LE MERIDIEN: PERFECTLY SUITED FOR NOW- AND LATER

 Right in the center of Philadelphia, with a view of City Hall, in a historic building, is Le Meridien Hotel.  With beautifully appointed guest rooms, a gorgeous library for an intimate ceremony and several options to party the night away, your wedding will be perfect in every way.  And, right now, planning an intimate occasion for the most dear to you or an elopement for just you two, there is no better time to plan your wedding at Le Meridien.

Last week, I visited Lauren Pasquini and we chatted about how the hotel has pivoted to accommodate the things that have changed in this last year. And, how dedicated they are to making sure that with smaller weddings AND smaller budgets, couples can still have a magical wedding.  Here are some of the things that Le Meridien is doing for couples right now:

Book your wedding in 2021 FOR 2021 and receive: 

 ** Complimentary ceremony ( $1000 value)

** Complimentary Tier 2 or 3 entree at a Tier 1 price ($20 per person value)

** Complimentary 1 Hour After Party food display ($20 per person value)

Book your wedding in 2021 FOR 2022 and beyond with under 50 guests and receive ONE of the above options.

Book your wedding in 2021 FOR 2022 or beyond with over 50 guests and choose two of the above options.

The photos here are from one of my weddings at Le Meridien.  And, I must say, it was perfection- all day!  Lauren and her team will make sure that nothing is left to chance and that every moment is unforgettable.  Even in these strange days, weddings should always be special and ALWAYS be memorable.  Le Meridien will see to that. So, give Lauren a call to book your special day.  And, let me know how I can help!  Because every wedding, big or small, needs a planner to keep you sane and stress free.

Stay tuned for more info about a special evening coming soon at Le Meridien in April.  Details to come.

Lauren Pasquini- 215-422-8221

DESTINATION NEW ORLEANS

Feeling a little French today?  I hope so, because we are off to New Orleans.  And, I can't wait to show you all the wonderful places for a wedding you will find here.  This whole thing has become really hard.  There is so much out there in every city and its hard to just choose a few.  Every day is an adventure.  Every venue is a treasure.  Get ready, we are off to the south and our first pick of the day.  Ready?

Race and Religious is THE COOLEST venue!!  I should have saved this for last, but wait until you see it!  Dating back to the 1830's, this riverfront Garden District beauty has a vibe you won't be able to resist.  A Creole cottage, a 3 story row house and a "slave quarter" have been restored for spectacular events.  There are balconies, working fireplaces and gas lamps to add to the ambiance.  I must tell you, this restoration is raw and loaded with original components of the property.  It has been lovingly restored.  Oh, and the name- its on the corner of Race St and Religious St.  with the most luxurious amenities and a rich history, Race and Religious has to be on your short list!


Right in the heart of the French Quarter is the Pharmacy Museum.   The 1st licensed apothecary in the USA, this 1816 building holds the secret to a magical and romantic wedding.  This is an intimate space, with capacity for 70 guests for a seated dinner or 150 for a cocktail reception. And, your guests can enjoy some of the exhibits during your event.  Step back in time and enjoy this little piece of heaven at the Pharmacy Museum.

Marigny Opera House, an 1847 church, is another historic and interesting venue.  This impressive building was destroyed by fire, resurrected, plagued with Yellow Fever- until it was magically "cured" by prayers to St Roch.  After, it was the home of the Benedictine nuns and turned into a parochial school.  Closed and de-consecrated in 1999, it was turned into the opera house in 2011.  Now, you can hold your ceremony on the altar and then dance the night away.

Step out of the box and into the House of Blues.  Located in the French Quarter and totally unexpected as a wedding venue, House of Blues could be the event of the season for you and your guests.  With its funky, music hall interior and the surrounding local color of the French Quarter, who would even imagine that your wedding could be so awesome.  

Latrobe's on Royal, is an 1822 bank, built by the architect who also designed the Porticos or the White House, the US Capital and the waterworks system that helped to rid the south of Yellow Fever.  Much of the original structure and interior adds to the charm and ambiance of this iconic venue.  Some elements, such as the bank vault, the Whisper Dome and the original stone work will make your guests feel like they have stepped back into another time.  You can choose a southern cocktail party, a trendy soiree' or an elegant dinner here.  The attention to detail and the expert service will make it easy to to plan your wedding and enjoy the day.

Coffee lovers- there's a venue for you here too.  Chicory is an 1852 coffee warehouse that has become one of the premier venues in New Orleans.  With its old world charm and its modern amenities, you can have a memorable wedding in this charming location.  Coffee was a staple of life at the time this building was erected and chicory was added to stretch the supply.  The building still has the original beams, as well as gas lanterns, tin ceilings and exposed brick.  With several event spaces available, including a rooftop deck, the venue can accommodate up to 400 guests.  It's charming, it's quaint and it's all New Orleans.  

Today was fun.  So much history.  And, tomorrow on to Atlanta for more historic venues and maybe a plantation.  

WEATHER...OR NOT

One of the hardest things about planning a wedding is WEATHER!   Nobody can predict the weather a year away.  What you can do is have a PLAN B and hope for the best possible outcome.  Today, with a hurricane brewing in the Atlantic, I decided to help you plan for the unexpected cloud burst, the snowstorm or an impending rainy day.  

Outdoor weddings in late summer or early fall are beautiful.  However, it is also hurricane season.  If the venue has a built in plan B that's wonderful.  If they don't, you need to have one.  Rent a tent!  Not only will it keep the raindrops from ruining your day, but it will keep the sun from beating down on your guests if it is hot.  Tents can be beautiful.  There are so many styles to choose from and they even have chandeliers.  And, make sure you get a floor put in.  Nobody wants to be tramping around on damp ground in heels.  This wedding was at a private home.  The patio was perfect for cocktail hour.   But, it had rained quite a bit the week before and there was the threat of rain that day.  Beyond this lovely patio was a tent for dinner.  We didn't need to do it, but we could have put an awning from here to the tent entrance, in the event of rain.  As you can see, the rain held off and the day was overcast, but perfect.  One piece of advice- if it rains, have an umbrella and just dance in it!  You may be surprised to find that one of your favorite photos turns out to be a rainy one.

Now, lets talk about your winter wonderland wedding!  This one is a little trickier.  Snow can create some real stress when planning a wedding in the winter months.  What if it snows the night before?  What if there is a blizzard?  What if its icy?  Here are a few tips to keep you sane while you watch the weather forecast.  

Make sure that you arrange for your flowers.  If there  is bad snow on your wedding day, will the florist deliver your flowers or will you have to pick them up?  Arrange for transportation that can safely get you and your bridal party to your venue.  Or, perhaps plan your wedding at an inn, a hotel or some other venue that has lodging for you and your guests that doesn't require driving.  City weddings in the winter can be a great alternative.  Everything is with in a short walk.  Or, like this beautiful couple of mine, plan for a comfy, country inn that has it all right there.  Make sure the venue has cleared all walking paths and parking areas.  And, most of all, relax!  It will all turn out.  What could be better than a photo like this one to remember the adventure of your snow day vows!

Remember this- its your wedding day!  And, there is a special kind of magic in a wedding with weather.  Rain is good luck.  And, snow brings that fairy like quality to your winter dream.  So, don't worry about the weather.  It will all work out.  And, you will have that perfect day- and maybe some special photos to remember the magic.  Happy Planning!