Weddingbee Blog

…wait, I messed that up. It’s Franklin Park Conservatory - our venue!

After we decided a morning wedding was better for our internal Swiss clocks, we tried to see if we could make FPC’s more affordable 10AM-3PM time slot work for our wedding. As I thought, there is no Saturday morning mass at St. Chris and because we are long time parishioners, we were able to ask to have our wedding bright and early at 9AM.

With an hour long mass and short drive, I don’t think anyone will be able to get to the conservatory by 10AM sharp, but we will still be able to enjoy most of the five hour slot. We quickly booked both St. Chris and FPC to secure our date!

Sooo, now would you like to know a little more about our venue? Of course you do. Humor me.

I’ve been visiting the conservatory since I was a little girl, including the short-lived but legendary Ameriflora. (If you remember that, you’re awesome.) It’s always fun visiting the conservatory’s exotic plants, butterflies, and exhibitions, including the stunning glass collection by artist Dale Chihuly.

Yap… see that rain out there? Not ruining my day!

Chihuly glass is everywhere in the conservatory!

In my university photo shooting days, I used to head to the conservatory in winter for lush green settings otherwise nonexistent in the arctic Ohioan winters. Check out this vintage photo shoot MOH Funnel Cake and I shot together in February 2005:

In 2008, shortly before I moved to Switzerland, the conservatory announced Light Raiment II, a lighting installation by award-winning artist James Turrell. I took Mr. Funnel Cake to the conservatory for cocktails when he visited, and I dragged him outside in the frigid October weather for over an hour so I could photograph the entire light cycle. (I should have known then it was true love!)

I vaguely recalled that you could get married at the conservatory, but before Mama Funnel Cake mentioned it, I hadn’t even thought of how perfect it is for fall weddings. We chose to marry in autumn in hopes of beautiful foliage on the trees, but by holding the reception in the conservatory we also double our options with tropical plants and exotic rainforest backdrops. Winning!

The Palm House thoroughly satisfies my #1 priority because the building is made of glass and light pours in from all over. Mr. Funnel Cake is excited that we’re having the party somewhere so classy that he’s even visited before. And in case it rains, we are safe knowing that we have a tropical wonderland to take photos in no matter what the weather is. We really couldn’t be more happy with our choice!

Are you in love with your venue?

*All photos are personal*