Reception at the Graves 601

Dave is the Audio/Video Manager of the Graves 601 Hotel in Minneapolis.

He is responsible for all the lighting, sound, A/V equipment and production at the hotel.

The Graves is a boutique hotel. It is the only 4 star hotel in Minneapolis.


It is very upscale and dark and it is wrapped in exotic Paldeo wood.

Very chic and modern. This is Dave's type of place (he is very chic and modern). I however, find it rather different, as I am much more comfortable at the warm, cozy and charming Bed and Breakfasts of Stillwater (I am warm, cozy and charming :) ).

This is a wedding reception at the Graves. The photos were taken by the wonderful photographers at Studio 306.

The Graves 601 is a great place for your wedding reception or event if you are looking for the ambiance of very modern and definitely something different.

Coordinator's Corner

I just received my layouts for publication from Pat, a wonderful photographer (Sandhill Photography), who I had shoot a wedding we planned, designed, provided the decor and flowers and coordinated last fall. (Look at Kathy's beautiful flowers :) )

This is the ONLY wedding I have ever had that it was a complete downpour from start to finish, and, of course, it was an outdoor ceremony. Rain was not in the forecast, but we are always prepared! In Minnesota, if you have an outdoor wedding, you always have a Plan B (usually a tent (in this case a couple)). You never, ever, know what the weather is going to do.

The reception had originally been planned to be an outdoor reception on a rooftop, but due to many different circumstances, we had to change that just a week before the wedding (and had to totally redesign the reception). We did end up with it indoors, which worked out perfect for the weather conditions.

For so many reasons, and not just the pouring rain, I do believe this is the most difficult wedding and reception I have ever planned and "made the magic happen". This gives me all that much more fulfillment and gratification to see it take life and come together.

If you will notice the violinist, Jim. Bless his heart for playing in the rain. I do believe he is the only musician I know that would do that, and with good reason, those instruments are expensive and rather fragile with the elements. Most of the time we were holding an umbrella over his head as he strolled the pathway upon guest arrival. He insisted we do one quick shot without it.

These are the beautiful shots after everything came together. (click on photos to enlarge).















Beautiful Weddings Don't JUST HAPPEN

Now a look behind the scenes (remember this was all done in the POURING RAIN!) (this is why people hire us :) :

The Bride Has Spoken.........

The wedding reception for the July 25, 2009 wedding will be at:


You are all soooo good! I think that is what everyone thought would work best!

I am very excited. When I walked into the ballroom I knew it was the place for them. The groom's face lit up and all he could say was "Charlotte is going to love this!".

She did!

We are going on Wednesday night to nail down all the details and begin designing for linens, chair covers, flowers and lighting.

Since ya'll did so well, I'll be looking for your opinion more often. Don't go anywhere!!

Test YOUR Wedding Coordinator Skills

I have been busy at work today.

I took a groom (the bride was busy in school) to look at different venues for their upcoming wedding reception. We have the location for their ceremony, but we need to find a location for their reception (July wedding).

We have it narrowed down to 3. I had never been in any of these 3 places before today. One of them I just LOVED!! Especially for this couple, when I walked in, it just felt so perfect for them. The groom's face lit up. I think he liked it too :). He is going to take the bride to these places tomorrow and see what she thinks and they will let me know their decision.

Let's test your skills and see if this may be the career for you:

Background:

Young couple. Would like something "different". He is in the Air Force and she is finishing her schooling to be a police officer. They are very traditional in their beliefs, dress, design style. They would like a large dance floor because dancing is important to them. Their colors are going to be maroon and gold (the colors of the Minnesota Gophers because that is where they met). They will have 200 guests, mostly from out of town, so hotels are important. The ceremony will be at Fort Snelling Chapel (military chapel).

Sidenote: (below are some photos of one of the previous weddings I have had at the chapel) The couple shown, Jessica and David, are an adorable couple. He is from England and has such a yummy accent. She is a major sweetheart. Her grandfather had recently passed away shortly before the wedding and was buried in Fort Snelling Cemetery (Veteran). Following the ceremony, we went over to his grave and Jessica took a flower that had been arranged in her bouquet to be removed easily, and took it out and placed it on her grandfather's grave. The photo of her kissing his marker is so touching, I had to include it.






Anyway, back to the wedding at hand:

We have the reception narrowed down to 3 places. They are all within $3,000 of each other.

1. Least expensive. Historic Ballroom, once was a theatre (back when Dave was a little boy). We can bring in our own catering to customize our menu and our own alcohol to cut costs (we will have licensed alcohol providers and bartenders). Located about 10 minutes from the ceremony location and a hotel that would offer shuttle service for the guests. I can arrange to have their name placed on the marquee outside. Lighting in this place would be amazing. Capacity is 320.



2. Second most expensive. Wine restaurant. 20 minutes from ceremony location. 2 large hotels directly across the street, but they do not have a shuttle service. Restaurant provides all catering and liquor. Tables would need to removed off of dance floor for dance. Capacity 200.

(Large ice sculpture they offer for appetizers)

3. Most expensive. 30 minutes away from ceremony location. Hotels approximately 10 minutes away. In a wooded area. Venue does own catering and alcohol. Large patio area for cocktail hour. Dance floor in another room. Dance area is sunken (requires stepping down into). Large fireplace for setting head table in front of. Large windows overloking grassy area and patio. Capacity 200.




What do YOU think? Which do you think would be perfect?

I'll tell you my choice and what they decide tomorrow after the bride takes a look.