Let me tell you…
It is quite refreshing when you have an entire venue’s staff, a wedding coordinator, and the Bride & Groom themselves who are all out to make their special day absolutely seamless making sure everything is in order. Upon arriving to the GORGEOUS Pavilion at Orchard Ridge Farms in Rockton, IL just outside of Rockford, Mike Potts and I opened the giant Wizard of Oz style door, walked inside and were dumbfounded at the sheer size and beauty of this barn/hall venue.
The front door with a small “answering window,” Wizard of Oz Style
“Wow” was all we could really say! Luckily the weather had decided to cooperate with us as it had been thunderstorming and hailing all morning. I remember waking up and thinking, “oh no not rain.” Nonetheless, Kiki and Greg were able to have their ceremony atop the hill outside the Pavilion on a warm sunny afternoon. There was, however, a small hitch that arose before the ceremony started. As Mike was transporting his equipment up the hill and starting to set up, the ORF employee assisting looks at Mike and asks the dreaded question, “you don’t need power do you?” The nearest outlet was back at the barn, some 350 feet away. Luckily with the combination of our cords…and backup cords…AND a quick-to-help employee grabbing HIS cords, the issue was solved in no time and we couldn’t have been more thankful to the staff for being so on point! So the night progresses as we play through our signature Felix & Fingers Jazz cocktail and dinner hour with some heartfelt speeches, a delicious meal, and the first dances.
Kiki & Greg First Dance
Photo by C. Tyson
I have to say, The Father-Daughter dance had to have been one of the cutest versions I’ve ever seen. They rocked around to a jazzed up version of “Peanuts,” the age-old theme from Charlie Brown. Move on to the Dueling & Dancing portion of the evening with requests pouring in from all sides of the spectrum. We come to a pivotal part of the evening in which the rhythmic ability of two lucky souls are tested and tried: The Cowbell Competition. The best man took his best shot and ended up getting Fingers’ cowbell STUCK around his finger! (Does that mean they’re married now?) Laughter ensues as the lovely bride, Kiki assumes control of the cowbells and takes the win by a landslide.
Orchard Ridge Farms, a Clear Choice
Ladies take the Gold for Cowbell Mastery.
Photo by C. Tyson
All in all, the night turned out to be more enjoyable than the Newlyweds could have ever imagined, thanks to the top-notch staff of Orchard Ridge Farms, the exceptionally talented wedding photographer, Chris Tyson, and of course, yours truly! If you’re looking to have a seamless event taken care of by true professionals at a venue whose eloquence soars above most, have it at the Pavilion at Orchard Ridge Farms. Oh and don’t forget to give Felix & Fingers a call the seal the deal with a fun-filled night of live entertainment for ALL of your guests. 🙂
Background photo taken by Chris Tyson at C. Tyson Photography
Be the first to leave a review.
