albany style?

so now i have this new idea that i'm actually pretty excited about. get married at the alumnae chapel of my high school; it's the only chapel i could handle, because it's non-denominational and used as a public meeting place; every christmas we had vespers there; every fall and spring, baccalaureate and commencement. i have such happy memories of my years there and a real attachment to the architechture; the first day i visited for my interview when i was 13, i cried because it was so immense and imposing. by the time i graduated, i knew every nook and cranny and my eyes burn with nostalgia whenever i watch one of the movies in which the campus was featured.



i considered this idea a couple of months ago but abandoned it because i thought, where would i have the reception in albany? bleh. unless they could do it on the grounds, but then there's weather, outside catering...meh.

until my mom, bless her soul, reminded me that i used to love this place called the crooked lake house, which is on a beautiful lake a 20 min drive or so from the school. i'd had dinner there with my mom and grandma a few times, and also once with my dear professor and mentor, who is now quite ill and i hope will be able to come to my wedding...so it has a special meaning to me. this place is gorgeous; it's rustic, elegant, quiet and set in nature; the food sounds perfect. it had closed for a while to all our dismay, but just reopened under new management and they seem enthusiastic to host a reception.
the photos are being dumb, so here's a link to the

outside

and the

ballroom

i can just imagine that decorated with some simple flowers and having some big band era music while people mill about onto the terraces and stuff.

i'm still hoping 5 grand or so will make this all happen; i don't know how much the chapel costs yet, but i could have a serious affair for 50 people for around 3 grand at the lake house; it would include:

-a montage! (of crazy fruits, cheeses, savory side dishes, etc)
-butlered hors d'oeuvres, choice of 4
-salad
-entrees, choice of 3; currently first in mind are the mushroom strudel with gruyere and sauteed spinach, salmon with maple mustard glaze and creamed leek sauce, and roasted top round with bordelaise or pork loin with cider reduction and apple compote...yum!
-OPEN wine, beer, and soda bar for all 5 hours!!!

so that's about $65 pp. i think it's reasonable and if they are anything like the old owners, the food will be great. i think this merits a tasting trip.

so i'm finally actually envisioning something! and i like it! and it's something i wouldn't mind spending several grand on! that's a big step for me. there are definitely other venues (in other states!) to be considered but i don't think i'll know where this event really "belongs" until i go visit them...