Occasions at the Mansion

       Our first Venue showcase. This article will tell you a little bit about a local venue in the area. Our first location in this series is Occasions at the Mansion. 



Puterbaugh Mansion

Now let me tell you, the photos in this blog do not do this place justice. I had the honor of visiting this location twice now and loved it all.

Leadership Oklahoma class of 2016 banquet in the Conservatory.

First, let's start with some history about the mansion. The mansion was the family home of  J.G. and Leela  Puterbaugh from 1902 and then his second wife, Alene. The entire estate once spanned over an entire city block and was the social and cultural center of McAlester. In the 1980's the Ardeneum foundation became in charge of the estate. As a historic site of Mcalester, the Puterbaugh Mansion was kept a center for social events and meetings.
     Last January,  renovations began to bring the mansion back to its former glory. Styled like it would have been in the 1930's and 1940's, a wonderful balance of rustic style and elegant charm was achieved. Keeping with J.G Puterbaugh's love of outside living and dancing, the Conservatory was built to highlight the style and grounds of the historic location.
  

Wrought iron arbor in the
Ardeneum Garden

 I got to speak with Robin Woodley about the venue and ask some questions to learn more about this breathtaking venue. Since opening the location, Robin and her partner, Cara Bland, have done about 10 weddings at the Puterbaugh mansion. When I asked Robin what her favorite part about the location and working on weddings was, her reply was nothing short of inspiring.  "I have fallen in love with every square inch!"  You could hear the smile in her voice as she spoke about the mansion. " I love the front sun room cause I love seeing everyone's faces as they walk in and get that connection... I love when they say 'I can see myself here!' I love getting to know the couples and their families and being a part of one of the biggest days of their lives. They always put new spins on things. Every wedding is always new and different!" 
 

   We talked about some of the things Occasions at the Mansion has to offer. They have inside catering, and have a menu and price list of what they offer, but are more than happy to do a custom menu, but couples can use outside caters too.
   Remember when we talked about pets in weddings?  They love the idea!  With just a few guidelines,  your family pet can be a part of your big day! And of course, service dogs are always welcome!

The Pavilion

As we talked, Robin told me so much about this place. From some of the history, to some things she hopes to see in the future. She told me "We are not just proud, but happy to have people come here.... We're not just a business,  but part of the community. " I couldn't agree more. This place is like a time capsule of beauty and grace. And any wedding here is sure to be breathtaking. 

       Did you know the gardens are on the Oklahoma Historic list? And let me tell you when I toured the first time, I couldn't keep my jaw off the ground. The gardens and the interior play together beautifully!  I can't wait to see it in the spring in full bloom!

       This venue was honored by the Knot as the 2017 pick Best of Weddings. They did a wonderful article that showcases more of this beautiful estate.

A photo I took during my first tour of the grounds

   Whether you visit for a tour or book your wedding, you will always remember this amazing place. the staff is welcoming and more than happy to answer any questions you have. Be sure to stop by and visit, and tell 'em I sent you, and take a picture for me!

Photos were provided by Occasions at the Mansion, and were taken by Lamon photography and Jessica Elle photography

Hello!

   Hello, everyone!  My name is Leilani Mutchler, and I wanna tell you a little bit about my business, Creatively Unique Weddings & Events. 
   I just finished school to become a certified wedding and event planner. Which is something a year ago today, I never thought would have happened. But it did, twice technically, cause I am twice certified.
   Last July,  my cousin began planning her wedding, and being a wedding planner was something I had thought about, but I had also thought about being a meteorologist, a baker, and craft store owner. In other words,  I was 23 and still had no idea what I wanted to be. I asked if I could help, surprisingly, she said sure! And that was when it all started. 
I sat with her for a couple hours talking dresses, colors,  theme, you name it. In that 2 hours, we had almost all the little details figured out. And I loved it.
   After that, planning her wedding was like a whirlwind!  From wedding shows to venue tours, we seemed to get together with her bridal party every month.  But try as we might, it seemed my cousin was cursed.  The one venue she wanted, kept putting us through loops. And it was pretty hard.
   Every venue she loved, was sky high on her budget.  And for a long while, we thought we were going to have to postpone the wedding. 
   It was August when I had decided to go to school to become a wedding planner. With all the work I was doing for my cousin,  I found I actually loved it! I battled with myself for awhile, cause I always loose interest in things and I was afraid the money I would spend to get the course would be wasted.
   It wasn't til December that good luck found us. A new venue opened up in our hometown. In budget!  And is this place awesome! The people who own it are amazing and worked with her. On January 2nd, we had a venue! And only 5 months left.
   And that brings us to here. My wedding planning days are short....very short. But I love everything about it!  I've  designed invitations and RSVP cards. I've worked on floor plans, and even got compliments from other wedding planners that I had the imagination for the job! I guess that's what kept me going and got me to graduate early.
   My goal with this business is to help all the busy brides and grooms to be. Cause I know how busy one can get with planning a wedding,  and when you work 40 plus hours a week, you hardly have time to work on anything else.  To be able to help couples enjoy their wedding just a little bit more is my goal.
I can't wait to see where this journey takes me. Whether I make $1 or $100,000, I know I'll be happy. And if you love your job, you never work a day in your life.