WeddingDay Pro Spotlight: Ron Sorce of Four Winds Casinos

When couples envision a wedding that blends luxury, entertainment and seamless service, Four Winds Casinos' South Bend and New Buffalo locations stand out as premier destinations in the Midwest. Owned and operated by the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians, Four Winds Casinos offer resort-style amenities, elegant event spaces and award-winning dining designed to create unforgettable celebrations. Helping couples bring these experiences to life is Ron Sorce, Director of Sales & Catering for both the New Buffalo and South Bend properties. With a passion for hospitality and attention to detail, Ron and his team specialize in guiding couples through every step of the planning process, ensuring each wedding is thoughtfully designed and flawlessly executed!

Tell us a little about the history of Four Winds Casinos.

"Four Winds Casinos are the premier gaming destinations in the Midwest and are owned and operated by the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians of Michigan and Indiana. Our award-winning locations in Michigan and Indiana include Four Winds New Buffalo which opened in 2007, Four Winds Hartford which opened in 2011, Four Winds Dowagiac which opened in 2013 and Four Winds South Bend which opened in 2018."

Why should a couple get married at Four Winds? What attracts couples to your venue?

"We have two large destination resorts which are ideally suited to meet all of your needs. Four Winds New Buffalo is located just across the Indiana border in the lakeside resort town of New Buffalo, Michigan. It’s a resort like no other featuring 415 luxurious hotel rooms, a seasonal pool and retail shops. Four Winds New Buffalo has more than 2,000 slots, the largest progressive jackpots in the area and a variety of table games. Dine at one of our four award-winning restaurants including Copper Rock Steakhouse® and Kankakee Grille. Take in a show at Silver Creek Event Center, a multipurpose space that is home to headliner entertainment and the ideal location for your special event.

Four Winds South Bend is centrally located in South Bend, Indiana. Just a short drive from Indianapolis, Northwest Indiana or Southwest Michigan, it’s an entertainment adventure you’ll rave about. Take a spin on 1,900 games including life-changing progressive jackpots and 12 live Poker Tables. Or relax and enjoy one of five dining options including our signature Copper Rock Steakhouse®, as well as Kankakee Grille where you can indulge in comfort foods with a modern twist. Also, take advantage of our beautifully appointed full-service resort-style spa, designed for guests to relax, refresh and recharge, whether for just an hour or a full day. Inside are ten treatment rooms, including a couple’s suite and a flotation experience room, facial rooms and massage and body rooms. Our expansive menu of massage and body treatments, along with highly efficacious facial treatments makes this facility a must in your beauty routine."

Give us an overview of your services. What makes your business unique?

"Whether your event is large or small, both Four Winds New Buffalo and Four Winds South Bend offer a variety of accommodations for any group size. Plus we offer a variety of entertainment and dining options to suit everyone’s preferred tastes and styles."

What nearby activities make hosting a wedding at Four Winds Casinos a memorable stay?

"Four Winds offers exciting promotions, headliner concerts and entertainment, life-changing jackpots and unique dining options that are unrivaled in the region. You can also catch some rays and enjoy drinks at our seasonal outdoor pools. Plus, check out live outdoor entertainment during the warm summer season."

What benefits can a bridal party receive when booking with Four Winds Casinos?

"Our team of experienced Sales and Catering Specialists are eager to customize your wedding to make it a truly memorable event. Our packages feature a complimentary bridal suite and changing/dressing room, special hotel room rates for your guests, complimentary valet and coat check, consultant to coordinate and supervise your wedding cocktail hour with selection of hot and cold hors d’oeuvres, an exquisitely prepared three course meal with four hour premium brand bar and children’s menu for those under 10 years old. Additionally, we are pleased to extend added value to those planning a Friday or Sunday wedding."

Do you work with preferred vendors or offer your own exclusive services (catering, rentals, etc.)?

"Our in-house professional sales and catering staff can assist every step of the way from the engagement party, flowers and menu planning to the wedding night celebration. We have everything you need to make your special day unforgettable. We can also offer recommendations or make arrangements for wedding cakes, florists, musicians, photographers, videographers and transportation."

Tell us about your favorite part of your job. What keeps it fun for you?

"Making guests smile and feel welcome. We strive to exceed expectations and provide guests with a great experience. Seeing the guests' satisfaction the day of the event is our ultimate goal."

What do you love about the industry you work in?

"We love the creative aspect of guest service. Attention to detail can make a big difference for guests."

What’s the most common question you get from couples? What’s your answer to it?

"Room blocks are a common question. Hotel room blocks may be available in conjunction with a booked event, based on availability, so scheduling is important. And since we offer gaming onsite, guests checking into the hotel must be 21 years of age or older and possess a valid credit card."

What are the best tips you have for helping couples prepare for their big day? Any other words of wisdom to share?

"Wedding planning can be overwhelming but rest assured, our team of experienced professionals will share best practices and recommendations to help you make decisions and guide you through the entire process."

are you a bride or groom-to-be?

We'd love to plan with you on weddingday-online.com. Let's get started!

 
are you a wedding extraordinaire?

Join WeddingDay Magazine in inspiring brides by partnering with us! See how here.