Real Events – Percolate & Navigate with Wedding Venue Map

At Dubsdread Catering we love being dedicated members of the team that makes your big day your best day. While we are masters at the planning and executing the behind-the-scenes work, we know our clients have their own unique perspective on their event. We thank Shannon Tarrant, Founder, Wedding Venue Map for graciously sharing her experience to benefit others.

EVENT HOST: Wedding Venue Map
EVENT DATE: February 23, 2021
VENUE: Azalea Lodge at Mead Botanical Garden
EVENT COORDINATOR: Emma Dornath, Event Specialist/Sales Representative

VENDORS: 
Linens: Connie Duglin Linens https://cdlinen.com/
Floral & Decor: Atmospheres Floral https://www.atmospheresfloral.com/
Photography: Nadine Nasby Photography https://nadinenasby.com/
Music & Lighting: Complete Weddings & Events https://completewedo.com/orlando/

How long have you been with Wedding Venue Map (event host)? 
Wedding Venue Map was founded in Spring 2017 with our first print map. I joined the company in Fall 2017 to help expand the digital footprint of the company with the website venue search and our social media presence. 

What was the event?
Percolate & Navigate with Wedding Venue Map

How many networking events have you held with Wedding Venue Map?
Our focus for 2021 is on building a better community and referral sources within our members. Networking events are a natural way to help build and deepen those relationships. Our very first event was in December to celebrate our members making it through the challenges of 2020. After that, we decided that a quarterly coffee connection would be a great way for people to connect. This event was our first 2021 coffee event called Percolate & Navigate held at Azalea Lodge at Mead Garden.

How long did it take to plan the event?
I began planning  this event with Dubsdread Catering's event specialist Emma Dornath at the end of December to gather vendor invite lists, develop the menu, and plan the marketing of it. All in, it was about six weeks of planning, scheduling, and execution. 

How many people were invited?
We invited 100 vendors, who often have multiple people from their company help at the event. 

How many vendors joined for the networker?
We had 35 vendors attend our first event of the year. We prefer to keep our networking events more intimate to really give the wedding pros attending the chance to build deeper connections and not just exchange business cards. 

What was the top specialty of vendor that was in attendance? (photographers? Officiants?)
I think it was a great mix of every category. Sometimes when we attend other events, it's really heavy in one category or another. But I was surprised to see how we had two to three vendors in each specialty. This allows for the companies to not only connect with other people but to build referrals to other companies when their calendar is full. 

Why did you choose Azalea Lodge at Mead Garden to host the event?
When we look for a venue to host, there have to be some specific criteria to meet. Ideally, the venue has a wonderful caterer to provide fresh coffee and light bites. As hospitality people, we try to never have events without snacks and drinks. Second, we looked for an event venue with enough space to mingle, ample and free parking, indoor and outdoor areas as well as centrally located in Central Florida. Azalea Lodge at Mead Garden checked all the boxes for us. 

What is your favorite area of Mead Botanical Garden?
I really love the amphitheater space at Mead Garden. I love the permanent benches that provide the seating. I even love that they are natural which allows them to blend into the garden elements. It's almost like the guests disappear for the focus to be on the couple. 

What is your favorite renovation of the space? 
It honestly looks like a totally different venue. As a catering vendor who worked there over 10 years ago, I didn't even recognize the inside and recommend that everyone revisit this venue in person. The new style is more of a modern farmhouse vibe with the barn doors and lighting fixtures. Of course, the new chairs completely modernize the room and give an upscale feel. 

Anything advice to improve in the future? Renovations? Event? Service?
I think that the exterior of the building from the front doesn't do the interior justice. You walk into a fresh and clean look and the outside of the building looks a little bit dated. The bathrooms are a great size but could use a refresh. Also, I know that couples are really looking for ready room space available at the venue so adding that on would be a great feature. 

Photos courtesy of Nadine Nasby Photography.

When you book a wedding, social, or corporate event with Dubsdread Catering at one of our exclusive venues, we provide coordination services at no additional charge. Our coordinators become dedicated members of your team bringing experience and expertise to help you execute your vision. Contact them today via our Contact Us page to make our team your team in making your dreams come true. 

Photo gallery for Azalea Lodge at Mead Botanical Garden.