Jamie Castro is a great photographer who I have worked with.  I think you will love his work as much as I do.  Visit his web site!   

I also have many favorite restaurants/inns that I like to frequent when I either go out to dinner or if I am the decision maker in the choice of where to go for a work event, family celebration, or a gathering for friends at holidays.  They are:

-Tiburon Restaurant, formerly The Three Bears located in Wilton, Connecticut.  This is a restaurant that has plenty of room for weddings.  It is a 200 year old inn, so if charm and coziness is what you are looking for, you will really like the The Tiburon.  I have eaten many holiday meals here, and I have always been pleased.  Phone number is 203-227-7219

-The Red Barn is another one of my favorites.  Located in Westport, Connecticut, The Red Barn also has great accomodations for weddings, and it is beautiful place to hold a wedding.  I have been to several parties at the Red Barn, and whether it is upstairs in the balcony area or in the back room overlooking the water, it is always spectacular.  Their phone number is 203-222-9549.

 -The Roger Sherman Inn is located in New Canaan, Connecticut. I had never been to the Inn before, but the impression was everlasting. It was definitely enchanting!  Recent New York Times write up by Pat Brooks speaks highly of the food.  The Inn can accomodate parties of 150. Roger Sherman's wedding coordinator, Chris Paul, is very helpful.  He is very experienced in wedding planning.  Phone number is 203-966-4541.  

-The Cobbs Mill Inn is located in Weston, Connecticut and has tremendously large rooms for weddings.  The most interesting thing about Cobbs Mill besides again being an old inn with lots of charm is that whereever you are in the inn, you see the waterfall.  The waterfall is breathtaking.  I have officiated a few weddings at this inn during the warmer months and the set up on the lawn is spectacular.  Their phone number is 203-227-7221.

-Norwalk Inn and Conference Center is located in Norwalk.  It is not only convenient to get to, but it is quite elegant inside.  The trellis that meets you at the front door is very welcoming and gives a unique flavor of entering a very special place.  I have attended weddings/parties and officiated weddings there, and during the warmer months the patio off of the bar is a great place for cocktails.  The other added bonus are the rooms, which are spacious, welcoming and cozy.  It is always nice to put your guests on the premises where the wedding will be held.  The number for the Inn is 203-838-2000.

-Upon visiting some country clubs for weddings recently, I found the Wee Burn Country Club in Darien to offer a splendid room for a reception.  There is a beautiful porch off of the main ball room that would be a perfect setting for a wedding ceremony.  The wedding coordinator at Wee Burn is excellent.  She is very detailed oriented and has many quality contacts as far as cakes, photographers, and musicians.  Wee Burn's phone number is 203-655-1477.

-Another country club that not only has a magnificent ballroom as Wee Burn has, but it also has a view of Long Island Sound is Shore and Country Club. Shore and Country is located in Norwalk, tucked away next to Calf Pasture Beach.  Another great place to get married and then forward on to the reception all in one beautiful setting.  The wedding coordinator at Shore and Country is very helpful and has years of experience.  Shore and Country's phone number is 203-838-7507.

-Now if you want "tons" of experience and someone who can offer the best of services, the Amber Room's wedding coordinator has it.  Of course, they are in the business of doing weddings, so the planning experience will be top of the line if you decide to choose the Amber Room Colonnade.  The Amber Room is set down off of this hill, but as you drive to it, you proceed up a hill and look down to this attractive building.  It is very inviting.  The facility is outstanding.  It is very comfortable, stunning, and would make a great place to hold any type of event.  The phone number is 203-748-3800.

-I guess if I were to do it over again, I would choose the Maritime Center.  I have performed weddings here, as well as attended events.  It is unique, and of course, it is the home of the seals.  They are my favorite!!  Performing weddings up in the room above the rafters presented an almost supernatural feeling.  It was peaceful and serene.  The wedding coordinator at the Maritime Center is very experienced and does a great job!! Call 203-852-0700.