mercredi 24 janvier 2018

Wedding Day At A New Orleans Mansion Hotel

By Paul Ward


When making a trip to the Crescent City, there are a number of choices when it comes to lodging. One of which includes a stay at a New Orleans Mansion Hotel. In most cases, these upscale hotels are located in the infamous French Quarter. Whereas, there are also some lovely Bed and Breakfasts operating out of historic homes in the area.

A favorite for weddings has often been the Elms, located right on the St. Charles streetcar line, it has a lot to offer when it comes to special events. For example, a number of people have chosen the location so that the bride and groom can arrive on a decorated streetcar. Whereas, there are others whom choose to arrive in more equine style on a Horse and Carriage. In either case, these arrivals often set the tone for a beautiful and memorable event.

From using the finest flatware and dishware to serving amazing gourmet delicacies, the bride, groom and guests will all feel like royalty. When planning, expert consultants are available to help coordinate wedding plans from the nuptials to the reception and beyond.

In fact, the Elms staff pledge that the wedding and reception will be elegant affairs that couples will never forget. For, the reception includes on-site security, three hours of an open bar, wait staff in formal wear, cake knife and toasting glasses, champagne for the bridal toast and mansion candelabras.

When choosing this property for a wedding ceremony and reception, not only will the event be an amazing experience for guests, but the history associated with the home as well. For, the home was built in the mid-1800s for Watson Van Benthuysen II, a man born in the 1830s. Once an adult, Watson decided to move to New Orleans, later becoming a resident at, what is now known as, the Elms. The young Watson went on to provide service as an Officer in the Confederate Army during the Civil War.

As an in-law of President Jefferson Davis, Watson was quite well known in New Orleans. In fact, the young man was part of a unit which fled Richmond, Virginia in 1865. Later, Watson became a seller of wine and tobacco in New Orleans. After which, the merchant bought and became president and owner of a local streetcar company.

From 1931 and up until the onset of World War II, the mansion served as the German Consulate. In fact, Consul General Baron Spiegel von und zu Peckelshelm former U-boat captain and novelist informed U-boats in the Gulf about ships departing the docks in New Orleans. As a result, the home holds a great deal of history with regards to the Civil War and World War II. While it can be difficult to prove the existence of ghosts, there have been rumors that some areas of the property are haunted by the ghost of the officer whom lived in the home.

Amusement company owner, the elder John Elms bought the property in 1952. Then, after having put a lot of hard labor into making it into the special place it is today, Mr. Elms passed in 1968. After which, later generations began using the home for special events. Currently, a third generation Elm's family is in charge of running, showing and booking the mansion for weddings and other special events.




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