The Wedding Cake and Related Ceremony

 
 
 
These photos of a wedding last weekend here at the Hawthorne Hotel in Salem, Massachusetts nicely illustrate the special quality that the tiered wedding cake lends towards a wedding reception. This cake was particularly classical in its design and style, yet was set off by a slightly unusual accessory -- the traditional bride and groom statue was done in porcelain, and set to the side of the cake rather than being perched on top.

We really loved the kind of soft, dreamy look that the entire tableau had -- it was very appealing.

I hope you enjoy this slice of wedding reception life here at the Hawthorne Hotel, even though you didn't get to have a slice of this delicious cake.

Juli 

Our Weddings Inspire Comments Like This

 
 

This is the couple whose wedding is the subject of the letter we received, that is posted here for you to read.

Can we help you make your special day all you have dreamed it should be?

Call us at 978-825-4358. 

Hello Christine!

Sorry this took so long, but I did want to send you the pictures from our wedding. I talked to the girl I work with and she told me she is not going to look at the Hawthorne, she doesnt' know what she is missing! Oh well, the thank yous are still being written ( I heard I have up to a year right? just kidding), but I have a printed picture for you too! I wanted to send this one though, so you can show your brides how beautiful the room can be!

The compliments keep coming from that night. Thanks again!

Chryssa & Christian

A Wedding at the PEM with a special connection and special story

 
 
Last weekend Jackie Donovan married Anthony Penny, and the reception was held at the Peabody Essex Museum. Hawthorne Catering provided the meal and beverage service there. So what is the special connection?

Jackie's brother, Chris Donovan, has worked for us at the Hawthorne Hotel for approximately four years. He has been featured on our 'regular' hotel blog as our part-time employee of the month, an honor he has received multiple times.

What is the special story about this wedding? The favors were handmade by the couple, and you see them in the photo. They wrote each other a story as their Christmas gifts the first year they were together for that special day. Their combined stories became these handmade books which were given to the guests at their wedding reception.

We love sharing information regarding weddings that we touch, whether here at the Hawthorne Hotel, or through our Hawthorne Catering division. May we help you create a magical wedding?

Juli 

A Very Special Wedding Favor

 
 
 
One of the best things about having so many weddings happening here, is that we get to see lots of great ideas, special touches, unique little things that make a very special day special indeed.

The bride and groom from tonight's wedding, Debra Marie Reich and Stephen David Gilbane, provided these favors to their guests. You see, Debra is allergic to fresh flowers, so she made all of these charming favors herself. Isn't that a sweet way to connect herself personally to both her guests, and to the people that she is honoring tonight?

Juli 

Some Wedding Cakes Beckon Ones' Fingers

 
 
If there was ever a wedding cake where I wanted to swoosh a finger into the icing for a taste, I think this was it. I resisted, but it wasn't easy. Those two lovely colors offset one another so nicely, and the entire effect was scrumptious.

Montilio's of Quincy did this cake as well.

Weddings at the Hawthorne Hotel are magical, don't you agree?

Juli 

Wedding Cake in the Ballroom

 
 
 
The colors of autumn were stunningly executed in roses on this unusual wedding cake, by Montilio's Bakery. We were able to see this cake at last night's wedding, and I thought you might enjoy seeing it as well.

Juli 

The Details Make a Difference

 
 
 

It is said that a picture is worth a thousand words. These photos will help you to understand the attention to detail that we put into each and every wedding that we cater.

From 'bustling' a wedding gown, to arranging for a harp player who dresses to 'match', from providing glass after glass of just the right wine, to making sure everyone can relax and enjoy themselves -- these are the details that we watch over, so you don't have to worry. We have a history of perfect weddings.

I hope we can provide a perfect wedding for you to enjoy.

Juli 

The Classic Beauty of East India Marine Hall at PEM

 
 
 
The wedding that our off-site catering division handled today began with the reception in Bartlett Gallery, and then moved upstairs to East India Marine Hall. This is the oldest part of the oldest continually operating museum in the United States, and it is so classically lovely. Perhaps you would like us to cater your wedding here?

Juli 

Some of Our Food . . .

 
 
 
 
served at the PEM today, for the wedding which our off-site catering division, Hawthorne Catering, handled today. These items were all served in Bartlett Gallery, where the reception was held.

Juli 

Here is a Glimpse of Another Shower

 
 

. . . held today, here at the Hawthorne Hotel. This one was in the Library, on the Lower Level of the Hotel.

Juli 

Weddings and Showers Are Closely Tied

 
 
 

Today we had two showers in the Hawthorne Hotel. This one was in Sophia's, the room located behind our main dining room, Nathaniel's.

Juli 

Today was a Very Busy Day at the Hawthorne Hotel

 
 
 
 

Here are some photos of the set-up for the daytime wedding in the Ballroom. The powerpoint show was enjoyed by the friends and family.

Juli 

Snapshots of a wedding reception in Bartlett Gallery

 
 
 

On October 14 we catered a wedding through our offsite catering division, Hawthorne Catering. It took place in the Phillips Library, followed by the reception in Bartlett Gallery, and then dinner and dancing in East India Marine Hall. These venues are all part of the Peabody Essex Museum campus, where we are proud to be the preferred caterer.

Perhaps you need a caterer? We would love to help you.

Juli