The Venue

I know many brides visit a plethora of venues. I did not have the time, nor did I even want to make the time. Schlepping to twenty places and eventually becoming confused because all venues begin to look the same did not sound appealing.

So, I began my research online. I looked on weddingwire, general Google searches, and many other websites for places that suited my "vision." I wanted

• a romantic, whimsical setting that reminded me of an Italian piazza at night (with strings of lights and that "glow"). 
• an outdoor setting, but I am ever practical, so the venue needed an inclement weather back-up plan. 
• a place that did NOT hold more than one wedding in a day. Who wants to feel rushed on their big day? Not this girl.
• a venue that did not require guests to use their caterer. I have specific dietary needs, and I'm not about to get locked into a contract with a vendor who makes terrible food that I cannot taste until three months before the wedding. 

Somehow, at the end of some cyber maze, I found Ostertag Vistas, a charming farm settled on 164 acres. Perfection. The ceremony was held beneath a breathtakingly beautiful willow tree, and the reception was held in a unique four-story barn (how cool?). The delightful owners are descendants of the original settlers of the property, which was founded in the 1700s. I hit the jackpot.

Gorgeous ceremony site (photo taken by Eric Stocklin)

The inside of the barn (taken from one of the upper levels). See what I mean about the strings of lights? Love it.

If you're near the Western Maryland area and want a picturesque wedding venue, do check out Ostertag's site: Our Wedding Venue, Ostertag