Although I am currently based in the UK, I'm originally from Pennsylvania. When we decided to hold our wedding in Philadelphia, I spent many months researching venues, and eventual...ly became discouraged because it seemed that having a wedding in the city was going to end up being out of budget for us. I'd originally dismissed hotel venues because I don't like stuffy, formal ballrooms and with a smaller guest list, I didn't think we'd have enough guests to fill one anyway. When I saw photos of the ballroom at the Palomar, I was impressed by the modern design. It's not at all 'stuffy' or traditional-looking, and as a bonus holds a maximum of around 100 people for dinner. The hotel itself is also a beautiful building located right in Center City. Not only is it extremely affordable for the location, but all the pricing is inclusive of taxes, gratuities and fees, so you know up front what you're paying - a refreshing change from most wedding venues. Erin, the catering director, was with us every step of the way and could not have been more accommodating or helpful. Through 18 months or so of emails and questions, she was never impatient or unkind, and always responded within a day or so, even when she undoubtedly was busy with many other events. Due to a combination of the pandemic and being in another country, we were unable to tour the venue in person before signing the contract. No matter - Erin offered us a virtual tour and invited my aunt and uncle to tour in our place in-person. When we could only do the food tasting during a flying visit to the city last November, she made sure it would fit around our schedule despite tastings not usually being offered at the time we were available. She was not just a venue contact but a source of support and an all-around coordinator who made us feel she truly wanted our day to be perfect. On the day of our wedding, I met Erin in person, along with the banquet manager, Jenna. They were both as friendly as I'd imagined and were on hand for anything we needed. I never felt that I had to worry about anything as it was all ticking away behind the scenes. I never felt stressed or overwhelmed on the day because they literally took care of everything for me. I must also mention Jason (I believe this was his name, apologies if I've got it wrong!) who was my server in the bridal get-ready room. His job was to serve the breakfast I'd ordered, but he went above and beyond his duties. He sat with me whenever I was alone and made sure I wasn't nervous, made sure I was eating, offered to run out and get anything I needed - in fact, he did run out to buy my husband-to-be cologne when he realised he'd forgotten his, and would not accept payment when he delivered it to him. I couldn't believe someone who was essentially a stranger could be so kind and attentive to us. In fact, all of the staff were unbelievably friendly and helpful. In terms of the reception, the food - from the cocktail hour canapes to the dinner - was amazing, and we had so many compliments on everything, from the meals to the signature cocktails. I truly cannot fault any part of our experience and all of our guests have said the same. The Palomar could charge triple for the service they provide, but for the cost, it is an unbelievable value and an incredible experience. We had the best day of our lives to date and it is largely down to the dedicated service of everyone at the Palomar.