The River Mill — Attraction in Lathrop

I had an event planned for 2/2017, but started planning in 10/2016. I had an initial meet and greet with one of the coordinators and saw the venue in person where we decided to go with the venue. All of our communication was via email after this. Prior to signing the contract, they were extremely responsive. After I signed the contract, communication sharply dwindled.

Throughout our e-mails we completed the contract, the event planner, and the entire menu. They had to have me resend the contract and the event planner because they either lost it or they said they didn't receive it after I had already e-mailed it long before. I ask a lot of questions when planning events because I need to know every detail and cost before when planning. They would ignore questions in my email and respond to parts of the emails. Or they would tell me they would get back to me by a certain date then ghost me. I would e-mail again and ask what's going on, then they'd email back without acknowledging that they are not getting back to me when they say they will. I understand that they are busy in events and I expressed this in an email, but they need to get back to me when they say the will.

Toward the end of this ordeal, I sent another list of questions and requests (tables for the gifts and desserts). They responded with a answers of the cost of these things. I did not know it would cost me extra for a table for gifts, as I feel this is pretty standard for an event. I responded that I'd bring my own from home, then requested a list of costs for extra things, such as tables, chairs, linens (since she was telling me that these things would all be extra aside from my set tables and table settings) I also requested a list of their policies for events.

I received a call from the event coordinator quickly after I sent this e-mail telling me that it would probably be best if I cancel because she doesn't think we will work well together. I told her I had to discuss it with my family. After brief discussion we decided we wanted to cancel, but requested the cancellation policy first. I sent this in an e-mail because they were not answering my calls. They sent me one email telling me my event was cancelled per my requested, which I did not consent to. I specifically requested the cancellation policy before cancelling and I have yet to get any other response.

Through some research I was able to find the owner and speak with him through one of his other businesses. In my opinion he was just as difficult to communicate with. He kept speaking over me telling me that they wont cancel for no reason. Then he told me I hadn't come in to meet the coordinators for planning the event and he said I never paid my half deposit. I was never informed of any of these things by the coordinator through email. How am I to know these things are needed when nobody tells me? Then he continues to get equally as frustrated as I am and raises his voice at me over the phone saying "I can see why you're so difficult to work with". He said four times over the phone "sounds like you want to cancel your event, do you just want your money back? cause I'll happily just give it back to you." I told him my event had already been cancelled by his staff and not by me, he said "only you can cancel your event". I asked him about his venue's policies and he basically told me "our policy is like any other resident, act like a human being". Seriously? When I had enough of the conversation I told him, "yes, bottom line I do want my money back," he goes "No. You can't have it, read your contract. Deposits are nonrefundable". Then why did you even say that you would give my money back?

I'm outraged and so frustrated with this business. I would not recommend it to anyone. I should have listened to the other reviews here, but I thought otherwise when I saw it. I would never do business here again. Apparently, I'm not the only one, I see all the other bad reviews of this place and...

We had our wedding at the River Mill at the beginning of May and it was amazing! All of our guests had a wonderful time and had positive things to say about our wedding. It's one thing to host an event here but it's another to work with a venue for almost a year building up to the big day. Here's our honest review in working with the River Mill.

Pros:

Flexible and willing to collaborate. We appreciated River Mill's openness to adjusting certain terms of the agreement to help us realize our vision. They were willing to have conversations and make reasonable accommodations where needed.

Generous and understanding. While we fell short of the minimum guest count required by the contract, River Mill showed flexibility by adjusting some of the associated costs. We were grateful they didn’t hold us strictly to the letter of the agreement and worked with us to find a fair solution.

Beautiful and spacious venue. The setting was stunning and offered plenty of room for our guests to feel comfortable. Our photos turned out beautifully, and we’re thankful to have had such a picturesque space for our wedding day.

Smooth event execution. On the day of the wedding, the coordination team ensured everything ran on schedule and transitions were handled well—from moving ceremony items to setting up the reception space. There were a few small moments where we were asked about details we thought should’ve been handled by the coordinator, but overall, things went smoothly and the event was a great success.

Cons:

Communication challenges. There were some breakdowns in communication. Not using “Reply All” on emailsmade it harder for us as a couple to stay aligned. Early in the planning process, responses were timely and thorough, but as our date neared, follow-up became slower. We understand they handle a variety of events, but it sometimes felt like our wedding was one of many on their plate, and delayed responses meant we were behind on some deadlines (which we were never penalized for, thankfully).

Policy and pricing inconsistencies. The planning documents we received didn’t always match up with what was later communicated. Thankfully, when we raised these issues, the team was generally responsive and willing to make adjustments after some deliberation.

Confusing accounting practices. It took some time and effort to fully understand the itemized breakdown—especially around alcohol charges. While we believe everything was calculated in good faith, the structure of the invoice made reconciliation more difficult than expected. There's room for improvement in how the financials are communicated, but ultimately we believed everything was...

UPDATE: To date The River Mill Owner, James Silveria, has refused to refund a $7,800 deposit for my daughter’s wedding reception (that could not be held on 4/25/20 due to COVID19). Recently I left him a voicemail to see if he would reconsider as he has now held their funds for five and one half months. He returned my call with his typical insults and accusations that I am a bad father for not rescheduling the reception for a future date. (My daughter and son-in-law held a small ceremony on their planned wedding day. They do not want a future reception.) In this call Mr. Silveria screamed “I AM A VOLATILE MAN AND IF I WERE SITTING ACROSS THE TABLE FROM YOU I WOULD TEAR YOUR EYES OUT!”. I share this as caution to anyone considering doing business with his venue and other businesses. He is self-described ‘volatile’ and threatened violence to a customer he is trying to retain. I find his behavior distasteful and unconscionable. Please consider the lessons I have learned in planning your special day. ORIGINAL REVIEW: My daughter and Son in-law planned their wedding reception for the River Mill in French Camp Ca. on April 25th, 2020. Sadly, COVID-19 turned the world on it’s ear, and the venue could not delivery their service due a Governor’s decree and a state-wide closure. The pandemic could not defeat them, so a 10 person wedding was held and they started their new life together. BUT, WITHOUT their $7,800 deposit to the River Mill. While their business manager had committed to return the deposit, the owner, Jim Silveria, decided to keep their deposit until his ‘insurance company pays him for loss of business’. At least that is what he told me. After months of messages left by my daughter and me, Mr. Silveria returned my call from his other business, Silveria’s Flowers and Gifts. I only intervened to have a conversation, but I was met by a childish tirade of insults and accusations by Mr. Silveria. In my 59 years I have never experienced such contempt by a business owner who called me ‘a clown’, ‘a prankster’, a ‘bad father’ and a ‘horrible businessman’. Frankly, I was only trying to help this young couple recover their money to start their new life together. I offer this caution to other parents planning their child’s special day … don’t be lured in by the venue without checking out their business practices and integrity. This business has shown no empathy for their customer … in fact, they have done their best to hurt this young couple. Shame on you...