As you may have noticed, the first Monday of each month has become a very special day here at Merci New York… It’s when we are graced by the presence of guest blogger Christina Matteucci of david beahm destinations . As executive director of the tony design team’s destinations division, Christina has brought Merci’s readers to a flurry of fabulous wedding, honeymoon and bachelorette party locales this summer. Now, as we turn toward fall, Christina travels down south to Williamsburg, Virginia. And believe us, it’s far from the touristy town you knew as a kid… Take it away, Christina!
When I first learned that The Colonial Williamsburg Resort Collection hosted weddings and social events, I was astonished. Thoughts of my Eighth grade trip to Williamsburg raced through my head, along with visions of tricorn hats, cannons and pewter beer steins. Up until my return visit, I was still considering whether to pack my corset and petticoat. In reality, while the educational, costumed side of The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation does a marvelous job educating the masses of children and adults alike that visit every year, it’s just one part of the big picture.
Beyond the quaint streets, farm animals and ale houses, a luxury hospitality gem awaits you. You may have to travel long and far to get there {well…. not sooo far if, like me, you reside in NYC}, but that’s okay – the caring and attentive staff will make you feel right at home seconds after you walk through the front door. At home, that is, if your home happens to be a spacious combination of colonial luxury, modern amenities and five-star service.
2012 marks the 75th anniversary of the Williamsburg Inn {the crown jewel of the Resort Collection}. The Inn itself has been a mainstay in the hospitality industry since it was built in 1937 by John D. Rockefeller Jr. and Abby Aldrich Rockefeller. It’s actually the only hotel in North America where the Queen Elizabeth II has stayed and she graced the Inn twice!
It’s no wonder David and I think The Colonial Williamsburg Resort Collection is a truly perfect locale for a bachelor/bachelorette weekend – or a gorgeous modern wedding steeped in traditional Southern hospitality {see our suggestions at www.destinations.davidbeahm.com }.
There are nearly limitless options to hold a beautiful ceremony… from magnificent ballrooms to verdant formal gardens. Each option appeals to a different couple, of course, but they’re all managed with the genteel, white-glove service that defines the Colonial Williamsburg experience. And in honor of David being a native son of Virginia, Colonial Williamsburg has exclusively offered David Beahm Brides the option to hold their ceremony on the steps of the Governor’s Palace – a privilege usually reserved for government officials only! Queen for a day indeed!
But let’s cut right to the chase – even if you’re not a David Beahm Bride, what makes a Colonial Williamsburg wedding fahhhbulous as opposed to just peachy? Well, that, my dear readers is, as always, all about the details. Don’t be afraid to exercise all the options that are available to you, your bridal party and your guests. For example, Colonial Williamsburg can provide a font of inspiration for your invitation. David recently collaborated with Pier Gustafson on an invitation suite that hearkens back to a bygone era and includes profile illustrations of the bride and groom in boxwood topiaries, and a map of Colonial Williamsburg in pen-and-ink style. {Be sure to check out Merci’s Twitter feed for a quick peek}!
Instead of a traditional escort card, I love the notion of inscribing your guests’ names into silver mint julep cups, and welcoming them to your wedding with a libation that is sure to start the evening off with a bang. While you’re at it, try having their table number appear on a utilitarian swizzle sticks accenting each cup.
Time and time again, you will hear me expound upon the subject of creating an activity-filled weekend for your friends and family. Many of them may be taking precious time off to attend your celebration, and it is only appropriate that you ensure they are well-entertained during their stay. So what is there to do in Colonial Williamsburg, you ask? Let me tell you! In walking distance is Golden Horseshoe Golf Club, which boasts courses designed by greats Robert Trent Jones and Rees Jones. Why not send off the groom and his men for a day on the greens – complete with cigars, a musket shot send-off and Pierce’s Pitt Bar-B-Que {David’s favorite} at the 13th hole of the Gold Course? 
With the boys occupied, you and your ladies can kick off your heels and enjoy a day of utter relaxation with a century-inspired spa experience at the Spa of Colonial Williamsburg {each spa experience is inspired by a different century, from the 17th to the 21st!}. After noshing on finger sandwiches and sipping fragrant teas, you and the gals will certainly want to bring home a custom-scented Spa of Colonial Williamsburg skin care product.
Now after all of that, if you still want to don your knickers and hose, we would never object… but a whole world of refined Southern hospitality awaits. I’ll see y’all there!
Editor’s Note: Be sure to visit Christina’s other posts on the Merci New York blog… This summer alone, she has shared some very chic david beahm destinations in Tulum, Mykonos and the Napa Valley. We’re thrilled to see where she will take us this November.
david beahm destinations is a by-invitation resource of amazing destination wedding, honeymoon and celebration locales, all expertly curated by the renowned David Beahm team. Merci New York readers can gain instant access to all of the properties mentioned in Christina’s articles, by entering code “Merci2011″ on the log-in page. Pretty fabulous, no? Photo credits: Brandon Lata of Fellici Photography and Sean Lata .
