Ashley and Brennan Croy had settled on a local wedding reception venue, but when curiosity led them to take a quick peek at Burnham Hall, one of Renaissance Cincinnati’s ballroom facilities, they immediately made the switch. "The space is so elegant and classic," Ashley explains. The couple fell in love with the gold, dome-shaped ceiling, which added a touch of drama and glamour.

While Renaissance Cincinnati Downtown Hotel is a relative newcomer to the downtown hotel scene, it is located in the Daniel Burnham-designed Union Savings Bank and Trust building built in 1901. A complete renovation of the space combines modern opulence with historical charm, qualities that shine throughout the facility. The Croys said the selection of a hotel option made logistics easier for their guests, who they say were "blown away" by the reception space.

"Throughout the night, we were complimented about how stunning everything looked," Ashley says. "The ballroom was absolutely magical – perfect architecture, lighting and centerpieces created an ambiance we could have only dreamed of."

The Croys have been equally impressed with the Renaissance wedding planning staff. "It was five-star, quality services," Brennan says. "Every guest was catered to and not one detail was overlooked by Jordan Adams and her catering and planning team, from assisting guests with finding their table, to ensuring no drink was left unfilled to seeing to it that all entrees were served perfectly prepared. We could not have asked for a better team to work with."

As a detail-oriented bride, Ashley was thrilled that this attention to detail was a part of the entire process. Leading up to the big day, the couple was able to meet regularly with Adams, their wedding coordinator Karen Montgomery, and key family members to go over every small detail, including a full menu taste-test. "That was actually difficult," Ashley says, "because everything was so delicious."

Adams’ team brought in sample linens, custom-created centerpiece prototypes, and even laid out a mock-up of a dining table so the couple could see exactly what they could expect at the reception. "Thanks to Jordan’s knowledge, support, and guidance, she managed to take away a lot of stress I’m sure some brides face," Ashley says.

In addition to Burnham Hall with its sweeping city views and stately architectural features, Renaissance Cincinnati offers several small spaces for more intimate events, including a private dining room ideal for wedding showers, rehearsal dinners and smaller receptions, and a pre-function space ideal for cocktail hours ahead of the reception.

Beyond the opulent settings, Renaissance Cincinnati’s on-site, full-service catering and planning services are an integral component when it comes to creating the picture-perfect wedding and reception. Marriott-certified wedding planners meticulously plan every detail of the event, no matter the theme or extenuating circumstances. The team works with couples at every stage, from setting an event budget customizing the menu and table settings, to coordinating florists, photographers and entertainment.

The Croys are still basking in the afterglow of their special day, and apparently, so are their guests. Brennan says, "Guests to this day talk about how it was the best wedding they have ever attended."

Renaissance Cincinnati Downtown Hotel is located at 36 E 4th St. in downtown Cincinnati. For more information about wedding and reception planning, visit www.marriott.com/hotels/event-planning/wedding-planning/cvgbr-renaissance-cincinnati-downtown-hotel/ or call 513.333.0000