WOW FACTOR: HOTEL MONACO

There is nothing like walking in to a new venue and being blown away!  Such was the case yesterday when I took a couple into the new Hotel Monaco in the Lafayette Building on Chestnut Street in Philadelphia.  WOW!  Still under construction, but set to open on October 4, this is a MUST SEE for all of you modern brides!  Even the ballroom is unique and amazing!  And, with the help of the effervescent and darling personality of Michael Mitloff, the director of catering, we made a couple's dream wedding a reality!    

The Lafayette Building stands proud and elegant just across the street from Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell.  A Greek Revival building The Lafayette was built by Stephen Girard and the original ceilings and the grandeur of the building remain.  
The lobby takes your breath away, with it's stunning marble and the massive pillars wrapped in rope.   The spectacular chandelier- a ship, in remembrance of Mr Girard's days on the sea, is like nothing you have ever seen.  
The front desk and the "living room", with it's very French flair, is jaw dropping!   And, there is a little nook called the "love nook" that is a perfect spot to snap a photo or sign a ketubah.  STUNNING!!
 
Up on the roof is a drop dead gorgeous bar- the Stratus Bar and Lounge, with a pavilion on either side for private use.  My couple wants to have their ceremony up here- WOW, again!       

The guest rooms are unlike anything I have seen.  From the bright colors and shiny whites to the incredible views of the city- the old city, every detail have been thought of!  I adore the oriental cabinet that the TV sits in and the bathroom is a picture!   The walls of the hallways throughout the hotel are full of old Mummer's photographs and antique postcards of Philadelphia in gilded frames.     And, the walls are painted red and yellow or have plaid wallpaper.  For the third time- WOW!

Now, I MUST tell you about Michael!  From my first phone conversation with him to the chat at the chef's table, every moment was memorable and so much fun!  A newlywed himself, and hailing from Chicago, he felt like he was coming home to Philadelphia- and I am glad he is home!!    He is warm, welcoming, funny and made my bride feel like a queen!   


Finally, I have to say, you see my smiling bride below?  Let me tell you, she was not smiling when we began.  She had booked her wedding at another location and was told over the weekend that she could not have her wedding there as the building had been sold.  She also lost her make up person and her officiant.  To say that she was ready to call the whole thing off- well!  But, here you see Michael making her smile and showing her the yummy menus for her wedding dinner.   I am thrilled to be doing this wedding at the Hotel Monaco!  I am overjoyed at the prospect of working with Michael and his staff.  And, I am so excited to be showing you this amazing hotel before it even opens!  

If you are looking for a unique, chic and totally urban setting for your big day- PLEASE contact Michael!!!   Or call me and I will be glad to take you to see him!  You will be blown away and you too will say- WOW!     A HUGE "thank you" to Michael Mitloff for your time, your professionalism and your charming and hilarious personality!   You made my bride's day and helped me save her wedding!