Introducing Seaside Romance: Vow Bride & The Chamberlin

It's not everyday that an event professional gets the opportunity to experience an event from a guest's perspective but I recently had the pleasure to do just that. Vow Bride Magazine, Hampton Roads region's leading Bridal Magazine together with the historic Chamberlin Hotel, Hampton (at Fort Monroe), Virginia introduced a brilliant new venue. After a remarkable renovation The Chamberlin has opened its doors again as an exquisite event site. Such a momentous occasion offer the opportunity for The Chamberlin to work with the area's best special event vendors.

For over 8 years Vow Bride Magazine has embodied the trend-setting voice, vision and style of the best Hampton Roads has to offer to local Bridal Couples. It was no surprise that The Chamberlin asked Kim Wadsworth, Editor-in-Chief of Vow Bride Magazine, to recommend the very best wedding professionals to introduce to the venue. The Chamberlin and Vow Bride Magazine then invited the area's best Hampton Roads wedding talent to attend a "by invitation only" champagne luncheon. Yours truly, along with the area's most elite wedding industry professionals, were among the first to experience this absolutely stunning seaside wedding and special event venue.

As a Hampton Roads native I admit I was familiar with The Chamberlin but it had been years since I last visited the site. The Chamberlin has been a landmark and a beloved thread in the area's rich historic tapestry for decades. As a little girl, I remember visiting the hotel - in fact, I recall my mother sharing tales of her own High school prom taking place at the majestic location. A few years ago we lost the hotel as a wedding and special event venue as it began to offer residential apartments and closed it's grand ballroom. However, on April 30th The Chamberlin unveiled its renovated facilities to this select group of wedding professionals. I was not disappointed. The Chamberlin offers a delightful return to "old world elegance and grand splendor" not seen in many years.

The bridal professionals luncheon guests were treated to a private tour showcasing the venues unique features which seemed to be ideal for bridal couples. Nestled prominently on the mouth of the James River, the venue offers a dramatic panoramic view. Built in 1929 (after the original building burned in 1920) the hotel creates an enchanting combination of historic grandeur and seaside beauty - the essence of Hampton Roads.

Simply steps away from St. Mary's church or Fort Monroe's picture perfect gazebo overlooking the siren waterfront it's not hard to imagine a Bridal couple exchanging vows with such a breathtaking backdrop. From there guests could be entertained on the venue's gorgeous rooftop or the stylishly elegant solarium leading out to the veranda overlooking water for sunset cocktails or small receptions of up to 35 guests. And, off course, a reception may be held in the venue's crowning jewel - the newly re-opened grande ballroom which can accommodate up to 200 guests. This is were the bridal professionals luncheon took place.

As I entered the ballroom I was swept away by the room's architecture. Enormous, arching windows welcomed radiant light while showcasing a spectacular view of the sea. The room was dressed in luxurious warm hues like golds delicately accented with soft cream columns. My eyes were drawn upward to the painstakingly details of the intricate crown molding. It was easy to envision a blissful Bridal couple sharing their first dance as husband and wife on the room's large wood dance floor but The Chamberlin and Vow Bride brought that vision to life with the help of a mock Bride and Groom who entered the room wearing an enchanting wedding gown and tuxedo from Maya Couture.

After enjoying scrumptious hors d' oeuvres passed by professionally dressed servers during a meet and greet in the venue's beautiful lobby and in between site tours, guests of the champagne luncheon dined on an exceptional meal from The Chamberlin's charming staff. Guests started with a fresh salad accented with sweet seasonal spring fruit which complemented slightly bitter mixed greens. This was followed by a succulent grilled steak paired with tender crab cake served with fennel-head ferns. The meal ended with and decadently rich chocolate and vanilla cake compliments of The Magic Cupboard who also creative a unique cake artistically designed to reflect the seaside wedding theme which became the decorative focal point of the dance floor.

For more information on this stunning location contact Caleb Holland, Special Events Coordinator for The Chamberlin at 757-637-7481. I'm excited to share this delightful experience at The Chamberlin and look forward to designing and coordinating many phenomenal weddings and special events at this extraordinary venue soon.

Kim Wadsworth, Editor-in-Chief Vow Bride Magazine (Left) and Janel B. Keen, CEO & Artistc Director Art of Creative Celebrations - Vivid Expressions LLC (Right).