A Wedding Reception at The Museum

There was a wedding reception in the Museum's Mess Hall this afternoon.  The unusuall thing about it, it was during operational hours.  It is less expensive if you do it this way.  And as you can tell, it was a small wedding reception, so people could still eat in the other half of the mess hall while the reception was going on.

The groom was a Lance Corporal, so they were a young couple. 

The bride was very cute.  She had long, dark brown hair which was pulled back on the sides.  Her dress was a strapless a-line (which I'm sure makes no sense to any men reading this) with simple beading.  The bridesmaids wore really pretty royal blue satin, knee length dresses. 

Above is the cake, minus the cake topper.  The family brought the cake in from an outside baker.  I didn't realize that you could do this, but according the museum catering, this is the only outside thing you can bring in. 

Now, I didn't take any photos of the bride and groom - - just of the room set-up so I can send these to the catering department. 

Yes, museum catering set everything up.  The Bride's family provided all of the table settings, the roses on the head table, the rose petals, the guest book and the card box (by the way, whoever did that card box did an amazing job - - I wonder if there is a real mailbox under the white satin).  The additional flower arrangements are silk flower arrangements provided by Museum catering.

So, what you see below is the view of the Mess Hall from its entrance.

This photo really shows the detail of that gift card box.  Isn't it pretty.

Below, the museum catering manager, sets up the buffet table.  The rose bushes are silk and are what the catering office used spruce the table up.  And yes, they were using plastic plates and table ware.  It still looks very nice for a wedding reception on a budget.

Below, all set and waiting for the guests to arrive. 

I believe the photographer was the brother of the Bride or Groom.  He was a family member.  I asked them if they had had any photos taken in the galleries in front of anything.  I pointed out the best place to take a photo in front of the HRS-1 and also coming off the CH-46 in the Vietnam gallery.  Yes, this is the first bride and groom to be photographed coming off the CH-46.  I hope it turns out to be a cool picture. 

There really are some cool places for photos in the museum.  If you are marrying a Marine, and having the reception in the museum, you gotta get your photo taken by some of the displays - - you have to - - I mean why have your reception there if you don't get some photos.

If you are interested in holding an event here - - they do promotions, changing of commands, awards presentations, weddings, birthdays...you name it, they can do it and catering will work with you to stay within a budget.  For information, check out the Museum's special events site.