The Brown Hotel will hold their eighth annual Bridal Experience this Friday from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. within the Crystal Ballroom. In this Q & A with Brown Hotel wedding coordinator Debbie Whitelock, learn what brides and grooms can expect upon entering the historic hotel for this yearly gathering.
This is the eighth year the Brown Hotel has held its Bridal Experience show. Could you tell me more about how the Brown came to enter the wedding and bridal show industries?
Debbie Whitelock: The hotel has been involved in weddings since opening in 1923. With our premier Crystal Ballroom as our glowing feature, the hotel was a natural place for brides to want to be on their wedding day. That is still true today with chandeliers and wonderful architecture - the Crystal is hard not to love.
What vendors will be in attendance this year?
Whitelock: Executive chef Laurent Géroli and the Brown Hotel culinary team will be showing off their expert skills and creativity. We will have Masters of Music, Sounds Unlimited Productions, Triangle Talent, Commonwealth Musicians, and the Louisville Crashers on hand to discuss entertainment options with our couples. Couture Closet and Bridal Warehouse will be showcasing some of this year’s hottest trends in bridal fashion. Sha Fox and Carol Gristanti will be available to discuss the benefits of a wedding planner. We will also have Amy Shepherd Photography, Eric Graf Photography, and Robert Burge Photography. There to discuss videography options will be IC Video, Kay Rountree Videography, and Two Rings Wedding Photography. Our transportation vendors this year are Xtreme Transportation and Mint Julep Tours. Truly the heart of our show is the designers who transform our Crystal Ballroom into a wedding wonderland. Those vendors include: Blooms by Essential Details, Boston’s Floral Couture, Country Squire Florist, Fleur De Lis Events & Design, In Bloom Again, and J. Elizabeth Designs. Also attending will be Glasscock Boutique, Louisville Bride Magazine, USPS, Louisville Stoneware, Magnolia Photo Booth, Mert’s Cakes, Platinum Travel, The Perfect Wedding Guide, Sophisticated Weddings, Southern Wine and Spirits, and our very own Shop at The Brown.
Is there a theme for this year's show?
Whitelock: There isn’t a “theme” per se for the show. However, the show is meant to allow brides and their guests to experience what a wedding reception is like at the Brown with these wonderful vendors.
Tell me more about the Crystal Ballroom and its role in the show?
Whitelock: The Crystal Ballroom and its surrounding rooms house the show. I believe that the Crystal sets the stage for the level of luxury for the show and is the same type of luxury that one comes to expect from The Brown.
As the hotel's wedding coordinator, why should potential clients choose the Brown for their wedding and/or reception over another venue?
Whitelock: The Brown prides itself on our food and service - two of the most important things to consider for your guests. We continue to challenge our staff to ensure you and your guests are always getting the best in both categories. With The Brown there is a lot of added value in what we offer our brides including a complimentary champagne toast for all guests, a complimentary room night for our bride and groom, along with many other features.
I also think one of the major benefits to being in hotel in general is that your guests tend to stay a little longer and enjoy a little more. Since they can retire to their guestrooms when the evening is over rather than drive home, they are more willing to celebrate longer. The hotel recently renovated all 293 guest rooms with lush window coverings and wall treatments along with refinished furniture pieces.They're the perfect place for your guests to stay on the night of your wedding.
We believe our lobby and our ballrooms are the most beautiful in town and our staff of 200 will make every minute of your wedding weekend perfect from the moment you enter our doors until you check out.
