I am a San Francisco native, born and raised, and knew I wanted to get married in the city. After looking at a dozen venues, even outside S.F., my guy and I walked into the Sir Francis Drake and were amazed at the character the hotel exuded. ...We were greeted by Robin Lewis (the coolest event manager around) and fell in love with the Franciscan & Empire Ballrooms. The ballrooms already had so much character we were excited at the minimal decorating we had to do. Why hide all the walls with clutter when we also wanted simple elegance.
One of the high selling points for us, especially me, was the Top Chef contestant, Jen from season 4, being the exec. chef of the Hotel's restaurant. Being a huge fan of the show and the food at Scala's, I knew I would love the food. When we had our tasting, the food blew us away. It did not taste like "wedding food", it tasted like 4-star dining food. And to our pleasant surprise, Tim, our pastry chef brought out the most moist and delicious mini wedding cakes. Oh and not to mention not only was Tim on Top Chef: Just Desserts, the wedding cake was/is included in the wedding package! We all couldn't believe how good the cakes were. 5 words: Chiffon cake w/ lemon-curd.
We were treated with care and confidence and the Sir Francis was the beginning of our dream wedding that was labeled by our florist "Urban Glamor". That is exactly how the wedding felt.
Our ceremony was held in the Franciscan Room on the Mezzanine level and our floral designer created large aisle pieces and mini alter pieces that made the room feel so dreamy. That ballroom definitely worked out perfectly as there's a holding area right in the back for the bridal party. I felt no worries that day except for the expected butterflies before any bride walks down the aisle.
Then we had our cocktail hour right outside on the Mezzanine level and after pictures we headed up a floor into our ethereal Empire Ballroom! Words can't express how the room turned out beyond expectations. I am a simple girl and not fancy, but that reception room was perfect.
If you want to have a no-hassle, gorgeous wedding, do it at the Sir Francis Drake Hotel. Robin will be honest and take care of all your needs and you will feel safe in her experience and care for your big day. And your dream wedding will be at that hotel in the heart of Union Square in S.F., you know the one, the one with the Beefeater guys outside. =D
Below is a link to my floral designers blog where she posted some pictures.
http://nafisdesigns.blogspot.com/2010/11/urban-glamor.html