Y&S Château Event Center: Wedding Venue Spotlight

It’s Spotlight Day! Where we introduce you to incredible Orlando wedding venues and vendors,  and the stories behind their companies who help Wedding Venue Map couples have their best wedding day. 

It gives us great pleasure to introduce Yolanda Sheppard from Y&S Château Event Center.

When people ask “what do you do” how do you answer?

I’m an Event Planner who owns an intimate, Family owned venue near Downtown, Orlando. 🙂

When and how did you get into the wedding industry?

I planned, decorated, and executed all the intricate details of my own wedding in the year 2017. This sparked an interest in me for event planning, and décor.

What is your favorite thing about what you do? What’s your WHY?

I love to make people happy, but most of all, I like to do the hard work so my guests can rest and focus on their special day. Serving people makes me happy.

What motivates you to do this every day?

My family 🙂

What is the best compliment you have received from your clients?

That I’m a thorough, attentive, genuine person.

Share the details of your most memorable event and why?

My most memorable event was the first wedding I did for a client in 2018, which at the time was my supervisor. I planned and executed all the details of her wedding. It had many hiccups and challenges, including but not limited to Venue issues, such as size and accommodations, Bridal Shower accommodations and drama, Catering issues at the venue, whereas plugs weren’t working for the finalization of warming up food and cooking fresh fish, as planned, and last but not least, chasing and babysitting bridesmaids and groomsmen, who kept getting lost outside, and they were talking, walking around and smoking at all times of the day. Needless to say, IT WAS A CHALLENGE. What did I learn? I learned that nothing is perfect, but it’s how we react to the situation that determines whether or not it’s going to be successful or a complete failure. I laughed about everything, and I made it my duty to smile and appreciate each moment. At the end of the wedding, EVERYONE was pleased. We were able to resolve the catering issues with a nearby catering kitchen, I eventually found the Bridesmaids and the groomsmen and got them in order, and the Bride and Groom were SUPER HAPPY. They had NO IDEA, all that had happened, which was the goal. Because of all that had happened, this would have to be one of my most memorable moments.

What fun fact would people be surprised to learn about you?

I like to skate 🙂

What get you most excited about the wedding day?

Seeing the face of the Bride and Groom once they see their vision come to life.

What’s your favorite wedding color combination?

All tones of Purple

How do you spend your time away from work?

I spend A LOT of time with God, reading my Bible, and watching sermons. This is my most favorite thing to do. I also like exercising, and going for long walks at nice parks; Lake Eola is one of them. I love chilling with my bestie, which is my husband, and my four children, they’re pretty awesome too, so I spend a lot of time with them as well. Lastly, I’m a skater, a writer, and a poet, so I try to throw these things in the bucket here and there, as much as possible.

How did they come up with the name of your venue?

My husband and I had a long bathroom break, in which we sat there and conversed about what we would name the venue. The Y is for Yolanda and the S is for Shaun. Of course, the Château represents “Our house” “Our Castle”, so Y&S Château Event Center.

Use just three words to describe your business.

Unique, Loving, and Comfy

What is important for clients to know about your company before they book you?

We’re an intimate, vintage-styled venue located in the historic Urban Community of Downtown, Orlando; Parramore. Our building was built in 1932, so it has a lot of character. In addition, if you’re open to the rustic style, with a comfortable feel that’s affordable, WE’RE THE VENUE FOR YOU. 😉

What is the average total wedding budget of couples booking your venue?

Our Wedding packages start at $4200, covering 50 people – 100 ppl.

What types of events do you specialize in?

All Events; Baby Showers, Weddings, Social Events, Family Reunions, Etc.

Tell us about your favorite type of engaged couple.

I love the couple who’s not so much worried about the details of their wedding, but more so marrying their best friend. They’re the easiest to work with.

What is one of the features of why couples choose your venue?

Because we’re down-to-earth and VERY accommodating

What does your most popular package include?

Honey Dew Package: $6,425

Includes the Following:

– Covers 50 ppl
– The Whole Building, Including the Outside (6hrs)
(Anytime between 9 am -11 pm, if you go past 11 pm it’s an additional $100)
– 3hrs of Professional Photography/Videography
– DJ
– Bartender/License & Supplies
(Alcohol & Chaser excluded)
Full Décor (Standard):
– Gift Table/Sign in Table
– Welcome Sign
– Photo backdrop/Vocal Point
6 Decorated Tables
– (Table Linen, Centerpiece, Chair Covers, Sashes, table trinkets)
– Decorated Sweetheart table (W) Floral
– Cake Table Décor (W) Back Drop (Cake and treats NOT included)

What is the most unique services/product you offer?

360 Photo Booth Onsite

What is your best piece of advice for someone who just recently got engaged?

Know your budget in advance

What are the most common questions you get asked by engaged couples?

– How Much for everything?
– Are you able to do everything for us?
– Are we able to bring in our own food and decorations?

What current trends have you seen at weddings that you personally like the most?

360 Photo Booth

The best piece of advice to reduce stress in the planning process.

Take it one day at a time, enjoy the process.

What is the biggest mistake that people make when venue searching?

They don’t set their budget in advance, and they waiver on the price once they start shopping.

What’s a tip for couples as they are navigating the planning process?

Know your budget, stick to it, and make sure it’s comfortable for your future financial plans as a newly married couple.

What can couples do to combat nerves on the wedding day?

Relax 🙂  go on a date right before your wedding day. Remember why you’re doing all of this in the first place, and from there, just take it as it comes.