It’s hard to improve on something as elegant and gracious as Coles Garden Wedding & Event Center. Gorgeous gardens, the beautiful architecture and convenient amenities are the features that have made it a favorite venue for so many different events for years. I’m Jenny Wood and my husband Willie and I are the new owners of Coles Garden.

We’ve updated this breathtaking property that has drawn interest from people all over the world. We were no exception. Our wedding reception was held here in 2004 and made a lasting impression. When I discovered it was on the market and knew I needed larger accommodations for my insurance office, One General Agency, I couldn’t resist the possibilities.

It was almost too good to be true. The rooms were perfect for meetings with clients and the building would offer more space for staff as well as a much more scenic view! But, it was also too beautiful not to share with people who wanted to welcome their guests to a spectacular event. I decided to host events and our agency under the same roof. The journey has been fun and exciting!

It didn’t take much to update a good thing. We added new flooring, crystal, chandeliers, lighting, spacious dressing rooms for bride and groom and little updates that put the icing on the cake. When people step into the enchanted world of Coles Garden and realize how reasonably priced our custom or prepackaged rates are, they can’t walk away!

We partnered with Deep Fork Grill to offer clients high quality and affordable catering services but clients are also permitted to bring in their own. Keeping flexibility, we also have in-house professional wedding coordinators and allow clients to bring in their own. We revived the indoor chapel so that guests can choose between an indoor wedding ceremony that captures the outdoor view or choose to recite their vows on one of our gardens. Either way, cascading waterfalls and vibrant, colorful gardens will catch your eye everywhere you turn!

Coles Garden

Are you parents tired of hearing your kids complain about being bored? Are you scrambling for ways to have family fun but can’t seem to get free of the media monster’s movies and video games? Looking for a way to mix up a boring exercise routine and get out of the gym? You might be surprised to find your answers with the Oklahoma City Parks and Recreation Department.

Hi, I’m Jennifer Lindsey-McClintock and I love my job as the Public Information and Marketing Manager for OKC Parks and Recreation. Everyday I’m reminded why I decided to stay in my home state because it’s my job to make sure people know about all that Oklahoma City has to offer.

We manage 5,000 acres of land encompassing 144 parks and public space. We run golf courses, lakes, trails, swimming pools and “spraygrounds”, senior centers, nature parks, the Myriad Botanical Gardens and other municipal garden centers, plus two performing arts centers including the Civic Center Music Hall. We provide specific recreation activities and wide open spaces for fitness, play and recreation.

What’s new this year? Plenty! Our new skate courts on Route 66 and South Lakes Park is the hang out for beginner and intermediate BMXers, boarders, and skaters. Fitness is more fun on the Cardio Course at Lincoln Park and for walking or jogging gurus, Bluff Creek’s new track is a must see in the heart of pristine woodlands. Don’t miss the newly renovated Eisenhower Plaza at Stars and Stripes Park where patriotism is at its best for park lovers everywhere!

Families cool off and splish, splash and spray their way into summer fun at our free spraygrounds where kids enjoy water wheels, spray cannons, and water dump buckets! Be sure to visit our Aquatics Centers and don’t miss the Earlywine Aquatic Center, soon be home to Oklahoma’s first tunnel slide. The vortex-like structure will thrill sliders down a three story ride to the drain. Watch out below! Also take advantage of free fishing classes for your kids ages 5 to 15.

Everything we do at the Oklahoma City Parks and Recreation Department reflects our mission to provide opportunities that enhance the quality of life for our citizens. Young and old, there’s something for everyone right here in Oklahoma City!

Discover all Oklahoma City has to offer at www.okc.gov/parks

What’s the one addition to your venue set-up that can magically set the mood and transform an entire room into the perfect setting for your special event? The answer is as simple (and affordable) as lovely; color-coordinated chair covers with sashes.

Hello, my name is Dorinda Chapman, the owner of Pink Petal Linens. It was actually my brother and his wife who first introduced me to the fun of supplying chair covers for weddings and other special events. They were Louisiana wedding planners who moved their business to Tulsa after the disaster of Katrina. I started helping them with setting up chair covers with sashes for events in hotels and other venues. I just loved how they made the room look and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Later, when I was deciding on a way to supplement my income, I decided to make the commitment to start a chair cover rental business of my own. Today, I’m thrilled to say Pink Petal Linens is a thriving, full-time business.

At Pink Petal Linens, we offer event planners and individuals the option of ballroom or folding chair covers in white, black and ivory with a choice of organza and satin sashes in a voice of 25 colors to complement your theme, florals or bridesmaid dresses. Although a favorite among wedding planners, these lovely chair covers and sashes are also very popular for birthday parties, showers, retirement and anniversary parties. Our red sash creates a festive holiday mood for Christmas and Valentine’s Day. There are pastels for Easter and autumn colors that add that fall feeling for Halloween and Thanksgiving events, as well.

Pink Petal Linens’ chair covers and sashes are always spot treated, cleaned and pressed or steamed for a fresh look before they’re boxed for the next customer.

There is no minimum order at Pink Petal Linens, although we can provide up to 1500 for larger events. Delivery is available on orders of over 50 chair covers but scheduling is limited so reserve early. You may also schedule a time for pick up and return that fits into your busy schedule. We offer installation at an additional fee. Installation includes delivery, set up and tear down leaving you with one less worry on your special day.

When you begin considering decorating options for your special events, remember that quality, color-coordinated chair covers and sash from Pink Petal Linens provide that all-important “wow” effect the moment your guests enter the room. Give us a call or check out our website for more details.

Dorinda Chapman, Owner

 You can search the entire state of Oklahoma and not find a more romantic, relaxing and perfect destination than Indian Creek Village.  Nestled in northern Oklahoma’s cross timbers between Ringwood and Cleo Springs, this is a very special choice for a private, relating destination wedding, romantic get-away, fun agritourism visit or even the perfect "Chick Trip."

 

If you’re searching for an stylish country wedding, Indian Creek Village is a fabulously quaint and romantic setting.  Our restored historic wedding chapel and lovely outdoor reception area will accommodate 150 guests.  Smaller group events can be held inside the main house.  The Bed and Breakfast has four beautifully decorated and comfortable rooms with private baths, including our honeymoon suite complete with a kingsize bed and Jacuzzi.  Children and pets are welcome.

 

 What would you call an Oklahoma venue that leaves you and your guests feeling refreshed and rejuvenated in a way that respects the environment? When you understand the meaning behind the name The Canebrake, it’s easy to see it was a natural choice.

Hello, my name is Sam Bracken, owner of The Canebrake Resort and Restaurant in "Green Country" Oklahoma – just outside Wagoner. Many people are surprised to learn that a species of native Oklahoma bamboo once commonly grew here at the end of waterways. It served as a filter, so that the water on the backside was calm, clear and clean – much how our guests feel after their visit.

When my siblings and I were young, my parents bought this beautiful piece of land as a family retreat and later a horse and cattle ranch. Even when we all went our separate ways, this was always "home" for holidays and family get-togethers. There was a lodge on the ranch (a converted dairy barn) which we were happy to let others from our church use for marriage retreats and other events.

 

Sit-down or buffet catering choices can be customized or suggested. A per-person price includes a three-course meal, linens, tea and water – even a flower and candle at each table. Audio/visual equipment is also available. We often arrange cooking demonstrations, wine testing’s and other group activities in our restaurant area.

Sam Bracken
The Canebrake
33241 E/ 732 Road
Wagoner, Oklahoma 74467

(918)485-1816

www.thecanebrake.com
adamm@thecanebrake.com

 Only minutes from the University of Oklahoma and Lake Thunderbird is one of our state’s best kept secrets. You won’t fully appreciate Whispering Pines until you drive up the beautifully landscaped drive shaded by towering pine trees and experience for yourself all this lovely and distinctive event venue has to offer.

Hello, my name is Rany Kchao. I and my family cordially invite you to Whispering Pines, a truly elegant special event venue, bed and breakfast, restaurant and lounge. I first came to this country in 1982 from Cambodia and began working in restaurants washing dishes. I worked my way up to cook and eventually prepared individual dinners and catered events at prestigious restaurants such as Oak Tree Country Club, Coach House Inn and The Metro in the 1980s and 1990s.

In 1999, I bought Whispering Pines as a family business. It is run by eight members of my family including my wife, sons, sister-in-law and nieces. For four years, Whispering Pines was solely a bed and breakfast with seven romantic guest rooms. Among other amenities, our guests choose from six items on our full-breakfast menu at no additional charge which is delivered to their room.

The main house is a magnificent two-story mansion reminiscent of those from the early 1990s complete with a grand staircase, large wrap-around porch and gazebo. It’s nestled in 20 acres of lovely trees and rolling pastures. I learned gardening literally from the ground up and take great pride in the lovely, seasonal landscaping which makes Whispering Pines the perfect setting for outdoor events. 

Over the years, we have had more than 100 outdoor weddings and parties here at Whispering Pines for 10 to 250 guests. Guests will thrill at the towering trees, lovely grassed open areas, outdoor gazebo, large Koi pond and waterfall. We offer all-inclusive packages for added convenience and a lower overall cost.

In recent years, we have opened a fine dining restaurant and lounge in the main house. The menu is primarily French continental, but we also serve other entrees which include pork tenderloin, seafood specialties and Black Angus steaks. Seating is limited and by reservation only, so be sure to call early. The restaurant won first place in the International Wine and Food society.

Most recently, we created an eight-acre vineyard. After the grapes have more time to mature, we will be making our own wine and opening the winery to the public.

The next time you’re driving down Highway 9 between Norman and Lake Thunderbird, watch for the Whispering Pines sign. We look forward to having you as our overnight guest in the bed and breakfast. We also hope you will join us one evening for dinner and consider us for your next party, wedding or other special event.

Rany Kchao, Owner and Chef
Whispering Pines
7820 East Highway 9
Norman, OK 73026
 
405-447-0202
 
www.bbonline.com/OK/whisperingpines/

Believe it or not, research shows that a first impression (good or bad) is set in the first seven seconds or less! How your guests almost instantly feel about your special event will affect their entire experience and help form lasting memories. Luckily positive first impressions can actually be “staged.”

Hello, my name is Tahnya Schilke, the owner of Suddenly Simply. I am also an Accredited Staging Profession (ASP). I guess you could say I’ve been staging ever since I was a child who thoroughly enjoyed moving around furniture and household accessories.

Even then, I could sense the difference the placement made in how I and others felt.
My educational background is in special education and psychology, but I eventually realized that staging events, residences and commercial properties is what I enjoy. So, I began my staging company – Suddenly Simple.

My job (which I love) is to create space and  atmosphere for your event using my understanding of space, color and proportion with the goal of achieving the desirable affect. In simple terms, what you place and where you place objects creates an ambience that effects emotions. How do you want your guests to feel? Impressed, relaxed, inspired, excited, romantic? All these and more are the result of creative staging.

The first part of the process is my sitting down with brides, grooms and other clients, listening well and truly understanding what effect they want to achieve for their occasion or theme. When I tap into their vision, I creatively use that knowledge to choose and arrange areas such as the entry way, reception table, ceremony stage and/or the overall impact of the area, whether it’s an indoor room or an outdoor patio.

I try to primarily use what is already available, including furniture, decorations and accessories – instead of spending a great deal of the budget on additional items. I can do as little or as much as clients prefer from a single centerpiece or a “wow” table at the entrance to arranging the entire venue. Stretching the budget is a major priority.

In addition to staging events, I also use my training and talents to stage homes to make them more saleable, hotel lobbies, offices and other commercial properties.

If you’re planning a special event, don’t underestimate the power of creative staging.
Let Suddenly Simple help create the vision that will emotional impact your guests from the first seven seconds, throughout the event and forever in their memories.

Tahnya Schilke, ASP, Owner Suddenly Simple Ph: 405-436-3181 stagers@suddenly-simple.com www.Suddenly-Simple.com

The word “mansion” brings to mind visions of elegance, spaciousness, and architectural artistry. If this description is your idea of the perfect setting for a wedding, then you’re in luck: Harwelden Mansion reflects the style and glory of early Tulsa.

Hello, my name is Andrea Croasdale. I’m the facilities manager of Harwelden Mansion in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Although not a native Tulsan, I have grown to love the town and have made it my home. I came to work for the Arts & Humanities Council of Tulsa, which owns Harwelden, after completing both my bachelors and masters degrees in History from the University of Tulsa.

Constructed between 1923 and 1926, Harwelden was built as the private home by oilman E.P. Harwell and his wife, Mary. Upon Mrs. Harwell’s death in 1967, her majestic home was donated to the Arts & Humanities Council of Tulsa, graciously continuing Mrs. Harwell’s legacy of supporting the arts in the community.

The sprawling mansion, with its lovely landscaped grounds, encompasses the size of a city block. The 3,389 square feet mansion is said to be the only Collegiate Gothic-English Tudor Style home in Tulsa. For decades, Harwelden has been the preferred choice for weddings, parties, and other events. Its reputation as the perfect setting for weddings of distinction has spread primarily through word-of-mouth by satisfied brides and impressed guests.

The rental fee, which benefits the Arts & Humanities Council of Tulsa, includes your exclusive use of the mansion and its grounds. If you plan to hold your event outside, the mansion’s interior will be available should the weather interrupt your plans. The use of Harwelden’s event furniture, as well as indoor set-up, tear-down, and custodial cleaning, are included. Your choice of caterer is welcome to use the mansion’s large caterer’s kitchen, and we will happily suggest preferred vendors for all of your event’s needs.

If you’re looking for a venue with the spacious elegance of a mansion steeped in Oklahoma’s opulent oil boom history, consider the unique style and charm of Harwelden Mansion in Tulsa. You may come to the conclusion, as numerous others have, that no other decorations are necessary here, as the impressive architectural design speaks for itself.

  Hello, my name is Johnny Williams, owner of Catch-A-Glimpse Retreat Center. The inspiration for our venue’s unique name came to me while at a church service back in 1995 when the minister urged us to take a minute to “catch a glimpse” of God’s goodness and mercy.  

We found the perfect place near Cashion, Oklahoma – 160 acres with a 4,000 square foot Colorado style log home which we converted to a daytime meeting and retreat center. The central point is the 900 square recreation area which we call Antlers Room. There are also several break-out rooms and a game room. Our lovely outdoor areas are available for fishing, archery, BB gun fun, canoeing, hay rides, treasure hunts, water balloon launching or just enjoying a bonfire cookout with smores and hot dogs.   Our 2,400 square foot barn serves as a multi-purpose building which you are welcome to decorate to suit your event. Catch-A-Glimpse Retreat Center is within minutes of Edmond, Deer Creek, Piedmont, and Northwest Oklahoma City.

If Catch-A-Glimpse Retreat Center sounds like the perfect place for church and school events, you’d be right. But, we also host all types of events here, including weddings, family reunions, graduations, fall festivals and corporate meetings with team building exercises.

     Johnny Williams
Catch-A-Glimpse Retreat Center
11400 South County Line Road
Cashion, Oklahoma 73016
405-433-2092

johnnywilliams@catch-a-glimpse.com
http://www.catch-a-glimpse.com

What could be more thrilling than watching your favorite horse cross the finish line?

Sharing the action, fun and excitement with your entire group of racing fans at Remington Park in Oklahoma City!

Hello, my name is Christy McCormack, Remington Park’s Groups Sales Manager.

I’ve  worked at Remington Park just about my entire adult life!  I began at the age of 22 in Guest Relations helping people navigate the facility.  Next, I went to the Racing Information Center where I assisted people in understanding the program and learning how to wager.   In 1996, I became Group Sales Coordinator and  promoted to Group Sales Manager when Remington Park’s casino opened in 2005.

Remington Park offers exceptional value to event and meeting planners.   You can book your racing group from 20 – 600 people and enjoy free stadium seating.  Or, if you wish to pre-purchase catering and programs, we’ll also be happy to arrange those services, as well. 

For motor coach operators, we offer two packages.  Our Tourism Package allows operators to include Remington Park as part of a tour package with no time limit at the casino.   This free package includes $10 free-play for guests and free sourvenirs – even if the motor coach is simply visting Remington Park as a rest stop.  Lunch (including box lunches) for the group can be pre-purchased at a discounted rate.

We also have a Preferred Operator Package for motor coach operators.  When set up in advance, Remington Park  pays reputable operators a per person commission with a 12 12 month, 4 group minimum contract.

Especially popular are  Remington Park’s complimentary stable tours enjoyed by children, adults and seniors.  For about two hours, groups ranging in size from 10 to 50 have the pleasure of visiting our barns to experience “A Day in the Life of a Race Horse.”  

You might be surprised to learn that about 85% of Remington Park’s Group Sales business comes from catering.  Our luxury suites accommodate 15 – 65 people for wedding rehearsal dinners, wedding showers, bachelor parties, birthday parties, as well as monthly corporate meetings.   Our Eclipse Banquet Room is perfect for larger events, up to 350 reception style and 300 banquet style.

Remington Park hosts a great number of corporate events, especially day meetings that often roll into social entertaining and wagering in the evening.   In January 2010, we will begin a $3 – $5 million dollar renovation and upgrading our meeting spaces which will include the latest technology in audio/visual equipment.       

If you’re looking for a unique place to take your tour group, hold a corporate meeting or checking out venue choices for your wedding or other special event, don’t settle for a location that odds are will only “place or “show.”  Bet on the favorite to win every time – Remington Park!

Christy McCormack, Group Sales Manager
Remington Park
One Remington Place
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73111
405-425-3270
Christy.mccormack@remingtonpark.com
www.remingtonpark.com