The Garden Villa at Florida Federation of Garden Clubs — Attraction in Winter Park

Dawn was always a pleasure to work with. She answered all of our questions quickly and she let us stop by whenever we needed to double check everything. The venue itself is a hidden gem. Absolutely perfect for a wedding like ours, with 40 guests. There was plenty of free parking for our guests. It is located in a residential area but feels super secluded. There are lush trees, including cypress trees with gorgeous Spanish moss, in and around the outdoor area which provided the perfect backdrop for our wedding. All of our guests were raving about the location and how beautiful and perfect everything was. We held the ceremony in front of one of the large trees in the grassy area. The only thing I want to make sure to advise everyone is that the ground is soft out in the field and make sure to advise your guests to not wear open shoes or stiletto heels if you would be doing what we did. Of course, we already knew that so everyone was prepared! We held the reception on the platform area outside, on November 5th, and the weather was perfect. There are two private rooms for changing or storage of your personal items, at least two large bathrooms for your guests. Everything was spotless! There was also a large hall indoors that was very nice with a stage area, but the garden/outdoor area is so beautiful, we just had to take advantage! This venue provides several options for your perfect wedding, and it is so affordable! I can't say enough about this place! Thank you...

I am newly engaged and I was VERY interested in booking both my wedding ceremony and reception at the FFGC because it is just what I was looking for! I am sad to say that I am afraid to move forward after receiving a very rude and uninviting response from the Office Manager, Dawn Murphy.

I kindly asked, through email, if the date I had in mind was available and when I could come for a tour. The immediate response was very short and terse, all the email read was (and this is a direct quote): "How many guests are you planning, Natalie?" That was all the email said! I then responded with a max. of 125 (which we all know there will probably be 75 confirmed guests after all the RSVP's come back). The next email simply stated: "I'm sorry we can't accommodate you. Our capacity is 99."

Now, I understand we all have our bad days and people get busy.... but to give such a clipped response is very off putting when getting ready to plan such a joyous event! Taking an extra minute to explain that their max. is 99... but if I would be willing to downsize my guest list we can make it work is a whole different story. I will be calling to hopefully get to talk to anyone BUT Dawn Murphy . Hoping I can update this review with something more positive but as of right now.... it's not...

The place is beautiful! Had my wedding there and the place was what I envisioned: trees, roses, the Florida outdoor look. Dawn was kind and helpful throughout the process. She was also prompt in answering questions I had. FFGC had a good list of companies but sadly I chose Cocktails. Cocktails was great at first throughout the planning process but the day of, the guy in charge didn't bring the rental chairs I had purchased and arrived 45 minutes late, leaving an hour to set up. He thought FFGC had chairs already (They don't. Only tables.) He had my bridesmaids and groomsmen help his company with setting up tables and chairs (He had to go back and get the chairs, which were out ten minutes before the ceremony). Would not recommend Cocktails for that reason. However, I do recommend FFGC. The person who oversaw my wedding that night was helpful and made sure that Cocktails corrected their mistake ASAP. Was thankful for her help. I had 70 people attend. If I had more, the tables would have filled up the reception room leaving little to no...