A New Year's Eve Wedding

Tonight's wedding was so beautiful to behold, I thought you might like a peak at the wedding party that I snapped in the lobby as they were posing for their photographer.

As I spoke to our guests tonight, some were surprised about the idea of a New Year's Eve wedding, but when I explained that we normally did host a wedding virtually every New Year's Eve, and that it was a great excuse for a party on a night when people were already in a party frame of mind, those same guests nodded vigorously in agreement.

I hope you enjoy this little look at a slice of life here at the Hawthorne Hotel in Salem, Massachusetts.

Juli 

A Summer Wedding Turns "Christmas-y"

We received this Christmas card from one of our couples who got married here during the summer. They turned their photo into a holiday one, and we thought you might enjoy seeing it.

Happy Holidays and "Married Christmas" from the staff of the Hawthorne Hotel, and from Paula and Arthur.

Juli

An Interesting Wedding Website

If you are looking for someplace to go to find some more information on having a unique and interesting wedding, you might go to www.elegala.com. There is much inspiration and information to be gained from this site.

Juli

The Winter Holidays Lend a Festive Air to the Hawthorne Hotel Ballroom

Touches of sparkle add a decidedly festive look to the Hawthorne Hotel Ballroom. Here you can see the wreaths and window box dressings sparkling in the windows, while the chair covers, with their burgundy red bows have just the right touch of sheen. A lovely look for a winter wedding!

 
 
 

Juli 

A Lovely Couple. . .

. . . and what we thought was a unique photo. This is Heather and Peter, who got married on December 2, and had their wedding reception here at the Hawthorne Hotel in Salem.



When you are thinking of a venue for your wedding, many factors come into your decision. One thing you may want to consider is whether or not the place where you celebrate will be around for your 10th or 25th or 50th anniversary. When you have your reception in an Historic Hotel of America, you know that the property is dedicated to preservation.

While it's not a guarantee, you are much more likely to be able to come back and celebrate those milestone dates right here. Should you choose a country club or a reception hall, there is no place to stop in for those in-between special dates, like there is right here at the historic Hawthorne Hotel. Not a big thing, but something to think about.

We hope you will plan to share your special day with each other, right here at the Hawthorne.

I look forward to meeting you.

Juli

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