Venue Slideshow | The Grand America Hotel featuring LMG Events
Friday October 8th, 2010
Today’s venue slideshow features The Grand America Hotel in Salt Lake City, Utah, with photography by Salt Lake City-based photographers Britt & Peter Chudleigh and the wonderful event planning and design skills of Mara Marian-Harwood of LMG Events. I had the pleasure of interviewing Mara and learning about the incredible story behind the featured wedding, as well as her insight into the wedding industry.
THE WEDDING BACKGROUND STORY
Julia and Gray almost didn’t have a wedding, due to an oil spill that destroyed their original reception venue. Like many brides who had their hearts (and wedding dates) set on celebrating in Salt Lake City’s Garden Park, Julia had to act fast. Chevron, which was aiding those affected by the spill, covered the costs associated with relocation. They also covered the cost of a planner, which is how Julia met Mara at LMG Events. Mara was already helping frantic brides; with numerous late night phone calls and a string of emails, Julia and Mara were able to make a potentially horrible situation into a night they’ll remember forever.
Julia and Gray’s wedding reception was held in the Garden Courtyard of the Grand America Hotel. They had a subtle western theme with a warm color palette, cowboy boots, and boleros. Along with their three-tiered wedding cake, the couple chose to include an ice-cream bar and a dessert buffet.
THE GRAND AMERICA HOTEL
The Grand America Hotel is located in downtown Salt Lake City. It opened its exquisite doors in 2001, in preparation for the 2002 Winter Olympics. Framed by the Wasatch and Oquirrh Mountain Ranges, The Grand offers European refinement with unforgettable mountain views. The hotel was designed by Frank Nicholson, known for his designs with the Ritz-Carlton. With onsight wedding professionals and catering, the hotel is wonderful for hosting wedding events. It also features the signature Garden Cafe, a fitness center, spa, beauty salon, and luxury rooms and suites. Art fanatics, check out the artsy antiques! Ranging from 18th Century tapestries to Moscatelli chandeliers (the largest bronze crystal chandeliers ever made), the art collection at The Grand America Hotel is sure to impress and inspire.
MARA MARIAN-HARWOOD, HEAD PLANNER AND DESIGNER OF LMG EVENTS
Mara describes herself as a born hostess, with a love for patterned china and coordinated place settings. Heavily influenced by her Romanian heritage, Mara used the acronym LMG for her business. LMG stands for “La Mireasa cu Gust” which translates, “For the Bride with Good Taste.” Britt Chudleigh described Mara as the “definition of organization and style.” After speaking with Mara, I couldn’t agree more, especially considering the “grand” circumstances surrounding this wedding.
What separates LMG Events from other planners?
I focus on personal and unique event design. For me, it’s about the couple—what represents them? I think many brides spend a lot of time online on blogs and looking through magazines and sometimes they get fixated on “this wedding” or “that wedding” and they lose sight of what is personal and meaningful to them. It’s my job to help them incorporate themselves into their inspiration from other weddings they love.
Does your Romanian background influence your work?
Absolutely, every day. European people in general are all about entertaining and making people comfortable in their home. An event for me is sort of like my home, it is always my goal to make sure guests are comfortable and having a wonderful time. Events are all about an experience.
Do you have a favorite (or least favorite) wedding trend?
Of course… I have many of both. I would have to say my favorite wedding trend right now is two gowns for brides—one long and traditional for the ceremony and one short and fun for the reception. I have found that brides who do the two gown thing are always relieved to “take a load off” when it’s time to dance and mingle. My least favorite trend (or “tradition” I suppose in this case) is when couples smash cake in one another’s faces. It makes me cringe, every time. The bride’s hair and makeup are beautiful, her gown is amazing and now she’s got cake everywhere. Sometimes it’s the bride who starts it, so who am I to judge?
What’s your favorite wedding moment?
Well, there are many… sometimes it’s the groom’s face when he first sees his bride, sometimes it’s the exchanging of vows and often times it’s my couple’s face when I reveal their reception room to them for the first time. I love seeing how much they love it.
Do you recommend photographers to your brides? If so, do your brides usually choose one of the photographers you recommended?
I always recommend a photographer, ALWAYS. My brides hire me because they trust my opinion. If a photographer has not yet been booked, I can guarantee my clients will select a photographer from a list I have recommended to them. I recommend different photographers based on my client’s needs, style and budget requirements. It’s not the same list for every bride.
Do you have any advice for brides when it comes to hiring photographers?
I always stress to my brides that the wedding day will go by SO FAST! All the hard work, the amazing moments and the many details will be forgotten if not captured for the couple to remember forever. Your wedding will last five hours or so, your professional photos will last forever. It’s so important to hire a photographer that understands your vision and whom you trust to capture your day the way you would want to remember it. You need to pick the photographer you feel can relate to you, and who has similar tastes. Be sure to do your research and don’t let price be your deciding factor. Look at their portfolio, is that your style? Is that how you would like your photos to look?
When it comes to budget, how much do you recommend should be allocated towards photography?
Well, that’s tough…because all markets are different and all photographers are priced differently, there is no percentage or dollar amount I could apply here. It’s important to consider a budget for engagement photos, bridals, as well as your ceremony and reception photos. Some clients opt to skip bridals and/or engagements, but I think that’s a mistake. This is such an important and monumental part of your life and the beginning of your lives as a couple, why not capture those moments to remember forever? Have fun with it!
What has your experience been like working with Britt & Peter Chudleigh?
Julia & Gray’s wedding was my first experience working with Chudliegh Photography. As you can imagine, under the circumstances of the last minute reception move I wanted to be sure all the vendors involved (some like myself at the last minute) were on the ball. It was so important to me that we all work together to really wow and impress Julia and Gray. They had just been through so much. Planning a wedding brings enough stress even without the added oil spill disaster. From the moment I met Britt and Peter in person, I knew I didn’t have to worry about them. I had been a fan of their work for some time as I followed their recent shoots online, and was amazed every time at the ability to make a simple setting so spectacular. No crazy angles or special effects editing, just beautiful photos. Chudleigh Photography did an incredible job with this event, just as I expected—see for yourself, what a gorgeous perspective! They captured every moment beautifully and didn’t miss a shot!
What makes Utah an amazing destination weddings for any bride?
Utah offers four seasons and a gorgeous mountain backdrop. Brides looking for a winter wedding complete with fresh snowfall find Utah to be ideal, as well as brides looking for gorgeous summer weather in a mountain resort setting. Our mountains really can’t be beat. Every mountain resort has it’s own breathtaking, charming, and unique aspects.
What was it like planning a wedding at The Grand America Hotel?
I have worked with The Grand on a number of occasions for many clients’ weddings. Lexi Casalino, the Grand America Wedding Specialist, is truly incredible. Lexi’s professionalism, attention to detail, and ability to remain calm while maintaining a sense of urgency is amazing. The entire Grand America team works together to make each bride’s experience truly memorable. Nothing is impossible and every detail is accounted for.
– Heather
