May 28, 2021
Today marks a very special day for me. This day was our original wedding date in 2020 and it marks a time of uncertainty in the world. Postponing our wedding during a pandemic means that human celebration was put on hold. Celebration is essential in our lives and without it leaves the world a much sadder place. A year later we were able to celebrate our love at the Sea Cliff Manor. During a time where most of our other engaged friends were dealing with nightmare postponement stories. We were greeted with nothing but positive reinforcement the venue bending over backwards to keep us happy.
I cannot say more wonderful things about the staff at Sea Cliff Manor. Almost every guest relayed to me just how fantastic the staff was. I wanted to note a few very specific instances where the staff deserves to be recognized:
Ian, the maître d’, is a dream to work with. He is truly a beautiful person inside and out and cares so much about making your day special. Everything is run perfectly to the minute. We trusted him along every step of the way. It’s impossible to plan every single detail for your wedding, but just know that Ian already has. We had forgotten to cover a Mic for our Officiant and in 30 seconds Ian had it covered. This is just one of the many moments throughout the day where the stress is completely removed from your shoulders. We never fully understood how much time, effort and detail goes into an event like this. Ian understands this to a science and it shows. The owner of the establishment, Nick, couldn’t have been more personable and caring. He showed up the day of our Wedding to wish us congratulations and had tears in his eyes right before I walked down the Aisle. Everyone is family at Sea Cliff Manor. The Bridal Attendant, Camille, was next to me every step of the way. She made sure that we ate food and always put a drink our hands. She should be called a “Wedding Attendant” with the amount of care and attention she gave my husband as well. She helped me during the rain all with a smile on her face. Her personality truly showed in how she handled all of the small details with grace. It rained a lot on my wedding day and it had ZERO affect on the beauty of the day and venue. The staff all held four umbrellas over me so I wouldn’t get wet walking down the aisle. They made me laugh the whole time and created such a memorable moment. Not only did they help me, but the entire wedding party was escorted with umbrellas through the rain. Their service was OFF THE CHARTS. At all times they were hustling to serve the guests with a big smile on their faces. For most events that you attend, the Wedding staff is relied on to keep the party going. At the Sea Cliff Manor you can rely on them to enhance your day from arrival to departure My wedding was a party that led to some broken glasses. They literally danced their way through cleaning it up and showed no signs of getting upset I learned that the hiring process is extremely caring and thought out. Each person is hand picked to compliment the utmost professionalism and charm. I had some time to speak with the staff, who all relayed that they love working at Sea Cliff Manor. It is such a wonderful environment and I feel blessed to have shared my wedding day there.
The venue speaks for itself with the beauty and class both inside and out. On a personal note, the Speakeasy really hits home for two bourbon lovers. I could sit here all day writing reviews. In the end you will of course pick your own venue to host your beautiful and memorable day. Just know that if you choose Sea Cliff Manor, you have made the best decision...
Read moreWe got married at Sea Cliff Manor back in August 2014 and when I originally booked my wedding I worked with Meryl and about 2 months before my wedding, Ian and James came on the scene. The transition wasn't smooth and it definitely had its hiccups. There was confusion about how much I had paid, details of my cake were lost and Ian even went as far as to try to educate me about tipping.
We finally got everything straightened out before the wedding and got to a nice comfortable relationship with them. I had even over paid and they informed me I would be getting cash back the night of. The wedding was beautiful and cocktail hour ran smoothly. Somehow the schedule got a little rushed but I do understand these things happen. Then after cake, Ian pulled us aside and explained that we wouldn't be getting money back (It was only $200) - he was trying to tell me I had more than I had invited - believe me; I didn't. So I explained that the money back was going to be part of the tip for him and James and that I had added a little more to their card, but that's what I had. Ian then tries to tell me that THIS is why he brought up his tip on the phone. I excused myself as I wanted to enjoy my wedding and not argue with him. I had also asked that Ian make sure that people were signing my guestbook as it wasn't in a properly lit spot and people weren't signing it. He didn't make an announcement and unfortunately only about 5 people signed.
As the wedding winded down and guests began to leave, I came to realize that the welcome table with the seating cards was never changed over to the thank you table with the gifts, so consequently, many of our guests left without favors. Again, you would think no big deal, but I did 90% of the set up for my wedding myself, was obnoxiously organized and had asked Ian to please make sure the table got turned over.
Fast forward to the end of the night, when the Kays bag that held my second wedding band (I had 2 - one for each side of the engagement ring - but only used 1 during the ceremony) was returned to me with no ring in it. Now unfortunately I didn't think about it until the next day seeing as I had just gotten married and was thinking about many other things, but nevertheless the ring was gone.
When questioned, Ian simply said had if he found it, it would have been returned and that he had to trust his staff and it has never turned up since. I had insurance on it but since a safe wasn't broken into and I wasn't held at gun point for it to have been taken, 'it wasn't covered'.
All in all, my wedding was amazing. The location on the water overlooking my hometown, priceless. The quaint, charming house was perfect for us. It was affordable and had a lot to offer. The food was good and drinks were flowing. I could have certainly done without the drama with Ian and really would have liked if more people took favors so I wasn't left with 50 of them taking up space in my guest room. The only not positive things I heard from guests was about the staff. Most of all, I would have liked to have my other diamond ring, but I suppose everything happens for a reason. When I look back at my wedding day, I will always look at it with happiness and joy but will also remember my ring missing...
It was still a great venue and day and I don't think I would change it if I had to do it again, but be on high alert and don't leave valuables in the...
Read moreWe truly cannot find the words to describe how perfect our wedding was at Seacliff manor back in June. I am very particular- and working with this venue all throughout the planning process & the day of completely exceeded my expectations. Everything was absolutely perfect- the food was incredible (every filet mignon was cooked to perfection). Cocktail hour vibes, appetizers/stations, dinner, the service & staff…everything genuinely blew our guests out of the water. The wait staff was absolute perfection- professional, prompt, kind, while also having fun with our guests. You can tell they truly all love their jobs there. The atmosphere overall is a vibe and intimate, and the venue is gorgeous in itself.
From the get go- communication with Nick was great. He was attentive, personable, warm, and made us feel like we were family. He always made himself available to answer questions, and always welcomed us to visit the venue, call/text with questions…anything we needed he was there! He was so accommodating and just a delight to work with!
Ian- A true example of someone who is passionate about their job, and goes above and beyond. You can put your full trust in this guy to ensure the details are paid attention to, everything runs smoothly, and that you have the most perfect day & enjoy the planning process. He answered our 1 million questions with patience & thoroughness. He guided us with things we were hesitant about, while still reminding us that it was our day and we could do things however we choose. The day of, he ensured everything ran smoothly. Everything was on time…followed our timeline to a “T”…never even a minute behind…all without making us feel like we were following a timeline. He was realistic with weather when it looked like it was going to rain before the ceremony…but remained calm, positive, and reassuring there’s always a backup plan and everything will still be beautiful. Anything we wanted for the ceremony, cocktail hour, or reception, he made it happen no issues. I even wanted to switch out a painting they had in their speakeasy and he let me!! What a freakin guy! He just gets it- and will make you feel like you’ve known each other for years. He’s just as excited for your wedding as you are!!
Daniella- an absolute angel. Very attentive, but never made me feel like she was following me around. She just knew when to be there, and always knew what we needed. We never had an empty drink, and she made sure to have every single appetizer on a separate plate & tower waiting for us for when we arrived at cocktail hour after some photos…and made sure we actually sat down to enjoy it! Daniella truly cares so much and is unbelievably kind and personable. She is technically the bridal attendant but let me tell you…..she does it all and helps literally everyone. She sewed a button back on for a groomsmen, AND cleaned the entire train of my dress (her and Sophia) when it got dirty before the ceremony. They were persistent to get it looking back to normal before I walked down the aisle. Daniella is just incredible and we couldn’t appreciate her more.
We can’t say enough good things about this venue, staff, overall experience. You will not regret having your wedding here. Truly the most special day of our lives, and it wouldn’t have been as special had we not had this experience with this venue and staff. Thank you...
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