My husband, Blake and I LOVE trying new things together; food, hot yoga, downhill mountain biking, you name it! Finding outdoor adventure and all the Marvel movies. I’m a summer girl, line dance regular, morning person -gasp!- and 8 wing 9 for all my Enneagram lovers out there.
Fun fact. I actually met my husband when I was 15! See what chocolate Munchkins, motorcycles and a 100lb sign have to do with it here.
I’M RACHAEL, WEDDING & ENGAGEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER & SMALL BUSINESS OWNER.
If you’re looking for a unique venue that sits nestled in a downtown area right on the river… The Paramount & Meyer ballroom is the place for you!
I remember the first time I was at the Paramount back in 2017. I couldn’t wait to explore the area with my couple, but I was also a little bit turned around with one way streets and where the ceremony was.
I shouldn’t have been worried at all!
The team at the Paramount immediately recognized I was a little confused and helped me find my way. They were kind, helpful, and, as always, ready to roll with the punches. A theme you’ll notice in the reviews from Watson Brides and something so important to have on your wedding day!
Q&A with Sam at The Paramount & Meyer Ballroom
How did you first find the Paramount/Meyer Ballroom and what do you love most about it?
I started working for The Paramount Theatre and Meyer Ballroom as an Event Coordinator in January 2020. I saw a few performances at the Paramount Theatre and when I saw they were looking for an Event Coordinator, I knew it was the perfect place for me. I have worked 50+ weddings and events since I started working here! I love helping couples prepare for one of the biggest days of their lives and helping them celebrate their love.
What part of the wedding process brings you the most joy?
I enjoy getting to know the couples and helping them get through tough times in their planning process. I work with a lot of our couples from the day they sign their contract until the day of their wedding. I love listening to the vows and watching couples first dance on their wedding day!
When looking for a wedding venue, what should every Bride know?
There are 7 main features I feel every couple should look for when searching for a wedding venue: location, aesthetic, capacity, budget, reviews, photo opportunities, and catering options. Make a list of the most important details to you and find a venue that has those things. No venue is the same, so see as many venues as you can before making a decision. The venue you choose will set the tone for all of your planning!
What is the best part of working with the Paramount & Meyer Ballroom?
The best part of working with The Paramount Theatre and Meyer Ballroom is getting the opportunity to build relationships with colleagues, couples, and community partners. We host a variety of events in our many spaces, so there’s never a dull moment.
What Our Watson Brides Are Saying
“I knew from the moment I walked into the Meyer Ballroom that I was going to have my wedding there. I loved the fact that they didn’t have carpet in the ballroom; the dark hardwood floors stole my heart. The coordinator that I started planning with, ended up moving before my wedding, but she was able to fill in her replacement so the transition didn’t really have an impact on the planning process. The day of the wedding went almost flawlessly. Unfortunately, when setting up for the ceremony a piece of piping fell and hit the coordinator in the head, she ended up being okay, just ended up with a bump. The rest of the Paramount staff came together and was able to get a new coordinator on site within 15 minutes. I was very impressed by their ability to rally everyone together so quickly and again make this transition feel seamless. My guests loved that they didn’t have to walk outside to get to the Casino after the reception. The fact that our beverage package was upgraded to premium since we were able to sign our contract within 30 days, was a huge selling point for my husband. All in all, I can’t imagine having my wedding anywhere else. If you’re looking for a venue with a beautiful view of the Fox River and who will truly go above and beyond for you, the Paramount Meyer Ballroom is the place for you.”
Julia B.
“I held my wedding reception at the Meyer Ballroom on November 5th, 2021. I had originally planned my wedding for August 8th, 2020; however, the global pandemic had other plans! During different replannings, I worked with three different wedding coordinators! And I cannot express how helpful they all were. I truly believe that Meyer Ballroom has an amazing staff! The weeks leading up to the big day were full of nerves, and Sam was phenomenal in helping me get the final details in place. During the day, she helped coordinate the arrivals of all the vendors so seamlessly that I didn’t realize it was happening. I was so focused on the photos and excitement. Sam worked well with Rachael and helped the day stay on pace. It felt like a whirlwind from when I arrived to the end of the day. The Meyer staff did a wonderful job setting up and organizing the spaces where I held cocktail hour and the reception, making it easy for guests to flow between the spaces.
I can also attest to their ability to handle hiccups and emergencies! A fire alarm went off during cocktail hour, and all my guests had to evacuate. The staff handled this seamlessly and helped me stay calm. They dealt with the fire department and the guests while keeping me secluded so I could still do the entrance I had planned! Looking back, I know it wasn’t a big deal, but it felt like it! And the staff did an excellent job handling the emergency and helping me not panic!
During the reception, a guest (my dad) had a medical emergency and needed paramedics to help. Again the staff handled this emergency with grace and professionalism. The staff ensured the person was okay, handled the paramedics, reassured me, and checked in with me through the night. I appreciated the staff handling such emergencies and extremes within the night, and it took the stress off me that I could focus on making sure my family and I were ok and able to enjoy the time.
Overall I highly recommend having your wedding at the Meyer Ballroom. The space is absolutely beautiful; the outside, the ballroom, and the atrium are stunning for photos. It was such a unique space that had a modern feel. The space was large and allowed for dancing, a photo booth, and late-night snacks, yet intimate enough for people to hold conversations at their tables without loud music. I loved that I was the only event at the ballroom, and it felt that I was not competing for space, nor was there confusion for guests. The bridal suite was a great home base for my wedding party and family to put their things after we got ready. I think that any couple that chooses to utilize the Meyer Ballroom for their celebration is making an excellent choice!”
Angela H.
I hope you enjoyed this feature of The Paramount & Meyer Ballroom in Aurora, IL! The team here truly knows how to have fun, serve their couples well and can pivot when needed. All things you definitely want in a wedding venue. 🙂
I hope this was a fun feature for you and check back next week for our next feature!
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