"Gucci" is part of the Wedding Party

From time to time we have weddings at the hotel, where a beloved dog is asked to be part of the wedding party. We are always happy to indulge this request, of course, with the understanding that the reception would be off-limits to this special member of the wedding party.

Here you see "Gucci" , a long-haired miniature dachshund, all decked out in his tuxedo, for a wedding this past summer.

As we have four of the same breed dogs in our family, I couldn't resist this special request!

Juli 

Our Pre-Meal Meeting

Here is a photo of our banquet team just prior to tonight's wedding in the Ballroom. This is a very important ritual, one that insures that all of the myriad details are communicated and attended to by the staff who must provide the all-important service.

We consider ourselves a TEAM here at the Hawthorne Hotel, and to have a good TEAM means we need to have good communications. The Pre-Meal is key to that communication, as is the Post-Meal meeting where the events of the night are discussed, and reviewed so we can do even better 'next time'.

We thought you might like to see this semi-behind-the-scenes look at our operation here at the Hawthorne Hotel, wedding-central for the North Shore of Boston, Massachusetts.

Juli 

The "Wow" Effect in our Ballroom

These photos are of the room set up with the gorgeous overlays, tall flowers, and gold-tone ballroom chairs, all upgrades chosen by the couple.

Doesn't the room look beautiful?

Juli

 

A Referral

If you go to www.HawthorneHotel.blogspot.com, which is our 'regular daily blog' and look at the post on October 21, you will see an lovely recommendation.

Juli

A Cupcake Wedding Cake

Some weddings ago, in October of 2001, Lori and Scott Cormey had their wedding cake be really different. It consisted of tiers of little cakes, all done in Autumn colors.

Lori and Scott recently came back to visit for their fifth wedding anniversary, and we talked about their unique cake. We thought you might enjoy seeing it.

Juli 

One Bride with Two Wedding Dresses

This bride could not make up her mind which dress to buy, so she did what anyone who can't make up their mind does, she bought both of them.

She changed from one dress to the other between the ceremony and the reception, so you can see her two different dresses here.

I thought you might enjoy this slice of life at the Hawthorne Hotel, here on the North Shore of Boston, Masschusetts.

Juli
 

An unusual wedding cake

2003
 

 

The Common is a Favorite Place for Wedding Photos

Since The Salem Common is located right next to the Hawthorne Hotel, it is a very convenient locale for outdoor wedding photos.

When our bridal parties opt for this as a location, we even serve beverages to them there as refreshments between the varied events of the day.

We hope to be able to help you plan your wedding right here at the Hawthorne Hotel.



Juli 

Peter Barter Florist

Last night's wedding in the Ballroom featured these flowers from Peter Barter Florists here in Salem.

We thought you might enjoy seeing them.

Juli 

Wedding Tastings

What does a Wedding Tasting taste like, you might ask, or just what is it?

After a couple books their wedding at the Hawthorne Hotel, about three months before their big event, we invite them to a Wedding Tasting.What is that exactly?

It is a kind of preliminary event, held quarterly in our Ballroom, that enables the couple to taste a multitude of items before they have to make up their minds about what we will serve them and their guests.

We serve everything from appetizers to wedding cake, and every course in between. We set the Ballroom with a number of different table styles, chair styles, flower arrangements, all of the attendant details are in place for them to see exactly what is possible.

Several of our suppliers work with us to make this event successful, including Nina Vickers who plays the harp, Montillio's Cakes in providing the cakes for us all to taste, and Peter Barter Florist for providing the lovely centerpieces.

I have heard from a number of families that have children who have already been married and had their receptions elsewhere, that they are totally impressed with our approach, as they have not experienced it anywhere else.

I have also learned from some couples that they were pleased to be able to actually sit down and enjoy the food served at their weddings, because they knew they would be too nervous, or too busy, to actually enjoy it on the day of their reception.

We hope to see you here.

Juli

This Father of the Bride Got Some Extra Attention

. . . because someone thought enough of him to get him a special hat. Wasn't that a thoughtful thing to do for such a (usually) underappreciated member of the wedding party. That is obviously not the case in this special family.

Juli 

Our Fall Wedding Bride and Groom

This couple got a sneak-preview of their wedding cake, and a surprise horse-and-buggy carriage ride for some 'alone time' during their wedding last weekend, here a the Hawthorne Hotel.

Juli 

Fall Wedding Adds Personal Touches

Recently we were privileged to help host a very unique Fall-themed wedding, and since we got to see the details up close, we thought you might be interested in seeing them as well. Perhaps some of these ideas will help you as you create your dream wedding.

The wedding cake was decorated with fall jewel-toned flowers and fruits.

The favors at the table carried through the theme, including maple syrup in maple leaf-shaped bottles, and leaf-shaped votive candles.












Even the cocktail napkins had fall leaves on them.


Our chefs helped to carry out the theme with handmade crackers in the shape of a fall leaf, embellished with cheese and herbs. Yum!

Do you have a themed wedding in mind? If so, please discuss having the professional staff of the Hawthorne Hotel assist you with making the most of your event.

Juli

Tradition is an Important Part of Running an Historic Hotel

May 31, 2003, Coleen and Shawn Mahoney got married at the Hawthorne Hotel, and Jessica Soep was the coordinator for their wedding reception.

On Saturday April 8, 2006, Coleen and Shawn's friends had a baby shower for them, and Jessica was once again the coordinator for their event.It truly feels like family here at the Hawthorne Hotel.

Now we can look forward to the next 'occasion of grace' for the Mahoney family.

What about your family? Can we begin or continue some traditions for you?

Juli

Mahoney's Have Their Baby Shower, Were Married Here at the Hawthorne Hotel

A Lovely Fall Wedding

 
This wedding cake had fresh flowers to match the centerpieces, and all of the attendants and the bridal bouquet.
 

Nougat Chopin is the name of the overlay tablecloths on this table.

Juli 

Children Who Were Part of a Recent Wedding

  

A Beautiful Bride and Handsome Groom

 
 
 

As they wait for the introductions, are introduced, and have their first dance. This is all part of the traditional chain of events, at a Hawthorne Hotel wedding.

Juli 

Gift Baskets to Welcome a Wedding's Out of Town Guests

Making up gift baskets to welcome guests who will be staying at the Hawthorne Hotel is not a new idea, but the way these baskets were done, with so much love and thought and personalization, makes them worthy of a story on our Wedding Blog. 
 
 
How cute is this -- including a small bundle of custom-wrapped tissues, for dabbing away the happy tears at the ceremony!

Juli