January 23, 2008

Welcome to the New Grand Bohemian Hotel Wedding Blog!

Welcome to the new Grand Bohemian Wedding Blog! We are excited to begin sharing all of the news, inspiration and ideas from weddings at the Grand Bohemian Hotel in beautiful downtown Orlando, Florida. We are proud to be the most sophisticated, upscale venue chosen by discriminating Orlando wedding couples looking for weddings of style and distinction. We invite you to scroll down to view some of the latest Real Weddings and hot happenings at the Hotel.

Please check back often for the lastest updates from our team of Exceptional Event Managers!

[click on any image to view larger]

January 21, 2008

The Johan Strauss Ballroom



Our rich setting affords you a wedding experience like no other. The Johann Strauss Ballroom can accommodate up to (150) guests for served, plated dining with a dance floor and head table. Should you wish for buffet dining, we are able to accommodate up to (150) guests by placing the buffet outside the room. And of course there are a variety of ways to place the tables and we have access to the finest linens, place settings, floral + lighting designers and chair rentals in the entire Southeast!

The Art of Marrying Well...

We are so proud to be a part of the Kessler Collection and we invite you to learn more about these amazing and inspiring hotels. Through the use of distinctive architecture, stylish interior design, rare art and music, Kessler Collection guests are treated to unique hotel experiences. While themes may vary, our service does not. Gracious hospitality and thoughtful amenities create even more reasons for guests to return again and again. Consider...marrying at the Grand Bohemian and honeymooning in Savannah at the Mansion on Forsyth Park! Or how about a bridesmaids getaway to the charming Sundy House in Delray Beach! Taos, New Mexico is home to the southwest retreat of El Monte Sagrado Living Resort & Spa, and the Beaver Creek Lodge is minutes away from some of the best snow skiing in Colorado! The Celebration Hotel is a warm and romantic resort in the quaint town of Celebration, Florida. And many more! Click here to see a slideshow of real weddings held at the unique Kessler Collection properties. We invite you to visit them all!

January 20, 2008

Real Wedding: Brooks + Michael

Be sure to read all about the Real Wedding of Brooks Morey + Michael Janocko featured on our website. See how they carried the stylish palette of green and chocolate throughout their floral and decor in this rooftop celebration at the Grand Bohemian!

[Photos courtesy of Damon Tucci]

Grand Bohemian Engagement Session: Stephanie + Ted




The amazingly talented (and award winning!) Orlando based photographer Garrett Nudd recently spent an afternoon shooting an engagement session with Stephanie & Ted, with our unique and romantic Grand Bohemian Hotel serving as their backdrop...

Real Wedding: Becky + Cannon





Congratulations to Becky and Cannon on their gorgeous wedding held at the Knowles Chapel at Rollins College followed by their reception in the magnificent Johann Strauss Ballroom here at the Grand Bohemian Hotel! The talented team at Roots Photography captured every moment - you can see many more images from their day by visiting the Roots Blog!

January 19, 2008

Grand Bohemian Gift Registry

We are delighted to introduce the Grand Bohemian Gallery Gift Registry program—an innovative registry option for couples who are inspired by fine art. You will consult with a Gallery representative who will assist you in selecting fine art and objects for your home. Your guests will be able to choose from a variety of gift choices that will become lasting treasures in your home. Items range from $45 glass vases to original art work by renowned artists. "Share" certificates are also available so that guests may opt to contribute towards a higher priced item that you have your heart set on.

Click here to learn more about this 'state of the art' program!

City Chic Weddings




With the Orlando skyline as your backdrop, The Bohemian Garden is the perfect setting for a wedding ceremony. Able to accommodate up to (125) guests under a canopy that features elegant white bunting under a permanent tented pavilion. Wrought iron candelabra chandeliers create a dramatic setting. And this setting is adjacent to our rooftop pool, adding more ambiance and the perfect location for your cocktail reception and dinner, should you choose! Be sure to check availability with one of our Exceptional Events Managers!

[Photos courtesy of : (1) John Unrue, (2, 3) Damon Tucci, & David Basher]

Real Wedding: Deanna & Robert




Thank you to photographer Chris Gillyard for sharing these gorgeous photos from Deanna & Robert's November 17 wedding at the Grand Bohemian Hotel! Deanna walked down a petal strewn walkway to marry Robert under the tent on our rooftop as the sun was setting in the Orlando sky. Amidst twinkling candlelight and surrounded by family and friends they said their "I do's" and then celebrated in our Grand Ballroom. With roman table seating and cluster centerpieces of jewel tones the magic continued on this very special night! Congrats!

January 18, 2008

New Bohemian Wine Room

We recently unveiled the Bohemian Wine Room, an opulent private wine room available for use for special parties and occasions. Guests can order from the menu of the award-winning Boheme restaurant or let Executive Chef Zachary Martin prepare a special menu for the room per occasion. Located off of the main lobby, the intimate wine room holds up to 14 guests and features several magnificent wild life paintings by renowned Italian artist Stefano Cecchini.

The centerpiece of the room is the custom designed dining table. Topped with two large orange Onyx stone plates and lit from underneath, the glowing table gives the room a dramatic effect, which is further enhanced by the gold leafing on the hand-painted ceiling and walls.

The perfect location for an intimate engagement celebration or rehearsal dinner - be sure to contact one of our Exceptional Events Managers for more details!

[Photo courtesy of Garrett Nudd]

January 17, 2008

The Art of Music!




Sitting in the heart of downtown Orlando, we have access to the best and most accomplished musicians...ready to accompany you down the aisle, provide the soundtrack for your reception, or lead you in your first dance! Our Exceptional Events Managers are happy to assist you musically!



[Photos courtesy of (1,2) Kevin Keelan, (3) Marc Harmon & (4) John Unrue]


Grand Bohemian Wedding Trends





One of the most fun aspects of hosting weddings each weekend at the hotel is seeing how different couples interpret the unique setting of the Grand Bohemian for their event. No two weddings are ever the same - with a variety of different color schemes, food and beverage choices, themes, entertainment and so much more! Recently we have seen some of the hottest trends in weddings hit our ballrooms - including monogrammed aisle runners, cool and refreshing pre-ceremony beverages, martini bars, personalized wine labels and the chic and trendy all after party! We will share more so be sure to check back often!

[Photos courtesy of (1) David Basher, (2) Damon Tucci, (3,4) Kevin Keelan & (5) Marc Harmon]

Gather 'round...

Looking for a unique welcome party? Gather your family and closest of friends in the Bösendorfer Lounge. Experience the best in live entertainment featuring the Imperial Grand Bösendorfer Piano, one of only two in the world, while sipping your favorite cocktail or glass of wine. The perfect way to kick off your destination wedding in downtown Orlando!

Real Wedding: Jen+Linus



Congrats to Jen + Linus! We loved hosting their touching afternoon ceremony under the tent on our rooftop pool deck. Family and friends celebrated with them in during their sophisticated and fun-filled reception in our Grand Ballroom! Square tables with accents of deep reds and chocolate brown made their setting unique and truly unforgettable!

[Photos courtesy of the amazing Damon Tucci]

Grand Bohemian Engagement Session




Once again the masterful blend of art and music of the Grand Bohemian provided the backdrop for this couple's engagement session shot by the talented Domenico Castaldo...gorgeous!

Mini-Moons, Grand Bohemian Style!



Whether you're taking a needed break from wedding planning, or want to have a weekend away prior to your honeymoon, relax and enjoy a "Mini-Moon" getaway and indulge in all the romance and luxury the Grand Bohemain Hotel has to offer! Pamper yourselves in our spa, dine in our award winning Boheme Restaurant, or just relax admist the warmth and comfort in the opulent accommodations of your guest room.

Contact one of our Exceptional Events Managers for more details!

January 16, 2008

The Boheme!

Enjoy world class cuisine and the inviting setting of the critically acclaimed Boheme Restaurant: the perfect venue for so many of the events surrounding your Grand Bohemian Wedding: from the groomsmen's lunch, to the rehearsal dinner, and even a farewell brunch! Savor prime steaks and fresh seafood, handcrafted desserts, and our popular Sunday Jazz Brunch.

For more information, contact one of our Exceptional Events Managers!

Rave Reviews!

We are thrilled when we hear from our wedding couples and their families! This recent letter from parents of the groom made our day!


"We had our son's wedding at the Grand Bohemian this past weekend. Grand does not begin to describe how fabulous the entire Grand Bohemian experience was. From the parking valets to the bellmen to the front desk staff, to the catering manager and staff, it was world class. The Grand Bohemian team exceeded all of our high standards and expectations. We need to give a special mention to Kimberly Moffat Martinez, the Senior Event Sales Manager, and Ruben, our wedding party waiter, who were so professional and attentive to every detail. Our guests were so complimentary; many of them telling us it was the most beautiful, fabulous wedding they had ever attended. While we certainly appreciated the acknowledgment and praise, the real credit goes to the entire staff of the hotel. It is a beautiful hotel, and the service is impeccable. Everyone acknowledges your "thank you" with "my pleasure". Well, we have to say it was our pleasure having our wedding experience at the Grand Bohemian. Thank you all so much for a fabulous experience."

Randy & Linda Scheff
Scheff Wedding

Real Wedding: Malissa + Michael





Check out the fun and unique wedding of Malissa + Mike recently shot by the amazing Karla Fountain! Donning a top hat, spats and red Converse tennis shoes Mike married Malissa, gorgeous in a strapless gown with black floral accents under the Bohemian Garden tent on our rooftop. The party continued in the Grand Ballroom as family and friends sat at tables named after their favorite bands. As the evening came to a close, Mike + Malissa were showered with confetti of black musical notes as they embarked on their new life as man and wife! Congrats from all of us at the Grand Bohemian!

January 14, 2008

More Rave Reviews!

Letters like these are why we all love our jobs so much!!

"I wanted to thank you so much for the wonderful wedding reception we had at the Grand Bohemian. You were wonderful to work with, and as the mother of the bride it was truly appreciated. The room was beautiful and the food delicious. We have had so many people tell us that was the best wedding reception they had ever been to. Bob and I really appreciate your hard work."

Sincerely,

Debbie Hawkins