The Bella Collina Mansion

ously and can learn a lot from it. Let's be clear about a few things though... when your mother in law reviewed us, it was rude and simply harsh. When I replied to that review, it was in the same tone that she set. When you start a review with "It's all smoke and mirrors" "It's different from the day you tour", but yet was at the mansion 45 days before the wedding for hours. "Dust is everywhere", "nasty white sheets", "a backyard bbq". I mean come on... It was ridiculous. Did we have a fire, absolutely. Is the mansion still absolutely beautiful, absolutely. Did we cover up the areas you would see the best anyone could, absolutely. Why? So everyone could have their events without any hiccups. So no one would have to cancel unless they chose to, but not because we chose to. Then we get into your review and there are again areas that are just not truthful. I can't believe anyone would be ok with false accusations being put out there for the public to read and not get the other story. So as much as I appreciate 70% of your insight, the untruthful parts have to be discussed. I also encourage any couple to come by and view the mansion by means of a tour. Then ask about our alcohol packages and you'll hear the exact same verbiage we say every time. Unfortunately you had some unrealistic expectations and for that I am sorry. I would have liked to address them with you verbally. However, since you went straight to a review, we have to give the other side. We never say you will have "brand new unopened liquor". You don't get that when you go to a ballroom, hotel, bar or restaurant. The bartenders have to supply way more alcohol than you could possibly drink, as that is the only way to ensure you do not run out. Why would you be given all of that at the end? How would one justify the cost? It simply doesn't make any sense. We never said that and never will. Any future couple can ask us and you'll receive the same response Amy did. We have been doing this for years, not one couple has ever heard this the way Amy did. Something has to be understood about that. Leaving bad review after bad review on every site you can find won't change that. Regarding the "Joe made us feel very uncomfortable, and he made sure to make us aware of the money he has". Again, this is wrong, please read the google review. I made sure to let your mother-in-law know what type of insurance I have. I could have easily cancelled months of weddings and the insurance company would have paid for all of that due to my business interruption insurance. This has nothing to do with anything other than coverage. I made a choice to not cancel one wedding and do the repairs this December to February. I closed the mansion down during this time to ensure all of the repairs are made so going into 2023, everything is back to the way it was before the fire. Horrible business move, but our couples have always come first. They always will. No one's life should be put on hold due to Covid or a fire. As far as the itinerary, why did you just not edit it yourself? I will speak to Kara and Ron about it. We did apologize about this and realize that you did not want the FOB to make a speech and yet he was still asked to do so. Again, sorry. The signature drink. There was nothing about grapefruit juice mentioned at the 45 day meeting. If there was, we would have easily ordered it. On the day of the wedding when we mentioned this to you, you should have said it was going to be a problem. We would have corrected the problem by sending a staff member to the store. Instead we asked if a substitute was ok, you said no problem. Then you complain about it later. It just doesn't add up. So many things can be solved with proper communication. For instance, we thought the mansion looked amazing after the work we did. We invested in machines to kill any smoke scent in the air, but we only run them on the weekends. Your 45 day meeting was during the week. So there would be a smoke smell during the week. But again, why didn't you say something? We would have addressed it. The reviews have been amazing, until yours. Which started with your MIL. Even your words to us after the wedding was amazing, minus the hiccup with the FOB. But amazing... Then your MIL writes a horribly written review and you have to defend it. I get it, she is family now. But to any future couple looking, let's talk about this review and be sure we have proper communication so this does not end up the way you think about your wedding day and you do end up like the thousands of other brides that had a perfect day! We look forward to meeting you!