F & B : TABLETOP
Stowe Mountain Lodge in Stowe , Vermont , focuses on vintage , rustic and meaningful details ranging from woodsy natural elements to old barn wood to give wedding tabletops a uniquely local flair .
Landwehrle Photography
GETTING PERSONAL
Couples are using everything from centerpieces to brightly colored linens and local natural elements to help their wedding tabletops reflect their own unique tastes .
by ANN BAGEL STORCK , MANAGING EDITOR
The days of one-size-fits-all weddings are officially over , and the demand for unique , personalized and often locally inspired details has extended to all areas of any given wedding — including the tabletops . At Stowe Mountain Lodge , a member of the Destination Hotels & Resorts family located in Stowe , Vermont , couples often demand simple yet elegant touches that reflect the surrounding area , says Gabi Lungu , wedding coordinator at the hotel . “ Our wedding team literally will get their outdoor boots on , grab buckets and go forage natural elements from the surrounding area to help couples really get that natural Vermont feel for their arrangements ,” Lungu says .
“ We are located on the banks of the Eagle River with amazing Beaver Creek Mountain views , so we definitely try to incorporate that modern mountain feel into our wedding tabletops ,” adds Beth Olson , director of catering and events at The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa at Beaver Creek Mountain in Avon , Colorado . “ We see a lot of brides decorating with Aspen trees and branches , Colorado wildflowers and local berries , which is a great way to bring that outdoor feel inside .”
Sometimes a property ’ s distinctive interior serves as tabletop inspiration . “ Our ballroom has a cozy fireplace setting and dimming lights , so we often find brides like tabletops to be sprinkled with candles ,” says Kelly Masten , director of catering at Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe , New Mexico . “ This really helps to create romantic and subtle lighting for the tables .”
The possibilities are as varied as the personalities of each bride and groom , and the trend appears poised to continue . Notes Joel Nishimoto , catering director at Halekulani in Hawaii , “ The Internet has been and continues to be a gamechanger in the wedding industry because couples are more aware of their options .”
38 HOTELS December 2013 www . hotelsmag . com