The Lake House catering facility is located within steps of its own private lake. Situated on over 19 acres, privacy and sophistication adorn you from the moment you arrive. Designed and built to capture unsurpassed lake views from every seat, The Lake House delivers the finest service and cutting-edge cuisine to satisfy the most discerning of palates.

The Farms Country Club is one of the area's best kept secrets! Quietly tucked away in Wallingford, CT, it serves as the perfect location for your upcoming wedding. The Farms Country Club is a sophisticated wedding venue brimming with charm. Nestled in the heart of New Haven County, this getaway can provide the perfect backdrop for a timeless celebration. Boasting flexible event spaces and romantic scenes, this family-oriented gem combines idyllic settings with modern amenities. Committed to realizing your vision, the experienced Farms staff welcomes you to celebrate your once-in-a-lifetime event in this truly distinctive venue!

Have you seen The Vue? Aptly named, The Vue features a stunning wrap-around veranda that surrounds you and your guests with breathtaking vistas overlooking our pristine 18-hole championship golf course. For your wedding, the view – and The Vue – promise to be extraordinary. In our mind, a successful wedding is an unforgettable wedding. So, in addition to our cascading, stone stairway (the ideal photo-op), custom-crafted Swarovski chandelier, stunning floor-to-ceiling windows, two sizable bars, and world-class cuisine by renowned Chef Eddie, our attentive event managers and on-site staff vow to make your special day flawless – and peerless. You’ll find our space is infinitely customizable, accommodating the most intimate to the most elaborate gatherings of up to 600. Bottom line: if you’re looking for something truly out of the ordinary, you owe it to yourself to check out The Vue.

As a family-owned and operated business, we consider every single client and guest a member of our own family. Our values reflect this welcoming attitude—we strive to provide the highest-quality cuisine, professional service and an incredible setting for you to celebrate. One special day, one special place.

Looking for the perfect place for your special day? The newly updated event space at The Tradition GC at Wallingford is waiting for you. Begin your special day getting ready in our private bridal suite. Say "I Do" under our outdoor pergola and then greet your guests at our covered outdoor pavilion while enjoying cocktails and hors d'ouerves against the backdrop of the beautifully landscaped golf course. Arched windows, wood beams and vaulted ceilings await you in our newly updated banquet space.

Hawks Landing CC is located in the lush central CT river valley in Southington. Because of our location we are an easy ride no matter where you are coming from within the state. The Bella Vista banquet facility is host to more than 50 weddings a year. Several on site wedding ceremonies are featured in the gallery section on this website. The Bella Vista is a glass faced facade overlooking our sprawling golf course. The cathedral, wooden ceiling room can entertain up to 220 guests. Our spacious bridal suite is located the Fairway Room and is a favorite place for many of our brides. We can even accommodate your "First Look" on the private patio. We can serve an elegant Chicken Milanese, Freshly carved Prime Rib, a Mahi Mahi fish delicacy or Twin Stuffed Lobster tails. You're sure to find something on our menu that will make you smile. Oh, and don't forget the appetizers, have you ever had maple glazed bacon? How about mini beef wellington with a merlot demi glaze drizzle?

Powder Ridge has plenty of indoor/outdoor space for your wedding. Our unique venue offers you the opportunity to have your ceremony at the Top of a Mountain. All your guests can travel to the top on our Ski Lift to get to the beautiful views of the property. If the Base of the Mountain is preferred, you may select to be next to our pond or by the outdoor fireplace. For your reception, our Rustic Lodge including two stone fireplaces, barn door along with bistro lighting is able to accommodate up to 180 people for dinner and dancing. New to the property, is our outdoor Pavilion, located next to the pond that can accommodate up to 200 people. Add on some firepits and lawn games for a fun and relaxing event. Choose our wedding package or customize your own to fit your need.

At Lyman Orchards your guests can expect more than just a great golf experience. Every detail is taken care of to assure that your event is a memorable success. Our golf outing tent, which overlooks the scenic course and driving range, can host up to 300 guests and serves as a perfect setting for any post game ceremony. If you have a smaller event in mind, consider a 9-hole outing on the Apple Nine Course with an intimate reception on The Lyman Orchards Golf Center Apple Nine Pavilion or a cocktail party at the historic Lyman Homestead.

Based in Bristol, Connecticut, Larimar is an elegant banquet hall available to host wedding ceremonies and receptions. It can also accommodate rehearsal dinners. Recently refurbished, this family-friendly location has beautiful views of the club’s immaculate fairway and surrounding countryside. Large windows allow plenty of natural light to illuminate your celebration before the sun goes down over the golf course. From the moment you enter Larimar, you will be captured by its spectacular sparkling crystal lighting, unique designer mirrors, soft couch and chairs by the fireplace, flowing sheer drapes, white velvet tablecloths and neutral palate tones. You will Begin to feel your emotions swirl while looking through glass walls, which lead to Larimar’s heated wrap around porch descending to a stone patio that features an outdoor gas fire pit overlooking the beautifully manicured lawns and gardens.

Wyndcrest Estate is a wedding venue located in picturesque Bethlehem, CT. The newly built rustic-style barn is positioned on top of a hill, overlooking a beautiful equine facility. This stunning property can host up to 250+ guests and features a gazebo for cocktail hour, spacious lawns for yard games, and new ceremony building! Wyndcrest Estate Venue is set up a bit differently, which is something we pride ourselves on! We are exclusive in the sense that we host only one wedding a weekend and we give wedding parties the entire weekend to enjoy their big day! This includes the day before for set up and rehearsal, the day of for the event, and the day after for cleanup. Additionally, onsite housing allows for the parties to gather throughout the entire weekend. We do not have a preferred list of caterers, in order to allow you to chose however you would like to celebrate your wedding. We also allow special requests such as dogs, bounce houses, mobile bars, etc.

The Wadsworth Mansion, a nineteenth-century Beaux Art style mansion, is the quintessential country estate. Graced by expansive lawns and surrounded by 103 acres of wooded parklands the Mansion reflects an era of grandeur and elegance. There are multiple locations for outdoor ceremonies and guests can enjoy cocktails and dance on the terrace under the stars. The Mansion can accommodate two hundred guests for a seated dinner reception and larger numbers for cocktail parties. Only one event is scheduled each day and couples can select from a list of approved caterers to create the wedding of their dreams.

NOTE: For additional information about The Estate, please email us directly via our website. The Estate is a countryside wedding venue located in New Haven, Connecticut. Nestled near the flowing waters of the coastline, this historic property is located on 12 acres and provides a refined setting for couples wanting to celebrate their special day in style. To begin your day on the right note, you can use the wedding suites for pre-ceremony preparations. Receptions are held outside in our elegant sailcloth tent while the mansion is a wonderful choice for hosting the cocktail reception. For your big day, The Estate is exclusively yours, giving you and your loved ones the time to create unforgettable memories together. When selecting The Estate as your wedding venue, the in-house event coordinator will work with you to ensure that your dream celebrations become a reality. Contact us today to learn more!

WoodWinds is one of the most sought after Connecticut wedding venues for wedding receptions, banquets, corporate events or any special occasion, in the Tri-State area. A wedding in our impressive European Country Manor will reflect your personal vision. Imagine a magical experience, enhanced by a unique ceremony and reception on the beautiful grounds of WoodWinds. Envision standing on a grand staircase under the twinkle of Austrian Crystal chandeliers, taking pictures in a magnificent garden and dancing the night away on a marble dance floor.

Who doesn't love a party, and we're here to help you pull it off. Our farm gives you tons of space to spread out and enjoy the day. With multiple buildings on-site and sweeping scenic views, everyone's going to have a great time.

A Winvian Farm wedding is love at first sight. An uncommon celebration for an uncommon love. Winvian Farm’s historic 113-acre New England estate of rolling lawns, stone walls, wildflower meadows and enchanted woodlands is the ideal venue for a single charmed day or a weekend of unfettered joy. The festivities unfold on every part of this storied estate. Celebrate in our elegant dining rooms, the luxurious Spa, the Solarium, and the vast, romantic Gordon Brown House. Winvian Farm’s 18 extraordinary resort cottages and Hadley Suite can be exclusively yours. Guest accommodations for larger weddings are conveniently located nearby. Our talented chef crafts delightfully fresh and unique farm-to-table feasts from Winvian Farm’s overflowing organic gardens. Our on-site wedding planner and attentive staff will anticipate your every need, even things you might never think to ask for. The sky’s the limit for the destination wedding of your dreams.

Here at Tunxis, we offer two unique wedding venues:  First is the outdoor Pavilion that you will find nestled in a pine grove.  Spring through Fall, this outdoor escape is perfect for your rustic wedding with up to 300 guests.  The second is the indoor Fireside Dining Room.  Year-round, this cozy tavern space is ideal for weddings with up to 120 guests. 

Where the castle meets the river, Saint Clements Castle & Marina, is Connecticut’s premier wedding and event venue in Portland. Situated along the banks of the river, each of the three unique event spaces provide a picturesque and scenic backdrop of the riverside and lush greenery while outdoors. Inside, you will find newly renovated historical charm for a variety of special events, including weddings, showers, corporate meetings, and other celebrations. Saint Clements Castle has earned a reputation of an elevated and enchanting setting perfect for all things in life worth celebrating. Saint Clements Castle and Marina’s location, in central Connecticut, is easily accessible as a midpoint from the New York City and Boston areas.

Tashua Knolls is Family-Owned and operated and offers all-inclusive NY-style packages at fair and reasonable prices. Your guests will enjoy fine restaurant-quality food in our beautifully renovated room, overlooking manicured grounds for photography including our all-new Stone Garden and Waterfall. When searching for the perfect place to host your wedding, it’s important to consider a number of independent factors. Thankfully, the Tashua Knolls staff has got everything taken care of. From specialty cocktails to customized table settings, you won’t have to lift a finger.

Welcome to Connecticut Wedding Group's latest jewel, Riverbend—a masterpiece poised to claim its title as the state’s foremost wedding destination, with an opening scheduled for 2026! Nestled in the heart of Higganum, this venue seamlessly blends the rich tapestry of the town's industrial history with a contemporary touch, resulting in an unmatched fusion of industrial charm and modern elegance. As you step through the entrance, prepare to be enchanted by a stunning architectural marvel nestled within a lovingly restored industrial gem. Towering, exposed-beam ceilings create an expansive atmosphere, and the weathered brickwork shares the timeless tales of a bygone era. Bathed in sunlight pouring through expansive windows, every corner is adorned with a soft, natural glow, ensuring that your celebration emanates with an undeniable warmth and inherent beauty. At Riverbend, history meets modernity to create the perfect backdrop for your special day.

A beautiful club located on the West River with Dock ownership, rentals, clubhouse and dockside memberships available. The Guilford Yacht Club is a full service facility providing yachting, swimming, tennis and various social activities in a true resort environment. As far as the eye can see, one is surrounded by undisturbed natural beauty, including spectacular views of Long Island Sound and Faulkner’s Island.

Serafresca at the IC is Fairfield County’s Premier Banquet and Conference Facility. With a grand ballroom seating up to 600 guests, recently updated décor, and unique outdoor event space for your summer functions, our facility is the ideal location for your special event. In addition to our grand ballroom, we have smaller rooms for more intimate occasions or meetings.

One of the most scenic and charming wedding venues in the Hartford, Connecticut area, The Avon Old Farms Hotel is an outstanding, award-winning location for your entire wedding celebration! From the “getting ready” space to the late night “after party”, The Avon Old Farms Hotel offers a classic experience in the comfort of the country for you and your overnight guests! Outside opportunities for ceremonies, cocktail hours and mingling abound in our beautiful Gardens and tented slate Patio. Our elegant indoor décor features brilliant chandeliers, a marble foyer and antique furnishings. A stunning, three-story sweeping staircase leads to our Atrium Lobby – creating a grand sense of arrival for you and your guests. Our Towpath Ballroom and adjoining Glass Room accommodate 150 guests for a seated dinner reception. Blending the ambiance and warmth of a historic country inn with the state-of-the-art facilities, Avon Old Farms Hotel sets an unforgettably romantic tone.

As the embodiment of ‘Connecticut Charm’ with its 18th-century architectural design & rustic, New England inspired designs, The Spinning Wheel is the ideal destination for an intimate reception. Our venue, sitting on five acres of rolling countryside, offers both privacy and accessibility - with its picturesque location in quaint Redding, CT and its proximity to major thruways (I-95) and Manhattan (approximately an hour away). Our charmingly-appointed banquet room can accommodate weddings of up to 150 guests and features the original fireplace from 1742. The scenic garden gazebo is a favorite for nuptial exchange and the covered patio serves as a perfect setting for cocktails and outdoor receptions. Come meet our family and explore our beautiful grounds yourself – we can’t wait to meet you!

The Riverview is a place like no other. We are a modern event venue on the beautiful waterfront setting of the Farmington River. The Riverview captures the beauty of Connecticut while bringing glamour and elegance to your reception. Since the building opened in 2008, our unique blend of personalized comprehensive service, architectural grandeur and intimate waterfront landscapes have set us apart and attracted guests from across Connecticut, New York and Massachusetts. We strive to make dreams into reality for each and every one of our clients… and to make their event the first and most memorable part of their happily every after.

Madison Beach Hotel is a classically elegant beachfront wedding venue in charming Madison, Connecticut. Part of Hilton's signature Curio Collection, our four diamond Hotel offers an exclusive location on the Long Island Sound to celebrate the wedding of your dreams. Whether you plan on sauntering barefoot across our private beach, or exchanging vows on our manicured lawn, Madison Beach Hotel offers unparalleled natural beauty as the backdrop of your wedding day story. Inside the Hotel, guests enjoy sweeping ocean views from the Grand Ballroom, exquisite award-winning cuisine, and 33 luxurious guest rooms. We take pride in our discerning service standards and authentic hospitality. In fact, we have an entire wedding team dedicated to working closely with you to plan each step of the way. After all, these memories last a lifetime!

The Amber Room Colonnade is an award-winning premier catering venue located in the rolling hills of Western Connecticut. As a Danbury landmark, The Amber Room Colonnade's modern architecture, exquisite event hosting, twenty-six meticulously-landscaped acres, impeccable service and outstanding cuisine have hosted distinguished guests from around the world since 1969. Today, The Amber Room Colonnade continues its long-standing heritage of hosting corporate and social events of all types, from weddings to bar/bat mitzvahs, meetings to trade shows, holiday parties to summer picnics, and beyond. Enjoy strolling our scenic gardens, courtyards and lawn, start treasured traditions, savor our award-winning cuisine, and experience all that The Amber Room Colonnade has to share.

Please contact us DIRECTLY via email or phone, which can be found on our website | BEECH TREE COTTAGES is a charming outdoor venue featuring a tented patio and open lawn surrounded by a collection of vintage cottages. The property is best suited for those planning a garden or backyard style event with weekend accommodation for their bridal party or guests. We provide in-house catering, staffing, and event coordinating.

Our elegant and private wedding venue promises you a world-class experience unmatched anywhere. Just around the corner from the historic East Haddam Swing Bridge, The Riverhouse at Goodspeed Station provides upscale services, a jaw-dropping view, and an experience that you and your guests will never forget. Your selection of flowers, music, lighting and other special personal and maybe whimsical favors, paired with our award winning menu, linens, dinnerware, wines, liquors and wedding cake, will seamlessly blend to create the wedding you have always dreamed of. We will make every professional effort to reflect your personal vision of elegance and excellence. And while you are preparing for and enjoying your grand occasion, the entire Riverhouse is yours alone. With our expertise, let us help you make this a day that lasts a lifetime. Like the day you’ve waited for, The Riverhouse is one of a kind.

Whimsical & magical weddings happen here at Wickham Park! It all begins when you enter the 280-acre Park, you immediately leave the day behind as you are immersed in rolling green hills, gorgeous gardens, and two unique venues with different vibes. The rustic log cabin, within a quarter acre of gorgeous gardens with a spectacular skyline view of Hartford an outdoor marquee reception tent; the Cabin at Hilltop Garden. The other venue, The Emerald Room of the Irish Garden, equally stunning, which is an elegant stone building with cathedral wood ceilings, with its own half-acre stunning garden surrounded by tall Emerald bushes, a 6' stone wall & wrought iron fencing, complete with a private dressing room! Come visit, pictures, although beautiful do NOT do the Park justice!

Welcome to Smith Farm Gardens Countryside Venue, a family-owned historic 15-acre estate located in East Haddam, CT. Step back in time to experience the grace and grandeur of an earlier era. Our charming New England property includes an 18th-century farmhouse with expansive green lawns, flower and vegetable gardens, an apple orchard, and walking trails among many other features, all providing the perfect backdrop for your dream wedding or special event.

Even if one didn't put their own personal touches to this space it is still stunning. So much natural and creative lighting with a beautiful courtyard for reception or ceremony. Industrial history, attention to detail and location! Covid procedures and restriction apply.

“The Quintessential Hudson Valley Farm Wedding Venue” Nestled in Quaker Hill, a small hamlet northeast of Pawling, NY, Kirby Hill Farm offers a rustic-styled wedding backdrop on a sprawling countryside. Kirby Hill farm is a unique and beautiful equestrian farm just an hour north of New York City. It offers horse enthusiasts the finest boarding, training & recreational options for nearly every discipline and skill level. The estate is complete with indoor riding arenas, horse barns, paddocks, riding trails, an outdoor event field with observation pavilion and clubhouse. With over 250 majestic acres, you will find yourself surrounded by beautiful outdoor landscapes, a few breathtaking ceremony sites to choose from, and newly renovated barn overlooking our pristine grounds. From intimate celebrations to large formal occasions, Kirby Hill Farm couples farm elegance and modern celebration in a country setting with many picture-perfect spots to capture your special moments.

We do exquisite and unique weddings and special events. Our vineyard and winery offer world class wines, picturesque hilltop event sites, and natural beauty ideal for an unforgettable celebration. The magnificent, natural environment will enhance any wedding vision. It’s a place where you can truly unplug from everyday life to focus on and enjoy the people in your life that are invaluable.

Akindale Farm is one of a kind. Situated on 310 picturesque acres on Quaker Hill in the center of the Hudson Valley, Akindale offers a backdrop of rolling hills, herds of stunning racehorses, incredible vistas, and a wealth of different locations on the property to suit your special event. Akindale is not a typical wedding venue; but it is an exceptional place for your wedding. Our core mission is to rescue and care for retired Thoroughbred racehorses and we have over 120 on site. We are working farm, not a manufactured showplace. Therein lies our natural beauty. We welcome all types of ceremonies, and respect individual creativity. As a nonprofit, we are able to fund our work with the horses through offering our spaces and as such, your location fee will be completely tax-deductible. We hope you consider our space and invite you to come visit!

We make our beautiful facilities, equipment, and catering staff available for weddings, reunions, meetings, and other events. We have four beautiful indoor/outdoor event spaces to choose from, all different and unique in their own way!

Nestled in the heart of Ridgefield, CT. The Benjamin offers a charming setting for your special day. The venue is surrounded by a picturesque garden filled with colorful blooms and fragrant herbs, creating a sense of tranquility and peace that is perfect for celebrating your union. As you step inside The Benjamin you are greeted by an inviting atmosphere and cozy ambience of a rustic, chic restaurant. The interior is beautifully decorated with wooden beams, vintage staircase, and an elegant bar, creating a charming and intimate space for you and your guests to enjoy. As the sun sets and the stars twinkle overhead, the garden comes alive with the soft glow of fairy lights and the gentle sound of nature. Your guests can relax on stylish lounge furniture, sip on handcrafted cocktail from the outdoor bar, and enjoy the warm summer breeze as they celebrate your love and commitment. Let us help bring your dream wedding to life and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Magical home on private acerage overlooking field, lake and forest, one hour from NYC. Perfect for smaller weddings throughout the year or with up to 80 guests. This listing is venue only and I can assist with recommendations for tent and table rentals, catering, parking (for more than 12 vehicles) etc. Wedding party weekend stays and dining room for 12, cocktail party for up to 75. For group stays, 10 beds sleep 12 in 6 rooms with 4 bathrooms. (Airbnb The Acre) The house and property were featured in weddings, Vouge Italia, concerts, music videos, model shoots and film.

The Preston Barn holds 200+ guests and is constructed of reclaimed historic barns from the Hudson Valley. It also includes sliding barn doors, 40’x50’ Vermont stone patio, interior restrooms, AC/Heat, a catering kitchen and more! We are located 80 miles North of NYC and sit on 11 acres of land just outside the Hamlet of Dover Plains. We are close to country settings with rural surroundings and country charm. With neighboring local wineries and hiking trails, it is the ideal venue for any event. It is especially great for wedding couples looking to explore the area with their guests for an extraordinary weekend getaway. Old Drovers Inn weddings at the Preston Barn can also host your pre-wedding and post-wedding events such as rehearsal dinner, after-party, and send-off brunch. To learn more about what our Hudson Valley Wedding Venues have to offer. On-site accommodations included in your site fee. Additional lodging is available.

As a full service wedding and banquet facility, La Notte has taken pride in creating a memorable experience with delicious food made on site, excellent customer service and a charming atmosphere with beautiful grounds.

Have your wedding at a scenic barn in the rolling hills of Dover Plains. Enjoy your wedding outside in a paddock with a picturesque backdrop of beautiful trees and horses, and/ or inside our 11,000 square foot arena, or the main barn! Our mission of People Helping Horses Heal People is rooted in the care we provide for all of our rescued horses, including retired Thoroughbred racehorses. We give back to our community through our developmental, youth, and therapy programs. We encourage individual expressiveness, and embrace all ceremony types at our location. We are a horse sanctuary and a working farm, not just an event venue. By having your wedding here, you are funding a nonprofit, benefiting both our horses and community. We invite you to come visit the farm any day from 9-3!

The Point at Norwalk Cove. Located at Norwalk Cove next to Calf Pasture Beach, The Point boasts uninterrupted views of the Long Island Sound, Norwalk Islands, and gorgeous sunsets. With 2.4 acres of beachfront, lawn, and a yacht-studded pier, there are plenty of beautiful spaces and backdrops to augment your special day (and capture the ultimate wedding album).

Are you looking for a private event venue to host your next corporate event, wedding reception, Holiday party, or birthday party? Pinstripes provides the perfect event space to meet whatever your party or group event needs! We offer a variety of flexible room sizes, awesome menu options, and fun group activities including bowling and bocce ball. Our Norwalk, Connecticut location offers a unique variety of entertainment and events every day of the week. Enjoy our made-from-scratch Italian-American cuisine during Sunday Brunch with the family, happy hour after work, or a night of bowling and bocce.

The Salem Herbfarm Offers a delightfully unique venue in the heart of New England. For your wedding or special event, take advantage of our beautiful grounds and peaceful gardens for your enchanting ceremony and pictures. Our spacious lawns and gardens offer you and your guests ample opportunities for relaxing strolls and quiet conversation before venturing into our rustic, 1867 barn to enjoy an elegant dining experience. You and your guests will always remember the quiet conversations and romantic dancing as the sun sets over The Salem Herbfarm and your new life together begins.

The Roger Sherman Inn boasts multiple dining rooms, al fresco dining options, and a beautiful landscape for all your milestone celebrations and intimate gatherings. We have had the pleasure of hosting numerous weddings on our property and have a fully trained staff, kitchen, and event spaces for your special day.

We can’t think of a more fitting place to say "I do" than where our Kindred Creeks join to become one. Your ceremony can overlook the water as you walk along the creek to meet your new partner. Our beautiful site is customizable to any style of wedding from bohemian to modern and everything in between. Select your tenting, table settings and catering menu to match the day you’ve been dreaming of – all from one place. We have a multitude of crockery, fabrics and styles for you to choose from and customize yourself.

Established in 1912 for the Lewis Lapham family. Waveny House, a historic Tudor style mansion sits majestically overlooking 300 hundred acres of countryside in picturesque New Canaan, Connecticut. Accommodating up to 160 guests Waveny House is a fairytale setting for weddings and receptions. Take a tour down the flagstone walkways through the gardens and fish pond to discover the beautiful Walled Garden, a special nook for a small ceremony. The bride and groom truly have an opportunity to create that special wedding at Waveny House

Although widely known for our weddings, many families have selected Caramoor to celebrate important milestones like special birthdays, anniversaries, family reunions, Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, and other significant life events. Caramoor’s grounds are the perfect blend of bucolic gardens and a historical mansion setting for tying the knot! Our variety of unique venues will make your wedding day a one-of-a-kind experience for you and your guests.

Inspiring & Affordable The Brass Rail Meeting House offers beautiful lakeside views for your event along with: · Multiple Rooms that can accommodate up to 250 people · Smaller rooms available · Outdoor Deck available for onsite ceremonies & events · Beautiful Backdrop for Photos · Bridal Suite & Groomsmen Pub available onsite · We offer full-service catering It’s the perfect location for your wedding. You and your guests can have a unique celebration of the upcoming nuptials while making memories that will last a lifetime!