Member Spotlight: The Ambiance
“Perfect.” That’s the way brides and event planners describe their experiences at The Ambiance, 5225 Kochs Lane.
“We have boxes of thank you cards for the way our staff bends over backwards to help our guests,” says Owner Patty Terstriep. “I treat everyone like I want my kids to be treated. I watch every detail, right down to the hems on the tablecloths. When they walk through that door, I want everyone to think they are in Wonderland. It must be perfect—we build memories here.”
Patty and Luke Terstriep opened The Ambiance in May 2005. They designed and built the facility themselves with the help of family members and employees from Terstriep Concrete Company.
“There’s a lot of sweat equity in this place,” says Patty. “It was our vision and mostly our labor. Once we got the ceiling (from an old Ramada Inn, purchased at auction and refurbished with 180 gallons of stain and varnish), lights and carpet, we knew where we were going with it. People have told us it reminds them of Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas. We are so appreciative of those comments and the way the community has rallied around us.”
In Webster’s dictionary, “ambiance” is defined as “distinctive atmosphere.” Quincy’s Ambiance does not disappoint. The 25,000-square-foot Ambiance features stately columns in the circular driveway, a waterfall in the foyer, beautiful landscaping for outdoor weddings, overhead projectors, screens and a built-in sound system. The ballroom can hold up to 1,000 guests and serves as host to nearly a dozen events each month, including wedding receptions, anniversaries, birthday parties, business meetings, association banquets, fundraisers, and Christmas parties.
No two events are ever the same.
“Every event has been fun; every event has been unique,” says Patty. “We’ve had newlyweds arrive in limos, horse and buggy, even a tractor.”
Terstriep says there’s much more to owning this kind of business than just unlocking the doors to a beautiful facility.
“On any given Saturday, my day starts at 7 or 8 a.m. and goes until 1 or 2 a.m. the following day. We arrange the tables, chairs and linens, accept deliveries, and help caterers, DJs, florists, and any other service provider that is working with the bride. No one has defined job duties at this point; we’re all one big family and if one of us needs help, the others jump in. Regardless of what it takes, we are going to accommodate you.”
Terstriep accepts reservations for the facility up to 18 months in advance of the event; she has also accommodated a party eight days before the event. For more information, visit www.theambiance.net or call Patty Terstriep at 217-222-1111.
