Top 10

I really do consider myself one of the luckiest people in the world. I absolutely love my job! I mean, honestly, how could I not?!?!? As the wedding coordinator at the St. James Hotel, I get to talk about weddings...let's see...all day long! Most of my clients are some of the happiest people (getting married!) and no two brides are alike. So, that is, in short, why I love my job.

The truth is, I used to talk about weddings all the time before I had a job in the wedding industry. Back then, it was tragic. Seriously - can you think of something more depressing than a single girl (a deathly single girl!) buying seven bridal magazines in one shot?

But the reasons I love weddings are still the same, whether its for my job or for my personal life! So, I give you....

The Top 10 Reasons Why I Love Weddings!

10. It's a party, and who doesn't love a good party?!

9. Buttercream. 'Nuff said.

8. The most beautiful fabrics in the world.

7. Jason Mraz "I'm Yours."

6. Phantastic Photography!

5. Vibrant Videography!

4. The fact that you can go to your best friends wedding, whom you thought you knew everything about, and meet some of the most interesting characters on this planet that you never knew existed.

3. Butler Passed Hors d'Oeuvres!

2. Champagne.

1. The fact that a wedding is a celebration of love, and how can you think that's not great?

10-10-10

October 10, 2010

Book your wedding at the St. James Hotel on 10-10-10 and receive these 10 special offers!

1. Theme Drinks for Rehearsal Dinner

2. No Cake Cutting Fee

3. No Bartender Fee

4. 50 % off Room Rental

5. Complimentary Champagne Toast for All Your Guests

6. 1 Complimentary Room Centerpiece

7. Complimentary Whirlpool Suite for the Mr. & Mrs!

8. Wedding Night Surprise!

9. Complimentary Breakfast for Two the Morning After

10. Complimentary Stay on Your One-Year Anniversary

October 10, 2010 - 10 Great Offers!

My first show!

So, this past weekend was my first wedding show. It was down in West Des Moines, IA. I went to college in Iowa (Luther!) so I will of course enjoy any trip to the old IA. We were down at the Hy-Vee Conference Center. What a great space - huge! I also met some great people!

I never realized how crowded those things get. Truthfully, I felt bad for the brides, wandering aimlessly in hopes of finding their perfect wedding hidden among booths of various vendors. I also didn't realize how big some people do their booths. I was feeling a little empty in my booth, all by myself, alone with my pamphlets. But then, my friend Sam showed up! It was a wonderful surprise to see a familiar face!

It was definitely a learning experience - now I know what to expect for the next one!

Victorian Beauty

The St. James Hotel, built in 1875, retains a lot of Victorian charm. One of my favorite spaces to hold an event is our Historic Lobby area. This space includes: the Victorian Dining Room, the Historic Lobby and the Historic Library. Also in this space is the Grand Staircase which is the original staircase from 1875!

Let's start with the His

toric Lobby. 14' ceilings, Victorian furniture and the original front desk. Today, that front desk makes a great bar. A

ll the furniture in this room is movable, so it can be transformed into a variety of spaces. A few weeks ago we had a wonderful couple hold their

ceremony in this space. The Grand Staircase is one of our most popular photo spots in the hotel.

As the original staircase it is a great piece of history, but it's also a great way to show off your beautiful train!

Off to the right of the Historic Lobby we'll find the Library. Not only is this a perfect place to cozy up with a

good book on a rainy afternoon, but it's also a gorgeous s

pace to hold a ceremony and a beautiful b

ackdrop for photos. This rich space is always set with luxurious leather chairs and a crackling fire.

The last space in the Historic area is the Victorian Dining Room. This room, with ornate 14' ceilings is an ideal space for a small reception.

This Historic section of the hotel is one of my favorite, mainly because it embodies the spirit of the St. James Hotel so much. There is so much character in these rooms that are a perfect addition to any wedding.

StyleMePretty Inspiration Board

Style Me Pretty recently launched their 'Style Circle' which is awesome! I adore it. Their inspiration board builder is fantastic, in fact, I'm re-posting it here! I apologize if it is a bit small, so head on over to SMP to check it out!

When I think of a historical space, like the St. James Hotel where I work, I think of richness and decadence. But I've seen the 'historical' aspect go too far to the point of an "old timey photograph" -- the kind where no one smiles. This dress has a few frills that resemble a traditional petticoat and corset. My idea of 'historically chic' is: always structured at the core, but frosted with lace, gargoyles or any other kind of decor. At its base is a simple shape, flower or silhouette, but it is layered with beautiful embellishments.

I Love Flowers.

This may seem obvious, but seriously, flowers make it happen. They add so much depth to the event. We had a wedding this past weekend here at the St. James with some great flowers on the cake. The cake was from Hanisch Bakery in Red Wing. The flowers are by Glenda from Flair Your Affair.

The thing I love about flowers the most? They photograph so well. It could be because I'm a garden freak, but I just am always thrilled with photos of flowers. The colors are so vi

brant and they have so much depth. Flowers look spectacular when paired with: detail shots of the wedding dress, detail shot of tablescapes, detail shots of the rings and not to mention, shots of just the flowers themselves.

A nice thank you...

Anyone who knows me well will tell you that I love weddings. I love everything about them. That would be my primary reason for being a 'wedding coordinator.' We had an awesome wedding here at the St. James Hotel about 2 months ago up in our Summit Room. Not only was the wedding wonderful, but everyone had a great time. The mother of the bride sent us the sweet note:

Our sincerest thanks for an incredible St James experience at our daughter Katherine's wedding reception on June 26! I have so many areas I'd like to mention but perhaps you have a survey that you'd like me to take. I'd be more than happy to.

Our personal thanks to you Chef Michael also.. I am sorry I missed you the morning after the reception. I was up in the Summit Room de-decking the halls. I want you to know that the food was outstanding, from the hors d'oeuvres to the main entrees of leg-in Chicken Marsala 'a la Michael' and the Salmon Florentine. Many, many of our guests have raved about it and thanked us for a 'lovely evening' VS a great wedding reception. The 'lovely' evening was our goal, but you, Michael, and your staff exceeded our expectations. Our dinner was, by far, the best we have ever had the pleasure of eating at any wedding reception, any type, anywhere. I would

love to come back some time soon to enjoy and savor it again.

Katherine's reception was very relaxing, classy, paced perfectly with yours Ashley and Michael's assistance in the planning stages knowing that it was imperative to stay on time to achieve the outstanding result we did.

Additionally, each time we came to the St James we were welcomed, greeted,

sought out, paid personal attention by you and Chef Michael. We couldn't

have asked for anything nicer, more personable, more reassuring, and instilling confidence each step that we would be very happy on June 26. We were not just happy, we were thrilled, elated. I am still reliving the entire event and our stay at the St James on June 25 and June 26.

I would recommend the St James to anyone and we are thrilled that we chose the St James Summit Room. Please thank all of your staff involved in our reception. They were impeccable--friendly, helpful, gracious, no task or request was beyond them. We so appreciate the excellence that the St James displayed!

Stay tuned for pictures from this fabulous wedding!

The Summit

One of the most common problems with historical buildings is that they can rarely accomodate a large group. Some places will max out at 100 guests. The St. James is rare in that we can accomodate a wedding group of up to 340 in the Summit.

Located on the top floor of the hotel, the Summit can seat over 300 guests and has a dance floor built in. With a million dollar view over looking the Mississippi River, this space has everything you need for your wedding.

The Summit can also be a great place for your ceremony. What better backdrop than the natural beauty of the river?

Having your ceremony and reception in the same location can make the day run very smoothly. Transportation is much less of an issue, not only for you and your wedding party, but for your guests as well.

The Boot

Okay, so I know that this is NOT by any means a wedding post, but I had to share it with everyone any way, because its pretty cool. Today the World's Largest Boot was put into its permanent home here in Red Wing, Minnesota. The boot will reside atop the new Red Wing Shoe Store & Museum in downtown Red Wing. The boot is a size 638 1/2 - D, roughly the size a 12-story man would need.

The boot is a complete replica of the Red Wing Shoe Boot Style No. 877.

The new store will be opening on August 3rd. Not only will it be a retail shop, but also a museum with tours.

History

The St. James Hotel was founding in 1875 by 11 local businessmen who saw a need for a first class eating and sleeping establishment. As Red Wing was one of the largest cities in Minnesota at that time, the hotel flourished. Charles Lillyblad and his wife Clara ran the hotel for many years. Charles passed away in 1931, but Clara ran the hotel until her death in 1972.

Today the St. James Hotel is one of the premier places to visit in the Midwest. The St. James Hotel can accomodate weddings up to 300 guests. Our wide variety of menu choices, either by package or a la carte as well as our million dollar view make the St. James a great place to have your wedding. Whether you're looking for a small intimate affair or the wedding bash people talk about all year, the St. James Hotel has the perfect space for you.

Welcome!

Thank you for visiting the St. James Hotel wedding blog! The St. James Hotel is the premier location for weddings in Southern Minnesota. Located in the quaint town of Red Wing on the Mississippi River, the St. James Hotel is full of history, elegance and hospitality.