The Waterview — Attraction in Monroe

We had looked at 12 venues before finding The Waterview on lucky number 13. We are from NJ but The Waterview popped up as an ad on google based on my previous searches. We were leaning towards a venue in PA when I saw the ad and I could not stop thinking about it. I decided to visit The Waterview myself to try to rule it out so I would not wonder if our wedding would have been better there if we chose another venue. I absolutely loved The Waterview and my fiance made the trip back up to CT with me the very next day to see it for himself. He agreed it was the perfect venue and exactly what we were looking for. Joanna and April in management were amazing from start to finish. Always willing to work with us on budget and to have our day be what we imagined. There were many venues we spoke to that were unwilling to make changes we may have wanted and The Waterview was so accommodating in comparison. We cannot thank them enough. We did have a vision for our day and we knew we wouldn't find another venue more in line with our vision than The Waterview. What we did not know at the time of our first visit is how incredible the staff would be. There are not enough words to describe how amazing the staff was, especially Kat- the wedding coordinator. I made several trips to The Waterview prior to our wedding to make sure that I had all the information I needed to ensure our wedding day ended up exactly how we had envisioned it. Each visit Kat and the other staff at The Waterview, including Karen and Wendy at the front desk, were so kind to me and never made me feel annoying or overbearing. The Wednesday Prior to our wedding day we brought most of our "stuff" to the venue and added some lights to the west garden area along with making sure the fabric I created for the arch was properly set up for the day of. It was HOT out. Kat helped us get the fabric on top of the 10 foot tall arch which for the first time was no small feat. We were and still are very appreciative because she did not have to do that at all. The day before the wedding at our rehearsal we were 40 minutes late due to some terrible traffic from NJ. Kat made sure everything went quickly and smoothly and got all of the information I didn't even realize we needed. She walked us through exactly what would happen and I felt confident that the day of it would be simple and easy. Our wedding day was the most perfect day and I truly believe that is thanks to the staff at The Waterview. Our vision really came to life and couldn't have been more in line with what we had envisioned. Our escort cards were in envelopes that the staff hung with mini clothes pins, each guest had a personalized menu and place card at their table, among countless other details planned for the day- all of which were executed perfectly by the staff. Amy and Erin were our amazing bridal attendants and they did not miss a beat. I did not travel to the bar even once as they got me everything I could possibly need and more! George, who was the coordinating assistant, was also amazing and helped to make sure everything ran smoothly. I received so many compliments on our wedding whether it was the amazing food, the intricate detail, the beauty of the venue, how smooth everything went and it is all thanks to The Waterview and their incredible staff. Quite a few people said it was the best wedding they had ever been to. Do yourself a favor and book The Waterview- you will not regret it and they will help make it the best day...

The Waterview - Ohhhh what an amazing venue!

This venue was truly the best bridal friendly venue we found. From the moment we saw the venue we knew this was the place, it’s scenic beauty, openness, and seclusion was exactly what we were looking for. The Waterview staff confirmed our initial thoughts, as the staff was super friendly and pleasant. It was refreshing to have venue that displayed and delivered honest and transparent packages about what we can expect and what they would deliver (no surprises, added costs). They never tried to upsell things we didn’t need or want, rather they listened to our vision and made it happen. Zuleika was our coordinator, and we couldn’t be any more grateful for her commitment and thoughtfulness to ensure our wedding was spectacular. During the process of planning (our numerous calls, emails, indecisiveness/uncertainty), we felt catered to as if we were the only wedding party Zuleika was taking care of. Zuleika and her team, never disappointed us but instead reassured us and kept the bride (me) calm. The level of attentiveness we received was consistent throughout the process, from day 1 we were assured we’d be able to integrate and enjoy our favorite Jamaican restaurant’s cuisine into our cocktail hour, to making sure the details of my vision/decor for the ceremony and reception we’re carried out, to ensuring we captured the sparkler send off before our photographer’s contract time ended. Right before the ceremony, a minor detail was out of place and Zuleika made sure it was corrected prior to the start of the ceremony. In addition, they worked with us to setup and break down decor items and it was neatly packed for next day pickup. By far, we were beyond blessed to have the Waterview as the venue our wedding. While there are a lot of venues out there, the Waterview is truly a top notice venue that’s easy to work with and has the best staff. Our guests (200+) have not stopped talking about our wedding. Our guest traveled from near and far (Canada, Florida, Jamaica, New York, Seattle, Houston) and raved about the beautiful views (lake and garden views), the food selection(s)/quality/taste, and staff’s genuine interest to ensure all guest were comfortable. Zuleika and her team even opened up the inside venue to several guests who arrived extra early so they didn’t wait outside in the heat. The natural beauty of the venue sitting on the water of Lake Zoar combined with the inside elegant charm is unmatched. Their ability to manage larger weddings seamlessly is phenomenal. The WATERVIEW is “THE PLACE!”

A huge thank you The Waterview, Zuleika, and the whole Waterview staff team! ...

We typically work at the Waterview several times a year as we are local full-time wedding photographers. It is one of our favorite venues in Connecticut - or anywhere! We love the beautiful location along the Housatonic/Lake Zoar, the well-kept and photogenic grounds, the spacious and elegant interior, and the attentive, friendly, easy-going staff. It is always a pleasure to book a wedding here, and I know it will go absolutely seamlessly in heat or cold, rain or shine.

The west or east sides both have charming and unique looks if your wedding is small or 300+ people. Even when there are two events occurring you’d never know it. The food is sensational whenever we’ve had time to eat. There are so many ways to capture the space, and we are always finding new ones despite being here a few times each spring and fall. As a FAA Part 107 licensed drone pilot, I always appreciate the views afforded in the skies, too. The Waterview’s bright spaces and enormous windows let us play with natural light as much as possible.

If you work in this industry you know every wedding has a mishap or two from something forgotten at home, a sudden change in the weather, the party being stuck in traffic, etc. Everyone at the Waterview rolls with the punches so well, and the venue allows us all to collectively handle this turbulence with grace. You can shift a part of the itinerary, find a place to shoot and hide before the ceremony behind the building, or spend more time being waited on in the amazing bridal suite. Even the restrooms are clean and the parking is ample/easy.

While this is written from the perspective of a small business owner, this is an unbiased and unsponsored review. I/we simple appreciate the perfect days we’ve enjoyed there. A huge thanks to the wonderful staff for all their help over the years, and here’s to timeless memories for dozens of weddings to come!

Scott Kruitbosch @scottkruitbosch Noella Barone...