By Lena Ellwanger
Downtown Havre de Grace quite literally has it all.
Every single thing you need to pull off a fabulous wedding is within walking distance.
So let’s begin at the beginning, and first secure our venue.
La Banque at the Seaplane Base is a gorgeous spot overlooking the confluence of the Bay and the Susquehanna River. It’s not every day — in fact, it’s almost never — that you will find a venue in a downtown location that offers such a spectacular view.
With a huge tent and expansive lawn, there is plenty of room to accommodate up to 300 guests.
If you’re planning a smaller ceremony or a winter wedding, consider La Banque de Fleuve, the seaplane base’s sister location. It’s a beautiful, historic building perfect for your indoor event.
Whichever you choose, now that the all-important venue is booked, we move on to two other details of great import — the dress and the photographer.
Edel’s Bridal Boutique is located in the courtyard just up the stairs from the seaplane base. Get a sneak peek of the gorgeous gowns from outside, then step inside to the splendor within. Feel like the beautiful bride-to-be that you are and take all the time you need, trying on all the jaw-dropping options until you find the one and only dress seemingly made just for you.
Next, head to Flawless Fotos to check out the wedding portfolios. After all, you want to make sure the photographer is as perfect a fit as your dress.
With the “big three” decisions out of the way, it’s time to work on your guest list and bridal party, then make sure they will have somewhere to stay: You can book a number of B&Bs for yourself and your guests to stay directly downtown. Try Vandiver Inn, Spencer Silver Mansion, Currier House, La Cle D’or Guesthouse or The White House.
And now it’s time for the fun stuff.
Order your cake from Sweet Eats. Plan the noms for the big day with MacGregor’s Catering or Laurrapin Catering.
Be sure to get the most beautiful blooms from Amanda’s Florist.
And book those appointments for hair and nails. There are plenty of options: Nails by Nikki, Color Images Salon and Day Spa, Salon Marielle, Crazy Eights Hair Salon, Landre SFX and Impressions Salon are among the easily accessible options.
Whew.
All of that. Right downtown.
But that’s not all.
If you just need a quick bite to eat or maybe a fun spot for your rehearsal dinner, try Coakley’s Pub, The Tidewater Grille, Backfin Blues, MacGregor’s Restaurant, The Vineyard Wine Bar, La Cucina or Promenade Grille. Many of these locations are also ideal to keep the party going after the vows are said and done.
Then spring back to life the next morning with a stop at Concord Point Coffeehouse, Bella’s Tea Room or Vintage Cafe.
Of course, the downtown venues, vendors and restaurants all located right next door to each other are not the only game in the area. There are plenty of other options throughout Cecil and Harford counties.
You could hop on your computer and start digging around, but it’s way more fun to learn about your options at the Havre de Grace Wedding Walk, set for April 5, 2020, and organized by La Banque de Fleuve.
The annual event has become an absolute extravaganza, with more than 50 wedding vendors expected to attend, and a wonderful bridal fashion show at Edel’s to close out the day.
Follow the event on Facebook for updates.