Wedding Bliss
One East Side location provided a stunning backdrop to this couple's big celebration.
Megan Danforth wanted the day she officially became Mrs. Andrew Hannan to be remembered for its elegance and class.
The Copley Township couple's ceremony was just that on September 17, 2005, when they exchanged rings and fed each other almond torte with chocolate mousse filling and butter cream frosting at the Bertram Inn and Conference Center, a place they chose for its unique appeal - something they wanted to share with their guests on their special day.
The marriage was close to six years in the making: Megan, 27, a pharmaceutical representative, says she is still getting the hang of her new last name, and Andrew, also 27, a computer analyst, hasn't reported any trouble with Megan's new last name.
The sophisticated event began with a late afternoon wedding in a beautifully decorated and disguised portion of the reception ballroom. "We used two-thirds of the room for the wedding. We had it set up theater-style with gold chivari chairs and then (floral designer) Al Wilhelmy did a beautiful backdrop with pillars and topiary trees,€VbCrLf Megan Hannan says. "You wouldn't have ever known that that was where the reception was going to be. It was gorgeous how he decorated with white, cream and gold, and he used maroon up-lighting - because that was the color of the bridesmaid dresses - to highlight the sheers draped around the area.€VbCrLf
After the ceremony, the 217 guests - 60 of whom spent the weekend at the upscale hotel, along with the bride and groom - were escorted into an atrium area for cocktails and hors d'oeuvres and to enjoy music from a baby grand piano. Meanwhile, the banquet staff transformed the room back into reception mode to make room for a dance floor and a 10-piece band that played a mix of Motown, jazz and classic rock.
"It's very grand,€VbCrLf Megan says, describing the pillars, a stunning entryway with grand pianos, rich, dark woodworking, high ceilings and an inviting fireplace. "I was just drawn in by the elegance of it all. It didn't look like your typical hotel ballroom.€VbCrLf
In addition, the Bertram Inn was centrally located for all the guests - even Andrew's family, who came from Pennsylvania and Arizona to attend.
"It was only about a half hour from my family, and it was a nice central location and easy to find,€VbCrLf Megan says. "They also provided transportation to us for our rehearsal dinner, as well as discounted room rates.€VbCrLf
With the help of a wedding consultant at Bertram Inn, who handled all the fine details of the day, Megan and Andrew's ceremony and reception went exactly as planned.
The best part? "Getting married to Andrew and enjoying the weekend with family and friends.€VbCrLf The worst part? "The moment the band ended their last song. I did not want the night to end!€VbCrLf
But then they never would have enjoyed a honeymoon of three days in Sonoma Valley - California wine country - and a week in Maui, Hawaii.
- Chrissy Kadleck
cle weddings
12:00 AM EST
November 7, 2007