Country Club Living According to Stoneybrook

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Locating a Rehearsal Dinner Space

Oh my! You’ve come so far with the logistics of your wedding. You’ve safely secured the wedding venue, booked our fine Dining Room for your one hundred and eighty to two hundred guests, toured the grounds and fallen in like with our Garden Room^® for your bridal party preparation, and now there’s just one more thing; the rehearsal dinner. But hey! The hard stuff’s behind you and now this rehearsal dinner will be quick and painless. So onward we go!

Rehearsal dinner…hum? What exactly is a rehearsal dinner and where should it be held? Well traditionally it’s ‘held after the wedding rehearsal (which will be on the grounds of Sarasota’s plushest and nicest golf and country club – Stoneybrook Golf and Country Club^®) and the night before the wedding ceremony¹’; also at…okay; not another shameless plug for SGCC – I digress, but you get the gist!

Quite simply, it’s a time where the wedding party, relatives, and friends of the bride and groom come together to meet, mix, and get-a-feel for one another. So if your bridesmaid hasn’t by chance met your fiancée’s college bro that’s unusually loud and a bit uncouth; yeah, this would be the perfect time for them to be introduced so that she can let him know - in a tactful way - not to grope her as they walk hand-in-hand down the aisle. So the location for this dinner has to be bright, airy, secure, and have enough room to seat anywhere from one hundred and eighty (180) to two hundred and ten (210) – comfortably; because after everyone meets they may need a little ‘get-away-from-me’ space.

And since it’s usually a time where everyone’ll enjoy a glass or two of bubbly to toast you marrying the man of your dreams; it’s definitely going to have to be close enough to the wedding ceremony rehearsal so that everyone can get to their cars without having to have a designated driver. With that in mind, there seems to be only one option – Stoneybrook Golf and Country Club!

Credit: Sarasota Wedding Ideas

Just think. By booking your wedding ceremony with Stoneybrook Golf and Country Club^®; you’re getting an all-in-one-solution to your logisticical wedding problem. We’re your convenient wedding and rehearsal dinner location, ceremony on the lawn, high-end bar and table reception in our fine Dining Room, fabulous bridal party preparation in our Garden Room^® headquarters. It doesn’t get any better than that! So what are you waiting for? To take a tour or for pricing, give our fabulous Food and Beverage Director, Kathleen Strand a call at (941)918-9595 or email her @ Kathleen@stoneybrookgcc.com. And trust me; you’ll be surprisingly impressed with our rates. Visit stoneybrook.net today!

SOURCES:

1 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rehearsal_dinner

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

So You're Having a Country Club Reception?

So Ms. ‘I’m-Having-My-Wedding-At-Stoneybrook-Country-Club’, you’ve checked wedding venue off your to-do list. The seating is in place and now, you can finally breathe and get a little excited because you’ve also successfully secured our fabulous Garden Room^® for your bridal party to prepare for the ceremony. Check, check, and double check! You go girl! You’ve almost successfully completed the ‘Logistics For Your Wedding Venue’ (a shameless plug to read that Blog post); with the exception of locating a spot for your rehearsal dinner and reception. Oh no?!?! Oh yes! You were planning on rehearsing for the wedding-of-the-century weren’t you? Of course! But again girlfriend, don’t worry! At Stoneybrook Golf and Country Club^®, we’ve got you covered!

So which shall we tackle first; the logistics of the rehearsal dinner or the reception? Let’s start with the one that’s most important; the reception. So you need a place that’s spacious, luxurious, and budget friendly. Check, check, and check! Here’s the perfect location for you – Stoneybrook Golf and Country Club’s member owned Dining Room.

At Stoneybrook Golf and Country Club^®, we offer a high-end, dining room, table reception; complete with top-shelf bar. Our Dining Room can spaciously accommodate two hundred and ten (210) guests. But should you decide for a more buffet-style reception, we can comfortably seat one hundred and eighty (180)¹. And in case you’re worried about ambiance – don’t! Your guests will enjoy high end oak table and chairs, arched windows complimented by sconce lighting in addition to a breathtaking terrace complete with country club views! We also offer a fully stocked top-shelf bar. Take a look!

Credit: Sarasota Wedding Ideas

So are you ready to book yet? Yeah, I thought so! And just think! By booking your wedding and reception at Stoneybrook Golf and Country Club^®; you successfully secure one venue for your wedding ceremony, table reception, bridal party preparation and in our next post, we’ll discuss your rehearsal dinner. So what are you waiting for? Call our Food and Beverage Director, Kathleen Strand at (941)918-9595 for a tour and pricing. Oh, we can’t wait to see the Vimeo^®!

SOURCES:

http://sarasotaweddingideas.com/blog/sarasota-wedding-venue-stoneybrook/

http://sarasotaweddingideas.com/sarasota-wedding-venue-stoneybrook/

Saturday, August 31, 2013

Benefits of a Country Club Wedding

So last week we discussed ‘Logistical Solutions For Your Wedding Venue’ but I don’t think you really had the opportunity to wrap your mind around all Stoneybrook Golf and Country Club has to offer. Oh yes, you’ll enjoy all the pish-posh of saying you’re having your wedding at a Country Club; but what does that really mean?

For you, it means there’s two less things to do on your to-do list. Let’s start with the ceremony.

The Wedding Party – When you book with Stoneybrook Golf and Country Club, you’ll have the comfort of knowing that you no longer have to worry about where your wedding party will get dressed. Because, bride-to-be, you and your wedding party can prepare in our plush and spacious Garden Room^®. The Garden Room^® is a fabulous spot where the bridal party can be pampered by your makeup team and get dressed while they enjoy the elegance of our well-kept facility. You’ll enjoy privacy and carte blanche access while you prepare for one the most important days of your life.

Wedding on the Lawn - Because we’re a golfing community, you can be guaranteed that our lush grounds will be meticulously kept. That means you’ll enjoy the convenience of having your wonderful and carefully planned ceremony on the lawn; not to mention, you’ll have golf course views and spacious accommodations for your guests. Pish-posh!

Seating – So since you’ve decided to have a Country Club wedding on the lawn; where will your guest seat? If you haven’t secured seating, then get in contact with our Food and Beverage Director and she’ll be more than happy to discuss seating options with you*. See, isn’t that simple?

Just think. When you book your wedding at Stoneybrook Golf & Country Club^®, you no longer have to worry about the logistics (of the ceremony/reception sites); but you have the comfort in knowing that with one venue, the dressing locale and seating are taken care of as well. Wow! Look at you; making all these important decisions with just one phone call to our Food and Beverage Director, Kathleen Strand at (941)918-9595! You go girl!

*Seating is provided at an additional fee.

SOURCES:

http://sarasotaweddingideas.com/blog/sarasota-wedding-venue-stoneybrook/

http://sarasotaweddingideas.com/sarasota-wedding-venue-stoneybrook/

Logistical Solutions for your Wedding Venue

Credit: SarasotaWeddingIdeas

I don’t know if you’re new to Sarasota, but if you are maybe you’ve seen the signs posted saying “Book Your Next Party” or “Holds 100-250 Guests”; all in hopes of getting you to rent their space for your next big event, party, and even wedding. Without badmouthing, some of the venues are...let’s just say unmemorable - at best; especially if you’re planning a wedding.

But if you are (looking for a wedding venue that is), don’t look any further; because at Stoneybrook Golf and Country Club, we have the perfect location that’s not only memorable; but your wallet will thank you!

So before we get started by telling you a few of the awesome amenities we have to offer, let’s ask a few logistical questions; shall we? First,

Are you looking for a location for the wedding ceremony only?
Do you have a separate venue for the reception?
If so, how far will the limo driver and guests have to travel from the ceremony to the site of the reception?

Did I confuse you? Maybe you’re just a bit frustrated; because you haven’t worked out all the logistics yet. But you know what? That’s not a problem; because we have an answer for all of the above.

Why not have your ceremony and reception at Stoneybrook? “But I thought it was exclusively for members?” You mean you aren’t living in our gated community in Palmer Ranch; in ‘one of Sarasota’s largest master planned communities¹’? Say it ain’t so??!!

But if by chance you aren’t and you still have your heart set on having your wedding ceremony on our beautifully lush grounds that’ll also give you that ‘pop’ of color you’re needing for photos; in addition to providing you the ambiance and elegance you’re desiring for your table reception in our fabulous dining room; don’t give up hope. Simply, give our fabulous Food and Beverage Director, Kathleen Strand a ring at (941)918-9595 and schedule a tour. And did I mention that we offer Wedding Planning Services? You have just hit the jackpot bride-to-be! Don’t wait; give us a call today!

SOURCES:

1 http://www.truesarasota.com/communities/palmer-ranch-communities

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Rules for Golfing Fashionistas

Photo Credit: Ladies Golfing Clothing

You’re now an official member of none other than Sarasota’s golfing darling, Stoneybrook Golf and Country Club. Yay you! Your hubby’s decided to take up the game of golf and you’re all about supporting him; but what exactly do you wear to a Country Club? And what about the fact that you don’t know how to golf.

Well, he’s probably the one that’s going to be golfing; so that part you don’t have to worry about. But should you decide to take in a few holes with him, you’re going to have to get your golfing apparel up-to-par.

So first things first. Stop by our ProShop! We have an assortment of styles and offer only high-end merchandise that’ll meet any budget. But as Emily Post™, the-who’s-who-of-anything-having-to-do-with-etiquette, cites in a ‘Golfing Attire’ article that there are definitely some do’s and don’t’s¹; and as a valued member of our Country Club, we want to ensure that you’re fully prepared and fashion forward. So here’s a few rules for any golfing fashionista;

Rule #1: No jeans or t-shirts. But of course you already knew that.

Rule #2: As a woman, you can either wear golfing pants, skirts, shorts, or culottes; preferably khaki or cotton; but you can never go wrong with a nice, crisp linen.

Rule #3: Shorts should be at least Bermuda length²; meaning they’re at least 1’ inch above the knee (cuffed or uncuffed). You do not want to show up in gym shorts and please don’t even think about wearing a pair of daisy dukes.

Rule #4: Wear golf shoes only. Stop by our ProShop and check out our extensive selection.

Rule #5: And ladies this one is optional but you can never go wrong with a nice golf hat!

If you have any questions, our professional and courteous staff will be more than happy to assist you. Give them a call at 941-966-1800 or stop by the next time you come in and dine at the Grille Room.

SOURCES:

1 http://www.emilypost.com/out-and-about/sports-and-recreation/661-golfing-attire

2 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bermuda_shorts

Monday, August 5, 2013

Portmanteau For Two

Aaw! It’s Sunday morning, the birds are chirping and you just woke up in the arms of the person you’ve chosen to spend the rest of your life with. It’s a bit late and you haven’t made any plans because you and your sweetie have decided that Sunday’s would be the day that you let spontaneity rule. It’s too perfect of a day for there to be any labor involved such as the laborious task of laboring over a hot stove. Yet you both have a craving for something decadently delicious, preferably in a luxurious atmosphere but definitely not to hefty on the wallet.

But where can you go and eat cuisine prepared by an Executive Chef (shout out to Zeke Wentworth), that provides ambiance for a reasonable price? Well at Stoneybrook Golf and Country Club, we have the solution! Why not a portmanteau? A port man who? No, portmanteau!

Portmanteau is “a combination of two (or more) words or morphemes, and their definitions, into one new word¹.” Can you guess what two words we’re referring? Here’s a hint: Sunday morning, you’re hungry and it’s almost lunch time so you can’t decide if you’d like to have breakfast or lunch so you decide to have….BRUNCH!

Yay for you and yes; why not come to Stoneybrook and enjoy our Sunday Brunch Breakfast Buffet between the hours of 9:30am to 1:30pm? You and your sweetie can make it a day and ‘feel the burn’ together in our fitness center, relax by the pool, and then stroll over to our dining room as our chef prepares something from our omelet or waffle bar in addition to your choice of sweet rolls and a plethora of fresh fruit. Along with either orange juice, coffee, or tea.

Something as simple as a ‘portmanteau’ can help keep a marriage healthy; so why not make Stoneybrook your Sunday Brunch destination? For more information, feel free to contact our fabulous Food and Beverage Director, Kathleen Strand at kathleen@stoneybrookgcc.com or give her a ring at 941-918-9595. Bon apppetit!

SOURCE:

1 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portmanteau

Monday, July 29, 2013

18-Holes of Scottish Goulf

In our last post, we discussed how golf was originally a gambling man’s sport and how dangerously popular the game was to the Dutch; who were supposed to have originated the sport. However, I think the Scot's would beg to differ.

An ongoing debate as to whether the Scottish originated the game of ‘goulf’; has been brewing for centuries. Though the Chinese are adamant that the Southern Tang Dynasty originated and exported the game by way of Mongolian travelers; the Scots oldest Scottish organization, the Royal and Ancient Club of St. Andrew argues that the actual ’18-hole¹’ concept and structure, came from none other than the ‘land of the Gaels’.

Their take is that even though chuíwán (捶丸) was played with ten (10) clubs; the equipment and where they played the game is insignificant. Their stance is that the ultimate strategy of the sport; as far as ‘whoever hit the ball with the least number of strokes into a target several hundred yards away^2’ is only noteworthy if there’s an actual structure for using the Dutch’s ‘colf’ ball or the shaobang; the Chinese equivalent to a three-iron. This fact, they argue, is non negotiable and cannot be debated. And yes, this 18-hole legacy is one that the Scot's will go to their grave to maintain their bragging rights to.

And there's another difference of opinion the two share; while the Dutch's aristocracy took in a few rounds; according to Scottish history books, King James II banned the sport on the grounds that it was a ‘distraction from archery practice for military purposes³.’ Since an entire 18-hole round can last anywhere from three and a half (3½) to four and a half (4½) hours, it’s no wonder the King was upset that his nation’s military were devoting a large portion of their day to the sport. But unlike the Dutch, who banned the game because of its dangerously popular and profitable gambling aspects; the Scots deemed the sport ‘unprofitable³.’

So as you can see, the history of golf, as far as who originated the sport, will be one that’ll be debated for centuries to come. But one thing’s for certain; the game isn’t going anywhere and at Stoneybrook Country Club we’re glad about it! In fact, when was the last time you played a round on our six (6) teeing grounds ranging from 6587 yards to 4965 yards from our forward tees? But just to let you know how we feel, we welcome the Dutch, the Scots, and the Chinese to come play on our lush greens. Because at Stoneybrook Country Club - it’s not how you start the game, but that you tee off!

SOURCE: 1 - 3 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_golf