Sorry for the bug bite pics but people should be aware of the risks
I am not typically one to leave reviews, especially with any negative sentiment given the immense effort involved in running a consistently high performing business and the number of factors that may affect individual experiences. Mine and my fellow party goers experience may have been a (hopefully) one off unfortunate occurrence and not the precedent for past or future events hosted at this location. Especially if the venue management takes action steps to consider this feedback and implement additional measures to prevent future incidents like mine.
I attended a beautifully planned, prepared, and decorated wedding a few weeks back (mid-August) at Park Winters. I traveled in from Southern California (native Northern Californian who grew up in the area). The venue is gorgeous, the facilities modern and well appointed. The event overall was lovely and well executed.
I nor anyone else that I have communicated with following the event and our experience, expected or was seriously aware of the volume and high exposure risk to local mosquitoes and bugs. I like many attendees, wore typical wedding attire and was in a dress that exposed much of my skin to the elements. Not something I typically would think twice about, even at an outside wedding. Initially, I did not notice bugs or any issues that would lead me to believe I needed to take serious precautions. As the dusk began to set in, the presence of bugs and mosquitoes increased noticeably and were a bit of a nuisance. This continued throughout the evening, into dinner service, and beyond - I noticed the occasional prick and had to swat away some visible mosquitoes - I certainly expected to leave the event with a few bites but nothing out of the ordinary. I am a camper and avid outdoor enthusiast and have had my fair share of exposure to bugs, mosquitoes, and other pests and generally know what I can deal with. Or so I thought. When I awoke the next morning, I found myself with a volume of bites that I still find difficult comprehend. My legs among other areas, were covered in mosquito bites, and I mean covered. My ankles were a consistent tapestry of swollen, itchy bumps which continue to bother me weeks later. Many from mosquitoes so small or invisible, I did not see or notice them. It has taken weeks of Benadryl, steroids, and anti-itch medication for my skin and sensitivity to return to some semblance of normalcy and I imagine it will take months yet for the marks on what was previously healthy, unblemished skin to disappear. I have never had mosquito/bug bites last this long or affect me so severely.
It should be stated that the venue did put out Off Bug Spray/wipes in dishes around the event for guest convenience. Being that we were at an outdoor event, I figured sure, for anyone that wants to protect themselves from typical pests that would make sense. Personally, not liking the smell or chemical application of department store bug spray and not knowing what level of exposure I was truly in for, I did not use it. That was my choice, and one made to my immense regret. I have attended plenty of outdoor weddings and events before dressed similarly around the United States. I have never had to take bug protection as seriously as I should have at this location. What there should have been, were serious WARNING signs and guidance from the staff advising party goers of the very high risk of well above typical exposure to mosquitoes/bugs. If the venue had done more than IMPLY that you may want to protect yourself, I would have put on the darn bug off and hopefully been spared the experience I had.
I also think that in the modern age of Amazon, there are so many easy and still aesthetically pleasing additional measures the venue could put in place to reduce the risk exposure for guests. I don't know what local pests are in the area we visited or what kind of crazy mosquito species I (and others) were attacked by, but I will never want to attend another outdoor wedding in this area or...
Read moreFrom Creative Cinema & Photography Situated among the rolling hills and verdant farmlands of Northern California lies a wedding venue like no other, Park Winters. As a seasoned wedding photographer, I have had the privilege of capturing countless unforgettable memories at this idyllic venue, and I am here to impart my insights and present a comprehensive evaluation of Park Winters through the lens of a photographer.
Locale and Convenience Park Winters is situated in the charming town of Winters, California, and is effortlessly accessible from major highways and roads. The venue resides in a peaceful rural area, making it the perfect setting for a serene and intimate wedding ceremony.
Facilities and Capacity Park Winters boasts a magnificent main house, a beautifully restored barn, a sprawling lawn, and a magnificent garden area. The main house is a refurbished Victorian farmhouse that serves as the ideal preparation room, while the barn is a spacious and elegantly restored structure that can accommodate up to 200 guests. The lawn and garden area are the perfect locations for outdoor ceremonies and receptions.
Photographic Possibilities From a photographer's viewpoint, Park Winters is a veritable paradise. The venue is surrounded by picturesque hills, beautiful gardens, and stunning farmlands, offering numerous opportunities for breathtaking backdrops and stunning photos. The main house and barn are also prime photo spots, with their beautifully restored exteriors and unique architectural features.
Wedding Services and Facilities Park Winters provides an extensive range of wedding services and facilities to guarantee that your special day is flawless in every aspect. The venue provides on-site coordination to ensure seamless execution, as well as a variety of rental items including tables, chairs, and linens. The venue also offers catering services and a list of preferred vendors to make the wedding planning process as stress-free as possible.
My Personal Experience at Park Winters As a wedding photographer, I have had the opportunity to work at Park Winters on multiple occasions and I must say that it is one of my favorite wedding venues. The venue staff is amicable and accommodating, and the venue itself is nothing short of stunning. The rolling hills and farmlands provide an abundance of opportunities for breathtaking photos, and the main house and barn are both excellent photo locations. I wholeheartedly recommend Park Winters as a premier wedding venue.
In conclusion, Park Winters is an exquisite and peaceful wedding venue located in Northern California. With its magnificent main house, beautifully restored barn, spacious lawn, and gorgeous garden area, it is the ideal location for an intimate and serene wedding ceremony. As a wedding photographer, I have captured many cherished moments at this venue and I highly recommend it to all couples looking for the perfect...
Read morePark Winters is the perfect place to make your fairytale come true! And the staff is wonderful- always professional, friendly, and responsive. John and Amber were very communicative and made our experience easy from the very beginning. We were immediately smitten when we first visited for our venue tour. We had some reservations about making our guests (a lot of whom were coming from out of state) come to the country. But once we set foot on the idyllic grounds of PW, it grabbed a hold of us and wouldn't let go! We knew we couldn't get married anywhere else. The property is absolutely stunning- I believe it would be impossible for anyone to come to any other conclusion.
We got married in front of the rose and lavender garden on 5/6/17. The week before temperatures reached the upper nineties and I was worried about the roses frying, but they held on for us. Amber even sent me a video to assure me. We rented an arch and added flowers, but it was really superfluous. Park Winters' natural beauty is just so perfect, nothing more is really necessary.
We had our reception in the barn and everything looked even better than I had envisioned. Again, the simple beauty of the space may be sufficient, but we did low profile fish bowl centerpieces and lots of candles to add to the ambiance. We sat at a sweetheart table and used a mix of rounds and rectangles for our ~120 guests. We also had a 7 piece band. I was worried about having enough space, but from my perspective, everything was perfect. We had to push back one of the tables once the dancing got going, but I didn't think it was too much of an issue.
We stayed at the Inn the night of the wedding, as did some of my bridesmaids and a couple of other guests. The house is immaculate. Every detail was perfectly planned and executed. I highly recommend treating yourself to a night at the Inn after your wedding. It's nice not to worry about going anywhere after the reception, and Chef will treat you to a delicious breakfast in the morning (yes, the food is flawless too!).
I wish we would have stayed there the night before so we could have enjoyed the grounds (and the pool!) even longer but it didn't work out logistically. We are already daydreaming about going back for a future anniversary (or babymoon!).
In short, we absolutely LOVED everything about Park Winters, and I am confident that...
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