To the Editor:

We had the pleasure of experiencing the most magical night of our lives when we hosted the reception for our daughter's wedding. When we booked our reception with Scott and Nancy TenHagen, owners of Porto Bello, we received way more than we expected! We expected great food - after all Porto Bello is known for that. We expected the amazing warmth and ambiance the Grand Ballroom has to offer over more modern facilities. It was that warmth we were looking for in its brick walls, high ceilings and lighting and its beautiful outdoor second story deck. What we didn't expect and got ten fold was the absolutely excellent service offered personally by Scott and Nancy and all their wait staff. They went way beyond the call of duty! When our D.J. was an apparent "No Show" Scott immediately began calling around trying to book someone else. When our chocolate fountain ran into some glitches he helped make it work and at the end of the night was chocolate from head to toe helping clean up our mess. They were even seen helping to entertain our young guests. They came to us numerous times during the night asking if all was well and could they do anything to make it better. None of these things were in our contract to just rent a hall.

We booked Porto Bello with the usual expectations anyone has when booking a hall - we left at 1 a.m. with a hug from both owners for my daughter and I and a "I hope you were satisfied with our service" and a feeling that two people we had never met before in our lives were instead our best friends who had just lent us their Grand Ballroom for our most special day.

My advice to you out there who have just said yes to your significant other? Run, don't walk with your wedding date in hand and see Scott and Nancy before your neighbor snags the best night of your lives in the best reception hall in West Michigan right out from under you.

Rick and Gail Pellegrom

Grand Haven