Real Events: Colleen's Wedding at the Morris House Hotel

When my good friend Colleen asked me if I could maybe help her create a wedding program for her September 2009 wedding, I was all about it.  One thing led to another and the next thing I knew, Jamie and I were not only creating tons of custom DIY projects for Colleen's wedding, but we were also coordinating the day as well.  It was a terrific experience - lots of fun (and lots of work) and we met some pretty amazing professionals about whom we will blog soon.

Colleen and her now-husband Craig were married at the Morris House Hotel in Philadelphia.  The Morris House is a stunning historical luxury boutique hotel.  I can't say enough good things about the place:  it is charming, unique and simply lovely.  In fact, if you click on the video on their Weddings page, you will see Colleen's wedding featured.

The hotel is well-suited for a smaller wedding - about 100 people will fill the space comfortably.  Guests enter through the impressive columned entrance and will walk through several small, beautifully decorated rooms (library, parlour, dining room) and then will enter the event space, which is the hotel's courtyard.  The courtyard is impeccably maintained, and most events should use a tent to cover the space.  We had the pleasure of working with EventQuip, a tent company based in Lansdale.  Colleen and Craig made the (wise) choice to have a clear-topped tent.  The effect was nothing short of spectacular.  Guests felt as though they were dining and dancing al fresco under the stars, and I think the twinkle lights sparkled a bit more under the clear top.

The guest rooms were perfectly appointed, and the food, catered by Max Hansen caterers, was divine.  Jamie and I walked away from the Hotel hoping we could plan another event there soon, and as a guest at the wedding, I felt the same way.

{we will post more about Colleen & Craig's wedding soon - and share pictures of the day and the details we created, which included placecards, table numbers, a freeform crystal chandelier for the tent, many custom signs, programs, menu cards, lollipop trees, bar signs, and personalized stir-sticks.  We will post "how to" instructions for these projects in future posts.}

What about you? Do quaint historical hotels like The Morris House appeal to you? Or are you more of a grand ballroom type person? Or do you prefer events on the beach or under the trees? What's your fancy?

See you swoon,



{all photos in this post courtesy of Eric Mencher Photography}