought we’d stepped in heaven for a few hours and your service was impeccable.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
The property was stunning in May! The sanctuary was so warm and so inviting! It was pure joy and and happiness and beauty!
We got so many comments from our guests on how awesome this place was too! -
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Megan S. Sent on 11/28/2022"The Perfect Day" at The Gardens!
It's not uncommon for people to refer to their wedding day as "the perfect day" or "the best day ever", and our wedding day at The Gardens was just that. The day was stress free, smoothly run, and so insanely fun, thanks to the amazing staff at The Gardens.
Our journey with The Gardens began with a tour in October 2020, when we booked a date for our September 2022 wedding then and there. It was truly love at first sight - it was the only venue we saw but it checked all of our boxes so we had no doubts in our mind!
Over the course of the two years we spent planning our wedding, Amanda and The Gardens staff were always easy to reach and happy to answer all questions. We appreciated the "can do" attitude of everyone at The Gardens, and their help with making all of our requests seem like no big deal. From our mobile photobooth inside of a VW Microbus, to our 6-piece jazz band during cocktail hour, to our cigar bar and lawn games - the staff let us utilize what felt like every inch of the property and were happy to make all the arrangements needed to accommodate us. They literally landscaped an entire area we had our eyes on for our band's set up in time for our wedding - seriously! That's just one example of how committed The Gardens family is to making their couples happy!
You can tell that the maintenance of The Gardens is a labor of love for Johan and all involved - the restored 1800s Cream City chapel and schoolhouse as well as the garden space bursting with colorful flowers are a testament to the love and effort that goes into keeping this historical property beautiful. We got endless compliments on our venue selection. Our guests could not stop raving about how stunning of a setting it was.
The Gardens takes care of both catering and bar, and boy, do they do it well! We got lots of compliments on the food, some even saying it was the best wedding food they ever had! The Gardens staff helped create a menu for us that included gluten free and vegan entrees, which was much appreciated by our guests with dietary restrictions. The bar staff (especially Julian!) were accommodating to our ideas for super boujie signature drinks and mocktails, which were happily consumed by our guests.
We will forever be singing the praises of this venue and every wonderful person who makes The Gardens what it is. THANK YOU to The Gardens for making our wedding "the perfect day"!
(Photos by Simply Finn) -
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Kim A. Sent on 07/09/2022
Mother of Bride
Incredible venue, beautiful gardens, inside or outside availability for wedding. Working with Amanda and Johan was amazing and they really want your special day to be a dream come true for you. On site catering with incredible top notch food and offer a food truck for late nite snack! I can’t say enough positive things about The Gardens Wedding Center! -
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Stephanie B. Sent on 09/05/2022This place made our wedding a dream come true
I can't say enough wonderful things about this venue. We had our wedding here in June. The staff was amazing- they were there to help me with anything and everything day of and during the planning process. Our guests raved about how awesome the food was. It was perfect- like a dream come true. -
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Holly B. Sent on 06/23/2022The perfect venue
We cannot say enough good things about The Gardens Wedding Center. From the very first tour, we knew this was THE place. All of the staff are so friendly and welcoming, and the venue is GORGEOUS!! The staff are very professional, responsive, and knowledgeable. They helped everything go so smoothly the day of which helped everyone be able to enjoy the moment and not stress. The food is AMAZING and we got so many compliments on it. We got so many compliments on the venue as well. Everyone loved being able to walk throughout the gardens and explore the stunning venue. Picking The Gardens as our venue was the best decision we made when it came to planning our wedding. -
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Julie C. Sent on 08/14/2021Amazing!
We got married there 3 weeks ago, and if I could give this venue more than 5 stars I definitely would!! I can't say enough good things, they are AMAZING!!! The venue is beyond beautiful and unique, and the customer service is remarkable! Johan and Amanda (and the whole staff) made everything so seamless and stress free, and were very accommodating! They were VERY responsive throughout the planning process. We had to change our wedding date and we lucked out finding this GEM, and that they were willing to host our group on a day that they were supposed to have off! THANK YOU again!! It' is so nice that it is private and you have the whole place to yourself! Everyone had a wonderful time, and the food was delicious! We are so thankful that we were able to have our special day at such an amazing location! I would HIGHLY recommend!!! -
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Megan C. Sent on 01/09/2022Picture perfect wedding at The Gardens!
Where to begin! From the beginning of the process scheduling a tour through our entire wedding, the staff at The Gardens made us feel welcome and secure in our choice to book the venue. They ensured a smooth, stress-free, and personalized experience that we cannot speak highly enough about. Each staff member on their team plays an essential role and their communication is phenomenal. The grounds are immaculate, well-kept and offer something beautiful through all seasons. They were able to customize and add special touches that we were looking for, without hesitation or difficulty. They just made it all happen! We were able to completely focus on each other, our families and the celebration versus sweating the small details. We can’t put into words how incredible our experience was here. -
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Colleen Sent on 08/29/2021Outstanding venue and service
This is an outstanding team of event pros that feel like they are part of your family. The grounds at the Gardens provided us with the money at dreamy and magical setting that we could ask for. Our wedding was at the end of July and the garden was in full bloom with the most lush and gorgeous flowers and landscape, something our guests (and our photographers!) still rave about. The gardens team went above and beyond for us from day one - they were extremely responsive and easy to work with. We know our guests provided a challenge and they truly stepped up to the plate and met all our needs. Our guests also had rave reviews n the food choices - chef Kent worked wonders. We can’t wait to go back to this stunning venue sometime soon to reminisce! -
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Susan Sent on 09/19/2019Gardens, a Jubilee!
The staff took their time to walk us around, share interesting history regarding the Gardens and each of their roles. They all were very willing to try different menus, music options, and bar offerings. And the gardens are breathtaking. I also love the reuse of old wood and decorations. Further they are very responsive to emails Spectacular Place and Staff. -
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Robert S. Sent on 06/25/2020Truly Dependable and Driven Venue
I cannot say enough good things about this venue.
My fiancée and I just had our tasting last night and the food was unbelievable. From my experience at other weddings its far beyond what you would expect.
Each time we tried another dish we were left with harder and harder decisions because every single food option just blew our minds.
Beyond this they have been incredible to work with. They've helped us through the wedding planning process and really made this planning process easy. I cannot say enough good things about the people here and their beautiful property.
They do things on so much more of a personal level thsn literally anyone else in the industry we spoke to before meeting them.
Normally when you go to a venue you get a very corporate money hungry vibe, here you get open communication and passion for what they're doing. This is their life's es work and dreams and it shows in every thing they do.
This is the perfect venue to make the perfect wedding happen. -
Danielle B. Sent on 08/12/2020
Once in a lifetime opportunity.
Amazing venue. We couldn't have asked for more! The staff is outstanding! They help with the wedding planning process and are so warm and welcoming! We enjoyed all the flowers, the pond, the lighted tent. We received so many compliments about how beautiful the wedding was and how we picked such a great place to have it! We are so pleased! -
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Pame Sent on 09/17/2019Just Wwoooow!!!!
First off, from the start you can tell these folks really care! If you're looking for an intimate, romantic little garden with beauty all around and a classic chapel, this is the place. We had our wedding here, indoor ceremony and outdoor reception with 200-250 guests. I received more compliments on the venue than me being in a wedding dress. So many of my guests asked how I was even able to find such a beautiful venue. It was soooo memorable and truly hard to describe. The team put in soo much effort and are very dedicated as well as passionate. Wedding planning has never been easier! Trust me, you will not regret choosing this venue.The Gardens's reply:
We love you Pame! Thank you so much for the kind words and it was our pleasure to amaze you and your guests. Can we do it again? -
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Cassondra Sent on 02/07/2019Amazing, Beautiful, Professional
We loved working with Johan and his family at the Gardens. Everything was professional and easy to do. He answered any questions I had very quickly and efficiently. They also offered a catering option to have our rehearsal and dinner right at the Gardens and the food was amazing! We would recommend them to anyone! -
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Elizabeth Sent on 08/27/2018The Garden's Wedding Center is the best kept secret tucked away in Allenton, WI. With that said..The Garden's Wedding Center should no longer be a secret to brides who wish to have their wedding in a traditional, rustic and BEAUTIFUL Church. You will fall in love with the vintage church that has been brought back to life, with stain glass windows, a bell tower and a true church bell, beautiful alter, bridal suite and a groomsmen suite, a bar for before AND after beverages and has enough room to fit 200+ people. The most amazing part of this church and what made me fall in love with it is the Garden's that are attached. Johan takes such great care and has a passion for the Garden on the Church property; it has a swing, a bridge, a koi pond-along with many, many different types of flowers, shrubs and beautiful backgrounds for Pinterest perfect pictures! The Gardens Wedding Center no longer has a church congregation, there is no need to be "member" to have your wedding ceremony at The Gardens. You can bring your own officiant! Its a beautiful church where you can truly customize your own wedding and reception from start to finish!
I had my wedding at The Garden's Wedding Center and it was everything I could have dreamed of! While I know the comments below state about the time constraint but I was able to have the venue for the whole day. Johan and his team are COMPLETELY accommodating and will work with you to help you bring your wedding dreams to life! You are also able to have your reception at The Gardens Wedding Center -truly an all inclusive kind of venue. I would have had my reception here had I not booked my reception already prior to finding a church.
Thank you to all at The Gardens Wedding Center for making our special day so perfect, so magic and unique! -
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Jane Sent on 10/10/2019Fairytale Wedding
I cannot say enough about our amazing experience at The Gardens Wedding Center! The venue itself is breathtaking! The love and expense that go into keeping these gardens is very evident. Our wedding pictures are amazing!
The reception dinner was phenomenal! Really extraordinary and unique.
The thing that sold us on The Gardens, though, is the family that owns it. You could not find kinder people! They truly want your day to be special. They were agreeable to some "out of the ordinary" things we wanted to do. They desired to and succeeded in making our daughter's wedding a fairytale come true.The Gardens's reply:
Thank you so much Jane! We really appreciate the kind words and thoroughly enjoyed hosting all aspects of your event. Thank you for sharing a photo as well. We have been sitting at the edge of our seats waiting to see more from that magical day. Can we do it again next year? -
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Kristi B. Sent on 09/19/2023Rude Owner
While the venue is beautiful and the food was delicious, the owner was hostile and intentionally intimidating. Johan seemed to be looking for reasons to create conflict instead of providing support and a welcoming venue as was promised in the contract. He behaved like a bully and demanded negative attention while creating unnecessary drama.
The buildings are charming and well maintained. The gardens were gorgeous and provided a beautiful backdrop for photos and the ceremony.
We used the church for the reception and meal. It is a clever use of space. The wait staff was courteous and the food was very good. They made extra efforts to accommodate menu requests.
Although pre-planning with Amanda was effortless, our first sign of trouble in The Gardens came during rehearsal in 90-degree heat. Johan created a scene by yelling disrespectfully in the face of one of our guests in front of the entire party saying that the guest had disregarded the rules and was not welcome on the property for the wedding. Johan then pulled the bride aside and disrupted rehearsal again to tell her that the guest, a family member, was not allowed on his property for disobeying the rules.
The rule that had been broken was that this guest had brought water to several people attending rehearsal on an extremely warm day. According to Johan, the guest showed disrespect by not taking Johan’s warning seriously the first time, and brought another bottle of water to an elderly grandmother after he had been told of the venue’s strict “no carry in” policy. There was an implication that the guest had been disrespectful in his response.
While I did not hear the guest’s response, I did hear the loud and disrespectful manner that Johan intentionally addressed our guest in front of the entire rehearsal party. I did see how he singled out this individual and caused quite a scene in the middle of what was supposed to be a happy event. I believe that Johan had several other options in how to respectfully address this situation, instead he chose rudeness and intimidation.
After learning the details that caused the scene, myself and another family member spoke to Amanda and offered a sincere apology. The rules were clarified and we assured her that we were looking forward to making wonderful memories the following day. She agreed, saying they were looking forward to a good day with our entire guest list.
While I was talking to Amanda, Johan spoke to the bride and groom in an escalated and intentionally intimidating manner regarding “the contract expectations”. The manner which he spoke was disrespectful and brought the bride to tears.
The day of the wedding came and things were running smoothly until family began arriving for photos. The “water offender” guest arrived and Johan demanded he leave the venue. I shared that I had spoken to Amanda and felt we had come to an agreement that he was cleared to attend. Myself and a few other family members including the “water offender” offered another sincere apology and the “water offender” extended his hand to Johan. Johan refused to shake his hand initially, then begrudgingly accepted the handshake and allowed the guest to attend the wedding.
Meanwhile a different guest was standing by a waste can when Johan tossed his soda can from across the room. The can splattered soda all down the front of the guest’s dress, permanently staining it. When the guest looked at him in distress, he casually said “oops”.
During photos, I was surprised when Amanda pulled me aside and privately but assertively denied having given permission for our “water offender” guest to attend the wedding. I apologized again for any misunderstanding or miscommunication and asked if I would simply attend my daughter’s wedding. At this point the continued confrontations felt like bullying and harassment from our hosts.
Some of our guests commented on signage that they felt was offensive and unwelcoming. One sign indicated that all children should be within arms’ reach of their parents. If the child was found to be in violation of this rule, the child and the parents would be asked to leave the venue.
Several guests told me that Johan made them feel uncomfortable. They described him as “the lurking hippie” and felt that he was eavesdropping on conversations. They felt he was especially targeting the “water offender” throughout the event.
So, is the venue beautiful? Absolutely! I have no complaints about the food, service, pre-event coordination or pricing. It would be a perfect place for a small event with no children and docile, well hydrated adults.
I find it rude and disrespectful that Johan would burden the bride and groom with such trivial grievances and add drama to an otherwise happy event. Continued confrontations over a single, minor issue was harassment on a special day that had been paid for in advance. I have a big problem inviting guests to a celebration where the host lacks communication skills, is intimidating, dramatic, rude and a bully.
Apologies have been a one-way street. We are still waiting for ours.
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Deb P. Sent on 09/15/2023Inhospitable owners
The Gardens Wedding Center in Allenton, WI was the setting for a wedding I officiated in August, 2023. When we arrived with flowers and desserts, we were met with unwelcoming comments. We were 45 minutes too early! In addition, we were hurried out of rehearsal because we had gone past our time.
During the rehearsal, as a brother of the bride handed out soda and water he had in his vehicle because it was extremely HOT, to the grandparents he was immediately reprimanded by “owner”, Ivan, and was told he was not allowed to bring any drink on the property. Not offering refreshments at the rehearsal, Ivan confronted the bride and groom telling them that this brother was NOT allowed to attend the wedding the next day. Apologies from everyone were directed to Ivan to ridiculousness. This was truly unnecessary behavior! The bride was in tears!
Weddings can be stressful events, especially for the bride & groom. It is the task and responsibility of those who help to organize what is to be a happy event to be calm, and purposeful and help create joy. This is true for those who own and operate a wedding venue. The Gardens was a beautiful setting. If the bill wasn’t already paid, I would have suggested a more welcoming, less inhospitable venue.
The Gardens's reply:
We care a lot about the couple having a wonderful time on their day at our family's home. I would love to provide some tips to not have this type of experience at your gardens event. They mostly include following the contract including the time provided and obeying the law.
Don’t have your “bonus mom” aka “officiant” show up randomly to our HOME months before your event and just walk around inside unannounced. If you wish to visit early, make a reservation. Anything else is called trespassing.
Same with arriving well before your allotted rehearsal time. This is a boundary set in place to protect all our couples so that they are able to be the only ones in attendance to their rehearsal. We wish to avoid having another family crash their rehearsal by showing up "a little" early (almost 45 minutes early to a 1 one hour rehearsal). We even had a conversation with the couple that they were able to set up during the one hour rehearsal but that we absolutely could not have them arrive early. This along with many other boundaries were flown past repeatedly prior and during the event.
Don’t roll a cooler through by the several “no carry in food or beverage” signs twice and get mad at us when we are protecting our liquor license. First time a warning was provided. 2nd time was a flagrant violation. We always have beverages available. We aren’t Lambeau and tailgating is not allowed. What your crew did is against the law regardless of the temperature. Contract also clearly states all food and beverage are to be served by us. Our staff was not asked for a beverage or one would have gladly been made available for anyone in need.
Don’t have a bunch of guests smoke weed throughout the venue during the entire event. It made the entire property reek and is also against the law.
If you are adamant on breaking a bunch of laws on our property, make sure that none of the +1 invited guests are Sheriff deputies that were also former grooms at our venue and home. You made it very awkward for them.
We have contracts in place to protect everyone involved. If we failed to follow the agreement as much as your family had done, this candy coated entitled perspective with glaring omissions might have merit.
There is a reason many others, including the couple that referred your family to us, have had a five star experience here and you did not. The problem seems to occur when those who feel the rules don’t apply to them get mad when they are held accountable and expected to follow the law and rules clearly outlined within the agreement we enter into when hosting events. You can take it out on my family and I but maybe take a minute to reflect on your own behaviors.
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