In the midst of a busy wedding season, I managed to corner Connie Weech in Mt. Vernon. A couple of months ago, I had the pleasure of briefly chatting with Connie at a wedding at her place of business, The Grand Willow Inn. What impressed me the most was her attitude about family, success and life.  I needed to learn more, and I also wanted to share her ideas with you…the world.

Success is not an overnight thing according to Connie. She left southern California twenty some years ago in pursuit of a better life for her family. Every season presents a new demand which must be dealt with. Connie never actually planned to enter to the wedding business but always had a genuine love for people and enjoyed the idea of making people happy. Trained as an interior decorator, she has spent most of her adult life either as a real estate broker or real estate investor. She acquired The Grand Willow eight years ago in a foreclosure settlement and quickly set about gutting and remodeling The Grand Willow to its present day standard. If you have an adventurous heart, visit The Grand Willow Inn’s Facebook page and view the remarkable 2million$$ Later before and after photos.

The Grand Willow 2001

The Grand Willow Today

Connie said The Grand Willow is for the discerning seeker and that it is not uncommon to redirect a client elsewhere where their needs may be better served.  Compared to the local competition, The Grand Willow is reasonably priced and the service is unmatchable. It’s not always about money with Connie. The client must have a value experience; otherwise, the whole dream wedding experience becomes meaningless.

The Grand Willow’s onsite wedding coordinator impressed me the most. Often I meet brides who have no idea who is going to manage the flow and assume things are going to magically fall into place. Even though The Grand Willow’s wedding coordinator was technically not on the clock, sensing the wedding party’s inability to make critical decisions, the coordinator quickly intervened, quietly took charge, called the shots and instantly restored harmony.  I should add that this particular wedding was a “bare essentials” package which did not include a wedding coordinator. Most of Connie’s weddings, for the past 6 1/2 years, have included a coordinator. Clients naturally gravitate toward the all-inclusive packages because they prefer being responsibility free on their special day.

Bird's Eyeview of Ceremony

The grounds are spacious enough to accommodate gracious outdoor planning and in case of inclement weather activities can quickly shift indoors with yet room to spare. Reflecting on my own Northwest experience, I learned that having access to an indoor facility is wise planning. Three years ago I received an email from a bride describing her miseries.  ” While I’m grateful to all who made our day special, weather wise,  it was the worst day of my life.”

Many do-it-yourselfers are sticker stricken after renting canopies, chairs, eating ware, making sure all provisions are met, renting outdoor toileting facilities.  Add up all expenses, and the stress of it all, you’re probably looking at more than what you’d pay The Grand Willow Inn. Let’s digress; speaking of porta potties, even from a man’s point of view, nothing beats indoor plumbing. Even in the cool of the Northwest, porta potties can get hot and suffocating. You’ve spent at least a thousand so far, do you want to subject your eloquent best dressed guest or squeeze the bride into a claustrophobic experience.  The bathrooms at the Grand Willow are not only indoors but the Bride has her own with a large soaking tub. The guest bathrooms are very nice also.

Point made I’m sure, now let us move on to less practical matters such as fun. With all practical matters settled, guests are greeted and the ceremony flows seamlessly .  The ringing and I-Dos are exchanged. The Pianist strikes the keys and the rest of the evening is a blur of fellowship, dancing and promises to stay in touch.  The best man wheels the honey moon machine around front for a celebrated departure. Rose petals fill the air as the bride and groom give one last kiss for the camera. Vendors weep inwardly, knowing that harmony reigns in the great Northwest because another family trusted The Grand Willow to facilitate their event.

Living the Dream

Enhance your experience

It’s not about making money. It’s about making a commitment to ensure your client has a valuable memorable experience. Was this just talk? No, last year she proved the experience for herself. What really reassured Connie that she’s on the right track? Connie admitted, weddings can be expensive. Was it worth spending all the time, money and energy on a wedding…a one-time deal that’s over in a blink of an eye?

Reception Area

Last year Connie had an opportunity to prove the validity of her beliefs and business practices. Her son announced that he was getting married. Rather than elope or elect a civil ceremony her son chose to be married on the property. Connie went all the way out as far as expenses and provisions. Family and friends visiting from as far away as California and Texas were afforded the very best quality and professionalism a wedding venue could provide. The experience not only proved worthwhile, Connie had measurable results. All the guest and family had a wonderful time. She didn’t mind paying the associated wedding bills because she had a memorable experience which validated her love for family and friends. She was able to demonstrate proof of her validity and still beams with excitement today as she retells the story. Confident that she had chosen the right vocation, she moves forward continually revising her marketing plan.

Combined with in-house wedding coordinator and catering at competitive prices, a client can’t ask for a better experience. Connie has unmatched zeal for her calling. She’s goes beneath the surface to ensure that each client is a perfect fit for The Grand Willow and that they’ll have the most enchanting carefree experience of your life. Get to know Connie through her work and philosophy you won’t regret the adventure…I didn’t.

View through Gazebo

Last minute update…The Grand Willlow Inn has been nominated again this year for King 5 Evening Magazine’s Best of Western Washington.  If you’re familiar with their services show your support by clicking http://ctvr.us/thegrand1 . They were #5 in the top 5 last year, it would be awesome to be #1.