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Lesson learned via wedding planning #1- you get what you pay for.  The USF botanical gardens were lovely but for a different type of event but not a wedding. I loved the beautiful gardens and the gorgeous gazebo. I wasn't too excited about the port-o-potties or the dirt roads I would have to walk on in my wedding dress. So I moved on.

I looked into some more venues and I found the Postcard Inn!

(The Life of M)

I made an appointment after seeing some beautiful images online. This is what I found:

The lobby with a wall of books and mismatched chairs. (personal photo)

A seating area in the lobby with skateboards on the wall! (personal photo)

Another seating area Moroccan style. (personal photo)

The Garden ceremony area- it was December. (personal photo)

The area under the trees or cocktail hour space. (Postcard Inn)

The ballroom on the second floor with cool lighting and chivalry chairs. (personal photo)

Deck balcony off of the ballroom that overlooks the ceremony site. (personal photo)

So I was in love! I must admit that I might love this venue about as much as I love my fiance! In fact I am moderately obsessed with it. It is on St. Pete beach and is an old Howard Johnson that was turned into a funky eclectic hotel. Past the grassy ceremony site, is a beautiful pool.

(Hotel Online)

Then past the pool is a pool/beach bar. 

(Postcard Inn)

Then past the bar is the beautiful Gulf of Mexico. I loved the mixture of textures and venues for pictures. It also allowed itself to be turned fancy or casual. Tons of colors would be appropriate. Most of all, it was us: funky, eclectic, and fun.

How about you? How did you know that you found your venue? Do you love it about as much as your fiance?