This venue spotlight features one of our frequented and favorite venues. Throughout 2016-2017 their hotel rooms and banquet facilities were renovated and though beautiful before, now have a sleek, modern vibe that is just stunning. Besides great spaces inside AND outside (many of which you will see in this blog post), the Hilton Christiana also has sales manager Leah Markiewicz. Whenever clients come to me who are getting married at the Hilton I always, ALWAYS say “you are in great hands there with Leah.” Because its true! We have worked together for mutual couples for the past 10 years. I never doubt a day will run smoothly while she is in charge. I recently had the chance to interview Leah over lunch about her role and what the Hilton Christiana can offer. Here’s your chance to get to know her (and the Hilton!) a little better.
Katie: Leah, what makes your venue unique?
Leah: Definitely our food and beverage experience. We have developed a farm to table concept over the last few years. We have a herb and vegetable garden in our courtyard – Chef picks daily from what is in season there. We are also sourcing other menu items from local farms. There is often a common misconception that ‘hotel food’ is mediocre at best. NOT HERE! We hold ourselves to very high standards in order to leave guests with something to talk about!
K: What do you love most about your job?
L: I love going from the initial meeting (learning a couple’s vision for their day) and forming a relationship through the process. It’s so much fun to see everything come to fruition the day of. Things like seeing the bride in her dress excited for everything to begin, the ceremony and reception sites set up according to our plans, etc. My absolute favorite is when the relationship with my clients turns into a friendship and we stay in touch over the years. I love when clients return for baby showers, their kids’ first birthdays, christenings, and other celebrations.
K: I agree! That’s something that is really fun about our occupations – seeing things come together for our clients’ big day – but also seeing where life takes them next and how their families grow.
K: Last question. You’ve served a ton of couples over the years. What is the best advice you can offer to help their day go smoothly?
L: Don’t sweat the small stuff. You’ve hired professionals to make the day run smoothly. Enjoy yourself, and let them work their magic!
Scroll through the images below for more magic from the Hilton Christiana (all blog images by Katie Sica and Aaron Hamrick and copyrighted by Creative Image Weddings)
