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| - We had our wedding of 120 people at Allerton last Saturday (Oct. 10th) and I could not have been more pleased!! I live in Chicago presently and love all that the city has to offer, but I'm originally from central Illinois, I still have family there, and love going back and being in the middle of the woods whenever I can.
Several family and guests commented (and I agree) that our wedding was beautiful, classy and yet TOTALLY FUN all at the same time. :o) Allerton was the perfect setting!
[ Side note: We were originally booked at the Eagle Creek Resort on Lake Shelbyville, which CLOSED on July 15th. It is a MIRACLE that Allerton was available on OUR EXACT DATE with less than 3 months to spare! I never say the phrase "meant to be", . . . but this WAS. ]
Here's a map of the grounds and trails:
http://allerton.illinois.edu/docs/flatsheet_pocket_map_web_4-9-09.pdf
We had the ceremony outside on the bowling lawn ( thank you, weather! ). Our seated dinner reception took place in the mansion (main gallery and solarium). I tasted all 3 entrees and they were DELICIOUS: beef tenderloin, chicken stuffed with spinach & cheese, and wild mushroom & pea risotto, plus salad, garlic mashed potatoes, rolls and a side of roasted root vegetables - so good!
AND, there are a few vegan options on Allerton's catering menu, and our 4 vegan guests said their dinner (eggplant stuffed with lentils) was delicious too!
After dinner we cut the cake and had old time (fiddle/banjo) music and square dancing into the wee hours of the night in the library. Our guests also occupied ALL of Allerton's rooms on Saturday night in the mansion, Evergreen Lodge, House in the Woods and Gate House ( about 40 rooms total, some with more than one bed per room).
Shelli, Pam, Betty, Kelly and ALL OF THE STAFF who work here are the NICEST PEOPLE you could ever hope to meet. The service was excellent all around.
There are definitely cheaper places you could have your wedding in central IL, but I really don't think there's any place more unique, beautiful and comfortable. A big thanks to everyone at Allerton! It was a great day!
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