Verdict: Not on your life.
We set out for Asbury Park Grove with high hopes and excitement about using our new camera. As soon as we arrived, we didn’t bother taking the camera out of our pocket.
Erik: “I am not getting married here.”
Me: “Neither am I.”
Erik: “Let’s just leave then.”
Me: “No, it will make a good story for the blog.”
This place was about 30 feet from railroad tracks, and a quarter of a mile from a trailer park. It advertised itself as being in business since the late 1800’s, but I didn’t know the 1800’s had sheet metal siding. We cautiously walked in (all to entertain our readers) and were met with the scent of… well, a combination of mildew, pee and butt. A man we’ll call “DR” greeted us – he was the manager/DJ for the place. He gave off that vibe that told us, “I’m going to hit on your mom and slip a roofie in the bridesmaid’s drink.”
(and yes, the filename they saved this
under on their web site was
“Black People”)
He gave us a tour, but our goal was to be in and out – we could only hold our breath for so long. The ceremony area was basically a small backyard with a sheet metal porch. The reception area was a dirty, smelly (we’ve mentioned the smell, right?) darkened room. When Erik mercifully got a phone call and stepped out, “DR” asked where I worked. When I told him, he said that his buddy once applied for a job there and was turned down. Then he looked at me like it was my fault. Way to make us feel welcome! He also mentioned that their staff would ensure that they were in control of the entire event. It was stressed several times, in fact – THEY ARE IN CONTROL. While I understand what I think he was trying to convey, Erik was thinking, “you don’t know my fiance. SHE is in control.”
There were so many little things about that place that added up to a big “NO” (and I’m sure Erik will add some in the comments), but overall it was dirty, smelly, in a bad part of town, next to railroad tracks, and hosted by a guy who gave us a 20 second tour and seated us at a battered wood table on filthy chairs and then told us how awesome and in control they are.
The good news – there’s another venue that looks lovely, is just barely outside of Charlotte, and is available on our first choice date. Also, we have another venue to visit on Monday – the Providence Country Club.
Let’s see, where do I begin. Yes, in business since the 1800’s. Karen mentioned the metal siding, but let’s not forget the blood red carpet that looked like it “fell off” train car parked 30 feet away and was carefully placed using duct tape. Remember when you were in grade school, and some rooms were divided with a airwall partioner? Yeah, they had that too. If you’re going to sell your place as a historical building, you may want to try and keep it up as one.
My favorite though is the Zamboni Brothers DJ service. Yes, the guy that runs this place was pimping his own DJ service. I particularly liked the 7 foot neon pink Zamboni Brothers sign discretely placed upon the DJ stand, right up there on the space. CONTROL!
That’s all well and good, but how did the place smell?
Hi, I just wanted to say thank you thank you thank you for saving us a trip to asbury. We had just called to set an appt but when i googled it and saw your review i immediately cancelled it. I wish you guys all the best.
Bride to be in charlotte
Glad to help, Melissa!
Well I guess Becky’s Summer Suprise Party is going to be even MORE fun! Ooops!!
I ran across your website while looking up other things and was not only surprised that it is still up after nearly two years but that the inaccuracies are so abundant. I have performed ceremonies and attended events at Asbury Park since it opened and have never experienced any of the “problems” you mention. I noticed that you claim that the facility is “30 feet from railroad tracks.” While there are tracks across the street, they are nowhere near 30 feet from the facility. If you chose to exaggerate this small detail, I wonder what other things you have exaggerated. I would trust that you had the integrity to either correct these errors or drop this altogether. I don’t know why anyone would be hanging on to this matter after such a long time.
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