Vendor Spotlight - Graves 601 Hotel

Recently, I had the pleasure of attending a wedding planner's luncheon at the fantastic Graves 601 Hotel. I have not yet had a client have their wedding at this event space. However, after seeing a picture montage of weddings held here it is at the top of my venue wish list! :)

Not only does the Graves 601 have visually stunning architecture in their ballroom, they have it throughout the building. You can see beautiful aesthetics in the lobby, Cosmos Lounge and in the Bradstreet Crafthouse Restaurant. With so many art installations as backdrops it would be easy to have a variety of fabulous pictures for your wedding album.

There are many event spaces provided by Graves 601 Hotel. Their ballroom has a maximum capacity of 350 for a dinner and dance. If you are doing a cocktail reception the maximum is 750. For a Cosmos Lounge reception they can host 300 maximum. Finally, the Bradstreet Crafthouse Restaurant can be used for a banquet that can accommodate 150 and they also have a special VIP Parlor that can host 50. The parlor is absolutely perfect for an engagement or Bachelorette party.

Now that I've covered all the attractive visual features, I have to rave about the food. The entire menu is impressive, to say the least. We had a variety of wonderful offerings. The luncheon started out with passed hors d'oeuvres. For example, they served Crostini with Preserved Tomato topped with Thyme and Parmesan, and Sesame Chicken Tenders with Pommery Mustard Sauce. Let me just say it was heavenly!

The main courses we tried were just as exemplary. My favorite was the Grilled Salmon Filet on a Cauliflower Stew with Charred Tomato Sauce and Arugula. Afterward we tried samples of their luscious desserts. The mini cheesecakes were my favorite.

Donna Fiedler, Director of Catering and CMP (Certified Meeting Professional) was very welcoming and it was so much fun to talk with other professionals about the wedding industry. Over the course of the luncheon she asked us questions about what our clients are looking for in an event space. She also informed us about all of the unique features of Graves 601.

Next to the divine atmosphere, and great cuisine, the top notch staff is another reason to have your wedding here. Everyone is professional and skilled at what they do. They will make sure that your wedding will be exactly what you envision.

PHOTO CREDITS: WONDERFUL DAY WEDDINGS

Happy Planning!

Planner's Pick - Paper Gowns & Glory

So you want to have a unique cake topper that won't sit in your china cabinet collecting dust? Well, then this post is for you! I found this really cute, boutique paperista and I just had to share. Instead of a traditional cake topper do a hand crafted replica of your wedding gown.(The groom is also included using the cut of the tux.) What a fabulously unique and "green" idea.

Not only is this a way to honor the details of a once-worn dress, it can be a keepsake to remind you how special your gown is. Since it is paper, it is less fragile and can be displayed somewhere you will actually see it, like your cubicle. Of course, since it is paper you could also have it recycled. Just make sure your photographer gets a few snapshots for your album.

The thing I think is the coolest about Paper Gowns & Glory is that she customizes everything and works very closely with her clients. This is definitely an eco-chic trend that I hope continues! If you want a personalized memento of your gown, and you are crazy about being environmentally savvy this is a perfect product for you.

http://www.papergownsandglory.com

Wedding Inspiration - Camp Wedding

Well finally we had a nice day! It is only the 3rd of May but I am already itching to have a bonfire and go hiking. This got me thinking, wouldn't it be just darling to have a camp inspired wedding? I can see the colors now, a muted orange, suede brown, jade green and dark red! I don't know why but these colors totally remind me of camping, perhaps it is the colors of tents and lanterns?

Of course, your wedding should reflect the things you are interested in as a couple and I believe there are a lot of nature lovers out there. The "camp wedding" event design would be just perfect for those that are environmentally savvy and want to have a charming wedding. I realize that not everyone would actually stay to camp, however, the details would make this such a fun wedding to attend.

It is my opinion that this type of wedding would be perfect for those hosting a more intimate gathering and you would also have to love being outdoors. It would be helpful if the venue had a large picnic pavilion that could be used as a back up in case of rain. :)
The food could be provided by caterers that specialize in doing outdoor affairs such as company picnics. I would go with something casual and yummy, a build your own burger type of thing. Sides of potato salad, coleslaw, or pasta salad would be fantastic. Of course, you could snaz it up a bit with a charming fruit,veggies and dip station for hors d'eouvres during cocktail hour.

Providing beverages would be so easy because you could fill galvanized buckets with bottles of pop, beer and wine. (Be sure to use mini-bottles of wine with twist off caps.)Bonus, all of these are recyclable items!

I love the idea of using strung pine cones, moss and prairie flowers as decor for this type of wedding. Hanging lanterns,jars with candles, picnic tables and rustic signs would also make a visual impact.

The evening could be spent around the bonfire with friends and family, sharing tales of your love before you retire to your camper or hotel room. I think either is fitting in this situation but one thing is for sure...your guests will be celebrating late into the night.


PHOTO CREDITS: 2ND FLOOR LIVING,100 LAYER CAKE, ARTESSEN.COM, COUNTRYLIVING.COM, EUGENEWEEKLY.COM, JOHN THE PHOTOGRAPHER, GABRIEL RYAN PHOTOGRAPHY, GOBURBERRY.COM, GREENWEDDINGSHOES.COM, IDANKERTSON, THINGSFESTIVE, WEDDINGIDEAS.COM, WHISPERINGPINES.COM

Inspiration board by - Wonderful Day Weddings

Happy Planning!