Ivory, Green & Cranberry Wedding

I wanted to share a wedding that took place this past October.  This bride choose her colors very well – ivory, green and cranberry.  This wedding was October 8th, and as you can see, the fall foliage is at just about its peak.

Tall and short centerpieces alternated on each table.

Summit Room

Dinner Tables

The short centerpieces were comprised of roses, hydrangea and burgundy dahlias and a few dahlia buds.

Short Centerpiece

The tall centerpieces had the same flowers as the short centerpieces, but with the addition of grape vine and bells of Ireland for the height.  They were also in tall, glass cylinders.

Tall Centerpieces

Here are a few more details from this gorgeous wedding!

Champagne Glasses

Leaf-Wrapped Votive

Hanging tags for the wishing tree

Wishing Tree

Cake

This beautiful cake was made by Robin over at Hanisch Bakery here in Red Wing.  This was the most delicious smelling spice cake!  And could you just die over those roses on top?!  They were so big & beautiful, I thought they were magnolias for a second.

Thanks to everyone who participated in this fabulous wedding!

Cake: Hanisch Bakery & Coffee Shop, Red Wing

Flowers: Sweet Peas Floral, Woodbury

Chair Decor: Flair Your Affair, Hasting

 

Wedding Videography by Princess Bride Cinematic Video

I wanted to share another beautiful wedding video with you!  I constantly hear engaged couples mention that they aren’t a big fan of wedding video.  Of course, if you’re thinking of 1980′s videography (camera in the face, videographer asking your drunk uncle embarrassing questions…) true – I’m not a big fan either.

But wedding videography is so different these days!  If you don’t believe, check out this video shot by Sarah from Princess Bride Cinematic Video!

I know you’ll love it!

 

The Perfect Fall Getaway

Join us at the St. James Hotel this fall!  Red Wing is the perfect place to experience fall in Minnesota.  Enjoy the change of the seasons by land or sea!

The leaves have just started to change, so there’s no time waste!  Call (800) 252-1875 or visit our website to make your reservation!

 

 

 

Wedding Videography by Oceanwide Studios

I wanted to share this beautiful video with you!  Shot by Brad from Oceanwide Studios, it is a beautiful sneak peak into a Red Wing Wedding!  Enjoy!

 

The Royal Wedding: My Opinion

There’s been a lot of talk recently about the royal wedding, and it seems that many people are divided.  There are some who have been following the updates since November when the engagement was announced (I definitely fall into this category), while others couldn’t care less about who is getting married across the big pond.  Fair enough – to each his own!

Here’s why I care:

First off, I’m a wedding planner!  Of course I care!  That should be the obvious answer.  But it’s not just about wanting to watch a princess get married.  When Lady Diana Spencer married Prince Charles in 1981, their wedding changed trends throughout the world.  The same is true of Ms. Catherine Middleton and her Prince – their wedding will dictate wedding trends for the next decade if not longer!  I’m so excited to see how they take this extremely traditional concept and put their own signature on it.

**Prediction**  I’m predicting that Kate Middleton will wear something with sleeves.  Perhaps something like this….

And finally, I love the royal wedding because, let’s be honest – at the moment, the world is not the most delightful place.  With the Presidential Politics already brewing for 2012 and a whole slew of human rights issues throughout the world, I have to admit that I enjoy hearing about fruit cake and horses on the morning news.  I certainly know that talking about fruit cake doesn’t make the atrocities of our world vanish.  If only it were that easy!

And while I of course respect anyone who can’t wait for this taffeta & lace debacle to be over on Friday evening, I will be up bright and early on April 29th to watch Ms. Middleton walk up the aisle of Westminster Abbey to meet her prince and live happily ever after.

 

How to Have Your Own Royal Wedding

With all the hype about the Royal Wedding (coming up in just 16 days!), I thought I’d provide you with some helpful tips on how to infuse your own nuptials with a bit of royalty!

1. Purple, the color of royalty.

If you’re still looking for a color scheme to go with, how about a beautiful & rich purple?  For example:

2. Wear a Fascinator

So, perhaps this one isn’t so much “royal,” as it is British – but why not!  A fascinator is a great way to add in a little more style (& sparkle) if you like!  Heart set on wearing your grandmother’s 60-year old cathedral length veil?  No problem!  Wear a fascinator for just the reception!

3. Old-World Charm

Princess Kate will have a plethora of old-world charm on her big day.  Especially considering that Westminster Abbey’s foundation is almost 1000 years old!  But she’ll also be riding back to Buckingham Palace with Prince William in a carriage from 1902.  Unfortunately, the United States doesn’t have many 1000-year old churches available.  However, there are numerous buildings throughout the country that exude this style.  For example, St. Augustine, Florida is full of historical photo-ops.  Of course, a favorite space of mine is the Library here at the St. James Hotel.

Photo from Sheryl Soule Photography

4. Planned Entrance & Exit

I love that the to-be Princess is arriving via Rolls Royce to Westminster Abbey!  And then she has almost a 5 minute processional up to the altar!  After she becomes Princess Kate, she & her Prince will ride in a carriage back to Buckingham Palace along the crowded streets of London lined with excited onlookers.  How can you do something similar?  Have an official get-a-way!  I love the idea of changing into a white get-a-way suit and officially leaving for the night!  This is an excellent time for the ever-popular sparkler picture as well!  Have your guests line the walk way holding sparklers, and you’re on your way to your very own fairytale!

 

NAME THE ROOM CONTEST

In April, we will be offering a new gathering room with your own private porch that captivates this unique view of the river. The room will be equipped with many amenities including state of the art technology to help ensure the success of any business event accommodating up to 97 people. With in-room bar service, it is a perfect setting to host an intimate wedding, anniversary or reunion.

What it doesn’t have yet is a name. If your name is chosen, you will become part of the St. James Hotel history and you’ll also enjoy a weekend for two in our one of a kind Victorian guest rooms and dining in our venues. The view of the river and the guest experience at the St. James Hotel in Red Wing is unlike anything along the entire Mississippi.

To see the architectural plans for the new room and layout design, visit our website!

http://www.st-james-hotel.com/stjames/nameMeetingRoom.html

 

CONTEST DETAILS & RULES

• Please submit the room name by April 30, 2011
• To submit your room name please email 
contest@st-james-hotel.com
• Winner will be announced May 2, 2011
• First person to submit the room name we choose will be the winner

Winner of the contest will receive a weekend for two in one of our Victorian guest rooms and dining in our venues.

 

How to Plan a Stress & Hassle Free Wedding!

Has wedding planning turned you into this?

Stressed about everything?

Looking to get married without any of the hassle and stress of planning a wedding?  Hold your wedding at the St. James Hotel this winter, and you can have it all (without the stress!)  Let us plan your event for you!  You bring the formalwear & a fiance, and we’ll take care of the rest!

The best part is, you’ll even save money!  If you hold your wedding before March 31st, you’ll receive:

• Complimentary Table Decorations
• Complimentary Signature Drinks for Cocktail Hour
• Complimentary Hors d’Oeuvres for Cocktail Hour
• Complimentary Whirlpool Suite for Your Wedding Night!
• 50% Off Room Rental
• Discounted DJ Service
• Discounted Room Rates for Your Guests
• Complimentary Stay on Your 1-Year Anniversary

With over $3000 worth of savings, this is the best time to get married!  Call us today to begin planning your hassle & stress free wedding!

(And avoid this on your big day!)

Call today to begin the stress relief!

This stress-free option only lasts through March!

651-385-5548

jessica.hazelton@st-james-hotel.com

 

The Grand Staircase

There is no backdrop more beautiful for a wedding than the St. James Hotel.  Not only does the hotel rest on a beautiful stretch of the Mississippi River, the hotel has been well maintained.  The Grand Staircase, original from 1875, is the perfect setting for your ceremony, first glance and many other priceless moments.