A Special Rehearsal Dinner Spot

Once upon a time, a bride told you about how she and her groom wanted to avoid ballrooms and focus only on unique venues. A little hiccup changed those plans for them (all for the better in the end), but they did not want to give up entirely.

So, the bride and groom went back to some original inspiration, and decided to look at unique Philadelphia venues for their rehearsal dinner...and found one!

Personal photo of Boathouse Row

Enough with the third person...our rehearsal dinner, generously hosted by Mr. Turkey's 2 sets of parents, will be at the Vesper Boat Club (see above on left).

This spot is one that Mr. Turkey and I have run (and sometimes slowly biked) past for years and admired.

Photo from FMIL Turkey - Need a workout before the wedding? Nice 7 mile loop to and from the East Falls Bridge...

However, there's another connection / reason that Vesper is special. Several years ago, I celebrated with co-workers after completing our rotational program. May not seem like the biggest deal, but this was a group of people with whom I started my career and spent many hours. This was also the company where  Mr. Turkey and I met. Had I not joined (and completed) this program...well, this post might not be on your computer screen.

Personal photo - can you spot Miss Turkey?

Personal photo - love the view of the Art Museum in the back (ah, short hair, I miss you)

The event was on a beautiful summer day and we were able to take advantage of two decks - one facing Kelly Drive and the other facing the Schuylkill River. Should we have nice weather on our wedding weekend, our rehearsal dinner guests will be able to enjoy these spaces (when not eating the delicious meal, to be catered by DiBruno Bros.).

Photo from FMIL Turkey - deck facing Kelly Drive

Photo from FMIL Turkey - deck facing the Schuylkill River

However, the space isn't just decks (which was mostly what I remembered!) and so, thanks to FMIL and FSMIL Turkey, I have some photos to share of the inside from their visit to the Vesper Boat Club this winter.

Photo from FMIL Turkey - Bar area

Photo from FMIL Turkey - Main space (don't worry, the machines will be gone by then!)

Photo from FMIL Turkey - alternative view of the main space

Photo from FMIL Turkey - view from the Kelly Drive side

Although we are very excited about our rehearsal dinner space, there was a slight downside...the size. We originally considered a dinner party of almost 100 (which is equal to approximately 50% of our guest list), but unfortunately the Vesper Boat Club wouldn't fit everyone. 

Due to how we had chosen the original guest list (don't worry - no invites were sent!), we made a drastic change, ending up with a rehearsal dinner of just under 50. This group is a bit more "traditional" (or so they tell me), as it includes just our immediate families, grandparents, bridal party (and significant others, as applicable) and those participating in the wedding (soloist, reader, etc).

In the end, I think this size rehearsal dinner is for the best. I am very worried about nerves the day before the wedding (more on this later) and so the fewer "rounds", the better. And, more meat and cheese for us all!!

Personal photo - our two favorite things combined together - meat & cheese

How did you select your rehearsal dinner guest list and venue? Does the location have special meaning for you?