Q: What is the history of The Brass Rail Meeting House?
A: The Brass Rail was owned and operated by Louis "Gino" Boccasile and his wife Libera from 1941 to 1970. Born in Italy, the couple transformed The Brass Rail into a multifaceted venue, offering dancing, bowling, dining, floor shows, and live entertainment. The venue became a hub for various events, including weddings, receptions, banquets, fashion shows, auctions, and cocktail parties.
In 2020, Jennifer Nolasco assumed ownership and initiated renovations that focused on preserving the venue's history and charm. Notably, the historic bowling alley floor was salvaged and repurposed as the new dance floor and bar top in the lower-level ballroom. The Brass Rail Meeting House has a longstanding commitment to serving the community, and with updated renovations, top chefs, and attentive staffing, it aspires to continue providing memorable experiences for weddings and events.
Q: What does The Brass Rail Meeting House offer?
A: The Brass Rail Meeting House, nestled in Southwick, Massachusetts, offers a picturesque lakeside venue. Specializing in creating the perfect setting for weddings, baby and bridal showers, corporate events, birthdays, school and sports banquets, memorials, and more. The lakeside facility features a full bridal suite, two banquet rooms with beautiful lake views, a groomsmen pub, and an outdoor deck.
With options ranging from a full bridal suite and groomsmen pub to various ceremony spaces, The Brass Rail assists couples in building a custom wedding experience. A secure portal for wedding planning grants access to event details, messages, important information, seating charts, and a secure payment portal. The venue also provides a diverse menu selection, helping couples craft the ultimate dream wedding menu.
Q: Walk us through the wedding experience at The Brass Rail.
A: Prospective couples can start their journey at the Wedding Website (brassrailweddings.com), where they can explore different venue spaces, menu options, videos, available dates, and request more information or schedule a facility tour. Tours of the unique venue spaces allow couples to envision their wedding ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception options.
Assigned a secure portal for wedding planning, couples can access event details, messages, important information, and seating charts. An event coordinator is assigned to assist with questions and offer suggestions to enhance the magical aspects of the event. The full-service facility includes options like a three-bedroom bridal suite and a newly designed groomsmen pub.
Q: How can the general public enjoy The Brass Rail?
A: The Brass Rail Meeting House hosts an annual open house for the public to tour the updated venue. The next open house, scheduled for Sunday, February 18th from 2-6 pm, features complimentary light bites, venue tours, live music, and showcases multiple event vendors. Starting in early summer, the venue plans to host a weekly Sunday Funday event with local vendors and live music on the beautiful outdoor deck from 2-6 pm.
For information on upcoming events open to the public, visitors can check the website (brassrailmeetinghouse.com).
Q: What's next for The Brass Rail?
A: The venue is excited to introduce the Baystate Mobile Bar for events and weddings. The Baystate Mobile Bar offers on-site mobile trailers or mobile bars with a wide selection of craft beer, wine, cocktails, bubbly, and non-alcoholic beverages. Fully licensed and insured certified bartenders collaborate with clients to create a unique drink menu from local and national vendors. Clients can choose their preferred package and get a custom quote for their event at baystatemobilebar.com.
